National Traffic System (NTS) An Introduction

National Traffic System (NTS)National Traffic System (NTS)An IntroductionAn Introduction

Greg Szpunar, N2GS, Greg Szpunar, N2GS, NTS Official Relay Station, NTS Official Relay Station,

NTS Digital Relay StationNTS Digital Relay Station

Dave Struebel, WB2FTX,Dave Struebel, WB2FTX,Section Traffic ManagerSection Traffic Manager

ARRL Northern New Jersey SectionARRL Northern New Jersey Section

Eastern Area Digital Coordinator, NTSDEastern Area Digital Coordinator, NTSD

Updated June 2012Updated June 2012

National Traffic System (NTS)National Traffic System (NTS) Messaging Basics Messaging Basics

OutlineOutline• What is the National Traffic System?What is the National Traffic System?• Advantages of NTS MessagingAdvantages of NTS Messaging• NTS Hierarchy and modesNTS Hierarchy and modes• The ARRL Radiogram FormThe ARRL Radiogram Form• ARL Abbreviated TextsARL Abbreviated Texts• How to Deliver an NTS MessageHow to Deliver an NTS Message• NTS DigitalNTS Digital• VHF Digital BBS demoVHF Digital BBS demo• Local NTS Contacts & NetsLocal NTS Contacts & Nets• Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

What is the National Traffic System (NTS)?What is the National Traffic System (NTS)?

The “RELAY” in American Radio The “RELAY” in American Radio RelayRelay League (ARRL) League (ARRL)

Started in 1915 as the formal ARRL system to relay Started in 1915 as the formal ARRL system to relay messages around the countrymessages around the country

Transmit & Receive Modes: Voice, CW, DigitalTransmit & Receive Modes: Voice, CW, Digital

NTS and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)NTS and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)

Requirements to join: Requirements to join: AnyAny levellevel Ham license & Ham license & interestinterest

ARRL Field Organization Appointments: Official Relay ARRL Field Organization Appointments: Official Relay Station (ORS), Digital Relay Station (DRS) & Section Station (ORS), Digital Relay Station (DRS) & Section Traffic Manager (STM).Traffic Manager (STM).

Advantages of NTS MessagingAdvantages of NTS Messaging

Wireless! Send them from anywhere.Wireless! Send them from anywhere. Use a little HT or a big base stationUse a little HT or a big base station Standard FormatStandard Format AccountabilityAccountability NTS Nets meet dailyNTS Nets meet daily Speed (digipeater vs. email)Speed (digipeater vs. email) When all else fails…When all else fails… Fun, good practice & helpful!Fun, good practice & helpful!

NTS Hierarchy and ModesNTS Hierarchy and Modes

US and Canada organized into Area, US and Canada organized into Area, Region, and Local NetsRegion, and Local Nets• 3 Areas3 Areas• 12 Regions12 Regions

Traffic Flow:Traffic Flow:

Section/ Local Section/ Local

NetsNets

Region NetsRegion Nets

Area NetsArea Nets Area NetsArea Nets

TCCTCC

Region NetsRegion Nets

Section / Local Section / Local

NetsNets

VHF/UHF Phone, HF Phone, CW, DigitalVHF/UHF Phone, HF Phone, CW, Digital

HF Phone, CW, DigitalHF Phone, CW, Digital

NTS AreasNTS Areas

PANPAN

CANCAN

EANEAN

State Region Area

CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VE 1RN EAN

NJ, NY 2RN EAN

DE, DC, MD, PA 3RN EAN

FL, GA, NC, PR, SC, VI, VA 4RN EAN

MI, OH, WV 8RN EAN

LB, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, PQ 11RN EAN

AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX 5RN CAN

IL, IN, KY, WI 9RN CAN

IA, KS, MB, MN, MO, NE, ND, NWT, SK, SD

10RN CAN

CA, GU, HI, NV 6RN PAN

AK, AB, BC, ID, MT, NWT, OR, WA 7RN PAN

AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY 12RN PAN

States/Provinces, Regions and AreasStates/Provinces, Regions and Areas

2RN Sections and Divisions2RN Sections and Divisions

State Division Sections

New Jersey Hudson NNJ

New Jersey Atlantic SNJ

New York Hudson ENY, NYCLI (NLI)

New York Atlantic NNY, WNY

Message FormatMessage Format

The ARRL RadiogramThe ARRL Radiogram

704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2

GREG SZPUNAR N2GSGREG SZPUNAR N2GS

JOE SMITH KC2XXYJOE SMITH KC2XXY1234 SECOND ST1234 SECOND STSUMMIT NJ 07901SUMMIT NJ 07901

650-123-4567650-123-4567

aaustin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT ustin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT

THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM

FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FORM XRAY DETAIL TO

FOLLOW XRAY HAVE FUN 73 FOLLOW XRAY HAVE FUN 73

ARRL Radiogram FormARRL Radiogram Form

Preamble:Preamble: Message number, precedence, Message number, precedence, HX (optional handling code), station of HX (optional handling code), station of origin, check (text word count), place of origin, check (text word count), place of origin, time filed (optional), and date.origin, time filed (optional), and date.

Addressee: Addressee: Name, call sign (if a ham), Name, call sign (if a ham), full street address, city, 2-letter state full street address, city, 2-letter state abbreviation, zip code (very important) & abbreviation, zip code (very important) & telephone (be sure to include area code).telephone (be sure to include area code).

This Radio Message was received at:This Radio Message was received at:Station identification and location.Station identification and location.

Text:Text: 25 words maximum, 5 per line; 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use the word “xray” for a period (.) and Use the word “xray” for a period (.) and “query” for a question mark (?). Last word “query” for a question mark (?). Last word in salutation (i.e., “73”, “Love”, etc.)in salutation (i.e., “73”, “Love”, etc.)

Signature:Signature: (Write-in above REC’D block) (Write-in above REC’D block) Name & call sign of person who wrote the Name & call sign of person who wrote the message – include full phone number if not message – include full phone number if not a Ham or if new to NTS.a Ham or if new to NTS.

REC’D & SENT:REC’D & SENT: Record the names and call Record the names and call sign of the person you rec’d the message from sign of the person you rec’d the message from and/or sent/forwarded the message to, along and/or sent/forwarded the message to, along with the date & time (EST/EDT or Z).with the date & time (EST/EDT or Z).

704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 J UL 2

GREG SZPUNAR N2GS

J OE SMI TH KC2XXY1234 SECOND STSUMMI T, NJ 07901

650- 123- 4567

austin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT

THIS IS THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM THE ARRL RADIOGRAM

FORM XRAY DETAILFORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW TO FOLLOW

XRAY HAVE FUNXRAY HAVE FUN 7373


GREG SZPUNAR N2GS


650- 123- 4567






GREG SZPUNAR N2GS


650- 123- 4567





NumberNumber Assigned by the message originatorAssigned by the message originator No standard way of numbering messagesNo standard way of numbering messages Consecutive (1, 2, 3..., starting over at the new year or Consecutive (1, 2, 3..., starting over at the new year or

monthly)monthly) Order by month & number (507 = 7th you originated in Order by month & number (507 = 7th you originated in

May; May; 11244 = 244th message you originated in November11244 = 244th message you originated in November

Precedence (E, P, W, or R)Precedence (E, P, W, or R) E = Emergency (life or death urgency in a declared E = Emergency (life or death urgency in a declared

emergency)emergency) P = Priority (official traffic in a declared emergency)P = Priority (official traffic in a declared emergency) W = Health & Welfare (used only in a declared emergency)W = Health & Welfare (used only in a declared emergency) R = Routine (everything else – most frequently used)R = Routine (everything else – most frequently used)

Radiogram Form Detail (1 of 6)Radiogram Form Detail (1 of 6)


1.1. (Optional) HX or Handling Code – A, B, C, D, E, F or G(Optional) HX or Handling Code – A, B, C, D, E, F or GA.A. Collect landline delivery authorized within ___ miles of addressee or unlimited if Collect landline delivery authorized within ___ miles of addressee or unlimited if

blankblank(A150 = collect call authorized w/in 150 miles; A = collect call authorized (A150 = collect call authorized w/in 150 miles; A = collect call authorized regardless of miles)regardless of miles)

B.B. Cancel message if not delivered within ___ hours of filing time & service originating Cancel message if not delivered within ___ hours of filing time & service originating station station (B72 = cancel if not delivered within 72 hrs and send message to originator to (B72 = cancel if not delivered within 72 hrs and send message to originator to notify them)notify them)

C.C. Confirmation of delivery requested by originating station (“TOD YOUR 1014 JULY 4 Confirmation of delivery requested by originating station (“TOD YOUR 1014 JULY 4 1330 PST XRAY 73” or if issues “ARL SIXTY SEVEN 1014 PHONE 650 555 1212 1330 PST XRAY 73” or if issues “ARL SIXTY SEVEN 1014 PHONE 650 555 1212 INCORRECT NO REPLACEMENT FOUND SENT RADIOGRAM INSTEAD XRAY 73”INCORRECT NO REPLACEMENT FOUND SENT RADIOGRAM INSTEAD XRAY 73”

D.D. Report your identity & time/date rec’d message plus time/date delivered or sent to Report your identity & time/date rec’d message plus time/date delivered or sent to anotheranother

E.E. Delivering station to get reply from addressee Delivering station to get reply from addressee andand send to originator as a new send to originator as a new messagemessage

F.F. Hold delivery until ___ (numbered day of month) – great for birthday or anniversary Hold delivery until ___ (numbered day of month) – great for birthday or anniversary messages messages (F14 = deliver on 14(F14 = deliver on 14thth of the month; F1 = deliver on the 1 of the month; F1 = deliver on the 1stst of month after date of month after date filed)filed)

G.G. Delivery by mail or toll call not required, service originating station (often ignored).Delivery by mail or toll call not required, service originating station (often ignored).



1.1. Station of Origin: Station of Origin: Call sign of station who put the message into NTS Call sign of station who put the message into NTS formatformat; If N2GS ; If N2GS prepares message 1207 for a fellow ham, then puts it onto an NTS packet BBS for prepares message 1207 for a fellow ham, then puts it onto an NTS packet BBS for relay to Vermont, the originator is... N2GS. If WB2W prepares message 23 for his relay to Vermont, the originator is... N2GS. If WB2W prepares message 23 for his non-ham neighbor then gives it to N2GS to relay to any NTS net, the originator is... non-ham neighbor then gives it to N2GS to relay to any NTS net, the originator is... WB2W.WB2W.

2.2. Check: Check: The word count in body text only (do not count the address or signature); The word count in body text only (do not count the address or signature); precede with “ARL” if any of the ARL numbered texts are used (i.e., ARL7).precede with “ARL” if any of the ARL numbered texts are used (i.e., ARL7).

3.3. Place of Origin: Place of Origin: The city & state where the message was written.The city & state where the message was written.

4.4. (Optional) Time Filed: (Optional) Time Filed: This is not used much... 24-hr format & time zoneThis is not used much... 24-hr format & time zone

5.5. Date: Date: Month (non-numeric – abbreviated) & day number message was created (i.e., Month (non-numeric – abbreviated) & day number message was created (i.e., Sep 21).Sep 21).



To:To: Name, call sign (if going to a ham), street address or P.O. Box, city, Name, call sign (if going to a ham), street address or P.O. Box, city, state (abbreviated) & zip code. Note: Digital and packet NTS messages state (abbreviated) & zip code. Note: Digital and packet NTS messages are routed via zip code.are routed via zip code.

Telephone Number:Telephone Number: Be sure to include the area code and double-check the number!!!Be sure to include the area code and double-check the number!!!

This Radio Message was received at: This Radio Message was received at: Your station identification, date received, and your location. More Your station identification, date received, and your location. More received-from detail will go in the “REC’D” block after body text and received-from detail will go in the “REC’D” block after body text and signature.signature.


JOE SMITH KC2XXYJOE SMITH KC2XXY1234 SECOND ST1234 SECOND STSUMMIT NJ 07901SUMMIT NJ 07901

650-123-4567650-123-4567

Text:Text: 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use “xray” for a period (.) and “query” 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use “xray” for a period (.) and “query” for a question mark (?).for a question mark (?).

Signature:Signature: There is no “Signature” field, just write-in below text; There is no “Signature” field, just write-in below text; Name & call Name & call sign of author – include phone number if not a ham or if not known on an sign of author – include phone number if not a ham or if not known on an NTS net.NTS net.


THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAMTHIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM

FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW

XRAY HAVE FUN 73 XRAY HAVE FUN 73

GREG SZPUNAR N2GSGREG SZPUNAR N2GS

REC’D:REC’D: Call sign from whom Call sign from whom youyou received the message and date & time of received the message and date & time of receipt. Time may be either your local time (EST/EDT) or Zulu time. Make receipt. Time may be either your local time (EST/EDT) or Zulu time. Make sure date agrees with time (Zulu is 5 hours ahead of EST – can cause date sure date agrees with time (Zulu is 5 hours ahead of EST – can cause date to roll forward).to roll forward).

SENT:SENT: Call sign Call sign youyou sentsent or passed the message to, or to whom you or passed the message to, or to whom you delivereddelivered it, with date & time. Also good to note delivery method for your own it, with date & time. Also good to note delivery method for your own reference (i.e., via phone or left on Tom’s voicemail). Always leave your call reference (i.e., via phone or left on Tom’s voicemail). Always leave your call back number if message was left on voicemail!back number if message was left on voicemail!


Austin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDTAustin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT

ARL Numbered TextsARL Numbered TextsPurpose & How CountedPurpose & How Counted

ARL Numbered Texts replace common phrases in ARL Numbered Texts replace common phrases in message body text (i.e., Happy Birthday, Greetings message body text (i.e., Happy Birthday, Greetings by amateur radio, etc.)by amateur radio, etc.)

Use of ARL texts reduce total message word count – Use of ARL texts reduce total message word count – faster and more consistent transmission of textfaster and more consistent transmission of text

Translated before delivery of message to addresseeTranslated before delivery of message to addressee ARL text numbers are always spelled-out in words ARL text numbers are always spelled-out in words

(i.e., ARL SEVEN or ARL FORTY SIX)(i.e., ARL SEVEN or ARL FORTY SIX) Message word count (check) is written as “ARL#” Message word count (check) is written as “ARL#”

(i.e., ARL4 or ARL15) to alert operators that message (i.e., ARL4 or ARL15) to alert operators that message includes at least one ARL numbered text.includes at least one ARL numbered text.

ARL Numbered Texts (Examples)ARL Numbered Texts (Examples)

ARL FORTY SIX = Greetings on your birthday and ARL FORTY SIX = Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come.best wishes for many more to come.

ARL FORTY SEVEN = Your message ______ to ______ ARL FORTY SEVEN = Your message ______ to ______ delivered _______ _______UTCdelivered _______ _______UTC

ARL FIFTY = Greetings by amateur radio.ARL FIFTY = Greetings by amateur radio. ARL FIFTY ONE = Greetings by amateur radio. This ARL FIFTY ONE = Greetings by amateur radio. This

message is sent as a free public service by ham message is sent as a free public service by ham radio operators at _______. Am having a wonderful radio operators at _______. Am having a wonderful time.time.

ARL SIXTY SEVEN = Your message number _____ ARL SIXTY SEVEN = Your message number _____ undeliverable because of ______. Please advise.undeliverable because of ______. Please advise.

How to Deliver an NTS MessageHow to Deliver an NTS Message

Preferred delivery is via telephone.Preferred delivery is via telephone.

Okay to leave on voicemail or answering Okay to leave on voicemail or answering machine IF you are comfortable you reached machine IF you are comfortable you reached the right person.the right person.

Radiogram postcard if cannot reach by Radiogram postcard if cannot reach by phone.phone.

Service originating station to inform if cannot Service originating station to inform if cannot deliver or if they requested confirmation.deliver or if they requested confirmation.

Record Keeping & Reporting (PSHR)Record Keeping & Reporting (PSHR)

Use a log sheet to keep track of your messagesUse a log sheet to keep track of your messages

Use a PSHR log sheet to tally monthly points for Use a PSHR log sheet to tally monthly points for Public Service Honor RollPublic Service Honor Roll

Report message count (originated, sent, receivedReport message count (originated, sent, received& delivered) to STM monthly& delivered) to STM monthly

Report PSHR totals to STM Report PSHR totals to STM STM = STM = Dave Struebel WB2FTX [email protected])Dave Struebel WB2FTX [email protected])

NTS Digital

Dave Struebel WB2FTXDave Struebel WB2FTXEastern Area Digital Coordinator- Eastern Area Digital Coordinator-

NTSDNTSDSection Traffic Manager- NNJSection Traffic Manager- NNJ

Advantages of NTS DigitalAdvantages of NTS Digital

Available 24/7, 365 days a yearAvailable 24/7, 365 days a year Error FreeError Free Frequency, Time, Propagation AgileFrequency, Time, Propagation Agile FasterFaster Able to respond and adapt quicker to urgent Able to respond and adapt quicker to urgent

needs like disaster messagesneeds like disaster messages Multiple redundant routing pathsMultiple redundant routing paths NTSD exists at and incorporates all levels of NTSD exists at and incorporates all levels of

traditional NTS from TCC, through Area, Region, traditional NTS from TCC, through Area, Region, Section and Local .Section and Local .

Not to Replace Traditional NTSNot to Replace Traditional NTS

Complementary systemComplementary system Trained operators always needed for Trained operators always needed for

origination and delivery of messagesorigination and delivery of messages

Digital Mode HistoryDigital Mode History

RTTY- After WWII, 5 level Baudot code, RTTY- After WWII, 5 level Baudot code, mechanical teletypewriters, paper tape storage.mechanical teletypewriters, paper tape storage.

NoisyNoisy Signals subject to selective fading and drop out Signals subject to selective fading and drop out

errors.errors. Equipment relatively available via surplus routeEquipment relatively available via surplus route Some units as big as a sub-compact carSome units as big as a sub-compact car AMTOR- Still 5 bit code, but with limited error AMTOR- Still 5 bit code, but with limited error

correction.correction. Burst mode-requires fast transmit/receive Burst mode-requires fast transmit/receive

switchingswitching

FCC Authorizes ASCII- late 70'sFCC Authorizes ASCII- late 70's7 bit code- with some error detection7 bit code- with some error detection

HF Packet- 300 baud, Long bursts, error HF Packet- 300 baud, Long bursts, error correcting but needing large signal to correcting but needing large signal to noise ratio to properly decodenoise ratio to properly decode

Net result- Many retries, slows down Net result- Many retries, slows down transfer ratetransfer rate

First integrated system- APLINKFirst integrated system- APLINK(Amtor/Packet Link)(Amtor/Packet Link)

Bulletin Board System incorporating Bulletin Board System incorporating Amtor on HF with transfer of data to VHF Amtor on HF with transfer of data to VHF PacketPacket

Highly successful but suffers from Highly successful but suffers from selective fadingselective fading

With 5 bit encoding- only capital letters.With 5 bit encoding- only capital letters. No compressionNo compression No file transferNo file transfer

Classic Winlink- Win 3.11/Win 95Classic Winlink- Win 3.11/Win 95Win 98, 2000, XPWin 98, 2000, XP

Modules for AMTOR, CLOVER, PACTOR 1,2, and 3Modules for AMTOR, CLOVER, PACTOR 1,2, and 3 Along with VHF PacketAlong with VHF Packet Scanner function allowing multiple auto calls Scanner function allowing multiple auto calls

varying in time, frequency, mode, based upon varying in time, frequency, mode, based upon propagation.propagation.

Multiple forwarding pathsMultiple forwarding paths With SCS proprietary modem for Pactor 2 and 3 With SCS proprietary modem for Pactor 2 and 3

allows automatic frequency control, automatic allows automatic frequency control, automatic power level controlpower level control

Compressed and binary transfer of dataCompressed and binary transfer of data

Winlink 2000 (aka WL2K)Winlink 2000 (aka WL2K)

Developed by Winlink Classic Developed by Winlink Classic Programmers in late 1990'sProgrammers in late 1990's

Uses Pactor 1, 2, and 3, VHF/UHF Packet Uses Pactor 1, 2, and 3, VHF/UHF Packet Sound Care Winmor module, TelnetSound Care Winmor module, Telnet

Forwarding via Internet; Radio all the way Forwarding via Internet; Radio all the way via NTSD if infrastructure failsvia NTSD if infrastructure fails

Radio-email and Integration of NTS NTSD Radio-email and Integration of NTS NTSD and ARESand ARES

Chapter 6 Methods and Practices Chapter 6 Methods and Practices Guideline (MPG)Guideline (MPG)

http://wx4j.com/http://wx4j.com/MPG6_NTSD_RADIOEMAIL.htmMPG6_NTSD_RADIOEMAIL.htm

Autocall

NTSD and PactorNTSD and Pactor HF NTSD Operates almost exclusively in the automatic control sub-HF NTSD Operates almost exclusively in the automatic control sub-

bandsbands

3.585 - 3.600 MHz3.585 - 3.600 MHz7.100 - 7.105 MHz7.100 - 7.105 MHz10.140 - 10.150 MHz10.140 - 10.150 MHz14.095 - 14.0995 MHz14.095 - 14.0995 MHz14.1005 - 14.1120 MHz14.1005 - 14.1120 MHz

Using Pactor 1, 2, and Pactor 3. Using Pactor 1, 2, and Pactor 3.

• Pactor 2 and 3 are proprietary modesPactor 2 and 3 are proprietary modes..

All pactor connects start out at Pactor 1 and then shift up to higher All pactor connects start out at Pactor 1 and then shift up to higher speed if the equipment at both ends is compatible.speed if the equipment at both ends is compatible.

Bandwidth for Pactor 1 and 2 is 500 Hz. pactor 3 will expand its Bandwidth for Pactor 1 and 2 is 500 Hz. pactor 3 will expand its

bandwidth up to 2.4 KHz at highest speeds.bandwidth up to 2.4 KHz at highest speeds.

Eastern Area MBOsEastern Area MBOs

KW1U 1RN Edgartown, MAKW1U 1RN Edgartown, MA W1WCG 1RN North Haven, CTW1WCG 1RN North Haven, CT W2SFD 2RN Glenville, NYW2SFD 2RN Glenville, NY WB2FTX 2RN Butler, NJ EADCWB2FTX 2RN Butler, NJ EADC W3JY 3RN Malvern, PAW3JY 3RN Malvern, PA WX4J 4RN Switzerland, FLWX4J 4RN Switzerland, FL WA4ZXV 4RN Norcross, GAWA4ZXV 4RN Norcross, GA W4DNA 4RN Goldsboro, NCW4DNA 4RN Goldsboro, NC W8UL 8RN Reynoldsburg, OHW8UL 8RN Reynoldsburg, OH VE3GT ECN Renfrew, ONVE3GT ECN Renfrew, ON VA3PM ECN Brampton, ONVA3PM ECN Brampton, ON

Central and Pacific Area HubsCentral and Pacific Area Hubs

KB0OFD MissouriKB0OFD Missouri W5KAV WashingtonW5KAV Washington

Winlink 3.0 ComponentsWinlink 3.0 Components

Message Manager -Forwarding fileMessage Manager -Forwarding file User ManagerUser Manager Event LogEvent Log PCTSCS - HF Pactor modulePCTSCS - HF Pactor module PKT VHF- VHF Packet ModulePKT VHF- VHF Packet Module Scanner- scanning, busy detector, Scanner- scanning, busy detector,

event scheduling and reschedulingevent scheduling and rescheduling

Typical Forwarding FileTypical Forwarding File

NTSAK K4WWV W8UL KW1UNTSAK K4WWV W8UL KW1U NTSAL W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U W1WCGNTSAL W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U W1WCG NTSAB W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U W1WCGNTSAB W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U W1WCG NTSAZ W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U W1WCGNTSAZ W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U W1WCG NTSAR W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1UNTSAR W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U NTSB* W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1UNTSB* W5KAV K4WWV W8UL KW1U NTSCA W5KAV K4WWV W8ULNTSCA W5KAV K4WWV W8UL NTSCO W5KAV K4WWV W8ULNTSCO W5KAV K4WWV W8UL

WB2FTX NTSD StationWB2FTX NTSD Station

HFHF Kenwood TS-450SKenwood TS-450S SCS PTC-IIUSB ModemSCS PTC-IIUSB Modem MFJ 9913 AutotunerMFJ 9913 Autotuner B&W Folded DipoleB&W Folded Dipole Computer- old Pentium Computer- old Pentium

150 Mhz- Win 98 SE150 Mhz- Win 98 SE Classic Winlink 3.0Classic Winlink 3.0 Kantronics KPC-3 plus Kantronics KPC-3 plus

for packet portfor packet port

VHFVHF

FBB 7.00i BBS SoftwareFBB 7.00i BBS Software

Pentium 100 Mhz Pentium 100 Mhz running DOS 6.22running DOS 6.22

1 Paccomm Tiny 2 TNC1 Paccomm Tiny 2 TNC

FlexnetFlexnet

Icom IC-38A, 25 wattsIcom IC-38A, 25 watts

4 el 220 Mhz4 el 220 Mhz beam beam pointed at WA2SNA pointed at WA2SNA

NTS Digital NTS Digital DemonstrationDemonstration

Local Digital TrafficLocal Digital Traffic Receipt and Origination via WB2FTX-4 PBBSReceipt and Origination via WB2FTX-4 PBBS WB2FTX-4 accessible via WA2SNA (Ramapo Mtn), via NJ WB2FTX-4 accessible via WA2SNA (Ramapo Mtn), via NJ

Flexnet System Flexnet System SNJ partially served by NJ2AR-4 and KC2QVT-4 SNJ partially served by NJ2AR-4 and KC2QVT-4

Node Name Location Frequency (MHz)

WA2SNA Ramapo Mountain, Oakland, NJ 145.01

WB2SNN Sayreville, NJ 145.51

N2QAE Schooley’s Mountain, W Morris Co 145.51

W2LI Murray Hill, NJ 145.05

W2LV Kittatinny Mountain, W Sussex Co 149.91

KC2QVT Burlington Co, NJ 145.09

W2GSA Monmouth Co, NJ 145.05

NJ2AR Ocean Co, NJ 145.03

Local NTS DigitalLocal NTS Digital

Basic equipment requirementsBasic equipment requirements• 2M rig2M rig• TNC capable of 1200 baud VHF PacketTNC capable of 1200 baud VHF Packet• Terminal ProgramTerminal Program

OROR• Soundcard interface and software Soundcard interface and software

capable of emulating Packetcapable of emulating Packet• ComputerComputer

Outpost Packet Message ManagerOutpost Packet Message Manager

Outpost is a Windows-based packet message client that lets you Outpost is a Windows-based packet message client that lets you send and receive packet messages with almost any Amateur Radio send and receive packet messages with almost any Amateur Radio Bulletin Board System (BBS) or TNC Personal Mail Box.Bulletin Board System (BBS) or TNC Personal Mail Box.

Hides the complexity of the native packet environment and Hides the complexity of the native packet environment and shorten the learning curve shorten the learning curve

Provide an MS Windows-based packet messaging client Provide an MS Windows-based packet messaging client Automate the packet message handling environment Automate the packet message handling environment Create a program that behaves like your email client that you Create a program that behaves like your email client that you

have at work or home… have at work or home… …create, send, receive, read, delete, reply to, or forward …create, send, receive, read, delete, reply to, or forward messages messages

Automates the origination and formatting of NTS messages.Automates the origination and formatting of NTS messages. Focus on the message not the mediumFocus on the message not the medium Freeware: http://www.outpostpm.org/Freeware: http://www.outpostpm.org/

2RN Nets2RN Nets

Open to all HAMsOpen to all HAMs Liaisons to/from NJ and NYLiaisons to/from NJ and NY Liaisons to EANLiaisons to EAN

Frequency (MHz) Time Mode

3.925 1:45 PM SSB

3.925 4:35 PM SSB

3.925 6:30 PM SSB

3.576 7:45 PM CW

3.576 9:30 PM CW

NNJ/SNJ Section NetsNNJ/SNJ Section Nets

Open to all HAMsOpen to all HAMs

Frequency (MHz) Time Name Mode

3.544 10:00 AM NJ Morning (WE) CW

3.950 6:00 PM, 9AM (SU) NJPN SSB

3.547 6:30 PM NJ Slow Net CW

3.544 7:00 PM NJ Net/Early CW

3.544 10:00 PM NJ Net/Late CW

NNJ Local NetsNNJ Local Nets

Open to all Hams with or without traffic Open to all Hams with or without traffic handling experience.handling experience.

A great place to start and to learn first A great place to start and to learn first hand.hand.

Name Time Frequency (MHz) Repeater Comment

NJVN/E 7:30 PM 146.895 (PL 151.4) WS2Q/ WB2FTX

Echolink via WB2FTX-R

CJTN 8:00 PM 146.760 (PL 156.7)443.200 (PL 141.3)

K2GE Echolink via K2GE-R

UCTN 10:00 PM Various147.255 (PL 141.3)449.975 (PL 141.3)

W2NJR/ WA2JWR/

W2LI

Echolink viaW2NJR-R andWA2JWR-R

NJVN/L 10:30 PM 146.700 (PL 141.3) W2PQG Echolink planned

Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

ARRL Net DirectoryARRL Net Directory – Excellent NTS reference with – Excellent NTS reference with net listings by state ($5 from ARRL). Online version net listings by state ($5 from ARRL). Online version is accessible free at the ARRL web site is accessible free at the ARRL web site (www.arrl.org).(www.arrl.org).

Public Service Communication ManualPublic Service Communication Manual – Detailed – Detailed reference on NTS message handling ($1 from reference on NTS message handling ($1 from ARRL), also available on ARRL web site.ARRL), also available on ARRL web site.

Morris County NJ Amateur Radio VolunteersMorris County NJ Amateur Radio Volunteers website website – see NTS section: – see NTS section:

• http://www.qsl.net/mcarv/nts.htmhttp://www.qsl.net/mcarv/nts.htm

K2UL websiteK2UL website – Dan was the Section Traffic Manager – Dan was the Section Traffic Manager for SNJ and has a great website.for SNJ and has a great website.

http://www.qsl.net/k2ul/resource.htmhttp://www.qsl.net/k2ul/resource.htm

AcknowlegementsAcknowlegements

Pinkney Foster, KG6ILA, Pinkney Foster, KG6ILA, Section Traffic Manager Section Traffic Manager ARRL Santa Clara Valley Section ARRL Santa Clara Valley Section [email protected]@arrl.net whose whose presentation “presentation “National Traffic System (NTS)National Traffic System (NTS)Messaging BasicsMessaging Basics” inspired the message handling components of ” inspired the message handling components of this presentation.this presentation.

Jim Oberhofer, KN6PE, Jim Oberhofer, KN6PE, author of Outpost Packet author of Outpost Packet Message Manager, and the resulting description included in this Message Manager, and the resulting description included in this presentation. presentation.

Questions? Questions?

Documents

National Traffic System (NTS) An Introduction