Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
November 12, 2025
Christmas Party News
Our annual Christmas Party is coming together. On December 11 MARS hams will convene at the American Legion Post 597 in downtown Carrollton for dinner, prizes, fun and fellowship. Doors open at 6:30 PM and dinner starts at 7:00.
New on the dinner menu will be your choice of salmon as well as chicken or steak. The price remains the same as before, $25 per plate. A cash bar will be ready to serve you as well.
Reservations are required so go now to https://www.kb5a.org/2025-christmas-dinner to place your order.
Our raffle prize for 2025 is a very nice Kenwood TH-D75A tri-band (144-220-430 MHz) HT. Sporting a TFT color display, the rig features D-STAR, APRS, a KISS TNC, and built in GPS. MARS is including a copy of RT Systems programming software and Kenwood’s TH-75A Operating Tips book as well. Tickets are just $5 each or 5 for $20—a bargain! Check out our RAFFLE page to buy yours.
Festival at the Switchyard
Saturday, November 8, 2025—
MARS hams were at their usual spot during Carrollton’s annual Festival at the Switchyard. We had a good crowd stop by to ask about Amateur Radio and we were glad to brag.
Many thanks go to those who worked the booth: Ron Reeves, NN5R, Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX, George Williams, KG5GXU, Liz Brown, K5EMB, Gregory Maddra, KG5CKX, Mike Brown, W5MDB, and Tom Yenny, K5LOL, for all their help. The Hams from MARS are looking forward to next year’s event.
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
“Amateur Radio Safety”
with Andy Parcel, KE5KOF.
You’ll find more details on the EVENTS page.
License Testing
Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, will have an in-person test session on the third
Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Check the EVENTS page for details. Allan continues to offer remote testing sessions as well. Please visit https://wb5qng.org/ to learn how to sign up.
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
Addison
ARES/RACES
Next scheduled nets
ARES® Training
January 11, 2026, 8:00 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
November 16, 2025, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
Beyond Windows 10
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. At the October 10 meeting, David Gilpin, K5GIL, gave an excellent talk about what you can do to upgrade to Windows 11 even if your machine doesn’t meet specs. He offered advice about buying a new machine if you want to do that. You’ll find his presentation video and links on MARS’ YouTube channel.
Donate to MARS
Support MARS When You Shop
A percentage of your purchases can be donated when you visit Tom Thumb, or Kroger at no extra cost to you. Please go to the SUPPORT page to learn how.
“ARES®” and “Amateur Radio Emergency Service®” are registered service marks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.