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Introduction to NTS & Radiograms

Tonto Amateur Radio Association - N7TAR Posted on by

The following is from a presentation by Woody – KJ7YYI at the monthly TARA meeting on July 13, 2024

This page as a PDF is found here: https://n7tar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Introduction-to-the-ARRL-NTS-Radiograms-Version-1.0.pdf

This is a brief introduction ONLY and is focused at the Local Operator Level – those who originate or actually deliver the messages passed throughout the system.

  • What is the ARRL National Traffic System (NTS)
    • Began in 1915 to pass messages (traffic) across the country
    • It is the “Relay” in Amateur Radio RELAY League (ARRL)
    • There are 3 Areas divided into 12 Sections (AZ is in Section 12)
    • Local Nets use HF and VHF/UHF to initiate and deliver traffic Voice/CW
    • Now, mostly using Digital (Winlink) for cross country traffic
    • Goal is to deliver a message within 24 to 36 hours of origination
  • What is an ARRL Radiogram
    • This is the primary “traffic”. It is very much like a Telegram (see example)
    • Brief (Typically 25 words or less) messages. May use numbered pre-written texts for common messages
    • Also supports Free Form and is ICS-213 capable
  • Radiograms During Emergencies
    • Gets Messages out of the affected area when other options are not available/reliable
    • Used heavily during the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico
  • A Brief Demonstration
    • Why Should You Care?
    • Initiate with Winlink
    • Relay via Voice
    • Deliver via Phone
    • What if you want to send a Radiogram?

 

EXAMPLE RADIOGRAM (Download a blank form here: https://n7tar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ARRL-Radiogram-Blank-Forms.pdf)

1001 WELFARE HXC KK7ZZZ ARL 5 TORNADO ALLEY, OK 1315 Z APRIL 19

ANDY MARCONI (KK7YYY)

123 ANY ST

PHOENIX AZ 85032

928 555 1212

BT

ARL TWENTY 123 212 5555

BT

KIM AND JIM

END NO MORE

 

ARL TWENTY = Temporarily stranded. Will need some assistance. Please contact me at 123 212 5555

 

 Precedence:

  • Emergency [EMERGENCY] Spell out in full (Life or death). Handle as quickly as possible.
  • Priority [P] – (Urgent). Handle after EMERGENCY traffic.
  • Welfare [W] – Inquiry or report as to health or welfare of an individual in the disaster area.
  • Routine [R] – (All other messages). Handle last.

 

Handling Instructions:

HXA Collect landline delivery authorized by addressee within ____ miles. (If no number, authorization is unlimited).
HXB Cancel message if not delivered within ____ hours of filing time; Service originating station.
HXC Report date and time of delivery (TOD) to originating station.
HXD Report to originating station the identity of station from which received, plus date and time. Report identity of station to which relayed, plus date and time, or if delivered report date, time and method of delivery.
HXE Delivering station to get reply from addressee and originate message back.
HXF Hold delivery until _____ (date).
HXG Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required. If toll or other expense involved, cancel message and service originating station.
HXI Please handle as ICS-213.
HXR Please confirm actual receipt by addressee, and notify the originator.

 

ICS-213 Encoding Example:

https://nts2.arrl.org/form-encoding-rules/

Presentation References:

nts2.arrl.org – ARRL’s National Traffic System

https://nts2.arrl.org/numbered-texts/ – Numbered Texts

ATENAZ.NET

  • Arizona Traffic and Emergency Net meets every evening on 3.986 MHz
  • October 15 through April 14 – 3986 kHz at 5:30 PM MST or 0030Z
  • April 15 Through October 14 – 3986 kHz at 7:00 PM MST or 0200Z

 

 Other Nets that ATEN Members may participate in:

  • The Saguaro 2-Meter NTS Net (Tucson) meets nightly at 6:30 P.M. (1830 MST) on the EAARs LINKED REPEATER SYSTEM – https://www.eaars.com
  • 3985 KHZ 75 METER INTERSTATE SIDEBAND NET (75M ISBN) 0100Z
  • 3939 KHZ NEW MEXICO ROADRUNNER TRAFFIC NET, (NMRR TFC NET) 0100Z
  • 5 KHZ MISSION TRAIL NET (MTN) 0300Z
  • 3975 KHZ GOLDEN BEAR TRAFFIC NET (GBN) 0300Z WINTER, 0200Z SUMMER
  • BEEHIVE UTAH NET
    • Frequency is 7272kHz
    • 12:30 PM Mountain Time – Winter 1930Z – Summer 1830Z
  • PAN Cycle 2 SSB Net at 14345 kHz at 2230Z or 3:30 PM MST. This net meets on M-W-F
  • Region 12 SSB Net
    • 5 kHz 7:00 AM MST or 1400Z, meets daily
    • Cycle 2, 7233 kHz 3:15 PM MST or 2215Z

 

Listen in on an ATEN Net!

This is an audio link to a 12-minute example of a complete ATENAZ net including a training tip, roll call, and passing 3 Radiograms. This is a good example of a typical net demonstrating how efficient this system can be.

(Recorded on Feb. 14, 2024 as heard on the Web SDR in Northern Utah)

https://gemcom.us/__Audio/websdr_recording_2024-02-15T00_44_11Z_3986.0kHz.mp3

 This is an Excellent Introductory video:

 

This presentation includes an excerpt of a video taken from the following YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/LCMDJ5Xca0Q?si=WBkY9vI6L7Mr3zQ7

 

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