|
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.
|
|
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!
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@ac8np.com. – 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
|
|
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.!
|
|
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 | | | |
|
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 |
|
The NTS® Letter is published monthly and is free of charge to ARRL members. Subscribe: www.arrl.org/opt-in-out
If anyone has not received copies of The NTS Letter by email, be sure to check www.arrl.org/opt-in-out
to confirm that you are opted in. If you don't see The NTS Letter listed among the publications you are opted into, click on "Edit," and you will have the opportunity to check the box to receive The NTS Letter. If you have missed any issues, you can find them all at 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
|
|
NTS® is a program of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®. No other organization works harder than ARRL to promote and protect amateur radio! ARRL members enjoy many benefits and services including digital magazines, e-newsletters, online learning (learn.arrl.org), and technical support.
Membership also supports programs for radio clubs, on-air contests, Logbook of The World®, ARRL Field Day, and the all-volunteer ARRL Field Organization.
|
|
The
NTS Letter is published every month (12 times each year). ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their Member Data Page at
www.arrl.org/opt-in-out.
Copyright © 2026 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission.
|
|
