NTS – Handling written messages via radio
ARRL WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGER – Dave Rockwell W4PXE
THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM – Its purpose
The National Traffic System (NTS), which a part of the ARRL Field Organization, is a structure that allows for rapid movement of traffic from origin to destination and training amateur operators to handle written traffic and participate in directed nets. Traffic are written messages sent my by amateur radio operator to another operator or even a third party (someone who is not a licensed radio amateur), with some restrictions.
Traffic activities in a section are coordinated and overseen by the Section Traffic Manager who is appointed by the Section Manager. Our Section Traffic Manager is Dave Rockwell W4PXE and you may reach Dave by email at w4pxe@arrl.net. And of course, you send traffic to him through the NTS.
Amateur operators from the three Florida ARRL Sections participate in several unified State wide traffic nets on 40, 75, and 80 meters on a daily basis. This has been by mutual agreement for over 50 years., going all the way back to when Florida was only one ARRL Section.
FOR THOSE NEW TO THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
ARRL NTS PURPOSE AND BASIC EXPLANATION
This page, which is Chapter One of the ARRL NTS Manual, has an excellent explanation of the National Traffic System, its basic purposes, and basic principles of operation.: http://www.arrl.org/chapter-one-national-traffic-system.
ARRL NTS MANUAL
For the full ARRL NTS Manual – HTML Format: http://www.arrl.org/nts-manual.
For the full ARRL NTS Manual – PDF Format: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public%20Service/NTS_Manual2015.pdf.
NET OPERATIONS PRESENTATION
http://arrlwcf.org/download/wcfgeneral/W4PXE_Net_Operations_Forum_2023.pptx
This is the slides from a presentation given by Dave Rockwell W4PXE, Section Traffic Manager, on being a good net control and the techniques to be a good net control.
ARRL NTS FORMS
For all the ARRL NTS Forms: http://www.arrl.org/public-service-field-services-forms.
ARRL POWERPOINT TUTORIAL
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/NTS%20Presentation%206-2012.ppt.
ARRL NTS WEBSITE
EAGLE NET – ARRL WCF SECTION TRAFFIC NET
The West Central Florida Section daily traffic net is the Eagle Net held daily at 8:30 PM (2030) Eastern Time on the NI4CE repeater system. Click on the link just given for a list of repeaters and a coverage map.
If you wish to be a Net Control Station, little experience is required and it is a great way to learn more about traffic as well as sharpening your operating skills. Contact Dave W4PXE at w4pxe@arrl.net for more information and qualifications to be a Net Control Station.
OFFICIAL RELAY STATIONS
Stations who handle traffic are encouraged to apply for the Official Relay Station (ORS) Appointment. Contact the Section Traffic Manager or Section Manager for more information on becoming an ORS. You can apply for an ORS online using the Online Station Appointment Application Form.
RESOURCES FOR TRAFFIC HANDLERS
THIRD PARTY TRAFFIC AGREEMENT LIST
The current Third Party Traffic Operating Agreements. NTS Traffic can only be sent to third parties (not a licensed amateur radio operator) in countries which we have these operating agreements. The countries on this list do change from time to time so be sure to have the most current list available You may download this list at:
http://www.arrl.org/third-party-operating-agreements
ARRL NTS WEBSITE
SECTION NTS NET LIST
| Net TIme | Net Name | Location | Frequency and Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1830 Eastern | SPARC Net | St Petersburg | WA4AKH/R - 147.060 MHz - No PL Tone. |
| 2030 Eastern | Eagle Net | Section Wide | NI4CE/R System - For repeater frequencies - https://www.ni4ce.org. |
FLORIDA NTS NET LIST
| Net Time | Net Name | Frequency / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 0700 Eastern Time | Florida Phone Traffic Net | 3940 KHz LSB Phone |
| 1800 Eastern Time | Tropical FAST Net. | 3940 KHz LSB Phone 7230 KHz LSB Phone |
| 1830 EST 1930 EDT | Northern Florida Phone Net | 3950 KHz LSB Phone |
| 1900 Eastern | QFN - All Florida CW Traffic Net | 3651 KHz CW 7051 KHZ CW |
| 2200 Eastern | QFN - All Florida CW Traffic Net | 3547 KHz CW |