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CX2SA > NTS 06.07.25 19:01l 592 Lines 27837 Bytes #294 (0) @ ARRL
BID : NTS072025
Subj: July 2025 NTS Letter
Path: IZ3LSV<I3XTY<I0OJJ<N6RME<CX2SA
Sent: 250706/1143Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM #:53504 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:NTS072025
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : NTS@ARRL
====================
July 2025 NTS Letter
====================
Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U - July 1, 2025
- NTS Website Update
- Treasure Hunt Update
- Two Articles on NTS and Emergency Communications
- Virtual NTS Training Net Update
- NTS Training and Information (NTSTIN) Digital Voice Net Update
- Traffic Tips: Handling Instructions
- Thoughts on Error Mitigation
- Finding Ways to Create Traffic
- Spotlight - Bill Novak, KA9IKK
NTS Website Update
------------------
Phil Temples, K9HI
Shortly after the introduction of NTS 2.0, a new website, nts2.arrl.org, was
created, describing it as well as giving the status of projects undertaken
by the various working groups. The site evolved slowly; not much changed at
first. However, efforts are currently under way to add new content and
improve the usability and look and feel of the site.
In addition to resource materials like handling instructions, ARL-numbered
texts and guidelines, the site also contains archived issues of The NTS
Letter. You can find a new promotional page (nts2.arrl.org/promo) describing
handouts, traffic-handling training videos, recognitions and awards, and
traffic handling at ARRL Field Day.
The new Radiogram Portal project (nts2.arrl.org/radiogram) continues to
evolve with enhancements and added functionality on the website.
A page describing the new Virtual NTS Training Net
(nts2.arrl.org/virtual-nts-training-net) was recently added.
Your feedback is always welcome. We're open to any and all ideas on how to
make the site as interesting and useful as possible.
Treasure Hunt Update
--------------------
Dan Rinaman, AC8NP
Hello, Treasure Hunters! Fourteen stations participated in the May 2025 NTS
Treasure Hunt. The following stations successfully completed all four rounds:
VE1AQF Glenn, Meteghan NS
KJ7JJ John, Taylorsville UT
N1CVO Shawn, Lowell MA
N7YD Mark, Redmond WA
KE8HKA Matt, Ypsilanti MI
K2MJR Michelle, Poughkeepsie NY
N3KRX Jerry, Houston DE
KN6HXP Warren, Baltimore MD
KA9IKK Bill, Katy TX
W4EDN William, Charlotte NC
Stations half-correct THR4
W1OTW Doggone Dave, Warrensburg MO
N8VCL Scott, Plattsmouth NE
Mug Award Winner for May 2025 is Bill, KA9IKK
Mug Award Change: In previous Treasure Hunts, a special mug was awarded to
the first hunter to finish the hunt. We received feedback that sometimes
radiograms are inexplicably delayed, and a hunter may end up not finishing
first despite their diligence on the hunt. Starting with the November 2024
hunt, the mug has been awarded after a random drawing from all hunters who
complete the hunt.
On to the July Treasure Hunt
THR1 THIS APPEARS AT THE
VERY END OF THE RADIOGRAM
AND MAY ALLUDE TO A
DISCREPANCY IN MESSAGE X REPLY
TO NK2Y LAGRANGEVILLE NY 12540
The judges will respond with a radiogram back to you within 24 hours of the
receipt of your message most of the time. Our judges are on traffic nets
almost daily. The in-transit time will vary. So, if it has been 4 or 5 days
and you do not receive a reply radiogram, try sending a new one with a new
message number.
Try to learn about the NTS in your Section. Who is your Section Traffic
Manager (STM)? The STM can answer your questions on how to move traffic in
and out of your Section.
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 will respond to a "judge" with your answer to an
initial clue or question via radiogram. The judge will reply via radiogram
with the identity of the next judge, along with the next question or clue in
the hunt.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Dan Rinaman, AC8NP, at
ac8np@xxxxx.xxx.
Two Articles on NTS and Emergency Communications
------------------------------------------------
In a fast-changing and sometimes chaotic world, thoughts of many turn toward
emergency communications. The National Traffic System (NTS), with its
nationwide messaging service, can be in a position to assist if we are
ready. The following two articles present some of the ongoing activities to
help promote that readiness.
Next Generation Emergency Communication Nets
Don Rolph, AB1PH
The NTS Digital team was tasked with exploring the implications of digital
communication on next generation emergency nets. Based on some postulated
continent-wide potential incidents, reinforced by the major outage in Spain
and Portugal on April 28, 2025, the team has been exploring and running
tests to understand the following questions: In the face of a major
electrical and communication outage affecting much or all of the continental
US:
Can one send a structured forms-based message using radio only from any
point in the continental US to any other point in the continental US in
under 30 minutes? And
How do modern digital modes impact meeting this need?
A review of previous articles suggests that such continent-wide
communication has not been extensively explored and tested. The 30-minute
standard was based on immediate message passing precedence level being 30
minutes:
Per: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Message_precedence
The Combined Communication-Electronics Board for the military established
the following precedence levels with expectations of handling time
Flash would not appear to be appropriate for non-military communication
Immediate requires 30 minutes in station handling time
Priority requires 60 minutes in station handling time
Routine must be handled before the next day
The group considered four options:
A traditional directed net based on NBEMS/FLDIGI
An open net structure based on distributed nodes using NBEMS/FLDIGI
A structure based on Winlink
A structure based on the Digital Traffic Net (DTN) approach
All four of these approaches have been tested and all four have now achieved
the 30-minute target considered necessary to pursue further investigation.
Moving forward, the NTS Digital team will be:
Characterizing the behavior of these four approaches
Working with the NTS Steering Committee more fully explore the actual
communications needs of served agencies and match them to characteristics of
the approaches
Socializing and getting feedback from the amateur community and the
emergency management community to refine our understandings and proposals
We anticipate that this will potentially result in a portfolio of digital
RF-only communications options which can be tuned to meet the needs of the
served agencies.
We would like to thank the following who performed the testing:
The members of the Transcontinental NBEMS net
The members of the FSQCALL net led by Ted, AB8FJ
The Winlink test team: Brian, W7OWO, test lead; Ray, AA1SE, Tyler, N7UWX,
Don, AB1PH, and Kevin, K5VP
The DTN test team: Jim, KY2D, test lead; Steve, KB1TCE, Jim, N9VC, and Mike,
VE7GN
Transcon Digital Tests and Cascadia Rising
James Wades, WB8SIW
Emergency Management Director, Radio Relay International
Don Rolph, AB1PH, and his NTS Digital team have been experimenting with
various digital methods to identify best practices for reliable
transcontinental messaging within a time constraint of 30 minutes or less.
There is precedent for these activities in the Cascadia Rising disaster
exercise simulating a major earthquake and tsunami affecting the Pacific
Northwest, which took place in 2016.
During Cascadia Rising, FEMA asked NTS and RRI volunteers to test
connectivity between a simulated disaster area in the Pacific Northwest and
the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, DC. The goal
was to test the ability of these networks to provide timely and accurate
emergency messaging under a wide range of propagation conditions using
various radio-only modes and methods.
Before amateur radio resources could be tested, it was necessary to develop
a cohesive plan for an efficient response to a regional or national
disaster. While some broad guidelines had been promulgated in ARRL
publications over the years, an actual disaster operations plan had never
been developed. Therefore, a prototype "National Response Plan" was designed
as a desideratum against which performance could be measured. This plan
defined two operational frameworks for NTS assets, one being the familiar
"routine" configuration of daily layered nets, and the other of which was a
specialized "emergency" configuration designed to streamline the messaging
process, while building in the network and administrative tools required to
support critical served agency and NIMS functions.
Beginning in 2015, an engineering-grade exercise framework and evaluation
process was designed, ensuring an objective and analytical analysis of
network performance. Message traffic consisting of five-letter cipher group
circuit test messages would be originated from Alaska, Idaho, Northern
California, Oregon, and Washington state. This method could then be utilized
to measure accuracy across tens of thousands of data points. Elapsed time
from when a message was tendered for origination to when a message appeared
in the data stream at the NRCC was also evaluated. A statistical process was
then used to categorize problematic messages according to non-fatal and
fatal errors. The exercise was also conducted in three phases to simulate
variable high frequency propagation conditions (e.g. morning, afternoon, and
night).
The objective evaluation results were quite positive, with some valuable
insights gained:
Despite making voice circuits available, RF propagation conditions were such
that HF SSB proved insufficient for the task. In all cases, participants
chose not to use this method.
CW circuits performed very well, achieving an accuracy score of 99.998
percent against over 13,000 data points.
The Digital Traffic Network achieved an equivalent accuracy score of 99.997
percent against slightly over 10,000 data points.
The Alaska ARES intrastate digital network achieved an accuracy score of 100
percent. These messages were then transferred to a point-to-point CW circuit
between Alaska and the Pacific Northwest for transcon relay to the NRCC.
A superior message propagation time was achieved by the CW nets, with an
average time elapsed of 11 minutes, providing better message propagation
times than digital methods.
The prototype plan developed for Cascadia Rising has since evolved into the
current Radio Relay International National Response Plan (NRP), which is now
available in both English and Spanish. This plan has since been subjected to
a variety of both internal and external exercises conducted with various
agencies. In every case, the NRP has worked very well with minor adjustments
being made after each exercise to always seek improvement. Ultimately, some
useful conclusions from Cascadia Rising include:
There is absolutely no substitute for traffic handling experience. Many of
the key operators staffing the nets had years of traffic handling
experience. Some also had extensive maritime or military experience. This
lesson was repeated during Hurricane Maria a few years ago when the
difference between experienced traffic handlers and spontaneous volunteers
was extremely evident on nets.
EmComm volunteers should not engage in "mode parochialism." Some saw CW as
obsolete, but despite having multiple methods available, CW came to the
rescue, offering not just equivalent accuracy to digital methods, but better
message propagation times between the simulated disaster area and the NRCC.
When conducting an emergency exercise, the evaluation process must measure
more than the ability to establish connectivity. It must measure the ability
of the network and personnel to accurately and efficiently convey
information, track messages, manage replies, interface with message routers,
and maintain an organized file of messages originated or relayed, all while
retaining a concise radio log.
If there is one "big" lesson from Cascadia Rising and subsequent disaster
operations, it is the importance of being part of an organized system. The
"prepper mentality" that one will turn on his radio and save the day may
work in an isolated emergency, but when it comes to organized disaster
response, it is merely a fantasy.
The ongoing efforts of Don Rolph and his NTS Digital team add another layer
of capabilities that can enhance the diversity and reliability of a
survivable network. There remains a place for skilled radio operators
capable of improvising solutions and providing the professional grade of
service to their community that makes a difference in time of emergency. The
skills learned on NTS nets and the basic methods of managing record message
traffic are the foundation of effective communications. This is why traffic
nets are once again attracting those who seek a quality, professionally run
organization.
Virtual NTS Training Net
------------------------
The VNTN, which began operating during May, has continued to meet every
Wednesday evening at 7 PM Eastern Time. It has greeted folks from all parts
of the US and with all levels of experience, from none to those with years
of experience, seeking to get ideas for starting similar nets in other parts
of the country. All are welcome, but especially those who want to learn more
about message handling but perhaps don't have a local outlet for learning.
More information about this net, along with a link to participate, can be
found at nts2.arrl.org/?s=virtual+nts+training+net.
NTS Training and Information Net (NTSTIN) Digital Voice Net Update
Bill Leibengood, N8RWF
[This net, mentioned in the June issue of The NTS Letter as another
opportunity for training in message handling, held its first and very
successful session on June 14. Information about this net, which utilizes a
variety of digital voice modes as well as Echolink, can be found at
groups.io/g/NTSTIN. The following is a report on their first session from
the organizer and net control station, Bill, N8RWF. - Ed.]
The first net of the NTSTIN went very well. I would like to thank everyone
who took the time to join the net yesterday. I would like to thank the NTS
2.0 Project for their support and encouragement for this new NTS training
and information net. I would also like to thank the owners, operators, and
facilitators of the Eastern Michigan Digital Linked Repeater Network and
Reflector 106A. The Network worked like a Swiss watch! Excellent! Thank you!
(I conducted the net via D-STAR connected to XRF106A with no problem.)
We covered the history of the NTS. Please reference History of the National
Traffic System - NTS for additional information.
We also covered the basic concept of how traffic is originated and routed.
The next session of the NTSTIN will be on ARRL Field Day, June 28, at 4:00
PM Eastern Time. The plan is to assist/train any stations interested in
traffic handling, assist digital voice stations looking to move Field Day
traffic and to review the structure of the NTS.
Please continue to support your local, sectional, regional, and area traffic
nets with your check-ins and traffic handling whenever possible.
NTSTIN Net Report for 6/14/2025 - QNI:11, QTC:2, QTR:53, Man hours: 9.7
Hours (53 x 11 = 583/60=9.7)
Traffic Tips: Handling Instructions
-----------------------------------
Handling Instructions, abbreviated HX, are found in one of two fields of the
radiogram preamble, or header, that are optional. They contain instructions
given by the originator of the message to the station who will be delivering
that message. This HX field, if used, will contain an additional letter,
generally A through G.
Most commonly used handling instructions include:
HXG - Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required. If toll or other
expense involved, cancel message and service originating station.
Note, not required does not rule out mailing via USPS if you are inclined.
What is required, however is servicing station of origin if message is not
delivered. This can be done using one of several ARRL numbered radiograms as
appropriate:
ARL Sixty Seven - Your message number _____ undeliverable because of _____.
Please advise.
ARL Forty Eight - Reference your message number _____ to _____ not
delivered. Telephone _____ (insert number as received) inoperative. Please
give better address.
ARL Forty Nine - Reference your message number _____ to _____ . Unable to
contact addressee or receive confirmation of delivery.
HXC - Report date and time of delivery (TOD) to originating station. A
response to this could include: ARL Forty Seven - Reference your message
number _____ to _____ delivered on _____ at _____ UTC. Note the UTC at the
end. This means: Use UTC time and not local time
No need to write Z following the time, as the UTC in the text already has it
covered.
HXE - Delivering station get reply from addressee, originate message back.
Of course, the recipient may or may not wish to send a radiogram back and
may wish to call or send an email instead, but at least you conveyed the
request and an appropriate response should then be conveyed to the originator.
HXF - Hold delivery until _____ (date). This one is always followed by a
number corresponding to the date requested for delivery.
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. While this is rarely seen, it is useful in tracing a message. It
requires any station handling that message to report back to the station of
origin.
These and other handling instructions including new ones, HXI, HXR, and HXT,
can be found at nts2.arrl.org/hx-handling-instructions.
Use of handling instructions are at the discretion of the message
originator, who put them there for a reason. The traffic handler's
obligation is to observe and follow the instructions. Unfortunately, we
often forget.
Thoughts on Error Mitigation
----------------------------
Tom Inman, KC8T, Eastern Pennsylvania Section Traffic Manager
Fellow Traffic Handlers:
Recently, two radiograms were delivered with errors, which caused me to give
some thought to error mitigation. Both occurred as traffic passed through a
CW net.
I made the first. I delivered a message containing the phrase, "QY REPORT."
"QY" didn't make sense to me, so I asked the sender for a repeat. Again, I
copied, "QY." My job as a traffic handler is to pass the message as
received, so thinking someone was using an abbreviation unknown to me, I
passed it on. The receiving ham and I fixed it as I delivered it.
Those who work CW know the pattern for Q is like an M and an A joined and
that's where I made the error. Those receiving traffic on CW should examine
their copy carefully, especially when the message makes no sense. It's
perfectly OK to send AS so the sender will stand by as you take time to
review a portion of a message that may not make sense. Customarily, we've
sent the occasional dit to let the sender know we are still there and
studying the message.
Also, we should prioritize accuracy over speed and Farnsworth is our friend.
Despite our sending and receiving prowess, band conditions make copy
difficult for everyone. Small gaps may slow us down, but repeats slow us
down more.
I have not determined the exact cause of the second problem. I originated
the radiogram, and I know the message was received without error by the
operator taking it to the region net; however, I set others up for failure.
The text was "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO." I used non-standard English. One can find
"bro" in the Oxford Dictionary, but it's an informal abbreviation. Somehow,
between the source and the destination, "BRO" changed to "65th." Now, I'll
have some explaining to do to the 63-year-old recipient.
I've seen this type of problem crop up on both voice and CW nets. Please
keep your language standard and encourage third parties to do the same.
Digital nets reduce these types of errors, but keep in mind the first and
last relay may be by voice or CW in less-than-optimal band conditions. Until
an emergency occurs, our nets are all for training and practice. Keep up the
good work and encourage others to join our nets. 73.
Finding Ways to Create Traffic
------------------------------
Bill Novak, KA9IKK, Assistant Section Traffic Manager, South Texas Section
I am serving as the Assistant Section Traffic Manager for STX and am also
the founder and net manager of the Houston Local Traffic Net. This net has
been in operation for 5 years and currently meets twice a week. The net
provides traffic handling training and also has liaison stations that relay
traffic to the Texas Traffic Net and the 7290 Traffic Net. The net maintains
a website that provides additional resources on traffic handling as well as
a full list of Houston area clubs and net schedules. The website also
features a link to the ARRL Radiogram Portal, which we are constantly
promoting.
I enjoy traffic handling and am always looking for new and fun ways to
generate traffic. I often send radiograms to the first-time check-ins to the
net and to many of the hams I have had the pleasure of contacting on HF
bands and the local repeaters. I like to send radiograms to pen pals
exchanging information about local cultures. This activity not only helps to
create more radiograms but also helps to start a dialogue between the
delivering station and the recipient on how to join clubs and become more
active in the hobby.
For the past few years, a small group of hams has been doing public radio
demonstrations at a local farmers market on Saturday mornings. We check into
the HF traffic nets and provide information on ham radio and how it can
serve to pass messages when phone and internet service are not available. We
created a business card with a QR code for the Houston Local Traffic Net
website and recommend that they visit the site and try out the radiogram
portal. We have originated some messages from the market, including a
radiogram with holiday wishes from a young girl to her grandpa in New Orleans.
I have also worked with the Boy Scouts in the past to have them send
radiograms from summer camp back to their parents.
We have expanded exposure for NTS by having the local ARES nets allow for
the passing of NTS traffic at the end of their nets. We have also used a
wide area linked-repeater system to pass traffic when no outlets were
available on the regular nets.
I hope that this information will inspire others to find new ways to create
and pass traffic. We need to keep generating traffic to keep the traffic
nets active and keep traffic handlers well-trained and prepared for
communication emergencies.
Lastly, I believe traffic handling is a great public service and is a very
rewarding and enjoyable part of the amateur radio hobby. 73.
Spotlight - Bill Novak, KA9IKK
------------------------------
KA9IKK ARES Badge [Photo]
I have always been fascinated with radio communications and its ability to
help others. I earned my Novice ticket as a teenager and was active in my
high school ham club, WB9QJU, as well as the Boy Scouts. I enjoyed setting
up radio demonstrations at scout fairs and was one of the first scouts to
earn the radio merit badge in my council. In college I studied electrical
technology at Purdue University and was active in their radio club, W9YB.
My first job brought me to Texas where I worked for Texas Instruments and
was active in the TI ham club, W5TI. There I enjoyed several Field Days in
the sweltering Texas heat as well as participating in various public service
events such as bike rides and marathons. I found great satisfaction in being
able to use my radios to assist participants out on the course.
Several years later, I moved to Dallas where I found the DFW Traffic Net and
developed my passion for traffic handling. I remember sitting in my car at
the Mckinney ARC Field Day passing the FD messages on the DFW Traffic Net.
Moving back to Houston, I always wondered why the fourth largest city in the
nation did not have a traffic net and thought I would start one someday.
That day came during the pandemic when I trained a few operators on traffic
handling so they could pass radiograms over the repeater and earn their
Field Day bonus points. Interest in traffic handling grew and the Houston
Local Traffic Net was born. The HLTN now operates twice a week and is
celebrating its fifth anniversary. I have also participated in the TEX CW
Net, the Texas Traffic Net, and the 7290 Traffic Net. I currently serve as
the Assistant Section Traffic Manager for South Texas and the Net Manager
for the Houston Local Traffic Net.
In addition to my many ham radio activities, I enjoy stargazing, hiking, and
just being outdoors. My favorite part of the week is spending time at the
local farmers market.
NTSİ Resources
The National Traffic Systemİ (NTSİ) is a network of amateur radio operators
who move information during disasters and other emergencies. General
messages offering well-wishes also move through the NTSİ to help test the
system and to help amateur radio operators build traffic handling skills.
While the NTSİ is primarily set up to serve the United States and Canada, it
is possible to move traffic internationally through the NTSİ 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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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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