Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
May 8, 2026
MARS Ham Elected to Chair NCVEC
Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG (W5YI VEC) was elected Chairman of the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) during their meeting on April 24, 2026. Allan also sits on the MARS Board of Directors and is a repeater coordinator for our repeater systems.
The other newly elected NCVEC officers are Maria Somma, AB1FM (ARRL), Vice Chairman; Michael Masterson, WT9V (W5YI), Treasurer; Ashley Wallis, WQ9K (GLAARG), Assistant Treasurer; Michele Cimbala, WK3X (Laurel), Secretary; Austin Smith, W4PBL (SANDARC), Custodian of the VEC/FCC Rules, and Roland Anders, K3RA (Anchorage), Question Pool Committee (QPC) Chairman. Many thanks go to these volunteers for their tireless efforts bringing in new hams.
It’s Election Time!
Once again, it’s election season for the MARS Board of Directors. Fortunately, there will be no annoying TV ads, no primaries, no debates, and no yard signs.
Four Officer positions and one Director seat are up for grabs. Any MARS member in good standing who is 21 years old and has been an active member for the last 12 months is eligible to serve. If you wish to run for a position, nominate a willing ham, or want to know more about serving in a MARS leadership role, please send an email to nominations@KB5A.org. Meanwhile, review our By-Laws for a brief job description of each office.
Scenes from TSPOTA
Planning for Field Day
The ARRL Field Day will be June 27 and 28. It may seem a little early, but there are things you can do now to get ready:
• Review your notes from last year. What equipment needs to be repaired or reworked before Field Day?
• Get out the manual for your rig and read how to use the knobs, buttons, switches and menus you’ve never touched.
• Install the N3FJP Field Day Logging software onto your computer and learn how to use it.
• Setup your rig and favorite portable antenna in your backyard or at Duck Duck Goose Park for an afternoon of operating time in nice weather.
• Send an email to FieldDay@kb5a.org and volunteer to be a member of the Field Day planning committee.
• Send an email to FieldDay@kb5a.org and volunteer to fill one of the many leadership positions. All positions are open: Marshal, Deputy Marshal, Antenna Farmer, Operating Room Organizer, Registrar, Publicist, all Station Lead positions, Satellite Lassoer, GOTA Coach, Winlinker, FT8 Shooter, Bonus Points Lead, Chef, Network Guru, Log Manager, Safety Officer, Rules Specialist, whatever you want to do. We’ll show you how to do it.
Here’s your chance to get in on the action early and do something different and exciting. Save the dates: June 27 and 28. Get ready for Radio Playtime fun during Field Day.
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, May 14, 2026, 7:00 PM
Austin Litman, N4AKL, will talk about Winlink®.
This is also a business meeting. 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, May 16, 2026.
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
May 10, 2026, 8:00 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
May 17, 2026, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
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.