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ARRL Bulletin – A Call for Help |
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Most readers have no doubt seen this bulletin issued by ARRL earlier in September, but it bears repeating. All US radio amateurs are asked to support bills currently before Congress to remove antenna restrictions on fellow amateurs currently living under HOA restrictions. As we strive for emergency preparedness in these increasingly critical times, we need amateur operators available to provide communication assistance to the public when called upon. NTS and ARES operators train for this readiness but we need more operators to be available and ready. I urge you to check out the link below and lend your support. See the call for help on the ARRL website. All you need to do is to enter your call sign and letters will be delivered to your senators and congressional representatives.
So easy, but it means so much!
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Upcoming RRI/NTS Emergency Communications Exercise |
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--James Wades, WB8SIW
Over the past decade, Radio Relay International (RRI) has worked extensively to develop, test, and evolve the National Response Plan.
These guidelines, initially developed as a prototype for use during the “Cascadia Rising” disaster exercise in the Pacific Northwest, have since been subjected to regular drills and exercises designed to evaluate the procedures outlined in the plan.
Because of this, the plan is always a work in progress, evolving and improving in response to lessons learned during each exercise.
The plan is complemented by a variety of emergency communications tools developed by the RRI Emergency Communications Committee, often with cooperation from the Winlink Development Team, other EmComm organizations, and served agencies. Some of these tools involve specialized software and forms that interactively guide EmComm volunteers as they format radiogram and radiogram-ICS213 messages. Other tools, such as the “I Am Safe” program developed in support of the Seattle Hubs organization with input from the American Red Cross and local EMA, offer a systematic process for managing the origination of health and welfare traffic from affected areas. These “I Am Safe” tools are available to anyone via the RRI website. Documentation for this program is available in both English and Spanish.
Most recently, RRI has been working on the implementation of a specialized “Request for Information” reporting method. Geared mostly toward digital communications methods, the RI process can be used either standalone or via the Digital Traffic Network or Winlink-RRI gateway process. Simply put, a “request for information” data strip is used in conjunction with a simple software program to create a “query table.” The radio operator populates the data or answers to the questions presented in the table.
The software then parses the data, creating a response strip that can be inserted in a radiogram or radiogram-ICS213 message for transmission to a target station(s) with the responsibility of performing quality control checks, then automatically populating a spreadsheet.
This spreadsheet can then be shared with agencies that have need of the information.
The first process for which the RI procedure will be used is that of collecting useful weather data.
Volunteer observers populate the query table with the necessary meteorological information, called a WXOBS message, which is transmitted to one or more target stations with the responsibility of transferring the data to the spreadsheet.
Beginning in mid-October, RRI and ARRL NTS will begin testing this WXOBS messaging process.
This fourth-quarter 2025 exercise will concentrate on the use of the Digital Traffic Network and the Winlink-RRI gateway process. A subsequent exercise will then incorporate manual mode originations.
Once the process is thoroughly tested, the National Response Plan will be modified to incorporate these new methods.
The RI process will also be expanded to support Situation Awareness Reports (SITREP) and Operational Readiness Reports (OPRED) messages. The latter messages are sent to a network coordinator who maintains a modified ICS205 communications plan for RRI/NTS networks, which can be used to expedite the flow of priority or emergency messages and answer questions such as “Can you get this message to Glenns Ferry, Idaho?” or the like.
With the implementation of a new Memorandum of Understanding between ARRL and RRI, the RRI Emergency Communications Committee will now include representatives from ARRL.
We expect a healthy and collegial approach to improved public service communications.
RRI/NTS Training
RRI has released its fall-winter 2025/2026 training schedule. Classes are available on a variety of topics, ranging from basic voice communications methods to emergency communications planning and exercise design.
Training on the RI process described above will also be included.
Those who complete the required training may obtain a “Certified Radio Operator” certificate from Radio Relay International.
More information can be found on the RRI website at www.radiorelay.org.
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Last month we reported on the ARRL Board of Directors’ approved motion, presented by the NTS subcommittee, to reinstate the Area Chairs and Staffs who will oversee the operation of the NTS.
Section Managers and their Section Traffic Managers will still oversee traffic movement within their respective Sections, but the area staffs will be tasked with oversight of the overall national network.
Three interim area chairs have since been appointed, representing both ARRL and RRI.
They are Marcia Forde, KW1U, Eastern Area; Steve Phillips, K6JT, Central Area; and Leslie Varnicle, WA3QLW, Western Area. These three will serve until an election can be held, likely by June 2026. As noted, chairs are elected by their peers and serve for a period of two years.
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Upcoming Section Traffic Manager Virtual Meeting |
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ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, reports that the nation’s Section Traffic Managers have been encouraged to attend a virtual call-up on Thursday, October 9, at 9PM Eastern Time (0100Z Oct. 10). Like the quarterly meetings of the Section Emergency Coordinators, it has been suggested that STMs have an opportunity to meet to coordinate and discuss issues common to traffic handlers nationwide. Invitations have gone out. If you are an STM and have not received a notification, contact w8zy@arrl.org.
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NTS Discussed at Quarterly SEC Meeting |
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--Phil Temples, K9HI, phil@temples.com
On September 9, the country’s Section Emergency Coordinators (SECs) met for their quarterly Zoom call, led by ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. The National Traffic System was one of the top items on the agenda.
Phil Temples, K9HI, ARRL New England Vice Director and NTS Subcommittee Chair, spoke briefly to the audience about the National Traffic System. He described two new initiatives: the Virtual NTS Training Net and the Radiogram Portal. Temples also encouraged the SECs to reach out and work with their counterpart Section Traffic Managers in their respective Sections.
K9HI reiterated to the SECs the importance of encouraging their ARES operators to check into traffic nets. “Message handling teaches net procedure and discipline for voice modes, including proper use of prowords for tactical communications on voice nets.”
It is hoped that more Section Emergency Coordinators, District Emergency Coordinators, and Emergency Coordinators will incorporate formal message handling as they plan future Simulated Emergency Tests and other exercises.
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Promotion of Virtual NTS Training Net (VNTN) at SEC Meeting |
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As noted above, Phil Temples, K9HI, reports that at the Section Emergency Coordinators meeting on September 9, he described the Virtual NTS Training Net (VNTN) to the nationwide SECs present. He stated that the VNTN concept was warmly received. This net meets every Wednesday at 7PM Eastern Time. Zoom link can be found at nts2.arrl.org/virtual-nts-training-net.
Phil states, “ARES and EmComm people recognize the importance of having operators trained in the proper use of prowords and voice net procedures since this also carries over to ARES nets.
At least one SEC indicated that he planned to check in to the next VNTN session.”
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The 7290 Traffic Net – Independent Nets in Support of NTS |
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Independent nets, while not affiliated with NTS, provide a valuable contribution to the relay of radiogram message traffic, often with outlets into otherwise hard to reach areas. Many of their members are also associated with NTS traffic nets. Previously this newsletter reported on the Hit and Bounce CW traffic nets. This month, I would like to highlight the 7290 Traffic Net, which serves the southern US with coverage from Florida to New Mexico and Colorado to Missouri. The net has been operating continuously since 1953 and can be found on or about 7290 kHz, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon and Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, all Central Time, and welcomes all licensed amateurs to participate. The 7290 Traffic Net is a very popular net and a major outlet for message traffic into Texas and the surrounding area. Its manager is JoAnn Keith, KA5AZK. The net’s website can be found at www.7290trafficnet.org. If you’re in that part of the country, check it out.
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Radiogram CQ – An Informational Website for Traffic Handlers |
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--Phil Temples, K9HI, phil@temples.com
The RadiogramCQ website (radiogramcq.com) describes itself as “a database for amateur radio operators to ‘call CQ’ to receive and exchange radiogram traffic.”
Registered users can sign up to receive message traffic via “CQ Lists” such as “QSO Contact,” “Birthdays,” “Trivia,” “Chess,” “Special Events and Conventions,” and “General.”
Another powerful feature on the site is “FCC lists.” This section allows you to generate lists from the FCC database for new amateur radio licenses issued or license class upgrades. The FCC lists can be downloaded in CSV, XLS, TXT, or PDF formats.
Unfortunately, several listed features on RadiogramCQ remain unimplemented, like: “Logbook,” “Traffic Nets,” and “Getting Started.” Also, the website lacks any sort of chatroom or external mailing list. There is no “About Us” page or instructions on contacting the site author(s).
Despite its deficiencies, RadiogramCQ encourages amateurs to originate radiogram traffic, thus serving as a valuable tool in preserving our National Traffic System.
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NTS Treasure Hunt – A Fun Activity for Those With Radio Restrictions |
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--Jay Fox, NK2Y
The NTS Treasure Hunt is an enjoyable way for hams to get involved with traffic handling.
Since its inception about a year ago, many “THR” (Treasure Hunt Response) messages have passed through the system, providing practice for operators to formulate, send, relay, receive, and even deliver messages — all while learning operating tips and trivia about the NTS from volunteer judges.
To those operators who are deeply involved with traffic handling, the mechanics of how this works is just second nature.
But what about a new ham? Or a ham who has an antenna restriction or no radio? The following are some ideas on how a ham (or non-ham) could participate in the NTS Treasure Hunt without a radio.
Virtual Training Net join this Zoom-based training net Wednesdays at 7PM Eastern and get practice participating in a traffic net. Use the link nts2.arrl.org/vntn-url
to join. Once you are comfortable with the format, try bringing a message to this net.
Messages can go into the National Traffic System from this net!
Echolink Echolink is a system by which licensed amateurs can connect to amateur radio repeaters through the internet (more info: www.echolink.org/faq.htm). Two examples of on-the-air nets that service the National Traffic System which can be accessed by EchoLink are the NLIStudentTrafficNet
(NLISTEN) and The Big Apple Traffic Net.
Radiogram Portal Practice formatting a radiogram message using the online portal found at nts2.arrl.org/radiogram. Using this tool will allow your message to be injected into the National Traffic System and will continue on its way over the air, no internet or mail needed!
With multiple options to get a THR message into the National Traffic System, anyone can participate.
So, if you are in an area without a local NTS Net, or you're in between stations, try the options above to get involved.
Using one of these methods, your message gets “on the air” and it will quickly reach the intended judge who will respond with your next clue, and you’ll be on your way to completing the challenge!
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From the Field: KA9IKK and N5ATR – Promoting Message-Handling |
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Bill Novak, KA9IKK, from Katy, TX, has been sending radiograms each day via the Radiogram Portal to ARES members throughout the country urging them to practice sending radiograms using the Portal.
He includes the URL in his messages.
Thanks, Bill, for spreading the word.
Great idea and just in time for SET.
Tom Russell, N5ATR, from Sandia Park, NM, reports having given a presentation at a hamfest in New Mexico one weekend in September.
It centered around various aspects of NTS and message handling, including radiograms, movement of traffic around New Mexico traffic nets and Region 12, New Mexico’s participation in the Digital Traffic Network, and entering radiograms into the network via the Radiogram Portal.
Tom has been very instrumental, along with NM Section Traffic Manager Gerry Jurrens, N2GJ, in building the traffic network in New Mexico.
Great job, Tom!
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Traffic Tips: Email Addresses and URLs in Radiograms |
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How to enter an email or URL address into a radiogram: (Methods and Practices Guidelines Chapter 1: 1.3.2)
Punctuation is not permitted. Appropriate spelled words are used as substitutes where required. The objective is to format the address in plain text for all mode transmission, and then to be able to reconstitute the appropriate address syntax and symbols at the delivery point, as in: W3XXX ATSIGN AOL DOT COM (“AT” is not used for “ATSIGN” here since the objective is to use a substitute word for the symbol “@”. “DOT” is used as the substitute for the period.)
Email Address:
W3XXX@WB3XXX.MD.USA.NA
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W3XXX ATSIGN WB3XXX DOT MD DOT USA DOT NA
URL Address:
HTTP://WWW.HOMEPAGE.COM
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HTTP COLON SLASH SLASH WWW DOT HOMEPAGE DOT COM
Notes:
"" is written as "BACKSLASH",
/ is customarily written as “SLASH” (except when included within a mixed group where it can still be sent on CW without confusion).
"TILDE", "UNDERSCORE", "POUNDSIGN", etc., are often encountered.
Use "UPPERCASE" or "LOWERCASE" where required to specify case.
Use "SPACE" and “DASH” where they are an integral part of an address group.
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Spotlight: Steve Ewald, WV1X |
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Amateur radio has been a large part of my life, and I gratefully owe that to my father, Phil Ewald, W4EWR (SK), who was an avid amateur radio operator and ARRL Life Member. He was my mentor, and I earned my Novice license in late 1972 at the age of 13 in my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. At my father’s encouragement, I became an ARRL member soon after I was licensed, and an ARRL Life Member in 1974.
When I upgraded to General class in 1974, my call sign was also upgraded to WA4CMS. I was active on the Tennessee Phone Net on 3.980 MHz, where I was introduced to traffic handling and the NTS. Since I also enjoy operating CW, I supported the Tennessee Novice Net, and learned to become a net control station during the years that I attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
After graduating with a B.S. degree from the College of Communications (with a major in broadcasting) in 1981, I took the opportunity to move to Newington, Connecticut, to join the ARRL Headquarters staff in the spring of 1982.
I started in the ARRL Club and Training Department. During a re-organization in early 1985, the Field Services Department at Headquarters was formed. My responsibilities changed to include editing Section News columns in QST and working on the Field Forum and Section Leader newsletters. In 1985, I also started compiling the monthly Field Organization Reports column in QST that features recognition for Public Service Honor Roll and Brass Pounders League honorees.
Over the years, I have enjoyed working with and getting to know NTS and ARES participants and leaders as well as Section Managers and many ARRL Field Organization appointees. In 2002, I became the Field Organization Supervisor, and since 2021, I have also been the administrator of the ARRL Hamfest and Convention program.
Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, and Field Services Assistant Leona Adams, W1LGA, a 25-year employee at Headquarters, are my colleagues in the Field Services Department. Locally, I am active as an officer of the Newington Amateur Radio League and Chapter 149 of QCWA in Connecticut.
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Steve Ewald, WV1X, is pictured with “Tumbleweed,” during a visit to a Tennessee farm that’s owned by a friend of his sister. [Photo courtesy Steve Ewald, WV1X] | | | |
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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
Form Encoding Rules for Form
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Sign Up to Receive The NTS Letter |
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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 Director of Emergency Management: Josh Johnston, KE5MHV
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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.
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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 © 2025 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.
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