Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
June 16, 2026
Hams Converge on DFW Ham Expo
This year’s DFW Ham Expo was bigger than ever! Over 1000 hams and fans gathered at the NTX Arena in Lewisville seeking the best bargains in new and used equipment. MARS had four tables filled with interesting gear that attracted lots of visitors.
On hand to help were Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX, George Williams, KG5GXU, Gregory Maddra, KG5CKX, James Shugart, N5BKL, David Gilpin, K5GIL, Collin Swain, KG5ELO, Darrell Crimmins, KG5E, Ellen Markey, KG5IKG, Rana Hossain, KF5IVL, Don Kuhn, W5DKV, Bill Clements, K5PEC, Jerry Mabray, N5ZW, Mike Hennefer, KD5ZCF Ken Wendel, W5RPS, and Mike Brown, W5MDB. Special thanks go to Liz Brown, K5EMB, who organized our participation.
On a special note, Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB, with the Richardson Area Balloonatics and the Richardson Wireless Klub launched a high altitude balloon on Saturday. On-board transmitters sent live images as well as meteorological data. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/MIFtaXPbP9s.
Senator Recognizes Amateur Radio Operators
Texas Senator Ted Cruz posted a video thanking Amateur Radio operators in Texas for their volunteer efforts in times of emergency. Please go to
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h7Efh4n8BDJwZqUl75DxpU1VABWNQFlU/view to view or download the clip.
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, July 9, 2026, 7:00 PM
Mike Nelson, K5YX, will talk about Amateur Radio’s role during the recent catastrophic flooding in south Texas. 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, June 20, 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.
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. Go now to the EVENTS page to sign up for MARS’ ARRL Field Day!
Summer Solstice • Northern Hemisphere
Sunday, June 21, at 3:24 A.M. CDT
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.
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
Addison
ARES/RACES
Next scheduled nets
ARES® Training
July 12, 2026, 8:00 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
June 21, 2026, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9