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From: CX2SADate: Fri, 13 Mar 26 15:23:00 Z
Newsgroups: NTS.ARRL
Subject: March 2026 NTS Letter
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R:260313/1523Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM #:62745 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:NTS032026
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : NTS@ARRL
=========================
March 2026 NTS Letter
=========================
Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U - March 3, 2026
- Traffic Performance Testing
- Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Meets with NTS2 Team
- Print and Mail a Radiogram Postcard
- Treasure Hunt Update
- Request for Information Strips
- Methods and Practices Guidelines (MPG)
- Ready to Copy
- From the Field
- Spotlight - Sheree Horton, WM5N
- Article Series on Handling Instructions
- Work To Be Done, Part I
Traffic Performance Testing
---------------------------
Last month, in the February issue of The NTS Letter (see
https://nts2.arrl.org/ntsletter), we reported on NTS 2.0 Traffic Performance
Testing which began late in January. Test messages were limited to Ohio,
Michigan, and New York. Preliminary results showed moderate success,
although gaps were revealed. Since that time, test messages were expanded to
Washington State and will ultimately expand to include the entire country.
Last week, I received two of these test messages which were relayed on both
CW and SSB sessions of Eastern Area Net. I noted some confusion on the part
of net participants on the SSB net and, as I was NCS, I took the opportunity
to explain what these messages were all about. Here are the basics:
Note the handling instruction, HXT, which informs you this message is part
of a special test. The number immediately after the HXT identifies that
test. This number is not to be confused with the check count which comes
later in the preamble.
In the text, a URL is given for the test website. After relaying or
delivering this message, go to that website and you will be asked for
information such as your call sign and the traffic test ID which was
included in the handling instruction.
Click on "Look Up" and you will see a listing of test traffic IDs. Look for
the one to which you are responding and follow the instructions for adding
further information. The information requested will include from whom, date
and time you received the message, and to whom you relayed or delivered the
message. Sound familiar? It is the same information requested in the HXD
handling instructions.
I handled two different test ID messages and followed the instructions on
the website. It was quite easy and rather fun. In the process, you will be
helping the NTS committee to determine where problems may exist so that we
can go to work on solutions. Thanks to all for your support in this effort.
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Meets with NTS2 Team
---------------------------------------------------
NTS Performance & Standards team volunteers were privileged to meet with
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) President Allan Boyd, VE3AJB/VE3EM, on
February 20, 2026, via Zoom. Boyd described NTS activities in Canada and
addressed familiar issues facing the RAC field organization, such as gaps in
net coverage and a decrease in volunteers due to an aging population.
Marcia Forde, KW1U, briefed Boyd on advances made under the NTS 2.0 project,
including the Virtual NTS Training Net. Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, described
the Radiogram Portal. The group promised to invite Canadian SMs and STMs to
future Section Traffic Manager Teams coordination calls.
Like the ARRL Field Organization, RAC's Field Organization consists of
sections overseen by Section Managers, and appointed Section Traffic
Managers who oversee NTS and net activities. --Phil Temples, K9HI
Print and Mail a Radiogram Postcard
-----------------------------------
The final step in the journey of a Radiogram is delivery - letting the
addressee know that he or she has received a radio message from a friend,
relative, or colleague many miles away. Especially if the recipient isn't a
ham, it's important to make a good impression at this step, on behalf of the
entire Amateur Radio Service.
A Radiogram normally carries the addressee's telephone number or e-mail
address, and sometimes both. You'll make every effort to contact the
addressee through one means or another, but sometimes it's necessary to
either hand-deliver or mail the message using the postal address. Many
traffic people also like to mail a confirmation copy of a message, even
after delivering it by telephone, just to make a strong and lasting
impression.
Now, "there's an app for that!" We've recently launched a feature on the NTS
website which lets you type in the contents of a Radiogram you've received
for delivery, and have it automatically be printed and mailed to the final
recipient. Behind the scenes, it formats the message as a handsome Radiogram
postcard and transmits it to a print-and-mail service which takes care of
the rest. The front of the postcard is the familiar yellow ARRL Radiogram
form; the back of the postcard includes a few sentences about amateur radio
and message handling.
Any traffic handler is welcome to use the postcard service at
https://nts2.arrl.org/postcard-entry. After registering for the site, you
cover the cost of postage, printing, and mailing (about $1 US per postcard)
by pre-loading a personal "wallet" with Postcard Credits, one for each card
you expect to be sending. When you order a postcard, one credit is deducted
from your wallet and the card is typically printed and mailed the next
business day. - Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD
Treasure Hunt Update
--------------------
Hello, NTS Treasure Hunters!
Well, the first NTS Treasure Hunt of 2026 is complete! Sixteen stations
completed all five rounds in the January 2026 NTS Treasure Hunt:
AA2QL Freddie Cruz
KC1TLF Dave Marcucci
KD2QAR Mark Vincett
KE8HKA Matthew Foltz
KFPZP Juanita Moore
KN6HXP Warren Halstead III
N1CVO Shawn Dodds
N7YD Mark Galbraith
W1LEM Lem Skidmore
W7AAF Matthew Rau
W8ROY Roy Watts
WA5EWN Emmett Ward
WB1F Gil Arevalo
WB2JNQ Bob Jordan
WX2DX Bill Smith
K5ANP Alan Prager
Mug Award Winner for January 2026 is Matthew Rau, W7AAF.
January Questions:
THR1 WHICH CITY CONTAINS THE
FORMER SUMMER RESIDENCE OF THE
ORIGINATOR OF MORSE CODE QUERY
REPLY TO MICHELLE KM2I POUGHKEEPSIE
NY 12603
Answer: POUGHKEEPSIE NY
https://poklib.org/historic-houses-the-livingston-home-aka-locust-grove
THR2 ON WHAT DAY AND
TIME DOES THE VIRTUAL NTS
TRAINING NET MEET QUERY ANSWER
TO JON N1ILZ EASTHAM MA
02642
Answer: WEDNESDAYS AT 1900 ET
Answer reference: https://nts2.arrl.org/virtual-nts-training-net
THR3 IN WHAT YEAR DID
THE HIT AND BOUNCE TRAFFIC
NET BEGIN OPERATIONS QUERY SEND
TO GLENN VE1AQF METEGHAN NS
B0W 2J0
Answer: 1938
THR4 WHO WAS THE FIRST
HAM TO TRANSMIT FROM SPACE
QUERY REPLY TO RAY WEBB
KB8GUN LAURELVILLE OHIO 43135
Answer: Dr Owen Garriott W5LFL
THR5 WHEN WAS THE FIRST
AMATEUR RADIO CONTEST QUERY REPLY
TO DAN RINAMAN AC8NP TIFFIN
OHIO 44883
Answer: 1927
https://www.arrl.org/files/file/About%20ARRL/Ham_Radio_100_Years.pdf
I also accepted 1910 https://hiddencityphila.org/2013/01/wireless-city
On to the March 2026 NTS Treasure Hunt
This hunt will have 4 or 5 rounds. Can you get through all the rounds by
April 25?
For those of you who have trouble finding a net into the NTS, you are free
to use the Radiogram Portal or Winlink RRI Radiogram (not Winlink email). In
the message templates, you will find the RRI Radiogram by navigating to
these selections in the following menus: Select Template --> Standard Forms
--> Radiogram & RRI Forms --> Radiogram.txt. It will open in your web
browser. Follow the instructions and your message will be sent to a liaison
station for input to the Digital Traffic Network side of NTS and work its
way through the system. Feel free to send it via radio or telnet at this
point.
Here is the first-round question:
NR 1 R HXG AC8NP 19 TIFFIN OH MAR 3
NTS TREASURE HUNTERS
BT
THR1 WHAT NEW CONTEST WAS
ANNOUNCED IN THE JAN 1938
QST QUERY REPLY TO DAN
AC8NP TIFFIN OH 44883
BT
DAN AC8NP
Please remember to start your message with the THR1-5 answer, which means
Treasure Hunt Round Number. The judges will respond with a radiogram back to
you within 24 hours of receipt of your message most of the time. They may
miss a day here and there due to family obligations or illness and sometimes
we sneak off on vacation. Our judges are on traffic nets almost daily. The
in-transit time will vary. So, if it has been 5 or 6 days and you do not
receive a reply radiogram, try sending an email message to the judge.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Dan Rinaman, AC8NP, at
ac8np@xxxxx.xxx. --Dan Rinaman, AC8NP
Request for Information Strips
------------------------------
Some time ago, the Radio Relay International EmComm Committee began
investigating possible methods for collecting weather data, situational
awareness reports, and operational readiness reports during major disaster
events. The result has been the implementation of "Request for Information
Strips."
The process consists of two strips, one of which is the request for
information strip and the other of which is the reply strip. Using a simple
HTML software program, one can parse the RI strip to create a simple query
table, which is essentially a list of questions or data fields to be
completed. Once the data is entered, a click of the mouse parses the data
and creates the response strip. The response strip can then be transmitted
to one or more target stations. The target stations collect the response
strips and use them to populate a spreadsheet for delivery to one or more
served agencies.
The beauty of this process is that it enforces a systematic data
transmission and collection process. On the data collection and net
operations side, this eliminates the confusion that occurs with informal
methods. On the delivery side, it provides a served agency with data that
appears in a predictable, searchable sequence.
The RI process can be implemented at multiple levels. For example, a
specialized strip has been developed for local SKYWARN use, and another,
more comprehensive, strip has been developed for large-scale tropical events
or for use when collecting data for dissemination to multiple organizations
or agencies.
The radiogram or radiogram-ICS213 message format is an ideal transport
mechanism for the RI transmission process. The RI strip provides the needed
data while the network management information in the radiogram header can be
used to define network topology for message routing or for reply or service
messages seeking clarification or confirmation.
The initial RI strip rollout has focused on WXOBS (weather observation)
messages. This process has already been adopted by several EmComm
organizations, with the process being put to good use for collecting weather
data for transmission to NWS during the recent winter storm that impacted
the Northeast.
NTS nets and their volunteer resources are often underutilized in time of
emergency. Some EmComm groups go so far as to create parallel structures
that bypass NTS networks rather than investing in collaboration to leverage
these resources to advantage. The RI process can serve as a framework
through which NTS volunteers can provide valuable weather data and
situational awareness information in time of emergency. The combination of
RI strips, the standardized radiogram format, and effective net structures
are simply waiting to be used in an effective manner.
RRI will be conducting training programs on this process in the coming
months. More information, including the RRI training schedule, can be found
under the "Publications" heading on the Radio Relay International website at
www.radiorelay.org.
On a final note, much credit goes to Steve Hansen, KB1TCE, of the RRI
Emergency Communications Committee for his efforts as program leader for
this project. --James Wades, WB8SIW
Methods and Practices Guidelines (MPG)
--------------------------------------
Most traffic handlers are aware of the MPG, originally posted on the ARRL
website in 2002 (see the February 2003 issue of QST) with an update on
digital messaging in 2014. Authored by Al Nollmeyer, W3YVQ, it was created
with input from a group of highly experienced amateur radio traffic handlers
for the purpose of providing guidelines for best practices in message
handling. It has generally been referred to as the "Bible" for traffic
handling. In other words, if everyone who relays traffic through the
National Traffic System were to follow these guidelines, we could expect the
best possible results for a national amateur radio messaging system in times
of need.
The ARRL Section Managers Workbook describes the MPG in this way:
NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines (NTS MPG), is attached to the ARRL
Public Service Communications Manual (PSCM) as Appendix B and is the working
reference manual on Traffic Net and Message Handling Procedures in the NTS.
It shall be the uniform reference standard for STMs, Section/Local NMs and
Area Staff members.
Note that this was not meant as a training guide. There are many good
training programs available, but rather, as questions arise concerning the
various aspects of traffic handling, answers can generally be found in the
MPG and those guidelines should be followed.
Over the years since the publication of the MPG, however, and especially
since the beginning of the NTS 2.0 revitalization program and the Memorandum
of Understanding with Radio Relay International, there have been changes in
some NTS procedures, notably in Handling Instructions (HX) and ARRL Numbered
Radiograms (see https://nts2.arrl.org/standards-procedures). Unfortunately,
the difference between these two resources has caused confusion, especially
to newer traffic handlers as well as those who train them. Which version do
they follow? There has been discussion concerning an update to the
information on the ARRL website. Meanwhile, the NTS revitalization process
was authorized by the ARRL Board's Emergency Communication and Field
Services Committee and information on the NTS2 website should be considered
most current and should be followed.
Ready to Copy
-------------
In my pursuit of becoming a more efficient message handler, I'm always
looking for ways to leverage technology. About a year ago, I discovered
Ready To Copy (RTC), and it has since become an essential part of my traffic
net operations.
RTC isn't related to the common "real-time clock" computing term. Instead,
it is a Windows desktop application designed specifically for amateur radio
operators who handle traffic on the ARRL National Traffic System (NTS). The
software is built to streamline the management of radiograms and traffic
reports, and it has quickly become a daily-use tool in my workflow.
This software was developed by amateur radio operator D. Lane Kendall,
WK4WC. Although it hasn't been updated in quite some time, after using it
regularly, I honestly struggle to think of anything that truly needs
updating-it simply works.
Some of the standout features include:
Message Editing & Formatting: RTC provides a dedicated editor for composing,
formatting, and validating radiograms. It automatically calculates word
count and verifies the message "check," helping ensure accuracy before
transmission.
Database Management: All messages are stored in a built-in database,
allowing you to maintain a complete history of incoming, outgoing,
delivered, and handled traffic.
Station Activity Tracking: The software automatically tracks
message-handling activity, making it easy to generate reports for section
traffic managers or public-service recognition.
Lookup Tools: RTC integrates with online services for callsign and location
lookup, helping verify and enrich message details.
NTSD/DTN Digital Support: It interfaces with digital traffic systems such as
AirMail and Winlink Express, allowing easy import and export of traffic
between systems.
Utility Tools: Built-in templates ("canned messages"), address books,
message numbering, and bulk message creation tools further streamline
operations.
When creating a radiogram from your station, you can set up a macro that
automatically writes your preamble for you. It tracks and inserts the next
message number, calculates the "check," and automatically populates the
date-saving time while improving accuracy. It will also accommodate and
assign ARL message numbers for you.
The HELP section currently resides online, so if you're interested in giving
this software a try, be sure to bookmark https://www.qsl.net/wk4wc/rtc.
I give this application a big thumbs up and thank Lane for his time and
effort in what I consider an essential partner in my message handling
endeavors. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, it's FREE! --Roy Watts, W8ROY
From the Field
--------------
It is often heard that a limitation for NTS is that Technicians cannot
participate in NTS traffic nets on the lower bands. Actually, they can, in
that Techs have operating privileges in the CW portions of 80, 40, 15, and
10 meters where CW nets are an active mainstay of the traffic system.
So where is a Technician to learn Morse code? Here is a source:
https://www.qrz.com/db/K6RAU. -Fred Silveira, K6RAU, San Joaquin Valley
(California) STM (k6rau@xxxx.xxxx
First is a reminder that service messages should be sent to the station of
origin and not to the person in the signature. Many of the portal messages I
submit are serviced directly back to me. While I am happy to receive the
messages, it does not let the station of origin know whether their messages
have been delivered. I will usually send a radiogram back to the delivering
station thanking them for delivering my traffic and asking them to send
another service message to the station of origin.
I went to a VE session the other week, hoping to introduce radiograms to the
new hams. We used one of the laptops to log into the portal and showed how
easy it was to send a message. One ham sent a message to his mother saying
he had just passed his license exam.
Lastly, we just had the Greater Houston Hamfest and I challenged members on
our local traffic net to send a radiogram to some of the people they met at
the show. I met so many great hams that I may have a book of 15 for our next
traffic net. --Bill Novaks, KA9IKK, South Texas ASTM
The Kentucky CW Traffic Net (KYN) traces its roots back nearly 90 years, to
at least 1937. (see the January 1937 issue of QST). As was the case with all
amateur radio stations, it was off the air during World War II but resumed
operation around July 1946 with J.B. Wathen, III (SK), ex-9BAZ, ex-W9BAZ,
W4BAZ, as Net Manager (see the July 1946 issue of QST).
KYN is a statewide net. It meets nightly on 3537 kHz at 9 PM eastern time,
and on Saturday mornings at 9 AM. Member stations regularly liaison to 9RN
and other local nets. While KYN's net control stations typically operate at
around 15 wpm, they encourage and welcome all interested operators to QNI
regardless of their speed. In addition to Kentucky stations, KYN attracts
traffic handlers from other states as far away as Michigan, Iowa, and Texas.
Several KYN members continue to QNI KYN after more than 40 years of being on
the net, including Steve, W4NHO (50+ years); Glenn, KO4OL (40+ years);
Woody, WD9F (40+ years); Greg, KY4A (50+ years), and Ray, WB4ZDU (45+ years).
For more information about KYN, please contact KYN Net Manager Ray Smith,
WB4ZDU, at WB4ZDU@xxx.xxx. --Ray Smith, WB4ZDU, KYN Net Manager
With the ARRL Year of the Club upon us, we should look for ways that the
National Traffic System can benefit. Does your local club support NTS,
perhaps by promoting the local VHF/UHF traffic net? Does your county's ARES
team have a close working relationship with the NTS at the local level that
could be facilitated by the club?
The Southwest Florida Traffic Net (SWFTN) has been the VHF training net in
the region since the late 1970s. During my tenure as Net Manager, the net
has handled an average of about 2500 messages per year for a roughly
five-county area.
For the last seven years or so, SWFTN has leveraged its relationship with
the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC) and Lee County ARES to promote the
NTS and grow net participation. FMARC has been instrumental in providing
opportunities to showcase NTS operations at local events. In turn, FMARC
members have taken advantage of NTS training classes, and joined the net to
pass traffic. "The FMARC and SWFTN have a close, collaborative, and
long-standing relationship," said FMARC President Carmine Vetrano, K1CJV.
"Developing a relationship with the local traffic net has been extremely
beneficial to our club. It has provided a unique method of outreach and
participation for new and existing members, especially Technician-class
licensees."
Likewise, Lee County ARES (LeeARES) strongly promotes formal traffic
handling and encourages all of its members to participate in the SWFTN. With
a significant number of FMARC members also being ARES members, it's only
natural the same club membership finds their way onto the SWFTN. "The SWFTN
provides a great training ground to develop traffic handlers and net control
stations," said Lee County Emergency Coordinator Rich Schniediers, KR4PI.
"These stations are qualified to provide auxiliary communications during
LeeARES activations. The training and experience gained in handling routine
traffic translates into skilled and efficient communications during
emergencies."
The SWFTN also maintains a relationship with the VE testing team within
FMARC. The list of successful candidates is emailed each month, and a
congratulatory radiogram is sent to each candidate. Does your local net
generate local traffic? Remember, radiograms don't have to travel long
distances to be of benefit.
Please consider finding a club to work with your local traffic net. It can
be a benefit to both your net and the club. --Dave Sheppard, W2PAX, South
Florida STM
Spotlight - Sheree Horton, WM5N
-------------------------------
Sheree Horton, WM5N, Section Traffic Manager for the South Texas Section, is
one very busy woman. She was introduced to amateur radio in 2011 by her late
husband, Ronald A. Horton II, KF5LMJ (SK). By 2012, she had upgraded to
Extra class. During the next seven years, she took on leadership roles in
several amateur radio clubs, including serving as an ARRL Volunteer Examiner.
In 2019, during the advent of Covid-19, she joined ARES and took FEMA
courses online to gain knowledge and experience in radio and emergency
communications. In 2020, when ARRL added home stations to the Field Day
rules as well as extra points for radiograms, Sheree took a Zoom class given
by W5LDK where she learned how to send radiograms for Field Day, allowing
her to participate that year in the midst of the Covid epidemic.
Around this time, the Houston Local Traffic Net (HLTN) was set up as a
traffic net, meeting once a week on Monday evenings with a purpose of
teaching and educating hams to be traffic handlers. Sheree participated in
this net and in 2021 was instrumental in extending the net to an additional
session on Thursday evenings. She became Interim Traffic Manager for HLTN in
2022 and in 2023, was appointed South Texas Section Traffic Manager. She is
also active on HF nets including the Daytime Texas Traffic Nets morning and
evening sessions and the 7290 Traffic Net.
Sheree has also been an active participant in ARES nets where recognition of
NTS liaisons and relaying of radiograms takes place during or after their
sessions. She has completed CERT training classes and has been Texas
state-certified as AUXC for AUXCOM.
In addition, Sheree has participated in the Red Cross and the Girl Scouts.
She says she is an avid reader and a pretty good quilter, and is a member of
the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society, which she says meets monthly to cook and
eat.
Sheree Horton, WM5N
Article Series on Handling Instructions
---------------------------------------
Conversations have abounded regarding observance of handling instructions
or, rather, lack thereof. One commentor asked if there was a policy
regarding appropriateness of their use, particularly in bulk traffic. The
answer to the issue of policy is that none has yet been found, but this is a
good topic for discussion and there will likely be more on this question in
a future issue.
As for the lack of attention to handling instructions, Mike Lecumsky, W8MAL,
who has sent many "welcome to amateur radio" and "congratulations on your
upgrade" messages, has begun a series of articles on his experiences with
handling instructions. Whether or not you agree with his use of such
traffic, Mike presents some discouraging results in the first article in his
series, presented below.
Work To Be Done, Part I
-----------------------
As I sit here writing the first part of a multi-part series, I am thinking
of all of the work that needs to be done in order for the National Traffic
System to remain a viable resource for EmComm and, more importantly, to
remain a viable resource in order to show that we are using our spectrum for
a purpose that aligns with FCC Part 97.
For those who are not familiar with me, I am Michael Lacumsky, W8MAL, from
Oak Harbor, Ohio, where I own and operate a vegetable produce farm. I am one
of the NTS operators who sends radiograms to new hams as well as
congratulatory radiograms to those who recently upgraded. I primarily cover
the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, the northern Rocky Mountain and northern
Plains states with the welcome radiograms. I send congratulatory radiograms
to most call areas.
The data I keep shows trends that need to be addressed, including training
and adherence to the Methods and Practices Guidelines, as well as a need for
greater commitment.
In the first 15 days of 2026, I sent out 269 welcome and upgrade messages.
Of those 269 messages, I have a record of 43 deliveries, 34 undeliverable
and 192 that are missing any sort of response, whether it be a service
message or otherwise. Each message I sent during that time carried one of
three handling instructions, or a combination of the three. The messages
carried HXC, HXD and HXE, along with HXCE and HXDE. The purpose for which my
messages carry these certain handling instructions is threefold: it provides
exercise to the network, it provides the potential for a new participant,
and finally, it gives the new ham a local contact that they may otherwise
not have had. However, it is absolutely astonishing that of 269 messages,
71.38% of them have disappeared, never to be heard from again. I would like
to highlight exactly what I am talking about. Out of 31 states to which I
sent messages, 15 states had a 100% failure rate in honoring the handling
instructions. I would like to recognize Delaware and North Dakota operators
for achieving 100% compliance. Nine states achieved between 50% and 100%,
three states achieved between 25% and 50%, and 13 states had less than 25%.
I want to reiterate; this data is based solely on those areas to which I
have sent radiograms and only during the aforementioned time period.
While I do concede that not everyone cares about the bulk traffic, the
responsibilities to follow the handling instructions do not disappear just
because the operator doesn't care to handle bulk traffic. There is a portion
in the MPGs that clearly states in Chapter 8.1.3 (Delivering, Servicing
Originating) that the amateur has an ethical obligation to honor requests
for service as specified in the handling instructions included on the
radiogram. That chapter further states that there are only three
dispositions that an amateur may take regarding a piece of traffic. Those
are: relay it, deliver it, or service it back to the originator. It is
further discussed in the NTS 2.0 Traffic Delivery Standard, Commitment Under
Routine Conditions. It is incumbent upon each member of the National Traffic
System to train and retrain experienced traffic handlers and newcomers alike
in how to service, deliver, and relay messages. VHF nets, primarily, are the
proving grounds for the higher echelon nets (Section and above), but we
should not, nor can we, limit training only to the VHF nets. While the HF
nets have a general expectation that participants know the basics, I am
finding that isn't always the case. I have found that dissecting the MPG,
chapter by chapter, and conducting weekly on-air training, has not only
brought more participation onto my local net, but it has also honed skills,
and brought an increase of messages that could very well carry the
"Certified" designation.
We have our work cut out for us to ensure a viable resource. It has been
said before that amateur radio is a hobby, but traffic handling is a
commitment. I wholeheartedly agree. My challenge to fellow handlers: do your
absolute best to follow the ethics as outlined a few paragraphs earlier. The
notion that is "Oh, it's just another spam-gram" has no place in NTS and we
must overcome that attitude. This isn't only for the ARRL supporters; this
is for the RRI supporters, too. With that type of mentality, we can
guarantee only one thing; this service will falter and die off. We can do
great things, but only if there is commitment from every player on the
field. --Mike Lacumsky, W8MAL
Mike Lacumsky, W8MAL
NTS Resources
The National Traffic System (NTS) is a network of amateur radio operators
who move information during disasters and other emergencies. General
messages offering well-wishes also move through the NTS to help test the
system and to help amateur radio operators build traffic handling skills.
While the NTS is primarily set up to serve the United States and Canada, it
is possible to move traffic internationally through the NTS via various
local, regional, area, and international network connections.
NTS 2.0
NTS Manual
NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines
Handling Instructions
Numbered Texts
Encoding Rules for Agency Forms
Virtual NTS Training Net
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www.nts2.arrl.org/nts-letter-issues as well as on the ARRL website.
Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U, Section Traffic Manager -- Eastern
Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
ARRL Emergency Communications and Field Services Director: Josh Johnston,
KE5MHV
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