DCARA: Denton County Amateur Radio Association

04/14/2026

CushCraft & HyGain Antenna Brands sold to ITU Industries of Indiana

In a major expansion of its Indiana footprint, ITU Corporation has purchased the former Linton National
Guard Armory to serve as the new manufacturing hub for Hy-gain and Cushcraft. By acquiring these legendary brands from MFJ Enterprises, ITU is centralizing production at the 15-acre Linton site. This new endeavor will bring between 20-50 new jobs to Linton.

Martin F. Jue, President and founder of MFJ Enterprises, Inc., is pleased to announce the sale of the renowned Hy-gain and Cushcraft antenna, rotator, and communication product lines to ITU Corporation, a 25 year old Indiana engineering and manufacturing company.

"I am thrilled to pass the torch of these legendary antenna brands to Dave & Kambi Carpenter and their team at ITU Corporation," said Martin F. Jue, President of MFJ Enterprises.

"After nurturing these brands for decades it was vital to me that hy-gain and Cushcraft - - premier brands that have served radio operators and stations worldwide for generations - - landed in the hands of someone who understands their legacy.”

"Dave, and the ITU team share our commitment to American-made quality and customer satisfaction. They bring the engineering expertise and manufacturing passion necessary to keep these products and these trusted American high-performance antennas on towers worldwide for years to come!"

Famous for their robust long lasting design and unparalleled superior performance, hy-gain and Cushcraft are the gold standard for antenna performance, gain, durability and offer a wide range of antennas, rotators, and accessories.

The designs, tooling, specialized equipment, manufacturing and marketing rights for hy-gain and Cushcraft antennas and rotators are included in the sale.

With this exciting announcement, the production of these trusted high-performance products marks a new chapter for the brands, combining their rich history with the expertise and dedication of the Indiana-based premier manufacturer.

This announcement includes ITU's purchase of the former Linton Indiana National Guard Armory facility at 2000 East Hwy 54 in Linton Indiana. Adding to it's current manufacturing and Corporate facilities located in Dugger Indiana.

"We are excited about the acquisition of the former 15 acre Armory facility in Linton as it offers a move-in-ready building that perfectly meets the needs of this operation" stated Dave Carpenter President of ITU.

"ITU is proud to add the "hy-gain" and "Cushcraft" brands to our existing portfolio including our award winning LearnLab and TekShack subsidiaries. The trust that Martin F Jue has placed in our team is appreciated and challenges us to to continue the legendary legacy that Martin and his team at MFJ has been so successful at!"

Dave also commented that this new Linton manufacturing operation will employ around 20 employees initially and up to 50 as the operation moves into full production. ITU is moving the entire manufacturing operation from it's current Starkville Mississippi facility to the new Linton location. The 500 mile move will take about two months to complete.

04/07/2026

They're building Portillo's everywhere . . .
I think we'll stick with the one in Denton on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month @ 11am - 4/8 is next 🌭 Come make "First Contact"

03/30/2026

When the Best Radios in the World & Outer Space, were built in Cedar Rapids Iowa

A little over a half century ago, Collins Radio Company was the Cadillac of Amateur "Ham" Radio Equipment, as well as Commercial, Government & Military Radio Equipment, Including Broadcasting.

Collins Radio Equipment was used almost exclusively by NASA during the Space Race.

Born in Oklahoma, Arthur A. Collins moved to Cedar Rapids at seven years old. His father founded the Collins Farm Company in 1925, an enterprise to combine small farms into a larger cooperative enterprise. Even as a child, Arthur showed an incredible interest in radio. At age 14, he got his first amateur radio license, designed his own radio, and built it.

In 1933, Collins started a radio company to design and produce shortwave radio and AM broadcasting equipment. Quickly gaining customers in the scientific community, including the far-famed Arctic explorer Commander Byrd, the products coming out of the Collins shop helped to amplify communications across the world. During World War II, Collins won the contract to serve as the principal supplier of radio and navigation equipment used by the United States military. Building on the success of the war years, Collins continued to win government contracts as the Space Race defined the Cold War. The primary supplier for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space missions, Collins helped link astronauts to Earth.

There are many places to learn more about the storied history & legacy of Collins Radio Company

collinsaerospacemuseum.org

www.wa3key.com/collins.html

www.radioing.com/collins/

www.hug-a-bug.com/Collinsindx.html

thecollinsstory.org/the-collins-story/

K5DTH - David

03/22/2026

CME's (Coronal Mass Ejections) are a Feast & Famine double edged sword for Ham Radio Propagation.

In the simplest of terms, when Sunspots are present, the energy released by the Sun charges our atmosphere, which causes enhanced refraction of radio signals (waves), bending them back to Earth, in the high frequency spectrum.

Like anything else, the are degrees of charging.
A little teases us, a bit more gives us enhanced propagation, even more can make World-Wide communication possible. More charging gets higher frequencies working.

But, like anything else, too much of a good thing, has an adverse effect.

When a CME passes near Earth, often the saturation of charging, wipes out long distance communication, Famine.

Although that same overabundance can have a positive effect on the backside IF you are poised and ready to surf the wave, Feast.

As the Sun's energy begins to make contact in the morning on a normal day, charging begins.
Not long after, radio waves begin to refract, a little at first, instead of shooting off into space.

As the charging builds, refraction gets stronger & the bands begin to come to life & at higher frequencies as well. In extreme cases, even 6 meters will be affected, possibly higher too.
Too much charging, a CME glancing blow & like burning instead of cooking, radio dead zone results on much of the HF spectrum.

As this overcharging wains, wildly enhanced propagation can ensue at unexpected times.
In the early 2000's in the wake of a near miss CME I was talking to the upper midwest on 15 meters at 11pm at night from my mobile HF rig on a Ham Stick like they were nextdoor.

Watch the video & learn about CME's.
Learn about other Solar activity & anomalies.

I am not an expert & my explanation is an oversimplification, but perhaps it will help you better understand the waves we surf & how HF Ham Radio is "Solar Powered" (dependant)

This is just a tiny sliver of how it works, there is more !

David - K5DTH

03/21/2026

How do Ham Radio Operators know when Spring has arrived ? No, there is no groundhog involved.

When we have Wide-Spread VHF Propagation !

Saturday March 21st, overnight til noon.
Incredible 2m Propagation with Sporadic-E opening

Unfortunately I chose the wrong weekend to paint the outside of my house. Many antennas not available.

Keep an eye on

vhf.dxview.org

https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html

The additional photos will give you an idea of the magnitude of this opening. We need more of you out there when these occur. I have worked DOZENS of states on 2m USB & other VHF & UHF bands !

I am preparing to do several Digital modes on these bands as well very soon on my new Flex-Radio.
Have a Cubex Quad Scorpion-88 & 200 watts
(Just not this weekend, unfortunately)

As 10m winds down for a few years, perfect time for Techs to dive in on VHF & UHF Weak Signal modes.

Look at the size & area of the Propagation Plumes

Look at the W5NGU-3 Stations heard on APRS

Dig in & work some Domestic VHF DX !

David - K5DTH

03/19/2026

Radio-Active Lunch Bunch, just over a week ago we all gathered yet again, Where Were You ? We Waited !
We meet at Portillo's Denton the 2nd & 4th Wed @ 11 Coming up on 3 years now at Portillo's, and it's not just Radio we talk about ! No Really lots of other topics
Sponsored by the:
Denton County Amateur Radio Association DCARA
Robson Radio Club

03/09/2026

National Weather Service Severe Weather Training
All Amateur Radio Operators should consider completing NWS Severe Weather Training !
Storm Spotter Certified in North Texas for nearly 30 years. Amateur "Ham" Radio Licensee for over 50 years. We report it to the National Weather Service. They report it to the media & public.

Yes that's me in the red. David - K5DTH

NEWS: ‘Taking this can save your life’: National Weather Service Fort Worth holds Denton County Severe Weather Education course

Storm spotters, amateur radio operators, storm chasers, first responders and other individuals attended the National Weather Service Fort Worth and SKYWARN training hosted at Texas Woman’s University.

Henry Tucker, a volunteer firefighter in Justin, Texas, and medical captain of Denton County’s Community Emergency Response Team, said he became a storm spotter not only for his own safety, but for the safety of others. He added the difference in education, like the NWS course, can create a massive difference in a severe weather situation.

“People freak out when there are storms, but taking this course can save your life,” Tucker said.

📝: Lauren Pruett
📸: Nicholas Celis

Read more: https://buff.ly/s01V3qg

02/26/2026

Another successful Radio-Active Lunch Bunch is in the books, in fact a few late arrivals showed up after the photo was captured, including Gerald WB5NZV and we had 2 first time Check-ins including Dave WB3JOY. Come join us on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at Portillo's in Denton at 11AM. Unofficial / Official Talk-in on the 146.92 Repeater. Thanks to the Denton County Amateur Radio Association and to the Robson Radio Club.

02/03/2026

This is a public safety announcement for all male Amateur Radio Operators. If you plan to purchase jewelery for a certain XYL or hope she will be your XYL. Then this message applies to you.

The following images are NOT what she has in mind when she says she wants something flashy, trendy, or even old school. You can rest assured that you will never get a new radio or antenna if you present these as the gift.

As Valentine's Day approaches on February 14, 2026 (Saturday in 10 days) you need to go to a nicer store. A few acceptable stores include: James Avery, The Silver Shop, Kay's, Zales, and other name brand stores that she will recognize.

End of Public Safety Announcement. You have been warned.

01/30/2026

The Hard Core Adventurous Members of the DCARA / Robson Radio Club- Radio-Active Lunch Bunch

Small Group Wed Jan 28. At first we had the place to ourselves, although by the time we were leaving, it was packed !

We missed all of you, but Safety & Family always come first.

See you all Wednesday February 11th @ 11a at Portillo's in Denton - 3330 Interstate 35

Bring something for "Show n Tell"

Special Challenge issued to: Romie M Green N8WWR, Topp Robertson KI5LET, Alan KT5AL

Members in the photo from left to right
Pat N1TWA, John N5YAI, Don KJ5MZQ, Steve W5STC, David K5DTH

David K5DTH - [email protected]

01/20/2026

QST QST QST

Please read this message carefully for important changes to upcoming events.

First, I would like to express my appreciation to Bayless KG5UJM and Stewart KE5UT for planning a great Winter Field Day 2026. Unfortunately, the weather is not going to be cooperative for our event. Current forecast has the following:

Friday Night
Rain showers likely before midnight, then rain, freezing rain and sleet, possibly mixed with snow. Low around 22. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday
Snow showers, freezing rain, and sleet likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy and cold, with a high near 29. North northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night
A slight chance of snow showers and freezing rain before midnight, then a slight chance of freezing rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

So due to this wintry mix we have decided that the safest thing to do is cancel our Winter Field Day event. This doesn't mean you can't still enjoy Winter Field Day though. Check out their website and Facebook group for all the rules and participate from home. https://winterfieldday.org/

January 26, 2026 General Membership Meeting
Due to the inability to secure our normal meeting space in the 2020 Room at the Administrative Courthouse for our meeting, we will be having an informal come as you are meetup at the Rudy's BBQ in Denton (520 S Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76205). Feel free to order a meal and join us in the dining area. Several of us will be there starting at about 6:30pm.

May 25, 2026 General Membership Meeting (Memorial Day)
We will not be meeting in the 2020 Room. More information to come later, but we are thinking about a picnic type event.

Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you at Rudys.

Winter Field Day is an exciting annual event for amateur radio enthusiasts, taking place on the last full weekend of January. It offers a unique opportunity for radio operators to set up field operations in remote locations, enabling them to connect with other participants worldwide. You may choose....