national traffic system (nts) an introduction arrl great lakes convention findlay hamfest september...

National Traffic System (NTS)National Traffic System (NTS)An IntroductionAn Introduction

ARRL Great Lakes ConventionARRL Great Lakes ConventionFindlay Hamfest September 11, 2011Findlay Hamfest September 11, 2011

David Maynard, WA3EZNDavid Maynard, WA3EZN OHIO SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGEROHIO SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGER

Don Zickefoose, WB8SIQDon Zickefoose, WB8SIQ

OSSBN Net ManagerOSSBN Net Manager

ARRL Ohio SectionARRL Ohio Section

NTS Official Relay StationsNTS Official Relay Stations

National Traffic System (NTS)National Traffic System (NTS) Messaging Basics Messaging Basics

OutlineOutline• What is the National Traffic System?What is the National Traffic System?• Advantages of NTS MessagingAdvantages of NTS Messaging• NTS Hierarchy and modesNTS Hierarchy and modes• The ARRL Radiogram FormThe ARRL Radiogram Form• ARL Abbreviated TextsARL Abbreviated Texts• How to Deliver an NTS MessageHow to Deliver an NTS Message• NTS DigitalNTS Digital• VHF Digital BBS demoVHF Digital BBS demo• Local NTS Contacts & NetsLocal NTS Contacts & Nets• Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

What is the National Traffic System (NTS)?What is the National Traffic System (NTS)?

The “RELAY” in American Radio The “RELAY” in American Radio RelayRelay League (ARRL) League (ARRL)

Started in 1915 as the formal ARRL system to relay Started in 1915 as the formal ARRL system to relay messages around the countrymessages around the country

Transmit & Receive Modes: Voice, CW, DigitalTransmit & Receive Modes: Voice, CW, Digital

NTS and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)NTS and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)

Requirements to join: Requirements to join: AnyAny levellevel Ham license & Ham license & interestinterest

ARRL Field Organization Appointments: Official Relay ARRL Field Organization Appointments: Official Relay Station (ORS), Digital Relay Station (DRS) & Section Station (ORS), Digital Relay Station (DRS) & Section Traffic Manager (STM).Traffic Manager (STM).

Advantages of NTS MessagingAdvantages of NTS Messaging

Wireless! Send them from anywhere.Wireless! Send them from anywhere. Use a little HT or a big base stationUse a little HT or a big base station Standard FormatStandard Format AccountabilityAccountability NTS Nets meet dailyNTS Nets meet daily Speed (digipeater vs. email)Speed (digipeater vs. email) When all else fails…When all else fails… Fun, good practice & helpful!Fun, good practice & helpful!

NTS Hierarchy and ModesNTS Hierarchy and Modes

US and Canada organized into Area, US and Canada organized into Area, Region, and Local NetsRegion, and Local Nets• 3 Areas3 Areas• 12 Regions12 Regions

Traffic Flow:Traffic Flow:

Section/ Local Section/ Local

NetsNets

Region NetsRegion Nets

Area NetsArea Nets Area NetsArea Nets

TCCTCC

Region NetsRegion Nets

Section / Local Section / Local

NetsNets

VHF/UHF Phone, HF Phone, CW, DigitalVHF/UHF Phone, HF Phone, CW, Digital

HF Phone, CW, DigitalHF Phone, CW, Digital

NTS AreasNTS Areas

PANPAN

CANCAN

EANEAN

State Region Area

CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VE 1RN EAN

NJ, NY 2RN EAN

DE, DC, MD, PA 3RN EAN

FL, GA, NC, PR, SC, VI, VA 4RN EAN

MI, OH, WV 8RN EAN

LB, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, PQ 11RN EAN

AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX 5RN CAN

IL, IN, KY, WI 9RN CAN

IA, KS, MB, MN, MO, NE, ND, NWT, SK, SD

10RN CAN

CA, GU, HI, NV 6RN PAN

AK, AB, BC, ID, MT, NWT, OR, WA 7RN PAN

AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY 12RN PAN

States/Provinces, Regions and AreasStates/Provinces, Regions and Areas

Sections and DivisionsSections and Divisions

State Division Sections

Kentucky Great Lakes KENTUCKY

Michigan Great Lakes MICHIGAN

Ohio Great Lakes OHIO

Message FormatMessage Format

The ARRL RadiogramThe ARRL Radiogram

704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2

GREG SZPUNAR N2GSGREG SZPUNAR N2GS

JOE SMITH KC2XXYJOE SMITH KC2XXY1234 SECOND ST1234 SECOND STSUMMIT NJ 07901SUMMIT NJ 07901

650-123-4567650-123-4567

aaustin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT ustin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT

THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM

FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FORM XRAY DETAIL TO

FOLLOW XRAY HAVE FUN 73 FOLLOW XRAY HAVE FUN 73

ARRL Radiogram FormARRL Radiogram Form

Preamble:Preamble: Message number, precedence, Message number, precedence, HX (optional handling code), station of HX (optional handling code), station of origin, check (text word count), place of origin, check (text word count), place of origin, time filed (optional), and date.origin, time filed (optional), and date.

Addressee: Addressee: Name, call sign (if a ham), Name, call sign (if a ham), full street address, city, 2-letter state full street address, city, 2-letter state abbreviation, zip code (very important) & abbreviation, zip code (very important) & telephone (be sure to include area code).telephone (be sure to include area code).

This Radio Message was received at:This Radio Message was received at:Station identification and location.Station identification and location.

Text:Text: 25 words maximum, 5 per line; 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use the word “xray” for a period (.) and Use the word “xray” for a period (.) and “query” for a question mark (?). Last word “query” for a question mark (?). Last word in salutation (i.e., “73”, “Love”, etc.)in salutation (i.e., “73”, “Love”, etc.)

Signature:Signature: (Write-in above REC’D block) (Write-in above REC’D block) Name & call sign of person who wrote the Name & call sign of person who wrote the message – include full phone number if not message – include full phone number if not a Ham or if new to NTS.a Ham or if new to NTS.

REC’D & SENT:REC’D & SENT: Record the names and call Record the names and call sign of the person you rec’d the message from sign of the person you rec’d the message from and/or sent/forwarded the message to, along and/or sent/forwarded the message to, along with the date & time (EST/EDT or Z).with the date & time (EST/EDT or Z).

704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 J UL 2

GREG SZPUNAR N2GS

J OE SMI TH KC2XXY1234 SECOND STSUMMI T, NJ 07901

650- 123- 4567

austin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT

THIS IS THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM THE ARRL RADIOGRAM

FORM XRAY DETAILFORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW TO FOLLOW

XRAY HAVE FUNXRAY HAVE FUN 7373


GREG SZPUNAR N2GS


650- 123- 4567






GREG SZPUNAR N2GS


650- 123- 4567





NumberNumber Assigned by the message originatorAssigned by the message originator No standard way of numbering messagesNo standard way of numbering messages Consecutive (1, 2, 3..., starting over at the new year or Consecutive (1, 2, 3..., starting over at the new year or

monthly)monthly) Order by month & number (507 = 7th you originated in Order by month & number (507 = 7th you originated in

May; May; 11244 = 244th message you originated in November11244 = 244th message you originated in November

Precedence (E, P, W, or R)Precedence (E, P, W, or R) E = Emergency (life or death urgency in a declared E = Emergency (life or death urgency in a declared

emergency)emergency) P = Priority (official traffic in a declared emergency)P = Priority (official traffic in a declared emergency) W = Health & Welfare (used only in a declared emergency)W = Health & Welfare (used only in a declared emergency) R = Routine (everything else – most frequently used)R = Routine (everything else – most frequently used)

Radiogram Form Detail (1 of 6)Radiogram Form Detail (1 of 6)


1.1. (Optional) HX or Handling Code – A, B, C, D, E, F or G(Optional) HX or Handling Code – A, B, C, D, E, F or GA.A. Collect landline delivery authorized within ___ miles of addressee or unlimited if Collect landline delivery authorized within ___ miles of addressee or unlimited if

blankblank(A150 = collect call authorized w/in 150 miles; A = collect call authorized (A150 = collect call authorized w/in 150 miles; A = collect call authorized regardless of miles)regardless of miles)

B.B. Cancel message if not delivered within ___ hours of filing time & service originating Cancel message if not delivered within ___ hours of filing time & service originating station station (B72 = cancel if not delivered within 72 hrs and send message to originator to (B72 = cancel if not delivered within 72 hrs and send message to originator to notify them)notify them)

C.C. Confirmation of delivery requested by originating station (“TOD YOUR 1014 JULY 4 Confirmation of delivery requested by originating station (“TOD YOUR 1014 JULY 4 1330 PST XRAY 73” or if issues “ARL SIXTY SEVEN 1014 PHONE 650 555 1212 1330 PST XRAY 73” or if issues “ARL SIXTY SEVEN 1014 PHONE 650 555 1212 INCORRECT NO REPLACEMENT FOUND SENT RADIOGRAM INSTEAD XRAY 73”INCORRECT NO REPLACEMENT FOUND SENT RADIOGRAM INSTEAD XRAY 73”

D.D. Report your identity & time/date rec’d message plus time/date delivered or sent to Report your identity & time/date rec’d message plus time/date delivered or sent to anotheranother

E.E. Delivering station to get reply from addressee Delivering station to get reply from addressee andand send to originator as a new send to originator as a new messagemessage

F.F. Hold delivery until ___ (numbered day of month) – great for birthday or anniversary Hold delivery until ___ (numbered day of month) – great for birthday or anniversary messages messages (F14 = deliver on 14(F14 = deliver on 14thth of the month; F1 = deliver on the 1 of the month; F1 = deliver on the 1stst of month after date of month after date filed)filed)

G.G. Delivery by mail or toll call not required, service originating station (often ignored).Delivery by mail or toll call not required, service originating station (often ignored).



1.1. Station of Origin: Station of Origin: Call sign of station who put the message into NTS Call sign of station who put the message into NTS formatformat; If N2GS ; If N2GS prepares message 1207 for a fellow ham, then puts it onto an NTS packet BBS for prepares message 1207 for a fellow ham, then puts it onto an NTS packet BBS for relay to Vermont, the originator is... N2GS. If WB2W prepares message 23 for his relay to Vermont, the originator is... N2GS. If WB2W prepares message 23 for his non-ham neighbor then gives it to N2GS to relay to any NTS net, the originator is... non-ham neighbor then gives it to N2GS to relay to any NTS net, the originator is... WB2W.WB2W.

2.2. Check: Check: The word count in body text only (do not count the address or signature); The word count in body text only (do not count the address or signature); precede with “ARL” if any of the ARL numbered texts are used (i.e., ARL7).precede with “ARL” if any of the ARL numbered texts are used (i.e., ARL7).

3.3. Place of Origin: Place of Origin: The city & state where the message was written.The city & state where the message was written.

4.4. (Optional) Time Filed: (Optional) Time Filed: This is not used much... 24-hr format & time zoneThis is not used much... 24-hr format & time zone

5.5. Date: Date: Month (non-numeric – abbreviated) & day number message was created (i.e., Month (non-numeric – abbreviated) & day number message was created (i.e., Sep 21).Sep 21).



To:To: Name, call sign (if going to a ham), street address or P.O. Box, city, Name, call sign (if going to a ham), street address or P.O. Box, city, state (abbreviated) & zip code. Note: Digital and packet NTS messages state (abbreviated) & zip code. Note: Digital and packet NTS messages are routed via zip code.are routed via zip code.

Telephone Number:Telephone Number: Be sure to include the area code and double-check the number!!!Be sure to include the area code and double-check the number!!!

This Radio Message was received at: This Radio Message was received at: Your station identification, date received, and your location. More Your station identification, date received, and your location. More received-from detail will go in the “REC’D” block after body text and received-from detail will go in the “REC’D” block after body text and signature.signature.


JOE SMITH KC2XXYJOE SMITH KC2XXY1234 SECOND ST1234 SECOND STSUMMIT NJ 07901SUMMIT NJ 07901

650-123-4567650-123-4567

Text:Text: 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use “xray” for a period (.) and “query” 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use “xray” for a period (.) and “query” for a question mark (?).for a question mark (?).

Signature:Signature: There is no “Signature” field, just write-in below text; There is no “Signature” field, just write-in below text; Name & call Name & call sign of author – include phone number if not a ham or if not known on an sign of author – include phone number if not a ham or if not known on an NTS net.NTS net.


THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAMTHIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM

FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW

XRAY HAVE FUN 73 XRAY HAVE FUN 73

GREG SZPUNAR N2GSGREG SZPUNAR N2GS

REC’D:REC’D: Call sign from whom Call sign from whom youyou received the message and date & time of received the message and date & time of receipt. Time may be either your local time (EST/EDT) or Zulu time. Make receipt. Time may be either your local time (EST/EDT) or Zulu time. Make sure date agrees with time (Zulu is 5 hours ahead of EST – can cause date sure date agrees with time (Zulu is 5 hours ahead of EST – can cause date to roll forward).to roll forward).

SENT:SENT: Call sign Call sign youyou sentsent or passed the message to, or to whom you or passed the message to, or to whom you delivereddelivered it, with date & time. Also good to note delivery method for your own it, with date & time. Also good to note delivery method for your own reference (i.e., via phone or left on Tom’s voicemail). Always leave your call reference (i.e., via phone or left on Tom’s voicemail). Always leave your call back number if message was left on voicemail!back number if message was left on voicemail!


Austin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDTAustin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT

ARL Numbered TextsARL Numbered TextsPurpose & How CountedPurpose & How Counted

ARL Numbered Texts replace common phrases in ARL Numbered Texts replace common phrases in message body text (i.e., Happy Birthday, Greetings message body text (i.e., Happy Birthday, Greetings by amateur radio, etc.)by amateur radio, etc.)

Use of ARL texts reduce total message word count – Use of ARL texts reduce total message word count – faster and more consistent transmission of textfaster and more consistent transmission of text

Translated before delivery of message to addresseeTranslated before delivery of message to addressee ARL text numbers are always spelled-out in words ARL text numbers are always spelled-out in words

(i.e., ARL SEVEN or ARL FORTY SIX)(i.e., ARL SEVEN or ARL FORTY SIX) Message word count (check) is written as “ARL#” Message word count (check) is written as “ARL#”

(i.e., ARL4 or ARL15) to alert operators that message (i.e., ARL4 or ARL15) to alert operators that message includes at least one ARL numbered text.includes at least one ARL numbered text.

ARL Numbered Texts (Examples)ARL Numbered Texts (Examples)

ARL FORTY SIX = Greetings on your birthday and ARL FORTY SIX = Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come.best wishes for many more to come.

ARL FORTY SEVEN = Your message ______ to ______ ARL FORTY SEVEN = Your message ______ to ______ delivered _______ _______UTCdelivered _______ _______UTC

ARL FIFTY = Greetings by amateur radio.ARL FIFTY = Greetings by amateur radio. ARL FIFTY ONE = Greetings by amateur radio. This ARL FIFTY ONE = Greetings by amateur radio. This

message is sent as a free public service by ham message is sent as a free public service by ham radio operators at _______. Am having a wonderful radio operators at _______. Am having a wonderful time.time.

ARL SIXTY SEVEN = Your message number _____ ARL SIXTY SEVEN = Your message number _____ undeliverable because of ______. Please advise.undeliverable because of ______. Please advise.

How to Deliver an NTS MessageHow to Deliver an NTS Message

Preferred delivery is via telephone.Preferred delivery is via telephone.

Okay to leave on voicemail or answering Okay to leave on voicemail or answering machine IF you are comfortable you reached machine IF you are comfortable you reached the right person.the right person.

Radiogram postcard if cannot reach by Radiogram postcard if cannot reach by phone.phone.

Service originating station to inform if cannot Service originating station to inform if cannot deliver or if they requested confirmation.deliver or if they requested confirmation.

Record Keeping & Reporting (PSHR)Record Keeping & Reporting (PSHR)

Use a log sheet to keep track of your messagesUse a log sheet to keep track of your messages Use a PSHR log sheet to tally monthly points for Public Service Use a PSHR log sheet to tally monthly points for Public Service

Honor RollHonor Roll Report message count (originated, sent, receivedReport message count (originated, sent, received

& delivered) to STM monthly& delivered) to STM monthly Report PSHR totals to Section Traffic ManagerReport PSHR totals to Section Traffic Manager OH-STM = David Maynard WA3EZNOH-STM = David Maynard WA3EZN MI-STM = John McDonough WB8RCR MI-STM = John McDonough WB8RCR KY-STM = Jimmy Rayburn KC4BQKKY-STM = Jimmy Rayburn KC4BQK

8RN Nets8RN Nets

Open to all HAMsOpen to all HAMs Liaisons to/from OH, W.VA. and MICHIGANLiaisons to/from OH, W.VA. and MICHIGAN Liaisons to EAN and other area netsLiaisons to EAN and other area nets

Frequency (MHz) Time Mode

3.865 /7.40 12:30/4:30 PM SSB

3.530 7:45/9:30 PM CW

9RN Nets9RN Nets

Open to all HAMsOpen to all HAMs Liaisons to/from Kentucky, IN, IL, WILiaisons to/from Kentucky, IN, IL, WI Liaisons to EAN and other area netsLiaisons to EAN and other area nets

Frequency (MHz) Time Mode

7.280 11:00 AM MWF CT SSB

7.280 12 PM , 4PM Daily CT SSB

3.555 7:45 & 9:30 PM CT CW

OHIO Section NetsOHIO Section Nets

Open to all HAMsOpen to all HAMs

Name Time Frequency (MHz) Days Mode

OSSBN 10:30 AM 3.9725 DAILY SSB

OSSBN 4:30/6:45 PM 3.9725 DAILY SSB

OH SLOW NET 6:10 PM 3.535 DAILY CW

BUCKEYE EARLY 6:45 PM 3.577 DAILY CW

BUCKEYE LATE 10:00 PM 3.577 DAILY CW

Michigan Section NetsMichigan Section Nets

Open to all Hams with or without traffic Open to all Hams with or without traffic handling experience.handling experience.


MACS 11:00 AM 3.953 Mon-Sat SSB

QMN 6:30/10 PM 3.563 DAILY CW

MITN 7:00 PM 3.953 Sun-Sat SSB

GLETN 8:00 PM 3.932 Sun-Sat SSB

Kentucky Section NetsKentucky Section Nets

Open to all Hams with or without traffic Open to all Hams with or without traffic handling experience.handling experience.


KTN 8:30 AM 3.960 DAILY SSB

KTN 7:00 PM 3.960 DAILY SSB

KY-CW 8:00 PM 3.599 DAILY CW

KY-SLOW 10:00 PM 3.721 DAILY CW

Local Traffic NetsLocal Traffic Nets

Open to all Hams with or without Open to all Hams with or without traffic handling experience.traffic handling experience.A great place to start and to learn A great place to start and to learn first hand.first hand.

More information on local nets, More information on local nets, times and frequencies in the times and frequencies in the handoutshandouts

Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

ARRL Net DirectoryARRL Net Directory – Excellent NTS reference – Excellent NTS reference with net listings by state ($5 from ARRL). with net listings by state ($5 from ARRL). Online version is accessible free at the ARRL Online version is accessible free at the ARRL web site (www.arrl.org).web site (www.arrl.org).

Public Service Communication ManualPublic Service Communication Manual – – Detailed reference on NTS message handling Detailed reference on NTS message handling ($1 from ARRL), also available on ARRL web ($1 from ARRL), also available on ARRL web site.site.

W8UL websiteW8UL website – John was the Section Traffic – John was the Section Traffic Manager for Ohio and has a great website.Manager for Ohio and has a great website.

http://www.oharts.orghttp://www.oharts.org

Questions? Questions?

NTS Digital

John Tipka W8ULJohn Tipka W8UL8RN Digital MBO8RN Digital MBO

Reynoldsburg, OHReynoldsburg, OHFormer Ohio Section Traffic ManagerFormer Ohio Section Traffic Manager

Advantages of NTS DigitalAdvantages of NTS Digital

Available 24/7, 365 days a yearAvailable 24/7, 365 days a year Error FreeError Free Frequency, Time, Propagation AgileFrequency, Time, Propagation Agile FasterFaster Able to respond and adapt quicker to urgent Able to respond and adapt quicker to urgent

needs like disaster messagesneeds like disaster messages Multiple redundant routing pathsMultiple redundant routing paths NTSD exists at and incorporates all levels of NTSD exists at and incorporates all levels of

traditional NTS from TCC, through Area, Region, traditional NTS from TCC, through Area, Region, Section and Local .Section and Local .

Not to Replace Traditional NTSNot to Replace Traditional NTS

Complementary systemComplementary system Trained operators always needed for Trained operators always needed for

origination and delivery of messagesorigination and delivery of messages

Digital Mode HistoryDigital Mode History

RTTY- After WWII, 5 level Baudot code, RTTY- After WWII, 5 level Baudot code, mechanical teletypewriters, paper tape storage.mechanical teletypewriters, paper tape storage.

NoisyNoisy Signals subject to selective fading and drop out Signals subject to selective fading and drop out

errors.errors. Equipment relatively available via surplus routeEquipment relatively available via surplus route Some units as big as a sub-compact carSome units as big as a sub-compact car AMTOR- Still 5 bit code, but with limited error AMTOR- Still 5 bit code, but with limited error

correction.correction. Burst mode-requires fast transmit/receive Burst mode-requires fast transmit/receive

switchingswitching

NTSD and PactorNTSD and Pactor HF NTSD Operates almost exclusively in the automatic control sub-HF NTSD Operates almost exclusively in the automatic control sub-

bandsbands

3.585 - 3.600 MHz3.585 - 3.600 MHz7.100 - 7.105 MHz7.100 - 7.105 MHz10.140 - 10.150 MHz10.140 - 10.150 MHz14.095 - 14.0995 MHz14.095 - 14.0995 MHz14.1005 - 14.1120 MHz14.1005 - 14.1120 MHz

Using Pactor 1, 2, and very limited use of Pactor 3. Using Pactor 1, 2, and very limited use of Pactor 3.

• Pactor 2 and 3 are proprietary modesPactor 2 and 3 are proprietary modes..

All pactor connects start out at Pactor 1 and then shift up to higher All pactor connects start out at Pactor 1 and then shift up to higher speed if the equipment at both ends is compatible.speed if the equipment at both ends is compatible.

Bandwidth for Pactor 1 and 2 is 500 Hz. pactor 3 will expand its Bandwidth for Pactor 1 and 2 is 500 Hz. pactor 3 will expand its

bandwidth up to 2.4 KHz at highest speeds.bandwidth up to 2.4 KHz at highest speeds.

Eastern Area MBOsEastern Area MBOs

KW1U 1RN Edgartown, MAKW1U 1RN Edgartown, MA W1WCG 1RN North Haven, CTW1WCG 1RN North Haven, CT N2LTC 2RN Taberg, NYN2LTC 2RN Taberg, NY WB2FTX 2RN Butler, NJ EADCWB2FTX 2RN Butler, NJ EADC N3SW 3RN Harrisburg, PAN3SW 3RN Harrisburg, PA WX4J 4RN Switzerland, FLWX4J 4RN Switzerland, FL WA4ZXV 4RN Norcross, GAWA4ZXV 4RN Norcross, GA W8UL 8RN Reynoldsburg, OHW8UL 8RN Reynoldsburg, OH VE3GT ECN Renfrew, ONVE3GT ECN Renfrew, ON VA3PM ECN Brampton, ONVA3PM ECN Brampton, ON

national traffic system (nts) an introduction arrl great lakes convention findlay hamfest september...

Documents

daily nts nets

digital slide

modes nts hierarchy

arrl radiogram slide

nts areas pan

formal arrl system

local nets us

official relay station