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Author Topic: New MARS member with questions  (Read 4939 times)

CLEBOT

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New MARS member with questions
« on: June 26, 2006, 08:49:58 AM »

Good morning,

I have recently applied for membership in Navy Marine Corps MARS, and have been issued the call sign XPDT (via E-mail) for use during my trial period.
There are a few questions that I have regarding MARS that I need some direction on.

I have been on the Navy Marine Corps MARS website to try and find the information, but I haven’t been able to access some of the sites due to the fact that I do not have a login ID or password.

There is a section on the site for members, but that requires the login and password.  Additionally, it says that in order to obtain those credentials, I would need to get in touch with my “Area 5”.  I am not sure who the “Area 5” is or how to get in touch with them to request an ID and password.

As far as equipment modifications, I have an Icom IC-718 HF Transceiver.  For the instructions necessary to perform the modifications to that transceiver, the website directs me to submit a request to the regional assistant (I am near Houston, Texas (Region Six)).  Checking the website, there is no regional assistant listed for Region Six.  Who should I get in touch with?  

Does my “probationary” call sign grant me access to all of that information, and can I use it to get on the air?  I am trying to go ahead and get trained and get on the air and wanted to get a jump on things.

Also, should I be receiving anything in the regular mail for confirmation of membership and instructions on what my next step should be?

Thank you for helping me with these questions.

I have a couple of E-mails waiting to send out to some contacts on the MARS website, but wanted your takes on these questions first to see what you recommend.  There is always so much good information gained first hand here.

Thanks again, everyone.

Gerrit, KE5HVM
XPDT
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W3LK

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New MARS member with questions
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2006, 12:04:49 PM »

Your best bet for answers is your State Mars Director or his Assistant for Training. Having said that, let me tackle a few of them.

<< There is a section on the site for members, but that requires the login and password. Additionally, it says that in order to obtain those credentials, I would need to get in touch with my “Area 5”. I am not sure who the “Area 5” is or how to get in touch with them to request an ID and password. >>

Tango members are not allowed access to the restricted areas of the web site; you will be given the ID and password upon your completion of your Tango training and elevation to Regular Member status.

<< As far as equipment modifications, I have an Icom IC-718 HF Transceiver. For the instructions necessary to perform the modifications to that transceiver, the website directs me to submit a request to the regional assistant (I am near Houston, Texas (Region Six)). Checking the website, there is no regional assistant listed for Region Six. Who should I get in touch with?>>

Virtually any MARS member can direct you to information on modifying your rig. Look at Mods.dk, for a start/

<<Does my “probationary” call sign grant me access to all of that information,>>

No.

<< and can I use it to get on the air? I am trying to go ahead and get trained and get on the air and wanted to get a jump on things.>>

Yes. You MUST have on the air participation to pass your Tango training. You must be able to run the net, compose and pass traffic and several other things. This should all have been explained in a new member packet of information. Did you not receive such a packet?

<<Also, should I be receiving anything in the regular mail for confirmation of membership and instructions on what my next step should be? >>

Yes. See above.

Thank you for helping me with these questions.

The best source for information is not the National Web Site, but your state staff. If you want to discuss this off line, drop me a note; my eMail address is in my profile.

Lon W3LK
NNN0OOR / NNNOGAW THREE
MDE Navy-Marine Corps MARS
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W3LK

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New MARS member with questions
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2006, 12:30:29 PM »

Ooops, forgot something.

Welcome Aboard!!!!

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CLEBOT

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New MARS member with questions
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2006, 09:28:52 AM »

Lon,

Thank you for the prompt, informative reply.
I was thinking that I may have gotten too over-zealous and jumped the gun.  I'll wait for my information packet to arrive and go from there.
I am really looking forward to participating and don't want to waste any time!  I served 6 years active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer and we used MARS all the time.  I am ready to participate and provide the same service that we on the ship appreciated very much.  Although E-mail is great, it still can't beat hearing a familiar voice at the end of the line.
Thanks again,

Gerrit KE5HVM
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W3LK

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New MARS member with questions
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2006, 11:36:48 AM »

I understand completely. :)

Here, we send out the new member packets with a cover letter indicating the new member's call sign. We don't do anything official via eMail.

Hang in there. Not only is MARS membership rewarding, you meet a lot if nice people and, occasionally, some really strange ones. :)

If you have any questions, drop me an eMail and I'll do my best to help.

Lon
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KB3JUV

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New MARS member with questions
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2006, 04:22:07 PM »

Here is a somewhat related question directed to you Lon.

I'm an Army MARS member but would like to be able to get into the Navy MARS website for net and frequency information.  Since we don't have the Area 5's, or know who they are, who should I get in contact with.  And yes I've passed my Tango training.

Justin
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W3LK

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New MARS member with questions
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2006, 06:00:54 PM »

Good question, Justin. Wish I had an answer for you. I would think your SMD would have to get the username and password for you or maybe your Assistant for Membership.

Lon - NNN0OOR / NNN0GAW THREE (W3LK)
MDE Navy-Marine Corps MARS
Proudly Serving Those Who Serve
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