The National Traffic System

A presentation on sending messages by Amateur Radio

prepared byHernando County Florida Amateur Radio

Emergency Services

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The National Traffic System

The National Traffic System (NTS) is a structure that allows for rapid movement of traffic from

origin to destination and training amateur operators to handle written traffic and

participate in directed nets.

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The National Traffic System

The purpose of this presentation is to provide the operator with information on filling out message forms and how to present those messages for transmission on the National Traffic System using Phone (voice) and Morse code (CW).

For those operators with an interest in sending messages using digital modes there are several references at the end of this presentation with links to tutorials and web sites providing information for the digital operator.

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The National Traffic System

To prepare a message we use a form like the one pictured above. Notice that there are 25 spaces on the form in the message body for entering words. This helps to keep the message short and to the point. A good recommendation is to write out the message on plain paper first, then transfer the corrected information to the form.

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The National Traffic SystemNUMBER:This is the location where you enter the message number. You start out with number 1 at the beginning of the month or year depending on how many messages you send.

Note: In the event that you have the SAME message going to a number of people, you would leave NUMBER blank and write in the TO area Booked, followed by(message number) through (message number). This multiple addressed message is known as BOOK TRAFFIC. More discussion on BOOK TRAFFIC is available on the ADDRESSING slide.

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The National Traffic SystemPRECEDENCE:This box is where you enter an R, W, P, or E which is short for:RoutineWelfarePriorityEmergencyThe word Emergency is usually spelled out to catch the operators eye.

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PrecedenceEmergency--Any message having life and death urgency to any person or group of persons, which is transmitted by Amateur Radio in the absence of regular commercial facilities. This includes official messages of welfare agencies during emergencies requesting supplies, materials or instructions vital to relief of stricken populace in emergency areas. During normal times, it will be very rare. On cw, RTTY and other digital modes this designation will always be spelled out. When in doubt, do not use it.

Priority--Important messages having a specific time limit. Official messages not covered in the Emergency category. Press dispatches and other emergency-related traffic not of the utmost urgency. Notifications of death or injury in a disaster area, personal or official. Use the abbreviation P on cw.

Welfare--A message that is either a) an inquiry as to the health and welfare of an individual in the disaster area b) an advisory or reply from the disaster area that indicates all is well should carry this precedence, which is abbreviated W on cw. These messages are handled after Emergency and Priority traffic but before Routine.

Routine--Most traffic normal times will bear this designation. In disaster situations, traffic labeled Routine (R on cw) should be handled last, or not at all when circuits are busy with Emergency, Priority or Welfare traffic.

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The National Traffic SystemHX:This is the spot to enter handling instructions for the message or how it should be delivered. This is a 3 letter code that may be followed by numbers.HX is explained fully on the next slide.

Note: HXG is the default handling instruction if NO code is entered into the box.

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HX: Handling InstructionsHXA--(Followed by number) Collect land line delivery authorized by addressee within....miles. (If no number, authorization is unlimited.)

HXB--(Followed by number) Cancel message if not delivered within....hours of filing time; service originating station. Service means contact originating station to let them know of cancellation.

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 get reply from addresses, originate message back.

HXF--(Followed by number) Hold delivery until....(date).

HXG--Delivery by mail or land line toll call not required. If toll or other expense involved, cancel message and service originating station.

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The National Traffic SystemSTATION OF ORIGIN:This is where your FCC licensed call goes. On rare occasions, such as field day, you would enter the call that is in use for the event.

Note: It is important for the station of origin information to be correct. If a message can not be read or sent this may be the only way to contact you to let you know of the message status or to get errors corrected.

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The National Traffic SystemCHECK:You enter the total amount of words used in the message body in this box.

Note: There will be more information on the CHECK number when we discuss the message body. The check number should always match the amount of spaces used in the message body.

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The National Traffic SystemPLACE OF ORIGIN:You can enter the location in this area. The location can be a City and State, a tactical location such as Hernando County EOC, a physical address or a set of coordinates. It does not have to be the station location.

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The National Traffic SystemTIME FILED:In this box you would enter the time in A.M., P.M. or 24 Hour time format for local or normal messages. For messages sent on behalf of government agencies or for international messages UTC should be used.

Note: UTC stands for Universal Time, Coordinated. A conversion chart from 24 Hour time to UTC is displayed in the next slides. Do not forget to look under the correct heading for Standard or Daylight Savings time for your area in the USA.

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Universal Time Conversion

1400 through 2400 hours conversion and an explanation is on the following slide.

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Universal Time Conversion

Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) is the time at the zero or reference meridian. Time changes one hour with each change of 15 degrees in longitude. The five time zones in the US proper and Canada roughly follow these lines.* 0000 and 2400 are interchangeable. (2400 is associated with the date of the day ending, 0000 with the day just starting.)

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The National Traffic SystemDATE:Enter the date as Month (spelled out) and day (number). The year is optional for local or normal messages but should be entered as a number for net, government agency, or formal messages which may need to be referred to at a later date.

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The National Traffic SystemTO:This is the ADDRESSING area where you will enter the NAME, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, and ZIP CODE of the person that the message is for. The information should be as complete as possible. Adding an email address here is an option. BT is BREAK and is discussed later.

Note: If you are sending the same message to multiple addresses (BOOKED TRAFFIC) you write Booked followed by(message number) through (message number). The addresses should be written on the back of the radiogram. This is described in the following slides.

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Addressing

To the left is an example of a normal address with a message number entered in the appropriate box.

Here you can see an example of book message addressing. Notice that the number box is left blank. The addresses go on the back of the form.

Note: In the above examples you will find BT next to the Address area. This is a pro sign meaning separation, break, or break for text. There will be more about this later in the slides on sending the message by radio.

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Addressing

Viewing back of Book message form

This slide shows the addresses on the back side of a Booked message form. Each address has an NR (number) which links each address to a message number.

Note: This message information can be valuable to you on field day for extra bonus points. Sending 1 message to your SM and a Book of 10 others was worth 200 bonus points for the 2010 field day event. Now to complete the front side of the form...next slide please...

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The National Traffic SystemTELEPHONE NUMBER:The phone number including area code is entered here. On international messages the country code can also be included.

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The National Traffic System

MESSAGE BODY:The message body can handle 25 or less words and numbers. An X is used in place of a period and it counts as 1 word.The X stands for period or stop and is a hold over from the days of Morse code sent over wires.

Note: When sending a message for others, you may need to assist them in shortening the message, while keeping the message intelligible. There are ARL code numbers which can be used to say a lot in a little space. This option is discussed on the slides that follow.

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The Message BodyThis is a filled out message body with a word count of 24 so 24 would be entered into the CHECK box on the form.

In this Field Day message example, some words have been shortened to initials to save space while maintaining message context. Spring Hill Amateur Radio Club has been shortened to SHARC and counts as one word instead of five. Field Day was spelled out in the first sentence and shortened to FD in the second sentence to save one word. The word WITH was omitted between 3ANFL and 15 to save one word.Space saving, such as this, becomes highly important if the message is being sent by Morse code (CW).

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The Message BodyNotice that there are two sentences ending with an X (stop) and a salutation (73) at the end of the message.

The first sentence is plain and is easily read. The second sentence states that the Spring Hill Amateur Radio Club is operating at Field Day with 3 emergency powered radios (3A) in the North Florida Section (NFL) (of the American Radio Relay League) located at the Hernando County airport in Brooksville. Florida with 15 Emergency Radio Operators in attendance. The 73 salutation means Best Wishes to you or Best Regards. This message was sent to people who know what abbreviations such as 3ANFL, ARES, and 73 stand for so the content remains clear. A complicated message, like this one, would be mostly meaningless to a person not familiar with Amateur Radio terms until it was explained to them. Normally a Radiogram IS read to the addressee by the radio operator that delivers it.

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The Message BodyTo the left is another message example. There are 2 sentences with 2 X (stops) and a salutation for a count of 12.

This message is clear and simple for anyone to read. It does not use a lot of words and it gets the idea across. It may actually be too short as it does not say how the individual is arriving, but if this is how you get the message then this is how you would send the message.

If the originator of the message is available, you might ask them if they want to add by what method they will be arriving (flight number and airport, by car, etc) but if the method is already understood at the other end (the receiver of the message) then there is no need for the additional information. When in doubt, send the message as it is written.

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The Message Body

ARL numbered messages:

ARL messages are pre arranged, numbered sentences, that can greatly shorten what is entered in the message body. Using this type of message is fairly easy. You enter the letters ARL in one space in the message body followed by the number (or numbers), which must be SPELLED OUT, in the following space (spaces). Following the number(s) you would enter the information that will fill in any blanks of the ARL message. You can use multiple ARL messages on the same form and no X (stop character) is required between multiple ARL's. At the end of the ARL messages you can put an X and continue with a regular text message or end the message with an optional salutation.Note: When sending an ARL numbered message, the letters ARL must precede the CHECK number that is entered into the check box. Emergency/priority messages originating from official sources must carry the signature of the originating official.

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ARL Numbered MessagesThis is a completed ARL numbered message. Notice the ARL in the check box. There are 3 ARL messages, some following text and a salutation for a total of 13 words.The deciphered message below contains 35 words (including the periods in the sentences).This message, as written, saved 22 words.

The message above, when read out loud says... (ARL ONE)Everyone safe here. Please don't worry.(ARL FOUR) Only slight property damage here. Do not be concerned about disaster reports.(ARL TWO) Coming home as soon as possible. Phone when available 100-100-1000. John, KB4BB, is the originator of the message.

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ARL Numbered MessagesARL numbered messages are are divided into 2 groups. Group one contains messages for RELIEF and EMERGENCY use. Group two is used for more ROUTINE messaging. This slide and the following slides show these message groups.

Group One - For Possible RELIEF EMERGENCY Use

ONE Everyone safe here. Please don't worry.TWO Coming home as soon as possible.THREE Am in _______ hospital. Receiving excellent care and recovering fine.FOUR Only slight property damage here. Do not be concerned about disaster reports.FIVE Am moving to new location. Send no further mail or communication. Will inform you of new address when relocated.SIX Will contact you as soon as possible.SEVEN Please reply by Amateur Radio through the amateur delivering this message. This is a free public service.EIGHT Need additional _______ mobile or portable equipment for immediate emergency use.

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ARL Numbered MessagesGroup One - For Possible RELIEF EMERGENCY Use – continued

NINE Additional ______ radio operators needed to assist with emergency at this location.TEN Please contact _______. Advise to standby and provide further emergency information, instructions or assistance.ELEVEN Establish Amateur Radio emergency communications with ______ on _______ MHz.TWELVE Anxious to hear from you. No word in some time. Please contact me as soon as possible.THIRTEEN Medical emergency situation exits here.FOURTEEN Situation here becoming critical. Losses and damage from _______ increasing.FIFTEEN Please advise your condition and what help is needed.SIXTEEN Property damage very severe in this area.SEVENTEEN REACT communications services also available. Establish REACT communication with _______ on channel _______.EIGHTEEN Please contact me as soon as possible at _______.

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ARL Numbered MessagesGroup One - For Possible RELIEF EMERGENCY Use – continued

NINETEEN Request health and welfare report on _______. (State name, address and telephone number.)TWENTY Temporarily stranded. Will need some assistance. Please contact me at _______.TWENTY ONE Search and Rescue assistance is needed by local authorities here. Advise availability.TWENTY TWO Need accurate information on the extent and type of conditions now existing at your location. Please furnish this information and reply without delay.TWENTY THREE Report at once the accessibility and best way to reach your location.TWENTY FOUR Evacuation of residents from this area urgently needed. Advise plans for help.TWENTY FIVE Furnish as soon as possible the weather conditions at your location.TWENTY SIX Help and care for evacuation of sick and injured from this location needed at once.

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ARL Numbered MessagesGroup Two - For ROUTINE messages

FORTY SIX Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come.FORTY SEVEN Reference your message number _____ to _____ delivered on _____ at _____ UTC.FIFTY Greetings by Amateur Radio.FIFTY ONE Greetings by Amateur Radio. This message is sent as a free public service by ham radio operators at _______. Am having a wonderful time.FIFTY TWO Really enjoyed being with you. Looking forward to getting together again.FIFTY THREE Received your _______. It's appreciated; many thanks.FIFTY FOUR Many thanks for your good wishes.FIFTY FIVE Good news is always welcome. Very delighted to hear about yours.FIFTY SIX Congratulations on your _______, a most worthy and deserved achievement.FIFTY SEVEN Wish we could be togetherFIFTY EIGHT Have a wonderful time. Let us know when you return.

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ARL Numbered MessagesGroup Two - For ROUTINE messages – continued

FIFTY NINE Congratulations on the new arrival. Hope mother and child are well.*SIXTY Wishing you the best of everything on _______.SIXTY ONE Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.*SIXTY TWO Greetings and best wishes to you for a pleasant _______ holiday season.SIXTY THREE Victory or defeat, our best wishes are with you. Hope you win.SIXTY FOUR Arrived safely at _______.SIXTY FIVE Arriving _______ on _______. Please arrange to meet me there.SIXTY SIX DX QSLs are on hand for you at the _______ QSL Bureau. Send _______ self addressed envelopes.SIXTY SEVEN Your message number _______ undeliverable because of _______. Please advise.SIXTY EIGHT Sorry to hear you are ill. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.SIXTY NINE Welcome to the _______. We are glad to have you with us and hope you will enjoy the fun and fellowship of the organization.

*Can be used for all holidays.

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The National Traffic SystemSIGNATURE AREA: The left arrow points to the area that contains the message originator's NAME and on official messages should have their title. The right arrow points to the SENT area where you write the STATION CALL SIGN the message was sent to, with the DATE and the TIME the message was sent.

When you receive a message, the station that you are receiving from is written, with the date and time, in the area marked REC'D.

Note:Emergency/priority messages originating from official sources must carry the signature of the originating official.

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The National Traffic SystemRECEIVING STATION:When you are receiving the message you enter the TIME, Your CALL SIGN, the DATE and your name and address information in this area.

The REC'D, SENT, and RECEIVING STATION areas provide complete tracking information for this message, while it was in your care. When this is combined with other relay stations where the message was sent to , it provides a complete path for tracking purposes.

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The National Traffic System There are 3 things that you can do with an NTS message: Relay it. Deliver it. Service it (reply with message status) back to the station of origin.

NTS messages should be saved in the same manner that you would save a Station Log book or QSL cards. The message is your record of the contact.

Messages can be sent by so many methods in these modern times. The NTS message is normally sent by radio and it can be sent by Voice, Morse code, or digitally. Sending a message digitally causes some small differences on how the message is sent depending on the mode used, the software installed, and the equipment interfacing the radio to the computer. There are a good quantity of tutorials on the internet dealing with each piece of software and its use. In the references at the end of this presentation you will find links to some of these tutorials.

On the following slides, you will find examples and a narrative on sending a message by voice followed by sending a message using Morse code.

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Sending the Message Sending a Message by Voice

Sending a radiogram by voice is just as easy as speaking into a microphone. NTS traffic nets are usually held on fixed frequencies and at fixed times for everyones convenience. Your local Amateur radio club, the ARRL, or an internet query for NTS net (your area) will give you this information. To begin, you get your radio set up for the frequency, at the proper time and listen for the net manager to identify the net as open. There is usually a preamble that is stated at the beginning of the traffic net and any special instructions for that session and ask for emergency traffic. (If you have EMERGENCY messages, contact the net controller now, and let him know that you have EMERGENCY traffic. He will direct you on how to send it. Any other messages are sent as discussed below). The net controller will then start asking for check ins from each County or Parrish in your area. When he calls your County or Parrish, you sign in by saying...This is (your call sign). I have (number) messages. What you say may vary slightly but he will usually ask for an operator that can receive the traffic to go with you to (frequency) and you would give him your message(s). Upon completion you return to (net frequency) and politely break in and say...(your call sign) returning...sent (number) messages. He will usually acknowledge your return and at this point you are done.

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice - continued

In the narrative that follows the 2 messages above will be used. One is normal and the other booked.

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice - continued

This narrative is between You kc4aa, as the originating station in Hernando County Florida, kc5bc Ted, the net control operator and kb4bb Bill, an amateur willing to take your message traffic. You are tuned to the frequency, awaiting the net to start.

[kb5bc] This is kc5bc. My name is Ted. Good morning. The traffic net will now come to order. Before we begin is there any EMERGENCY traffic? (silence)[kb5bc] This net meets every morning at ... (more preamble information)[kb5bc] Do we have any liaisons from other traffic nets (2 people check in)[kb5bc] We will now take check ins from (repeated for each county in the area)......[kb5bc] We will now take check ins from Hernando County (this is where you check in)[kc4aa] Good morning Ted, this is kc4aa. I have 1 going to Wakulla County and a book of 10 all for north Florida ... back to net control. (Wakulla County is where Panacea, Fla is located and where message number one is going to. The book of 10 is going to mixed locations but all are in the Northern Florida Section)( You should look up the Counties, that the cities are in, as it does make the traffic net operate faster). (next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice - continued

[kb5bc] Good morning to you also. Let us see if we can get someone to handle your traffic. Can anyone hear kc4aa and handle his traffic?[kb4bb] I have good copy and can take the traffic.[kb5bc] Great! Kc4aa can you and kb4bb go to (frequency) and pass those messages?[kc4aa] This is kc4aa. Leaving the net and proceeding to (frequency). I will check in on return.[kb4bb] This is kb5bb. Leaving the net, heading to (frequency). I will check in on return. [kb5bc] See you then. Any other check ins for Hernando? (net control continues with the net).

(At this point you have left the net frequency and have tuned to the new frequency and are now ready to contact kb4bb to pass your messages)

[kc4aa] Kb4bb this is kc4aa. Do you copy?[kb4bb] This is kb4bb, ready to copy your traffic. (next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice - continued(Note to keep the narrative short the zero's below have been replaced with 0's. It is still pronounced “zero”.)

[kc4aa] Please copy my message number one...Routine..G..N4WO...check twenty four...brooksville florida....time...one eight two fiveutc...june twenty six....To...paul ...eakin...i spell...e..a..k...i..n...kj4g...space..s..period..m..period....address... p..o..box.000.... panacea...i spell..p..a...n...a...c...e...a...florida....zip...00000... dash...0000... phone ...000...dash..000..dash..0000.... break for text.

(the periods are small pauses between each word to allow the other operator to copy the information. I spell means that you are going to spell out a unusual spelling for accuracy which can be single letters with a good connection or spelled PHONETICALLY if reception is bad. Break for text is the voice equivalent of BT used in Morse code which gives the operator a chance to call for corrects or to say continue) [kb4bb] Continue. (next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice - continued

[kc4aa] hope..you..are...enjoying...field.... day....figures....two..zero... one...zero ....xray....letters..I spell...s...h..a..r...c...operating....letters ...i spell....f...d.. .at....hernando.... I spell ...h..e...r...n..a..n..d..o... county...airport....brooksville...i spell ...b..r..o..o..k...s..v..i..l..l..e...class...mixed figures letters ...three...a...n...f...l .......fifteen.....letters I spell ...a...r...e...s.. members....attending... xray.... 73... break for text. ( since the signature is next you could say break for signature instead of break for text) [kb4bb] Repeat all after 3anfl.[kc4aa] This is kc4aa........ fifteen... ares....members....attending...xray...73...break for signature. Do you copy? ( what happened here is that kb4bb did not get a correct count or missed a word. Most likely the mixed figures and letters came out as 3anfl15 (no spaces) instead of 3anfl 15 (two separate words))

[kb4bb] This is kb4bb, Continue. (next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice - continued

[kc4aa] signature....debbie...i spell... d..e..b..b..i..e...dayton...n4dbi...comma.... president...spring...hill....amateur.... radio....club....that is all for my number one. Let me know when you are ready for the book or if there are any fills, over.

(you have successfully passed your first message and ready to correct any errors (any fills), or to pass the next message to kb4bb)

The Booked Message[kb4bb] My count is 24 on your number one. Ready for book traffic.[kc4aa] This is kc4aa....please copy my booked number two through eleven..... routine...G...n4wo....check...nineteen...brooksville.. florida....time...one eight two five utc ....june twenty six......break for text. (break for text is used here at this point because in BOOKED traffic the TEXT and SIGNATURE is sent FIRST and the message NUMBERS and ADDRESSES are sent AFTER. Remember, the message numbers and addresses are on the back of the form and you are reading from the front at the moment).

(next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice – The Booked Message - continued

[kb4bb] This is kb4bb, continue.[kc4aa] sharc spelled ..s..h..a..r..c..operating....field ...day....figures.... two... zero... one...zero...at...hernando spelled ..h...e...r...n...a...n...d...o...county....airport.... brooksville spelled b...r...o...o...k...s...v...i...l...l..e..as...class...figures letters....three..a...n ...f...l...letters...a...r...e...s...in...attendance....figures... fifteen....xray...73.... break for signature.[kb4bb] This is kb4bb. I copy nineteen, continue.

(some operators do not mind the use of the word SPELLED in place of I SPELL. Spelled seams to make the message sending go faster, but when in doubt use I spell as it is the more accurate and accepted form to use.)

[kc4aa] signature....debbie...dayton...n4dbi...comma..president...spring...hill....amateur.... radio....club....that is all for signature. Let me know when you are ready for addressing or if there are any fills, over. (in this case it was not necessary to spell out Debbie's name again as it was the same as the first message) (next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice – The Booked Message - continued

[kb4bb] This is kb4bb. Ready for addresses, continue.[kc4aa] number two...mark.....tobert spelled...t..o..b..e..r...t...comma...letters f...p...e...m..po..box..zero...zero..zero..zero..zero..brooksville spelled b..r..o..o..k..s..v..i..l..l..e florida....zip is..zero...zero..zero..zero..zero..dash.. zero...zero.. zero..zero.. phone area code..zero...zero..zero..number ..zero...zero..zero..zero.. .zero..zero..zero..break for address.[kb4bb] This is kb4bb. Ready for next, continue.[kc4aa] number three...pamela.....harris I spell...h..a..r..r..i...s...comma...letters ...e...m..spec..I spell ..s...p...e...c..period...number two...po..box..zero...zero. .zero. .zero..zero..brooksville I spell b..r..o..o..k..s..v..i..l..l..e florida....zip is..zero...zero..zero..zero..zero..dash.. zero...zero.. zero..zero.. phone area code..zero...zero..zero..number ..zero...zero..zero..zero.. .zero..zero..zero..This is kc4aa, break for address......

(This narrative will continue until all of the addresses have been sent. On the last address you would finish with).....

(next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Voice – The Booked Message – continued

[kc4aa]This is kc4aa, that is all for my book of ten, do you need any fills?[kb4bb] This is kb4bb. I show numbers two through eleven, no fills needed. I am returning to the net, 73.[kc4aa]This is kc4aa, returning to net,73.

(at this time you have passed all of your messages and you re-tune to the net frequency and check back into the net at an appropriate moment)

[kb4bb] This is kb4bb to net control. Returning to net, received eleven (messages).[kc4aa](You)This is kc4aa to net control, sent eleven (messages).[kb5bc](the net control operator) Welcome back gentlemen. I understand that you passed eleven messages...( and the net continues until all counties have been heard from and the net is closed).

(next slide)

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The National Traffic System The preceding narrative may seem like it took a long time to send but in reality, passing both messages took about 12 minutes to complete. The main goal in sending messages, is ACCURACY. A small mistake in the message can be offensive to some, in the case of a mis spelled name, or disastrous to relief efforts, in the case of incorrect information in an EMERGENCY or Priority message. The message may be relayed through many operators, so ensuring correct operation on your end will go a long way to get the message to the addressee just as the originator of the message intended.

One more object for discussion is the use of Phonetics when passing a message by voice.

The next slides cover the proper Phonetic usage and pronunciation.

(next slide)

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The Phonetic AlphabetThis is the word list adopted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

A Alpha Al -FaB Bravo Bra - VoeC Charlie Char - LeeD Delta Del - TaHE Echo Eh - KoeF Foxtrot Focks - TroTG Gulf GulF H Hotel Hoe - TeLLI India In – Dee - AhJ Juliet Jew – Lee - etteK Kilo Key - LowL Lima Lee - MahM Mike MyKeN November No - Vem - Bur

O Oscar Ah - ScarP Papa Pah - PahQ Quebec Kwee - BekR Romeo Rome – E - OS Sierra See –Air - ahT Tango Tang - GoU Uniform You – Nee - FormV Victor VicK - ToreW Whiskey Whis - KeyX X-ray eKs - Ray Y Yankee YanK - EEZ Zulu ZOO - LOO

(Emphasis is put on Capitalized Letters for proper pronunciation.)

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The National Traffic System

Sending a message by Morse Code

In the next slides, we will go over sending a message by Morse Code.

(Admittedly the Author of this presentation does not have personal experience with operating on an NTS Morse code net, so information will need to be added to this section from more qualified individuals.)

The ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) has some excellent information on sending messages by code and this section relies heavily on that information.

(next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Morse Code

Morse code messages are sent in much the same way as you saw in the preceding narrative but are much less “wordy”. You check in to the net, as mentioned in Sending a Message by Voice, and state that you have a message or messages to send. You will be instructed by the net control operator where to proceed, and who to contact for passing your traffic. When the traffic is successfully passed you return to the net and check back in.

The following narrative uses information found on ARL numbered Radio Grams which is form FSD3.pdf and is available from the ARRL. Links to this and other forms are listed in the REFERENCES at the end of this slide presentation. For simplicity, the same amateur operator calls as in the Voice Message narrative will be used. (As before, explanations will be in parentheses)

(next slide)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Morse Code - continued

(next slide)

The radio gram on the left is to be sent by Morse code. It is an ARL message, as noted in the CHECK box. Notice that there is no HX code in the HX box so this message would go as HXG. There is no time filed so no Time would be sent.

For those of you looking too closely, the telephone number 73-3968 was a real telephone number at one time. This radiogram was made following exactly the information given in FDS3 from the ARRL.

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Morse Code - continued

[kc4aa]KB4BB DE KC4AA KN (this is kc4aa looking for kb4bb only)[kb4bb] KCRAA DE KB4BB K (this is kb4bb. I am here. over)[kc4aa]DE KC4AA RDY? K (Are you ready?over)[kb4bb]DE KB4BB RDY K (I am ready. over)[kc4aa]DE KC4AA NR 1 R W1AW ARL 5 NEWINGTON CONN DEC 25 BT (the top line is sent) [kb4bb]DE KB4BB WA CONN K (what comes after CONN. over)[kc4aa]DE KC4AA DEC 25 BT[kb4bb]DE KB4BB TIME? K (what is the Time Filed? over)[kc4aa]DE KC4AA NONE K (there is none. over)[kb4bb]DE KB4BB K (continue or over)[kc4aa]DE KC4AA ADEE DONALD R. SMITH AA 164 EAST SIXTH AVE AA NORTH RIVER CITY MO AA PHONE 73-3968 BT (the addressee, address, phone information and a break for text is sent)[kb4bb]DE KB4BB K (continue or over)

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Sending the MessageSending the Message - by Morse Code - continued

[kc4aa]DE KC4AA ARL FIFTY ARL SIXTY ONE BT (message body and break for text is sent)

[kb4bb]DE KB4BB K (continue)[kc4aa]DE KC4AA DIANA AR TU K (signature and end of message sent. Thank

you. over)[kb4bb]DE KB4BB AR K (I copy end of message. over)[kc4aa]DE KC4AA 73 SK (salutation and clear)[kb4bb]DE KB4BB 73 SK (salutation and clear)

As you can observe, sending the message is quite a bit shorter even with a need for clarification of why there was no time filed on the message.

The DE used in the message means FROM or THIS IS. Some operators mis use DE thinking that it means WITH. DE and the CALL SIGN are used at each contact to ensure who the information is coming from as there may be other CW operators on nearby frequencies which could confuse passing the message.

On the next slides you will learn what Abbreviations, Prosigns, and Prowords are used with Morse code and digital modes.

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Abbreviations, Prosigns & ProwordsCW Phone (meaning or purpose)

AA N/A (Separation between parts of address or signature.)AA All after (use to get fills).AB All before (use to get fills).ADEE Addressee (name of person to whom message addressed).ADR Address (second part of message).AR End of message (end of record copy).ARL ARL (Used with "check," indicates use of ARRL numbered message in text).AS Stand by; wait.B More (another message to follow)BK Break; break me; break-in (interrupt transmission on cw. Quick check on phone).BT Separation (break) between address and text; between text and signature.C Correct; yes.CFM Confirm. (Check me on this).

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Abbreviations, Prosigns & ProwordsCW Phone (meaning or purpose)

CK Check.DE From; this is (preceding identification).HH N/A (Error in sending. Transmission continues with last word correctly sent.)HX N/A (Handling instructions. Optional part of preamble.) Initial(s). Single letter(s) to follow.IMI Repeat; I say again. (Difficult or unusual words or groups.)K Go ahead; over; reply expected. (Invitation to transmit .)KN Specific station answer only.N Negative, incorrect; no more. (No more messages to follow.)NR Number. (Message follows.)PBL Preamble (first part of message)N/A Read back. (Repeat as received.)R Roger; point. (Received; decimal point.)SIG Signed; signature (last part of message.)

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Abbreviations, Prosigns & ProwordsCW Phone (meaning or purpose)

SK Out; clear (end of communications, no reply expected.)TU Thank you.WA Word after (used to get fills.)WB Word before (used to get fills.)N/A Speak slower.N/A Speak faster.

And from the unofficial list......N/A I spell;spelled (used to clarify spelling of unusual words)

You may find other Abbreviations, Prosigns and Prowords used on the air but this list covers most of the commonly used ones. There are also QN signals which are used exclusively on CW (Morse code) nets which are used in passing messages and for common net operations.

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QN SignalsARRL QN Signals for CW Net Use

Notes on Use of QN Signals The QN signals listed below are special ARRL signals for use in amateur cw

nets only. They are not for use in casual amateur conversation. Other meanings that may be used in other services do not apply. Do not use QN signals on phone nets. Say it with words. QN signals need not be followed by a question mark, even though the meaning may be interrogatory.

International Q SignalsQNA*--Answer in prearranged order.QNB*--Act as relay Between ______ and ______.QNC--All net stations Copy. I have a message for all net stations.QND*--Net is Directed (controlled by net control station).QNE*--Entire net stand by.QNF--Net is Free (not controlled). (next slide)

56

QN SignalsARRL QN Signals for CW Net Use

QNG--Take over as net control station.QNH--Your net frequency is High.QNI--Net stations report In.*. I am reporting into the net. (Follow with a list or

traffic or QRU).QNJ--Can you copy me? Can you copy ______?QNK*--Transmit message for ______ to ______.QNL--Your net frequency is Low.QNM*--You are QRMing the net. Stand by.QNN--Net control station is ______. What station has net control?QNO--Station is leaving the net.QNP--Unable to copy you. Unable to copy ______.QNQ*--Move frequency to ______ and wait for ______ to finish handling traffic.

Then send him traffic for ______.

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QN SignalsARRL QN Signals for CW Net Use

QNR--Answer ______ and Receive traffic.QNS*--Following Stations are in the net. *(Follow with list.) Request list of stations

in the net.QNT--I request permission to leave the net for ______ minutes.QNU*--The net has traffic for you. Stand by.QNV*--Establish contact with ______ on this frequency. If successful, move to

______ and send him traffic for ______.QNW--How do I route messages for ______ ?QNX--You are excused from the net.* Request to be excused from the net.QNY*--Shift to another frequency (or to ______ kHz) to clear traffic with ______.QNZ--Zero beat your signal with mine.

* For use only by the Net Control Station. (next slide)

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The National Traffic System

This concludes the presentation on sending messages with the National Traffic System. It is hoped that knowledge gained here will be an aid to you for future endeavors in message handling and an aid to others in time of need.

Acknowledgments

Author: Alan McGrew KC4MTS EC Hernando County ARES email: kc4mts@bellsouth.net Carmen McGrew – for putting up with me while I prepared this presentation. Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) – for providing the reference materials and promoting amateur radio. Hernando County Amateur Radio Emergency Services – for being available when you are needed. John Snellen AI4RT EC Wake County N.C. and Bill Hackett N3XMZ from the Calvert Amateur Radio Association ( www. k3cal.org ) - for giving me the idea and requesting that I make this presentation. References and Links are listed on the following slides

59

References and LinksReferences: (references current as of AUG 19 2010)

FSD-3: ARRL Numbered Radiograms http://www.arrl.org/fsd-3-arrl-numbered-radiogramsFSD-218: Amateur Message Form http://www.arrl.org/fsd-218-amateur-message-formFSD-220: Handy Operating Aid http://www.arrl.org/fsd-220-handy-operating-aidRadiogram form http://www.arrl.org/arrl-radiogram-form

Links: (links are current as of Aug 19 2010)

Digital mode tutorials

Winlink2000 - http://www.winlink.org/Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting e-mail by radio (HF, VHF, MARS) with non-commercial links to internet e-mail.

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References and LinksLinks – digital mode tutorials – continued

Winlink2000 tutorial - http://www.winlink.org/node/23 This excellent tutorial will walk you step by step in setting up a complete winlink system. To begin with all that is required to get started is a Microsoft Windows 2000 Pro (or better) computer, Internet access, and a valid Amateur Radio License. You can get started and use the system to send mail to a CMS (Computerised Mail Server) without a data modem (TNC) or a radio. Also in the tutorial are sections on working with AGWPE (AGW packet engine)Airmail, Packlink, RMS express (Radio Mail Server), and a few others. Before buying equipment look at the suggestions of Winlink users at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LOADING_WL2K_USER_PROGRAMS/

Airmail - http://www.airmail2000.com/ AirMail is a radio mail program for sending and receiving messages via Pactor over HF radio, either via the ham radio system or participating marine and commercial services. He has a Pactor tutorial at: http://www.airmail2000.com/pprimer.htm

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References and LinksLinks – digital mode tutorials – continued

AC6V - http://www.ac6v.com/software.htm This site is a potpourri of everything Ham Radio Related, but the software page has links to many, many (did I say many?) digital mode programs listed. Look under the digital mode of your choice for links to programs. Jeff Dinkins AC6V operates this site and spends a good portion of time in updating links.

Google search – This is not so much a link but some search terms to use in searching for programs and tutorials.

Type in (1) Amateur radio followed by (2) digital mode ( or a specific digital mode such as pactor or psk) followed by (3) software ( or tutorial, help, setup)...

...so a typical search might be... amateur radio psk tutorial

73 DE KC4MTS