Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
September 20, 2026
Performer Project for Play Day
James Shugart, N5BKL, has put together an easy to assemble low-cost vertical antenna kit for 20 to 6 meters. Plans are to assemble the kit during Play Day, Saturday, October 17. The antenna features a telescoping whip and two radials. Once you’ve determined lengths for the whip, a tuner is not required.
The kit was inspired by the “Performer” article in the September, 2025 issue of QST. The big difference is that James’ kit costs much less than the one in the article. The regular kit is $60 and the portable version is $75. An adapter to fit a Chameleon stand is also available.
If you’re interested, send George Williams, KG5GXU, an email vpresident@kb5a.org to order or ask questions. You can pay James (cash or check) and pick up your kit with instructions at the MARS regular meeting on October 8.
You’ll need a few tools to put it together—side cutter, crimper, soldering iron—however we’ll have these standing by if needed. Play Day is 10:00 AM CT to 3:00 PM CT at the Josey Ranch Lake Library, 1700 Keller Springs Road. We’ll be in the Environmental Room in the back.
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7:00 PM
David Eddleman, K5RNL, will talk about “Linux in the Hamshack.” You’ll find more details on the EVENTS page
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
Addison
ARES/RACES
Next scheduled nets
ARES® Training
October 11, 2026, 8:00 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
October 18, 2026, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
ARES Activation
On Thursday, August 27, a gas leak at Blalack Middle School in Carrollton prompted the evacuation of students and staff to Standridge Stadium.
City of Carrollton Office of Emergency Management requested the activation of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch-Addison ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) group. As it turned out, our comms support wasn’t required but ARES radio operators were on the scene “just in case.”
All students were safely returned to their parents or guardians and classes resumed on Friday. Many thanks to all public safety and school officials and to our local ARES hams.
MARS to Raffle Geochron®
MARS will raffle a new Geochron Atlas 3 digital display system during this year’s Christmas Party December 10, 2026. The Atlas 3 is a commercial-grade mini computer that features live global data layers across multiple map styles, including weather, earth science, and amateur radio.
Geochron recommends a 4K display, so the prize includes a $150 gift card from Best Buy. Yes, they actually sell a 4K display for $150, but you can apply the card to whatever size you want.
Tickets are available now online, $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Go now to https://www.kb5a.org/raffle to place your order. For more information about Geochron, visit https://www.geochron.com/.
License Testing
Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, will have an in-person test session on the third
Saturday, October 17, 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.
The September 1935 issue of QST announced the formation of the “ARRL Emergency Corps.”
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.
Donate to MARS
“ARES®” and “Amateur Radio Emergency Service®” are registered service marks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.