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IARC Project

December 7, 2018

Irving ARC Grant Project on the Air

     Earlier last spring, MARS was one of several clubs awarded a $1,000 grant from the Irving Amateur Radio Club. The purpose of the grant was to help fund infrastructure improvements that benefit amateur radio and their communities.

     MARS proposed that we install a Winlink gateway to serve southeast Denton and northwest Dallas counties, and put up three AREDN™ nodes. We’re pleased to report that the project is complete.

     The Winlink gateway is on the air at 147.580 MHz under the call sign KB5A‑10, and the AREDN™ nodes are likewise operational. But, as with all amateur radio projects, some tweaks remain on the punch list.

     Mike Brown, W5MDB, headed a committee to acquire and install the necessary equipment at our repeater site, Baylor Scott & White hospital in Carrollton. Mike said, “Thanks to some very generous donations, we were able to complete the project on time and within budget.”

      Mike noted these significant contributions: Mark Little, KG5RPX, donated three sector antennas with RF shields; Kevin Grantham, N5KRG, offered a Yaesu FT-7800R transceiver and a Ubiquiti ToughSwitch; Gary Rodgers, N5GER, donated a virtually new HP computer; James Jernigan, KG5WVL, gave three Ubiquiti surge protectors; Andy Parcel, KE5KOF, donated a Diamond CP22E antenna, a Diamond GZV4000 power supply, an IP power switch, and a Kantronics KPC 3+ TNC; and Tom Yenny, K5LOL, provided over 100 feet of LMR-400 coax. During the installations, Ron Reeves, NN5R, Dave Lane, N5GDL, Liz Brown, K5EMB, braved the cold to help professional tower climber Jeri Stone.

     Others on the committee included David Gilpin, K5GIL, Steve Darrah, KD5YPB, Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, and Jerry Mabray, N5ZW. All contributed their vast knowledge and experience to make the project a success.

     Please click the gallery below to view the installation party full screen.

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