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Subject: April 2026 NTS Letter
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To : NTS@ARRL
=========================
April 2026 NTS Letter
=========================
Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U - April 7, 2026
- The NTS Letter Archive Now Updated on ARRL Website
- Standardized Handling of a Radiogram ICS-213 Announced
- NTS Treasure Hunt Update
- Expanding Digital Capabilities in Puerto Rico
- The Impact of Recognizing Accomplishments with Radiograms
- On Being a Good Net Control Station
- Stepping up as ANCS
- Concerning Traffic Originations
- From the Field
- Spotlight: Mark Galbraith, N7YD
The NTS Letter Archive Now Updated on ARRL Website
--------------------------------------------------
ARRL Emergency Communications and Field Services Director Josh Johnston,
KE5MHV, recently reported that all back issues of The NTS Letter are now
available at www.arrl.org/nts-letter. Many thanks to the team at ARRL
Headquarters for their efforts in making this archive available on the ARRL
website.
Standardized Handling of a Radiogram ICS-213 Announced
------------------------------------------------------
Amateur radio operators who relay record message traffic through the
National Traffic System have been requested to be able to convey an ICS-213
type message through the network from origination to delivery, duplicating
the message exactly as originally sent. ICS-213 is a general message form,
comparable to an inter-office memo, that is sent from one emergency official
to another and that provides accountability. It is a minimum standard that
must be met, but to which more information may be added according to agency
needs.
Since the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ARRL and Radio
Relay International (RRI), the members of the NTS subcommittee of Emergency
Communication and Field Services Committee (EC-FSC), otherwise known as
NTS2, have been meeting with RRI personnel to discuss standards and
methodologies for the movement of such traffic. Some considerations have
included interoperability between voice, CW, and digital transmissions that
give NTS operators greater flexibility in finding outlets for traffic, but
that restrict, for example, use of mixed case and most punctuation that do
not transmit easily or efficiently on CW or even voice nets. Another
consideration has been the use of procedures with which traffic handlers are
familiar and which are practiced 365 days a year. The text of any radiogram,
provided it is legal and appropriate for amateur radio, is not a concern to
the relaying traffic handler. This includes the text of an ICS-213. The
other components of the radiogram are comparable to an envelope with its
address, return address, and routing information, in which a text is placed.
The results of those discussions were presented to the EC-FSC during their
meeting in late February. The minutes of this meeting were recently
released. Below is a report from ARRL New England Division Vice Director and
NTS Subcommittee Chair Phil Temples, K9HI.
ICS-213 Discussions in ARRL EC-FSC
The ARRL's Emergency Communication-Field Services Committee held a recent
Zoom meeting, in which Phil Temples, K9HI, introduced and summarized the NTS
working-group agreement on how to encapsulate ICS-213 within NTS radiograms.
Temples stated that the working group had come to a compromise and favored a
much simpler encapsulation approach over field-by-field tagging to preserve
operational flexibility. NTS Eastern Area Chair Marcia Forde, KW1U,
explained that NTS radiograms must include a preamble for network management
and that all caps handling reduces complexity across modes. Marcia then went
on to explain RRI's simplified method of encapsulation and emphasized that
the radiogram text can contain varied content. She also emphasized the
necessity of a radiogram preamble for network management, mode flexibility
(digital/voice/CW), UTC use, and the operational preference for all-caps to
save circuit capacity. There was discussion among the committee concerning
the re-sequencing of the fields and practical trade-offs. Phil and Marcia
expressed their support for the proposed approach and the EC-FSC unanimously
agreed. - Phil Temples, K9HI, NTS Subcommittee Chair
More information about the now-standardized methodology for NTS handling of
radiogram ICS-213 messages can be found at nts2.arrl.org/ics-213 as well as
on the Radio Relay International website.
NTS Treasure Hunt Update
------------------------
Exciting Developments and Participation Guidelines
Hello, NTS Treasure Hunters!
Origins of the Treasure Hunt
Who says handling formal traffic always must be serious business? Our Chief
Executive Officer, David Minster, NA2AA, who was once an active traffic
handler, recently suggested a fun exercise for the NTS community: "Let's
hold a treasure hunt!" From this idea we now have a great fun project that
is gaining popularity each month.
Progress and Participation
We started in February 2024 with the first question: "Where and when was
Hiram Percy Maxim born?" Judge Ray Webb, KB8GUN, took the first round. Round
two went to Jon, N1ILZ, with the question, "Hiram Percy Maxim founded the
ARRL, why?" The final question was answered by Dan, AC8NP, "What was Hiram
Percy Maxim's pseudonym in QST magazine?"
The three of us continued for the next few months and decided to change the
frequency from monthly to every other month, giving participants nearly two
months to complete each hunt. In November, Glenn, VE1IJ (now VE1AAC), joined
the team of judges, expanding the hunt internationally. In May 2025, Jay,
NK2Y, joined, followed by Michelle, KM2I, in June. We have been having fun
and I greatly appreciate all our judges.
Judge Recognition
I have made a special NTS mug design for our judges and sent the first one
out to Michelle. Due to my mug-making learning curve, I need to order more
mugs for the other judges and should have them mailed by the end of April.
Thank You NTS Treasure Hunt Judges! [Photo]
Participation Guidelines
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, most of the time
within 24 hours of receiving your message. Occasionally there may be delays
due to family obligations, illness, or vacations. Our judges participate in
traffic nets almost daily, so in-transit times may vary. If it has been 5 or
6 days without a reply radiogram, try emailing the judge.
Try to learn about the NTS in your Section. Who is your Section Traffic
Manager (STM)? The STM can answer your questions about how to move traffic
in and out of your Section.
Recap and Contact Information
If you missed the official Treasure Hunt announcement in the December 2023
issue of The NTS Letter, here is a recap: This is a fun, on-air, multi-step
competition in which you respond, via radiogram, to a judge with your answer
to an initial clue or question. The judge will reply via radiogram with the
identity of the next judge and the next question or clue in the hunt.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Dan Rinaman AC8NP at
ac8np@xxxxx.xxx. - Dan Rinaman, AC8NP
Expanding Digital Capabilities in Puerto Rico
---------------------------------------------
It has been almost a decade since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico,
resulting in 2,975 fatalities and leaving over 300,000 homes damaged or
destroyed. The electrical and telecommunications grid collapsed, leaving
much of the island isolated for over a month.
During the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, a group of radio amateurs
did what radio amateurs do best; they organized a response and began
communicating. With the assistance of radio amateurs in the United Sates,
thousands of messages were transmitted. For example, one Radio Relay
International volunteer handled over 2,000 welfare messages.
Most of this traffic was handled using voice (SSB) methods, once again
proving the value of basic, common-denominator methods. Examples like this
illustrate why RRI continues to provide the training and organization needed
to use common-denominator modes such as voice and CW effectively.
Despite the continued value of basic communications methods, it is also true
that a diversity of modes and capabilities are essential to an effective
emergency communications program. In keeping with this philosophy, RRI has
been working with ARES leadership on the island to improve their
capabilities. This includes assisting with establishing connectivity with
the Digital Traffic Network, the development of standardized methods for
weather data and situational awareness reporting, and investment in better
packet radio capabilities.
Recently, RRI shipped its first "hardened" digipeater to the island. The
digipeater is built in a heavy-duty steel cabinet, with robust lightning and
surge protection. A heavy-duty railroad-grade battery charger maintains
float cells that power the digipeater, ensuring the unit remains operational
during long-term power outages. When AC mains power fails, the unit
automatically sends out a periodic DTMF tone sequence that activates an
alert via a remote decoder unit, allowing the RRI Puerto Rico Communications
Manager to monitor the status of the communications site. Up to four
digipeater sites can be monitored for power status. If the tower or antenna
is damaged, an auxiliary antenna is provided to keep the digipeater
functional, albeit with less coverage.
The combination of an active and robust packet radio network, Winlink and
DTN capabilities, a cadre of operators capable of efficiently handling
traffic, and a system of standardized procedures and message formats should
do much to ensure any future response is far more effective than it was in
2017.
The real credit for the success of this project rests with the radio
amateurs of Puerto Rico. The development of an effective emergency
communications program requires a degree of altruism in which all involved
must keep the ideal of service at the forefront of their efforts. Simply
put, the people of Puerto Rico deserve an effective emergency response
capability and ham radio is doing its part. - James Wades, WB8SIW
The Impact of Recognizing Accomplishments with Radiograms
---------------------------------------------------------
Many traffic handlers consider "welcome to amateur radio," "congratulations
on your upgrade," and other friendly messages to be "spam" traffic. Please
look at these messages from the recipients' point of view. They see the
messages as recognition for their accomplishments, and a radiogram furthers
their pride in these accomplishments.
I had stopped sending radiograms like these due to the blowback and handling
and delivery refusals from so many traffic handlers. I recently started to
send radiograms via postcard to newly licensed hams and hams who upgraded
their licenses. These postcards have generated lots of positive feedback.
Parents from two families called me on the phone to thank me, telling me
they would be framing the postcard and mounting it on a wall. Wow. A ham who
upgraded told me the same thing. These radiograms do have an impact.
These recognition radiograms should be handled and delivered with pride. It
shows that we recognize achievements by other hams and share their pride.
While handling these messages with pride, you can also achieve recognition
for handling messages. There are Brass Pounders League (BPL), Public Service
Honor Roll (PSHR), and local certificates used by Section Managers, Section
Traffic Managers, and Net Managers that recognize the work of handling
messages. Message handling deserves recognition. Ask your Section leadership
about ways to be recognized for spreading pride and for hard work when
achieving goals in the greater amateur radio community. - Barry Porter,
KB1PA, South Florida Section Manager
On Being a Good Net Control Station
-----------------------------------
The Wisconsin Section publishes an archive of frequently asked questions. I
recently noticed FAQ #295 in a recent monthly report by Section Traffic
Manager Denny Rybicke, K9LGU, on being a net control station (NCS) and am
passing it along, with Denny's permission.
Training yourself to be a good net control station is not an impossible
task. It can start by being a shadow, listening and modeling. So, an easy
way to teach yourself is to shadow a good net control.
Basics: The net control station controls the net -- the sequence, the
protocol, the speed, the efficiency, and the friendliness. A good NCS is
essential for a good net. Here are some guides you'll hear from those who
serve as NCS and for willing volunteers who step into the NCS slot when
needed.
Training yourself to be a good NCS
A. Become familiar with the other stations on the net. Knowing correct call
signs, names, and locations is a good idea. Even if you never perform as an
NCS, it's good to know with whom you're working and where they live.
B. Make some notes. Pay close attention to the stations that go
off-frequency to pass traffic. What frequencies does the net use to move
traffic? Up to 90? Down to 77? UP 4? DWN 5? Usually, the NCS knows the open
spots, where adjacent nets are, etc. You'll get a feel for the NCS action by
keeping track of what's happening.
C. Try to guess what the NCS will do next. Sometimes, different types of
traffic will appear on a net and the NCS will have to rank them in
importance. For example, you may notice that out-of-state, or "thru,"
traffic gets higher priority than a message bound for a city usually
represented on the net. Of course, formal traffic will take precedence over
"informal" exchanges.
D. A good NCS notices the order of things. Who's asked to check in first?
Liaisons? 9RN representative? Listen for the jargon, the pacing, and the
phrases that make things flow. "Additional stations please call ..." "NEED
MKE, LAX, QNI K" Under poor conditions, hear how the NCS has the receiving
station call the station holding the traffic and establish contact on the
net frequency before moving.
What the NCS does
The NCS keeps order, calls up the net at the right time and announces the
purpose and procedures that apply. It's easy to follow a script, and net
managers gladly provide the wording.
Makes a list. As stations check in, the NCS gets their calls right and
doesn't forget to say or send the call of each station acknowledged. They
won't know they've been heard unless the NCS says so.
The NCS is friendly but efficient, a facilitator, not a lecturer. Keeps
things moving. Handles all formal traffic first.
As the good NCS takes comments, he remembers to stand by frequently for
additional check-ins. He doesn't need to respond at length to each comment.
The outstanding traffic is listed each time there's a stand-by. If the NCS
has traffic, it can be sent on frequency, sending it properly to set an
example.
When band conditions are noisy, the NCS doesn't hesitate to ask specific
stations for relays and assistance from stations who check in. Bad
conditions might also prompt handling more traffic on net frequency.
Stations are thanked for checking in, for relays, and for their liaison
duties. The net is closed when the work is done.
The good NCS times the entire operation and includes the net duration in a
net report sent to the NM at the end of the net. This report includes the
name of the net, the date, the number of stations who participated
(including the NCS), the number of pieces of traffic cleared, the total time
of the net, and which stations served as liaisons to or from other NTS nets
such as 9RN or WIN.
The Wisconsin Section Nets (as well as all traffic nets) need more stations
to serve as NCS. Follow along as you listen to a net. Please volunteer when
you can. Who knows what a fine net control you can be? The Shadow knows...
heh, heh, heh. 73 - Denny Rybicke, K9LGU, Wisconsin Section Traffic Manager
Stepping Up as ANCS
-------------------
When you start checking into an NTS traffic net, you might notice that
before taking check-ins, the net control station (NCS) will ask if there is
someone willing to serve as alternate net control for that session. What is
the purpose of having an alternate net control station (ANCS) and what
duties does he or she perform?
The predominant activity of the ANCS is to "copy along" with the NCS. When
folks check into the net, the NCS will be writing them down. You should do
the same. You should keep track of all traffic listed and passed (listing
station, destination, claiming station, and a check mark once that piece has
been successfully passed). Note how many minutes the session has lasted when
the NCS closes the net. At the end of the net, the NCS will state the number
of stations that checked in, how much traffic was listed and passed, and the
duration of the net in minutes. He or she will then check with you to
confirm whether the numbers are accurate. If any discrepancies are noted,
the NCS and ANCS will work together to figure out which is correct.
The duties of an ANCS extend beyond ensuring the accuracy of the session's
statistics, however. For example, there are times when the NCS is unable to
clearly make out the call sign of a station attempting to check into the
net. The NCS can then check with the alternate, who is often able to provide
the needed call sign. Most importantly, however, the ANCS will take over the
net should the NCS be unable to continue due to technical difficulties or
some other situation that makes them unable to continue running the net.
If you are new to traffic handling and would like to step up as ANCS, here
are a few tips for you:
Before you volunteer to ANCS, check into the net several times. Practice
writing down the call signs as folks check in and keeping track of traffic
as it is listed and passed.
When you feel ready, reach out to one of the net control stations and ask if
you can serve as ANCS for their next net. This is particularly helpful if
other folks are quick to step up as ANCS and you have a hard time jumping in
before they do.
Obtain a copy of the net control script for the net and keep it handy. You
never know when you might have to take over as net control!
Stepping up as ANCS is a big help to the person running the net as well as
the best way for you to prepare if you would like to become a net control
station yourself some day! - Michelle Roeten, KM2I
Concerning Traffic Originations
-------------------------------
I have been hearing from people about traffic being originated with no phone
number or email address. This is especially problematic when an originator
sends many messages at one time and particularly to certain locations.
It is important to consider our valuable last-mile delivery stations who are
then, apparently, expected to spend extra time searching for more
information, or spending the time and postage to send a message through the
US Postal Service. We appreciate the traffic, but please be considerate. Our
finite number of traffic handlers are often required to do increasingly
more, covering more towns and even whole counties or states in some areas.
To those who do send out volumes of traffic such as welcoming newly licensed
amateurs, I strongly recommend checking the best practices guidelines at
nts2.arrl.org/bulk-traffic-best-practices. Help us all to have more fun in
this aspect of the hobby we enjoy.!
From the Field
--------------
The Tennessee Section had its very successful Traffic Seminar on Tuesday
nights, February 3, 10,17, and 24. The sessions were on our 3980 phone net
frequency and we had 33 enrollees. The sessions were about 50 minutes in
length and were enjoyed by all. John, WW3B, was our instructor, and he did a
magnificent job. We are looking forward to another seminar in 2027. 73, -
Harrell Davidson, WD4LAR, Tennessee Section Traffic Manager
The Virtual NTS Traffic Net is operating weekly on Wednesday evenings at
2300Z. Participants are encouraged to begin on the first Wednesday of the
month, but anyone is welcome at any time. Details and link are noted below
under NTS resources/Virtual Training Net.
Field Day Preparations With Field Day coming up June 27 and 28, many clubs
are making their preparations now. Traffic handlers can help their clubs by
encouraging them to send radiograms to their Section Managers (for 100
points) as well as up to 10 radiograms to friends or family members (for 10
points per radiogram). You can help by either offering to send them or
teaching them how to do so.
Spotlight: Mark Galbraith, N7YD
-------------------------------
Mark Galbraith, N7YD, Operating at Field Day [Photo]
NTS© Resources
I am the oldest of four children, and as far as I know, I am the first in my
family with an amateur radio license. I've always been interested in
electronics, and I took 4 years of electronics shop in high school. Even
then, I didn't get my amateur license for another 4 years. I entered the
USAF in 1978 and married my high school sweetheart, Brenda, in 1979. We are
still married after all this time, 47 years and counting.
In addition to electronics, I was very interested in computers and
programming. I studied this a bit before going into the service, and part of
my time in the USAF I was programming communications computers used to move
message traffic around the world. This was the beginning of a long career in
programming and information technology that spanned 45 years. I've been
retired for the last couple of years, but still occasionally write some code
as needed. I'm also the IT help desk for my friends and family, and handle
the occasional small contract job that may come up.
I got my Novice license (KA5KPJ) in 1981. Of course, back then the Novice
test was administered by another licensed ham. I wish I could remember
Oscar's call sign after all this time, but I'll just say "Thanks, Oscar,"
and leave it at that. Brenda helped me build a Heathkit HW-101, power
supply, and tuner. We loaded up the rain gutters on the apartment we lived
in (with permission) and made quite a few contacts. It wasn't the best
antenna ever, but it got me on the air. I still have that radio gear in
storage.
Later that same year, I traveled from Oklahoma City, where I was stationed,
to the FCC office in Dallas. At that time, there were no Volunteer
Examiners, and tests were only administered in FCC offices. I passed the
code and written tests and received my General-class license (N5EIH).
During my time in OKC, I helped with a slow-speed CW traffic net and was
appointed as Net Manager. We were training folks in proper net procedures
for CW traffic handling, getting them ready to move up to the higher-speed
nets running traffic around Oklahoma. I also participated in VHF activities
in local clubs in the OKC area. Ask me sometime about the view from the
800-foot level of a television tower. It's an interesting story.
As I was leaving the USAF, packet radio was all the rage. I got a small
packet radio system (TNC and radio), connected it to my computer at the time
(TRS-80 Model 4P, which I still have), and played around with the
digipeaters in the California Central Valley. At that point, life events
sort of took over and I put my radios away for about 30 years.
In 2022, a new friend here in Washington got me back into amateur radio.
Bill, W7VP, and I were interested in flight simulators, him being a pilot
(both real and virtual), and me being a virtual air traffic controller on
VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic SIMulation). We had lots of fun with the virtual
flying, but I kept asking him about all his antennas. He finally showed me
his shack and invited me to help with a contest coming up called "The Salmon
Run" (Washington State QSO Party), which was in September 2022. We did well,
and the die was cast. In November, I ordered a new radio (Yaesu FT-710),
arranged for an antenna, and got back on the air. On January 17, 2023, I
passed my Extra-class test, and just 18 days later, I received my N7YD
vanity call.
I got back into traffic handling through the Washington Amateur Radio
Traffic System (WARTS Net) and eventually found my way to the Daytime Region
7 Traffic Net. This is a phone net (my CW skills are coming back slowly, but
aren't ready for CW traffic handling quite yet), and we handle about 2,700
pieces of traffic a year, although last year and this year (so far) the
traffic flow seems to be a bit lighter. I've been designated as an Official
Relay Station by the Washington Section Traffic Manager, and I'm working on
getting connected to the Digital Traffic Net. I can send traffic through DTN
but haven't yet completed the set up to be a full party to receiving DTN
traffic.
Being in communications from early in my career, traffic handling has been
an important part of my amateur radio journey. After returning from my break
from the hobby, I got right back into traffic handling and exploring all the
new modes and capabilities available to the amateur operator today. I've
been active on RTTY, FT8, Winlink (VARA HF), and a few other digital modes.
I'm working to improve my station so that I can be part of the DTN and
traffic handling into the future.
In addition to my involvement in NTS, I am also currently the president of
the Lake Washington Ham Club, located in Kirkland, Washington. I'm also
trying to resurrect the local traffic net here in the Central Puget Sound
area. I am a Net Host on the DRN7 net, as well as other VHF/UHF nets in the
Greater Seattle area. I currently live just outside of Redmond, Washington,
on 1 acre of tall trees, several of which support my vertical delta loop
antenna.
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
Sign Up to Receive The NTS Letter
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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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