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CX2SA > NTS 07.06.25 07:12l 484 Lines 26266 Bytes #292 (0) @ WW
BID : NTS062025
Subj: June 2025 NTS Letter
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To : NTS@ARRL
====================
June 2025 NTS Letter
====================
Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U - June 3, 2025
- New Recognition Award Certificates
- Certified Radiograms
- Radiogram Portal Challenge
- National Traffic System Training and Information Net (NTSTIN)
- Treasure Hunt Update
- Ham Radio at the Girl Scout STEM Fest
- Helpful Hints for CW Traffic Operators
- Traffic Tips
- Spotlight - Shawn Dodds, N1CVO
New Recognition Award Certificates
----------------------------------
In a previous issue of The NTS Letter, we reported on the efforts of one of
the NTS committee working groups to create a series of certificates (such as
the one shown below) to recognize and show appreciation to traffic handlers
for their time, effort, and dedication in support of the National Traffic
Systemİ. These new ARRL-authorized certificates will generally be awarded
and available for download by Section leadership within each Section. A new
NTS participant who has been undergoing training can receive a certificate
from a net manager for successfully sending his/her first properly-formatted
radiogram via a National Traffic System affiliated net. To encourage greater
cooperation between NTS and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARESİ), an
award can be given by a Section Manager, in cooperation with the Section
Traffic Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator, to an NTS operator for
handling message traffic in association with official ARES activity during
or in preparation for emergency events. There is a special certificate award
for an Official Relay Station of the Year, as determined by a Section
Traffic Manager in any Section, for an ORS in his/her Section who has gone
above and beyond with respect to traffic handling in a way that furthers the
National Traffic System mission, objectives and participation. Also included
are certificates for participation in local and Section nets, for serving as
a net control or alternate net control station as well as Net Manager and
Section Traffic Manager. Certificates for participation in region and area
nets and the Transcontinental Corps (TCC) will be made available at a later
date. For a little fun for those who enjoy a challenge, a certificate will
be awarded to those who personally receive a radiogram from all 50 US
states. Two additional awards that will be offered by ARRL Field Services
will include the Brass Pounders League (BPL) medallion, which has been
available for many years, and a new Challenge Coin.
Details on all awards can be found at
https://nts2.arrl.org/recognition-awards.
Certified Radiograms
--------------------
[Effective June 1, 2025, participants in the National Traffic System will be
seeing a new message precedence, introduced by Radio Relay International
(RRI). I asked James Wades, WB8SIW, to explain some background on the
reasoning behind this new precedence and the benefit to the NTS that is
hoped to be achieved. RRI, in its relatively short existence, has done much
to add value to the NTS. This is one such initiative. -Ed.]
In recent years, the National Traffic Systemİ has confronted two apparently
conflicting imperatives, one of which is the requirement to build an
infrastructure around a volunteer base, and the other is the more immediate
requirement to provide a customer service in the form of accurate and timely
message delivery.
The NTSİ network topology and many of its policies, whether explicit or
evolved, were built around the old telecommunications paradigm of the postal
service and land-line telephone network in which costs were associated with
message delivery, such as toll charges for Inter-LATA or long-distance
telephone calls. Therefore, the plan has been to move a radiogram as close
to the addressee as possible. In doing so, the volunteer incurred no
delivery costs and, ideally, the volunteer base would expand based on need.
Problems arose, however, when volunteers (outlets) were not available near
the radiogram's addressee. A routine message would propagate through the
network efficiently, only to be held at the state/section level nets
awaiting an outlet near the addressee, sometimes for days. In other words,
the basic system worked well, but the lack of volunteer support resulted in
poor customer service.
As bulk messages became common, a certain "malaise" developed. Some
operators, perceiving these messages as unimportant, would simply choose not
to deliver messages for which there was no outlet. This had a corrosive
effect on volunteer morale that manifested itself in the form of poor
customer service and harm to the reputation of a potentially valuable
program. As a result, a solution to this problem had to be found that
balanced the imperative of customer service against ensuring that nets
remained active and interesting to volunteers. The solution developed was a
new classification of radiogram message which prioritized customer service
called the "certified radiogram."
The certified precedence is a class of routine message that sets an
expiration date/time before which the message must be delivered, regardless
of its location within the network. It recognizes the reality that we are
operating in a new telecommunications environment in which multiple options
for toll-free delivery of messages is the norm. The goal is to ensure timely
delivery of unique (non-bulk) radiogram messages, thereby providing both
active traffic handlers and new customers with an assured level of timely
and accurate delivery.
While the goal remains to get the message as close as possible to the
addressee, this new policy recognizes that this is not always realistic.
Therefore, the certified message must be delivered within 48 hours of the
date-time group in the message preamble regardless of where it stands in the
network.
The certified radiogram (precedence "C") is to be used only for unique,
personal or organizational messages in which there is a direct personal or
transactional relationship between the originator and addressee and in which
case the address information is complete and known to be timely and correct.
Common-text messages in which address information is harvested from on-line
databases are prohibited from using the "certified" precedence and must
remain in the "routine" precedence category.
A more specific definition of the certified message, along with an
explanation of how it differs from "bulk" ("canned") messages, is available
in the following Radio Relay International bulletin:
www.radiorelay.org/files/news/Certified_Radiogram_Implementation_Announcement_
2025-5-26.pdf.
The Digital Traffic Network (DTN) is the preferred method for the
origination or relay of certified messages. However, certified messages may
be originated or relayed via any method within the traffic system. A special
DTN "virtual pipeline" staffed by RRI Certified Radio Operators (CROs) will
be used to route certified messages to their destination. The CRO will then
be responsible for ensuring that traffic is relayed to a reliable operator
with the necessary skills to ensure accuracy and who is willing to adhere to
the guidelines and procedures defining delivery methods. A similar process
applies to the Winlink-RRI region gateways to ensure the highest quality of
customer service. More information on the RRI Certified Radio Operator
program is available at www.radiorelay.org. -James Wades, WB8SIW
Radiogram Portal Challenge
--------------------------
Phil Temples, K9HI
The traffic handling community has been equipped with an exceptional tool
known as the Radiogram Portal, written by Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, which
allows third parties to deposit a message for origination and delivery via
the National Traffic System. The Portal is supported by a cadre of
registered traffic handlers ("radiogrammers") who check the site daily and
pick up any messages for origination. Even though we're beginning to promote
the use of the Portal to the general public, activity is slow on some days.
We need more messages to "keep the system lubricated." There is no reason
why regular traffic handlers can't take advantage of the portal's
capabilities and boost radiogram traffic while also having fun at the same
time.
All traffic handlers (and non-traffic handlers) are invited to take the
Portal Challenge. Log into the Portal each day and leave a message destined
for a ham or non-ham, friend or family member. Those who qualify by
depositing one message each day from July 1 through July 28 will receive a
special certificate and acknowledgement in the August 2025 issue of The NTS
Letter. This is a great way to demonstrate how the public can be served by
the National Traffic System and amateur radio! To qualify, you must
introduce at least one message onto the Portal each day for pickup and
origination by a qualified radiogrammer. Remember, in this particular
situation, you are not the station of origin but rather are acting as a
"third-party" and therefore your message will not count as an "origination"
or "sent" point in your Station Activity Report (SAR).
The Radiogram Portal URL is at nts2.arrl.org/radiogram.
National Traffic System Training and Information Net (NTSTIN)
-------------------------------------------------------------
The National Traffic System Training and Information Net (NTSTIN) will begin
June 14, 2025, at 4:00p ET (1:00p PT) on the Eastern Michigan Linked
Repeater Network (Universal Reflector 106A). The net will continue to meet
on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at 4:00p ET (1:00p PT).
The NTSTIN is a digital voice traffic net designed to provide a relaxed
platform for amateur radio operators interested in learning how to handle
radiogram traffic, a place for Technician-class operators who do not have
access to a local VHF traffic net an opportunity to send and receive
radiograms, and, for the more experienced operators, an opportunity to
discuss matters of traffic handling and to assist new operators in their
learning process.
Eastern Michigan Linked Repeater Network (Universal Reflector 106A)
Connection Information:
- Wires-X 43148
- YSF Reflector 92160
- DMR XLX106 - Talkgroup 4001
- DMR TGIF Talkgroup 99846
- D-STAR Reflectors REF106A - XRF106A - DCS106A
- P25 9846
- NXDN 9846
- M17 URF106A
- Allstar #501682
- EchoLink AD8DP-L #878385
Please see and subscribe to the National Traffic System Training and
Information Groups.io page for updates, to provide information and for
additional information as we build it. -Bill Leibengood, N8RWF
Treasure Hunt Update
--------------------
No Treasure Hunt in June. All May THR1 entries must be sent by June 1. See
the July issue of The NTS Letter for May results and the July hunt THR1
question.
Ham Radio at Girl Scout STEM Fest
---------------------------------
Jessie Kneeland, KC1SLQ
I've been involved with Girl Scouts for many years and became a ham two
years ago. Recently, I had the opportunity to combine both interests at a
STEM Fest organized by our local Girl Scout council in eastern
Massachusetts. At this annual event, businesses and organizations involved
in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics host tables with
hands-on activities for Scouts of all ages and their grown-ups. The event is
distributed throughout the property of a Girl Scout camp, so participants
wander around and discover the various stations.
I'd hosted a table before but wanted to try something radio-themed. I
initially planned to focus on traffic handling; we would let the Scouts
compose radiograms to their families and we would send the traffic out from
the site as a demonstration of the public utility of ham radio. After
reaching out to the local traffic-handling community, I gathered the first
few volunteers. Some of us would be on-site to set up a station and help the
Scouts compose messages. Others would be at home and ready to receive the
traffic.
Through outreach to local clubs, we collected more volunteers and added
activities. The event was particularly successful because we had so many
volunteers with different roles. Marinna, W1FX, greeted Scouts and their
adults as they approached our area, fielding questions and directing them to
the activities. Steve, K8ZBE, and Tom, AA1TS, set up an HF station with
impressive-looking hexbeam and delta loop antennas. Though band conditions
weren't great, they helped Scouts make contacts and used a Geochron map to
explain how far the communications can reach. Mindy, KM1NDY, set up an
oscillator and played Morse Code games, trying to guess the names the Scouts
tapped out (with surprising success!). Brian, KC1OOH; Neil, N1HAN, and I
(Jessie, KC1SLQ) helped participants draft radiograms and sent them out via
voice and digital VHF stations. Some Scouts also wanted to talk on the radio
themselves, and of course we gave them the chance! Ralph, N1LAH; Marcia,
KW1U, and Nancy, KC1NEK, all participated from their home stations elsewhere
in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, receiving our radiogram traffic and
chatting over the radio with eager Scouts.
Overall, the event was loads of fun for volunteers and Scouts alike. We had
a great location under a picnic shelter with plenty of nearby field space to
set up antennas, and AC power that gave us extra flexibility. We had a
surfeit of radios and plenty of volunteer enthusiasm, too. We will
definitely participate in the STEM Fest again next year. For anyone looking
for ways to share your love of ham radio within your community, consider
looking for events hosted by Scouts, schools, or other education-oriented
groups where you can host a table or booth. It's a great way to make
connections in your local community and perhaps inspire a future ham!
Helpful Hints for CW Traffic Operators
--------------------------------------
CW nets remain an important part of the National Traffic System due to the
simplicity, efficiency, and the minimal occupied bandwidth of CW. Many CW
traffic operators enjoy the art and skill of traffic handling so much they
remain active on nets for decades. For those new to CW nets, here are a few
helpful hints to greatly improve efficiency:
Understanding the QN signals: The QN signals were first developed on the
Michigan QMN Net during the 1930s by operators who had a strong professional
background in police radiotelegraph circuits, maritime work, and so forth.
These men were interested in efficiency and designed the QN signals
accordingly. Therefore, the third letter in a QN signal is often closely
associated with its meaning. For example, "QNI" means "check-in", and "QNX"
means "you are excused," and so forth. Most new CW traffic operators need to
know only a few of these specialized QN signals to get started.
Signal reports: As a rule, the operator receiving a radiogram establishes
contact. Once contact is established, he or she then indicates that they are
"ready to copy" using the Q signal "QRV." However, a good habit is to also
give a signal report so the operator sending the radiogram can adjust their
speed and sending method to the conditions experienced by the receiving
operator. This is done using the Q signal "QRK," which indicates received
signal quality on a scale from 1 to 5. For example, if the operator
receiving a radiogram sends "de W6RRI QRK2 QRV K," this tells the sending
operator that their signal is "poor" on the other end of the circuit. The
operator sending the radiogram can then adjust their speed and spacing
appropriately. They might repeat the occasional difficult word or group or
otherwise accommodate the poor conditions.
Minimizing "fills": Speaking of sending a radiogram, the professional
operator will often "spoon feed" a message under less-than-optimal
conditions or when the possibility of confusion arises. This means
increasing the space between words or groups in a message to give the
receiving operator a bit of extra time to process the incoming Morse.
Likewise, CW traffic operators may want to take the advice of Walter
Phillips, a famous press telegrapher and founder of United Press, who wrote,
"difficult names or words should be sent very slowly without repetition.
Paradoxical as it is, it isn't the time one makes, but the time one loses
that really counts on a circuit." With time and experience, one will develop
an intuitive understanding of these concepts. A good operator can make just
the right adjustments to their sending to accomplish the task. -James Wades,
WB8SIW
Traffic Tips
------------
NTS traffic handlers provide a message transport system similar, for
example, to the postal system, receiving messages and forwarding them on the
way to destination delivery. Just as the postal system has its share of
non-deliverable mail, so too the NTS has experienced, for a variety of
reasons, a large number of messages that are never delivered. However, an
amateur radio operator has an added responsibility to notify the sender that
his/her message was unable to be delivered. What does one do? There is a
saying that there are only three actions a traffic handler can take
regarding a message for which one has assumed responsibility: RELAY IT,
DELIVER IT, OR SERVICE IT. An ARL (or RRC) numbered radiogram makes this
rather easy. For example, ARL SIXTY SEVEN states "Your message number _____
undeliverable because of _____. Please advise." You need only to fill in the
blanks. For example, a radiogram to the station of origin would only need to
say "ARL SIXTY SEVEN 123 PHONE DISCONNECTED" or whatever the reason might be.
Of course, a diligent traffic handler might try other methods besides a
telephone call to deliver a message, based on information available. Often
an email address is provided, but if sending an email, remember to request
an acknowledgement of receipt. For the recipient, it only requires a click
of the reply button which then lets you know the message was delivered and
not sitting in some unused or rarely used email account inbox. This request
for acknowledgement might also be tried with other methods of delivery.
When able to make a message delivery, it is important to remember to
translate any ARL or RRC numbered radiogram. While relaying a message we do
not change anything in the text. However, in delivering a message, remember
it needs to be understood by the recipient who will not know, for example,
what ARL FIFTY means.
Spotlight - Shawn Dodds, N1CVO
------------------------------
My dad was a mechanical engineer whose hobby had been electronics (radio/TV)
since he was a teen. He was into crystal radios, and he helped me to build
my first one, using a chunk of galena I chipped out of the wall of a lead
mine in northeast Oklahoma. Eventually, he got a RadioShack DX-150 shortwave
receiver, which fascinated me, to be able to hear people around the world. I
also heard hams talking and asked Dad about them. He worked with a ham
(Gordon, W5UCJ, SK) who provided a study path for me. Much of that study
revolved around the ARRL Handbook for the technical aspects. For Morse code,
my dad purchased a TG34A Army Morse code training machine. I studied and
learned the code up to what I thought was 8 wpm. When I went to Gordon to
take my Novice test, he tapped out a question with his key and oscillator. I
verbally answered. His jaw dropped and he said he was sending at about 13
wpm. The TG34A was mis-calibrated. He turned me away and told me to study
for General while keeping up my code speed. Six months later, I got my
General in 1969 at age 14, call sign WB5CFZ. Gordon, a Navy MARS member,
then sold a Swan 240 to my dad (for me) and suggested I start listening to
Navy MARS traffic nets to see if that interested me, and it did. I joined
MARS, was trained, and had a great time handling traffic to/from members of
the military and their friends/families in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area. It was
very rewarding, and I felt like I was providing a useful service for our
military and their families. Regrettably, any paperwork from that part of my
life is long gone.
I went off to college and studied electronics engineering, leading to a
bachelor's degree. That led me to a job in Massachusetts. My interests and
hobbies shifted away from ham radio, but I always renewed, eventually
getting the call sign N1CVO. I was off the air for 30 years, and upon
retiring decided to get back into the hobby in 2022. That restart was with a
handheld radio, which I used to get on repeaters near me. I'm HF-challenged,
living in a townhouse condo now. One night, I came across a traffic net and
thought to myself "Hmmm, that's very familiar." Eventually, I checked in and
found that Bob, KC1KVY, was doing weekly training sessions on another
repeater I couldn't hit with RF but could with Echolink. I became a regular
on the local VHF/UHF network traffic net and found that delivering the
"welcome" messages gave me a sense of purpose, and I love chatting with the
new hams to whom I deliver the messages. It also gives me a chance to let
Techs know that this is a part of the hobby in which they can get involved
with entry-level equipment. In fact, I've delivered messages to a number of
new hams who are now handling traffic. Very encouraging! Also, more hams
trained in formal traffic handling will be beneficial in actual public
service, emergency or welfare situations.
Eventually, I received an appointment to the ORS role and later started as
NCS on a local net. I was handling quite a bit of traffic, and folks started
asking me questions after the net. I love teaching those who want to learn;
and experience as a lab teacher in college and as presenter at user groups
during my work career has helped with that passion.
That led me to jump at the chance to train folks on the recently formed
Virtual NTS Traffic Net (VNTN), the brainchild of Phil, K9HI. Marcia, KW1U,
has been NCS for most sessions. There are many new Tech licensees who are
not in a location with local VHF/UHF traffic nets. The VNTN provides NTS
training to those Techs (and others) so that when they upgrade to General,
they can get on HF traffic nets having had some training already. So far,
it's been challenging but successful. We currently have four sessions per
month and then start over with the basics. The trainees vary in experience
from "zero" to "digital only" to "a few years." One big challenge is keeping
the more experienced folks from getting bored while also ensuring that the
newbies aren't overwhelmed. The locations of attendees range across the
Western, Central and Eastern Areas, as well as the Philippines. We encourage
and have handled "live" traffic so we can go beyond the simple training
radiograms. Lately, more "experts" from across the country have joined to
see how it's going, and to maybe start something similar in their area. We
hope that the concept takes off nationwide. I'm also hoping to conduct some
special training sessions for those Field Day operators who want to
potentially get another 200 points for their clubs by originating formal
messages from their Field Day sites. Those details will be forthcoming in a
post on the VNTN groups.io page at groups.io/g/vntn.
When I first retired, I thought "what am I going to do to fill my days?"
Traffic handling and training has filled that void to the brim, and I'm
loving it.
NTSİ Resources
The National Traffic Systemİ (NTSİ) is a network of amateur radio operators
who move information during disasters and other emergencies. General
messages offering well-wishes also move through the NTSİ to help test the
system and to help amateur radio operators build traffic handling skills.
While the NTSİ is primarily set up to serve the United States and Canada, it
is possible to move traffic internationally through the NTSİ through various
local, regional, area, and international network connections.
NTS 2.0
NTS Manual
NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines
Handling Instructions
Numbered Texts
Form Encoding Rules for Form
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Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U, Section Traffic Manager -- Eastern
Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
ARRL Director of Emergency Management: Josh Johnston, KE5MHV
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