1. CT ARES - Region 2 Nets & Messages 02/04/15 (NTS & ICS Formats)

2. National Traffic System (NTS) An Introduction

3. National Traffic System (NTS) Messaging Basics Outline Create an NTS message Radiogram Send the message on the net Receive and Process the message Distribute the message to the Addressee Maintain proper documentation

4. Advantages of NTS Messaging Wireless! Send them from anywhere. Wireless! Send them from anywhere. Use a little HT or a big base station Use a little HT or a big base station Standard Format Standard Format Accountability Accountability NTS Nets meet daily NTS 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!

5. Message Format The ARRL Radiogram

7. ARRL Radiogram Form Preamble: Message number, precedence, HX (optional handling code), station of origin, check (text word count), place of origin, time filed (optional), and date. Preamble: Message number, precedence, HX (optional handling code), station of origin, check (text word count), place of origin, time filed (optional), and date. Addressee: Name, call sign (if a ham), full street address, city, 2-letter state abbreviation, zip code (very important) & telephone (be sure to include area code). Addressee: Name, call sign (if a ham), full street address, city, 2-letter state abbreviation, zip code (very important) & telephone (be sure to include area code). This Radio Message was received at: Station identification and location. This Radio Message was received at: Station identification and location. Text: 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use the word “xray” for a period (.) and “query” for a question mark (?). Last word in salutation (i.e., “73”, “Love”, etc.) Text: 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use the word “xray” for a period (.) and “query” for a question mark (?). Last word in salutation (i.e., “73”, “Love”, etc.) Signature: (Write-in above REC’D block) Name & call sign of person who wrote the message – include full phone number if not a Ham or if new to NTS. Signature: (Write-in above REC’D block) Name & call sign of person who wrote the message – include full phone number if not a Ham or if new to NTS. REC’D & SENT: Record the names and call sign of the person you rec’d the message from and/or sent/forwarded the message to, along with the date & time (EST/EDT or Z). REC’D & SENT: Record the names and call sign of the person you rec’d the message from and/or sent/forwarded the message to, along with the date & time (EST/EDT or Z).

8. Radiogram Form Detail (1 of 6) Number  Assigned by the message originator  No standard way of numbering messages  Consecutive (1, 2, 3..., starting over at the new year or monthly)  Order by month & number (507 = 7th you originated in May; 11244 = 244th message you originated in November Precedence (EMERGENCY, P, W, or R)  Emergency = Life or Death urgency in a declared emergency  P = Priority (official traffic in a declared emergency)  W = Health & Welfare (used only in a declared emergency)  R = Routine (everything else – most frequently used) 704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2

9. RADIOGRAM Precedence (E, P, W, or R)  E = Emergency (life or death urgency in a declared emergency)  P = Priority (official traffic in a declared emergency)  W = Health & Welfare (used only in a declared emergency)  R = Routine (everything else – most frequently used)

10. Radiogram Form Detail (2 of 6) 3.(Optional) HX or Handling Code – A, B, C, D, E, F or G A.Collect landline delivery authorized within ___ miles of addressee or unlimited if blank (A150 = collect call authorized w/in 150 miles; A = collect call authorized regardless of miles) B.Cancel message if not delivered within ___ hours of filing time & service originating station (B72 = cancel if not delivered within 72 hrs and send message to originator to notify them) C.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 INCORRECT NO REPLACEMENT FOUND SENT RADIOGRAM INSTEAD XRAY 73” D.Report your identity & time/date rec’d message plus time/date delivered or sent to another E.Delivering station to get reply from addressee and send to originator as a new message F.Hold delivery until ___ (numbered day of month) – great for birthday or anniversary messages (F14 = deliver on 14 th of the month; F1 = deliver on the 1 st of month after date filed) G.Delivery by mail or toll call not required, service originating station. 704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2 704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2

11. Radiogram Form Detail (3 of 6) 4.Station of Origin: Call sign of station who put the message into NTS format; If N2GS 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 non-ham neighbor then gives it to N2GS to relay to any NTS net, the originator is... WB2W. 5.Check: 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). 6.Place of Origin: The city & state where the message was written. 7.Time Filed: 24-hr format & time zone 8.Date: Month (non-numeric – abbreviated) & day number message was created (i.e., Sep 21). 704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2 704 R C N2GS 14 CHESTER NJ 1830 JUL 2

12. Radiogram Form Detail (4 of 6) To: 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 are routed via zip code. Telephone Number: Be sure to include the area code and double-check the number!!! This Radio Message was received at: Your station identification, date received, and your location. More received-from detail will go in the “REC’D” block after body text and signature. JOE SMITH KC2XXY 1234 SECOND ST SUMMIT NJ 07901 650-123-4567

13. Radiogram Form Detail (5 of 6) Text: 25 words maximum, 5 per line; Use “xray” for a period (.) and “query” for a question mark (?). Signature: There is no “Signature” field, just write-in below text;Name & call sign of author – include phone number if not a ham or if not known on an NTS net. Signature: There is no “Signature” field, just write-in below text; Name & call sign of author – include phone number if not a ham or if not known on an NTS net. THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW XRAY HAVE FUN 73 THIS IS THE ARRL RADIOGRAM FORM XRAY DETAIL TO FOLLOW XRAY HAVE FUN 73 GREG SZPUNAR N2GS

14. Radiogram Form Detail (6 of 6) REC’D: Call sign from whom you received the message and date & time of 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 to roll forward). SENT: Call sign you sent or passed the message to, or to whom you delivered 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 back number if message was left on voicemail! Austin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT Austin AK2US 7/2/03 2112 EDT

15. Health & Welfare Message RAW MESSAGE Sample #1 Originating station: YOU Originating Location: Guilford, CT TIME 1030 (E) DATE: January 3, 2015– To: Tommy Edison 9 North Edison Drive, Milan, Ohio 44846 9 North Edison Drive, Milan, Ohio 44846 Tel: 419-499-2135 I must inform you of the decline of your true love. The incandescent light bulb has not long to live. Regards, Lucius Ledbetter Tel: 203-876-1189 Tel: 203-876-118936

16. Health & Welfare Message Completed Message Sample #1 47 W HX YOURCALL 23 Guilford, CT 0830 (E) Jan 3 To: Tommy Edison 9 North Edison Drive 9 North Edison Drive Milan, Ohio 44846 Milan, Ohio 44846 Tel: 419-499-2135 I must inform you of the decline of your true love X The incandescent light bulb has not long to liveXRegards Lucius Ledbetter Tel: 203-876-1189 36

17. Routine Message RAW MESSAGE Sample #2 Originating station: YOU Originating Location: Orange, CT TIME 1030 (E) DATE: January 3, 2015– To: Ima Scoutparent 168 Housatonic Drive, Milford, CT 06460 168 Housatonic Drive, Milford, CT 06460 Tel: 203-876-1189 Having great time at CONNJAM 2015. Finished my partial Radio Merit Badge. Hit the bullseye in Hatchett throwing. Your Son, Devon Tel: 203-494-3885 36

18. Routine Message Completed Message Sample 2 46 W HX YOURCALL 23 Orange, CT 1030 (E) Jan 3 To: Ima Scoutparent 168 Housatonic Drive 168 Housatonic Drive Milford, CT 06460 Milford, CT 06460 Tel: 203-876-1189 Having great time at CONNJAM 2015 X Finished my partial Radio Merit Badge X Hit the bullseye in Hatchett throwing XYour Son Devon Tel: 203-494-3885 Devon Tel: 203-494-388536

19. PriorityMessage The Raw Message Sample #3 DATE & TIME Message was written: January 3, 2015– 1130 (E) To: Robert Fields CT DEMHSRegion 2 EOC CT DEMHS Region 2 EOC 1111 Country Club Road, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: (860) 685-8105 Request for 200 cots for shelter at Blue Sky High School 543 High Street Ansonia. Please confirm estimated time of arrival. Regards, Ima EMD Tel: 203-123-4567

20. PriorityMessage Compledted Message Sample #3 50 P HXE WA1SFH 22 ANSONIA CT 11:30 (E) JAN 3 To: Robert Fields CT DEMHSRegion 2 EOC CT DEMHS Region 2 EOC 1111 Country Club Road, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: (860) 685-8105 Request for two hundred cots for shelter at Blue Sky High School 543 High Street Ansonia X Please confirm ETA XRegards Ima EMD Tel: 203-123-4567 Ima’s SIGNATURE

21. EMERGENCY Message The Raw Message Sample #4 DATE & TIME Message was written: January 3, 2015– 1230 (E) To: Robert Fields CT DEMHSRegion 2 EOC CT DEMHS Region 2 EOC 1111 Country Club Road 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: (860) 685-8105 Wepawaug Reservoir Dam located at 515 Route 34 Orange CT is near collapse. Have alerted EMD in Milford.Regards, Fred Palmer - EMD Orange

22. EMERGENCY Message Completed Message Sample #4 55 P YOURCALL 18 ORANGE CT 12:30 (E) JAN 3 To: Robert Fields CT DEMHSRegion 2 EOC CT DEMHS Region 2 EOC 1111 Country Club Road 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: (860) 685-8105 Wepawaug Reservoir Dam at 515 Route 34 Orange CT is near collapseX Have alerted EMD MilfordX Regards Fred Palmer - EMD Orange FRED’s SIGNATURE

23. Health & Welfare Message The Raw Message Sample #5 DATE & TIME Message was written: January 3, 2015– 1330 (E) To: Sarah Sanowich 498 Peugeot Sound View 498 Peugeot Sound View Torment Bridge Island, WA 45678 Torment Bridge Island, WA 45678 Tel: 206-765-4321 Everyone is safe here. Please don't worry. Only slight property damage here. Do not be concerned about disaster reports. Will contact you as soon as possible.Love Ima Wreck Tel: 203-999-9999 36

24. Health & Welfare Message Completed Radiogram Sample 5 #101 W B72 WA1TRY 33 Wallingford, CT 1330 (E) Jan 03 Sarah Sanowich 498 Peugeot Sound View Torment Bridge Island, WA 45678 Tel: 206-765-4321 Everyone issafe hereX Please do not worry X Only slight property damage here X Do not be concerned aboutdisaster reports X Will contact you as soon as possible XLove Ima Wreck Tel: 203-999-9999” Ima Wreck Tel: 203-999-9999” Sent to: Barb K1EIR Jan 03 1840 (E). Sent to: Barb K1EIR Jan 03 1840 (E).

25. RADIOGRAMS IMAGINE IF we could shorten that message to Sarah by up to we could shorten that message to Sarah by up to 75% !

26. RADIOGRAMS INTRODUCING THE ARL Numbers

27. Health & Welfare Message Sample #5 with ARL # Text #101 W B72 WA1TRY ARL 7 Wallingford, CT 1330 (E) Jan 03 Missy Sharafanowich 498 Peugeot Sound View Torment Bridge Island, WA 45678 Tel: 206-765-4321 ARL ONE ARL FOUR ARL SIX Love Signature: “ Ima Wreck Tel: 203-999-9999” Sent to: Barb K1EIR Jan 3 1840 (E).

28. ARL Numbered Texts Purpose & How Counted ARL Numbered Texts replace common phrases in message body text (i.e., Happy Birthday, Greetings by amateur radio, etc.) ARL Numbered Texts replace common phrases in message body text (i.e., Happy Birthday, Greetings by amateur radio, etc.) Use of ARL texts reduce total message word count – faster and more consistent transmission of text. Use of ARL texts reduce total message word count – faster and more consistent transmission of text. Translated before delivery of message to addressee Translated before delivery of message to addressee ARL text numbers are always spelled-out in words: ARL SEVEN (Count =2) ARL text numbers are always spelled-out in words: ARL SEVEN (Count =2) ARL FORTY SIX (Count =3) ARL FORTY SIX (Count =3) Message word count (check) is written as “ARL#” (i.e., ARL4 or ARL15) to alert operators that the Message word count (check) is written as “ARL#” (i.e., ARL4 or ARL15) to alert operators that the message includes at least one ARL numbered text. message includes at least one ARL numbered text.

29. ARL Numbered Texts (Examples) ARL FORTY SIX = Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come. ARL FORTY SIX = Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come. ARL FORTY SEVEN = Your message ______ to ______ delivered _______ _______UTC ARL FORTY SEVEN = Your message ______ to ______ delivered _______ _______UTC ARL FIFTY = Greetings by amateur radio. ARL FIFTY = Greetings by amateur radio. ARL 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. ARL 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. ARL SIXTY SEVEN = Your message number _____ undeliverable because of ______. Please advise. ARL SIXTY SEVEN = Your message number _____ undeliverable because of ______. Please advise.

30. Public Serivce Related ARL Numbered Texts ONE Everyone safe here. Please don't worry. ONE Everyone safe here. Please don't worry. TWO Coming home as soon as possible. TWO Coming home as soon as possible. THREE Am in _______ hospital. Receiving excellent care and recovering fine. THREE Am in _______ hospital. Receiving excellent care and recovering fine. FOUR Only slight property damage here. Do not be concerned about disaster reports. 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. FIVE Am moving to new location. Send no further mail or communication. Will inform you of new address when relocated.

31. ARL Numbered Texts Group One For Possible "Relief” / “Emergency " Use

32. ARL Numbered Texts "Relief” / “Emergency " Use ONE Everyone safe here. Please don't worry. 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.

33. ARL Numbered Texts "Relief” / “Emergency " Use SIX Will contact you as soon as possible. EIGHT Need additional ______ mobile or portable equipment for immediate emergency use. 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

34. ARL Numbered Texts "Relief” / “Emergency " Use ELEVEN Establish Amateur Radio emergency communications with ______ on _______ MHz. 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.

35. ARL Numbered Texts "Relief” / “Emergency " Use 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 _______. NINETEEN Request health and welfare report on _______. (State name, address and telephone number.)

36. ARL Numbered Texts "Relief” / “Emergency " Use 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.

37. ARL Numbered Texts "Relief” / “Emergency " Use 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.

38. ARL Numbered Texts "Relief” / “Emergency " Use TWENTY SIX Help and care for evacuation of sick and injured from this location needed at once. SIXTY FOUR Arrived safely at _______. SIXTY SEVEN Your message number _______ undeliverable because of _______. Please advise.

39. “E” & “P” MESSAGES SPECIAL NOTE: Emergency and Priority messages originating from official sources *** MUST *** carry the signature of the originating official.

40. How to Deliver an NTS Message Preferred delivery is via telephone. Preferred delivery is via telephone. Okay to leave on voicemail or answering machine IF you are comfortable you reached the right person. Okay to leave on voicemail or answering machine IF you are comfortable you reached the right person. Radiogram postcard if cannot reach by phone. Radiogram postcard if cannot reach by phone. Service originating station to inform if cannot deliver or if they requested confirmation. Service originating station to inform if cannot deliver or if they requested confirmation.

41. Record Keeping & Reporting Public Serivce Honor Roll (PSHR) Use a log sheet to keep track of your messages Use a log sheet to keep track of your messages Use a PSHR log sheet to tally monthly points for Public Service Honor Roll Use a PSHR log sheet to tally monthly points for Public Service Honor Roll Report message count (originated, sent, received & delivered) to STM monthly Report message count (originated, sent, received & delivered) to STM monthly Report PSHR totals to STM Report PSHR totals to STM STM = Anne West - K1STM (k1stm@arrl.net) STM = Anne West - K1STM (k1stm@arrl.net)

42. Local NTS Nets WESCONN (Western CT Traffic Net) Daily 8:30 pm 147.18 (+) 141.3 ( W1HDN - Prospect) Daily 8:30 pm 147.18 (+) 141.3 ( W1HDN - Prospect) EASTCONN (Eastern CT Traffic Net) Daily 9:00 PM 146.730 (-) 156.7 (N1NW - Norwich) Daily 9:00 PM 146.730 (-) 156.7 (N1NW - Norwich) NUTMEG (Nutmeg VHF Traffic Net) W1DTH – Bristol M, T, Th, 7:30 PM 146.685 (-) 141.3 (W1DTH – Bristol) F, S, Sn CT Phone Net (HF): Mon-Sat 6 pm 3.973 MHz Mon-Sat 6 pm 3.973 MHz Sunday 10 am 3.965 MHz Sunday 10 am 3.965 MHz (Alternate Frequency: 7.280 MHz)

43. Sending Messages SPEED KILLS! GO SLOW… SPEED KILLS! GO SLOW… Preamble and Address BREAK MESSAGE BREAK Signature (not said) END

44. Did You Miss Something? WORD AFTER WORD AFTER WORD BEFORE WORD BEFORE ALL AFTER ALL AFTER ALL BEFORE ALL BEFORE BETWEEN BETWEEN

45. END OF NCS THEORY NEXT… Health & Welfare Traffic LET’S DO IT!

46. TRAFFIC Precedence Precedence (E, P, W, or R)  E = Emergency (life or death urgency in a declared emergency)  P = Priority (official traffic in a declared emergency)  W = Health & Welfare (used only in a declared emergency)  R = Routine (everything else – most frequently used)

47. END OF H & W Traffic

48. Questions?