Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
October 1, 2026
Logging
I use the N3FJP series of logging programs to log my QSOs. Each N3FJP logging program (someone counted 120 of them) has a separate log file for each of the various contests. Last month, I consolidated all my N3FJP log files into Amateur Contact Log (ACLog), N3FJP’s master logging program for home stations.
The transfer was simple but it took a while because I had a lot of QSO party and contest files to go through. Now all my QSOs are in one N3FJP Amateur Contact Log database!
One of my goals this year was to consolidate all my log files (checked that box off) and begin using ARRL’s Logbook of the World® (LoTW). Until now, I had an LoTW account but I hadn’t used it. This month, I’ve spent far more time than I should working with LoTW and learning what it is doing.
Saying LoTW is a logbook is being very generous. It would be more correct to call it ARRL’s automated QSL checker. You tell LoTW that you had a QSO with Joe, and Joe tells LoTW that he had a QSO with you. If the date / time / mode match (± some tolerance on the time), then bingo, you both get ARRL QSL credit without the expense of a real paper QSL card.
There is an internet query tool (https://www.rickmurphy.net/LoTWquery.html) that will download your LoTW logbook records as an ADIF file. But you can only look at your own LoTW logbook records. You can’t look at Joe’s records to search for your call and learn the logbook details of your QSO. I cannot confirm a QSO with Montana because I didn’t record the time of the QSO even though he is a LoTW user. ARRL’s LoTW home page also has a query page; look under “Your QSOs”. That’ll become an afternoon of surfing.
Not every ham uses LoTW; some hams don’t use a logbook at all. If you’re depending on one of these hams to confirm a contact you need for an ARRL operating award, you’re out of luck. Fortunately, a lot of active hams use LoTW or at least will send you a nice-looking paper QSL for your wall.
Did you know? There’s a way to setup the N3FJP software so it will flag a LoTW user when you make a QSO entry. It also tells you when they last uploaded QSOs to LoTW. Are they really active or was the last upload 20 years ago? Do you use LoTW? Don’t make me look.
—73 Ron Reeves NN5R
Sunbeams
At the September 10, 2026 meeting, Rob Steenburg, AD0IU, Science and Operations Officer for NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center talked about how solar activity affects communication on earth and outer space.
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
In-person Meeting
October 10, 2026 10:00 AM CT
​First Baptist Church, 13017 William Dodson Pkwy, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
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
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.
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/.
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.