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CX2SA > NTS 10.08.26 17:06l 491 Lines 23622 Bytes #299 (0) @ ARRL
BID : NTS082026
Subj: August 2026 NTS Letter
Path: IZ3LSV<I3XTY<I0OJJ<IQ5KG<IK1NHL<I3XTY<GB7COW<GB7CIP<CX2SA
Sent: 260810/1317Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM #:2877 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:NTS082026
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : NTS@ARRL
======================
August 2026 NTS Letter
======================
Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U - August 4, 2026
- KY2D Named NTS National Digital Coordinator
- ARRL-RRI Coordination Monthly Meetings
- No Man Is an Island
- Treasure Hunt Update
- 2026 Radiogram Portal Challenge Results
- Virtual NTS Training Net (VNTN) Update
- Elevating NTS Visibility in Virginia
- Georgia Sideband Association Awards Certificates
- A Monthly Radiogram Challenge in North Florida
- Spotlight: Mark Shaw, K8ED
KY2D Named NTS National Digital Coordinator
-------------------------------------------
ARRL and RRI (Radio Relay International) are pleased to announce the
appointment of Jim Kutsch, KY2D, of Damariscotta, Maine, to the position of
NTS National Digital Coordinator. Jim, a longtime leader in traffic handling
who was profiled in the May 2025 issue of The NTS Letter, will be
responsible for coordinating the renewal and expansion of the Digital
Traffic Network (DTN), a modified hybrid mesh network designed to
automatically forward written message traffic such as radiograms and
radiogram ICS-213 messages in an efficient and timely manner to destinations
throughout the United States and selected international locations. The DTN
is fully interoperable with voice, CW, and various digital networks via a
Digital Traffic Station function that facilitates traffic exchange and
ensures that sufficient flexibility is available to address local
communications requirements.
In this new position, Jim will promote cooperation within the DTN, expansion
of facilities, and the development of a cohesive, collegial approach to
system management. As DTN expands and modernizes, the plan will be to expand
management to three "Area Digital Coordinators" responsible for managing
day-to-day operations.
ARRL-RRI Coordination Monthly Meetings
--------------------------------------
It was one year ago last month, in July 2025, that an agreement was signed
by ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and RRI Board Chair James Wades,
WB8SIW, with the following purpose in mind:
"Both ARRL and RRI recognize the training and emergency communications value
of an effective National Traffic System. It is therefore beneficial for both
organizations to collaborate to further develop and maintain the NTS.
Whereas RRI coordinates the operation of various portions of the NTS network
system, provides training in communications procedures and emergency
communications, and operates allied public service communications programs,
and
Whereas ARRL has an extensive field services infrastrructure consisting of
both Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) organizations and Section
(state) traffic networks, cooperation between ARRL and RRI is essential to
maintaining a seamless and effective emergency communications capability."
(See the entire document at https://nts2.arrl.org/arrl-rri-mou/.)
In view of this statement, representatives of both organizations have begun
a regular monthly coordination meeting, the first of which took place on
July 15, 2026, with K9HI, KW1U, WB8SIW, and KY2D in attendance. Topics of
discussion included a National NTS Digital Coordinator, NTS Staff Chairs,
and an updated Section Traffic Manager job description.
The Digital Coordinator has been approved "as noted above" with Jim Kutsch,
KY2D, to assume that position.
Interim Staff Chairs for the Eastern Area, KW1U, and Western Area, WA3QLW,
have already been appointed, but there has been an ongoing search for a
Central Area Chair. The primary responsibility of these positions is
oversight of NTS at the region and area level as well as the
Transcontinental Corps (TCC). If anyone is interested in the position or
knows of a potential candidate, we would like to hear from you.
An updated job description for the Section Traffic Manager has been proposed
and is still under discussion. While STM is a Section-level appointment made
by the Section Manager, because NTS is a national organization supported by
both ARRL and RRI, it is imperative that certain standards be maintained
throughout the network, and to this end, ARRL and RRI will coordinate to set
these necessary standards. As mentioned above, this is an ongoing discussion
and there will be more information in the future.
No Man Is an Island
-------------------
For any large organization to function efficiently, certain goals,
standards, and protocols must be in place. An army can't function if some
senior officers decide they know best and choose to operate outside the
chain of command. A major corporation can't compete in the marketplace if
some managers issue directives that are inconsistent with the overall goals
of the business organization.
There will always be differences of opinion in any organization. There will
always be those who sincerely believe they have the better approach or a
superior plan to move an organization forward. However, there also comes a
time when differences of opinion must be put aside to ensure unit cohesion
and commonality of purpose.
Anyone who has been involved in organized amateur radio has undoubtedly
witnessed occasions in which someone has decided he or she knows best and,
instead of working within the existing system to promote their "better
idea," they simply disrupt or fracture the entire process. Sometimes, they
may go so far as to involve public officials in petty internal squabbles
that damage the reputation of the Amateur Radio Service.
The National Traffic System, like any organization, cannot function
efficiently if a Section Traffic Manager, Net Manager, or other Field
Service official promulgates policies that are inconsistent with those of
the broader organization. We sometimes see this when a net or even an entire
Section unilaterally decides they won't accept a certain class of message
traffic or they won't coordinate with other regions or areas. Sometimes,
it's as simple as an individual radio operator deciding a message he
received is "not worth delivering."
Without unified standards, those originating message traffic cannot be
assured a message will reach its destination. Without unified standards, we
have no assurance that emergency traffic will be handled consistently and
according to peer-reviewed protocols.
Disagreement can be healthy, but only to the extent that it doesn't become
toxic. Whereas children often act out to "get their way," reasonable adults
understand that mission success comes first. They try to work within the
system to effect change, they advocate for their position, but if
unsuccessful, they set aside their differences to achieve mission success.
NTS, like any organization created by human beings, is not perfect. There
will always be disagreements and there will always be room for improvement.
We should all advocate for positive change. However, we must also accept the
fact that a complex system of layered networks cannot function if one or
more nets or Sections refuse to work in harmony with the broader organization.
No individual, no net, no Section or state is an island. We need to work in
harmony even when disagreements arise. As Rudyard Kipling wrote, "For the
strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack."
Mission success is largely predicated on the willingness to play nicely in
the sandbox with one's peers. -- James Wades, WB8SIW
Treasure Hunt Update
--------------------
Hello, NTS Treasure Hunters! As promised in the July issue, here are the
answers and references for the May-June Treasure Hunt.
THR1: WHAT WAS THE INITIAL NAME OF THE DAYTON HAMVENTION
ANSWER: SOUTHWESTERN OHIO HAM-VENTION
https://hamvention.org/about/history/
THR2: HOW MANY QSO WERE LOGGED DURING 2025 FIELD DAY
ANSWER: 1,204,752
https://contests.arrl.org/ContestResults/2025/Field-Day-2025-FinalQSTResults.p
df
THR3: NAME THE FOUR LEVELS OF THE NTS NETWORK HIERARCHY USED TO MOVE TRAFFIC
NATIONWIDE
ANSWER: LOCAL, SECTION, REGION, AREA
NTS Manual, Chapter 2
THR4: AN HXC REPLY TO A RADIOGRAM SIGNED BY A HAM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO WHOM
ANSWER: STATION OF ORIGIN
https://nts2.arrl.org/frequently-asked-questions/
The July/August 2026 NTS Treasure Hunt is ongoing. This hunt will have 4
rounds. Can you get through all of them by August 22?
So here is the first-round question:
NR 1 R HXG AC8NP 16 TIFFIN OH JUL 1
NTS TREASURE HUNTERS
BT
WHICH NUMBERED RADIOGRAM IS USED
TO CONFIRM A QSO QUERY
REPLY TO JON EASTHAM MA
02642
BT
DAN AC8NP
For the July-August Treasure Hunt round 4, there is no incorrect answer.
Yes, no, or other appropriate response will be accepted. In the round 4
question, I am looking for people who would like to receive traffic from the
NTS2 Traffic Test program which is trying to look at where problem areas
exist in the NTS network. At this time, we are just planning on sending you
radiograms from our current five originating stations which are located
around the country. You need merely to go to https://nts2.arrl.org/test/ and
report receipt of the radiograms. This test program is in the early stages
of development and will change as we learn more with each test.
Please remember to start your Treasure Hunt responses with THR1-5, that
means Treasure Hunt Round Number. The judges, who are on traffic nets almost
daily, will generally respond with a radiogram back to you within 24 hours
of receipt of your message. The in-transit time will vary, so, if it has
been 5 or 6 days and you do not receive a reply radiogram, try sending an
email message to the judge.
For those of you who have trouble finding a net in the NTS, you are free to
use the Radiogram Portal or Winlink RRI Radiogram (not Winlink email). In
the message templates, you will find the RRI Radiogram under 'Select
Template'/'Standard Forms'/'Radiogram & RRI Forms'/'Radiogram.txt.' It will
open in your web browser. Follow the instructions and be sure to select a
liaison at the bottom so your message will then be sent to a liaison station
for input to the Digital Traffic Network side of NTS and work its way
through the system. Do not send directly to the judges. Feel free to send it
via radio or telnet at this point, or try NTSGTE: an APRS-NTS Gateway. See
https://nts2.arrl.org/ntsgte-an-aprs-nts-gateway/ for more information.
Information about the Treasure Hunt can be found at
https://nts2.arrl.org/treasure-hunt/.
If you would like to be a judge, please email Dan, AC8NP, at the address
below. I believe someone volunteered and I somehow lost the email or
radiogram, so please send again.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Dan Rinaman, AC8NP, at
ac8np@xxxxx.xxx.
2026 Radiogram Portal Challenge Results
---------------------------------------
In June, we announced a second annual Radiogram Portal Challenge, a fun
"contest" that challenged individuals to leave messages for origination on
the Radiogram Portal.
The rationale went something like this: Let's promote the use of the Portal
to both amateur and non-amateur audiences by boosting radiogram traffic,
while having fun at the same time.
Participants logged into the Portal each day and left at least one message
destined for a friend or family member. Those who qualified every day would
receive a special certificate and acknowledgement in The NTS Letter (we
needed to cut short the challenge by a few days to meet the August NTS
Letter deadline).
I'm pleased to report that seven folks participated for at least 18 days.
Three made a "clean sweep" of all 26 days and will receive a handsome
certificate for their accomplishments:
Bill Novak, KA9IKK, Katy, TX
Shawn Dodds, N1CVO, Lowell, MA
Corwyn Miyagishima, KN1OBI, Auburn, MA
Honorable mentions for depositing messages for at least 18 days go to:
Phil Temples, K9HI, Watertown, MA
Michelle Roeten, K2MJR, Poughkeepsie, NY
Roy Watts, W8ROY, Livonia, MI
Clark Ross, III, KI5EYI, Kingwood, TX
The Radiogram Portal, written by Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, allows third
parties to deposit messages for origination and delivery via the National
Traffic System. Since its inception, the Portal has enjoyed a steady
increase in activity. The Portal is supported by a cadre of registered
traffic handlers ("radiogrammers") who check the site daily via a non-public
interface and pick up any messages for origination.
If you have questions about the Portal, contact Portal administrator Marcia
Forde, KW1U, at kw1u@xxxxxxx.xxx.
Radiogram Portal Tip: Some Portal users have asked about sending "book
traffic." This can be useful if one is sending out notifications, notices to
a group, or in an emergency, a large number of welfare messages. To use this
book feature, one must be logged in to the Portal. If you have not
registered, you may do so. If logged in, you will find a button asking if
you wish to add additional addresses. That button will not show up if you
are not logged in.
Virtual NTS Training Net (VNTN) Update
--------------------------------------
The Virtual NTS Training Net continues to draw new people from around the
country. Shawn Dodds, N1CVO, has been doing a terrific job as a trainer who
cares not only about handling traffic, but also about his trainees, and he
obviously enjoys what he is doing. Many good comments have been expressed by
those who have attended. It is a relaxed atmosphere in which there is time
to practice, ask questions, and get a little experience before trying to
handle traffic over the air. Congratulations to Shawn for recently being
named Net Manager.
Wednesday, August 5, the day after this newsletter is published, will be the
first Wednesday of the month, and Shawn will begin, as he does the first
Wednesday of every month, with the basics. So, if you know of anyone who
might like to see what it is about and begin to get acquainted with the
skills of message handling, tell them to join in on August 5 at 7:00 PM ET
(2300Z). More info about VNTN and the Zoom link to join can be found at
https://nts2.arrl.org/virtual-nts-training-net/.
Elevating NTS Visibility in Virginia
------------------------------------
As part of the Virginia Section website redesign, we made a deliberate
effort to strengthen the presence of the National Traffic System. Clear,
accessible NTS information is essential for recruiting new traffic handlers
and supporting the operators who keep traffic moving every day.
A review of other Section websites revealed a surprising trend: most offer
little or no NTS content, and when they do, it's often outdated or buried
deep in menus. Many list traffic nets but provide no guidance on how to
participate. To address this, STMs should work with Section Managers to make
NTS a top-level menu item-on par with ARESİ-and ensure net information and
training resources are easy to find. Virginia has adopted this approach, and
our updated NTS page now serves as a model for other Sections. It includes
net schedules, participation instructions, and links to ARRL and RRI
resources.
We also reached out to more than 60 clubs across the commonwealth to offer
NTS training and promote ARRL's Virtual NTS Training Net and Radiogram
Portal. Successful training sessions have already been conducted, and more
are planned. Clubs were also urged to elevate NTS visibility on their own
websites.
These combined efforts aim to grow the number of traffic handlers and
increase message volume statewide. A major focus moving forward is expanding
opportunities for Technician-class operators, who make up 45% of Virginia's
licensed amateurs. With only one VHF traffic net currently active, many
Technicians lack an entry point into NTS beyond Winlink. We are exploring
new VHF and digital options to ensure they can participate fully and
strengthen the system. Other Sections may want to conduct a similar needs
assessment. -- George Stone, WA1JQC, Virginia Section Traffic Manager
Georgia Sideband Association Awards Certificates
------------------------------------------------
In early June, Georgia SSB Association President Terry Cantrell, W4WTC,
approached me with the idea of offering a Certificate of Appreciation for
members who take NTS radiogram traffic for delivery during the nightly
Georgia SSB Nets. This would hopefully generate more radiogram participation
from the membership.
I liked the idea, and after working with the Association's board of
directors, I came up with the certificate and a set of guidelines to specify
the rules and regulations pertaining to receiving the Certificate of
Appreciation.
We presently have 6 members who qualify by taking 10 or more radiograms for
delivery. The certificates will be presented at year's end.
Guidelines, Standards, and Rules for the NTS Certificate of Appreciation
The following are guidelines, standards, and rules of the NTS Certificate of
Appreciation:
The NTS Certificate of Appreciation is a handsome certificate awarded to
members who handle 10 or more traffic deliveries each fiscal year.
Traffic should be accepted by the member for delivery during each night's
GSSA Net.
Actual delivery is not required.
Traffic brought to the Net by members from other sources, such as 4RN or the
Georgia State Net, is not eligible to be counted towards the award.
Each member is responsible for tracking their NTS activities. After
receiving 10 or more messages for delivery, an application can be sent to
the Board, including the dates and number of messages handled.
-- Frank Hobbs, KN4QJ, Georgia Section Traffic Manager
A Monthly Radiogram Challenge in North Florida
----------------------------------------------
If you get QST NFL, the newsletter for the ARRL Northern Florida Section,
you might have noticed the following notice from our Section Emergency
Coordinator Arc Thames, W4CPD:
"We're bringing back the monthly radiogram challenge this year to help our
volunteers and new operators practice using the NTS. Please remember, this
message must be sent via the NTS. You can use Winlink to inject a message
into the NTS, but it must be sent via the NTS, not direct to W4CPD. We have
full videos and instructions on using the NTS on our website at
arrl-nfl.org/nts/. Check out that link for the January 2025 challenge."
The challenge is as follows:
"Send a radiogram to Arc Thames, W4CPD, in Pace, Florida, available via
email at w4cpd@xxxxxxx.xxx or via phone at (850) 889-3767, with a short
answer to this question: With ongoing updates to technology, such as
Starlink satellite internet, where do you think amateur radio operators can
still be used before, during, or after a disaster?"
Sending a Radiogram via Winlink is easy if you have digital capability, but
you can also submit traffic via voice during the nightly GCVTN, and we will
get it into the National Traffic System for you. Give it a try!
-- North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club website, January 15, 2025
Spotlight: Mark Shaw, K8ED
--------------------------
I first became interested in amateur radio at age 10 in Detroit. My father,
Ben, earned his novice-class license in 1960 as KN8TRJ. My brother, Neal,
and I spent hours in his shack listening to CW and AM contacts, which
inspired us to learn Morse code and theory. Neal became licensed first as
KN8DYG, and I followed in May 1962 as WN8EDC at age eleven. We both upgraded
to General, and while DXing was our primary focus-and remains mine today-my
father and brother eventually moved away from the hobby. My dad, K8TRJ, is
now 97, still listed on QRZ.com, and remains fully independent.
I graduated from Oakland University in 1972 with a BA in economics and a
minor in engineering. My career in electronics began in 1970 in sales at
Reno Radio in Detroit. I later managed a local RadioShack before becoming a
bench technician for Superscope Detroit, Inc. in 1973, repairing Sony and
Superscope equipment. I continued working in various audio and video
electronic service centers until my retirement. For many years, I have also
done house and pet sitting as a side job. I travel with my station
everywhere; in fact, I am currently operating portable with an Icom 7300 and
a long wire while house sitting.
My involvement with the National Traffic System began about 18 years ago. A
peer on a local evening net encouraged participants to check out an NTS net.
I joined the two-meter traffic net and have been actively involved in
traffic handling ever since.
In November 2014, Michigan Section Emergency Coordinator John McDonough,
WB8RCR, asked me to take over the Section Traffic Manager (STM) position he
was also holding. Having been active in the system since 2008, I accepted
the role and have been serving as STM since.
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
Handling Radiogram ICS-213 Messages
Virtual NTS Training Net
Sign Up to Receive The NTS Letter
The NTSİ Letter is published monthly and is free of charge to ARRL members.
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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 Emergency Communications and Field Services Director: Josh Johnston,
KE5MHV
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