NTS – Handling written messages via radio
ARRL WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGER – Doug Williams N2DW
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 Doug Williams N2DW and you may reach Doug by email at n2dw@arrl.net , or by telephone at 727-725-3345. 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: http://www.arrl.org/nts-manual
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
FLORIDA NTS NET LIST
Florida NTS Nets on HF:
| Time EST/EDT (Local Time) |
Net Name |
Frequency/Mode |
| 0655 | Florida Phone Traffic Net (FPTN) |
3940 LSB |
| 0730 – Saturday Only | ARRL Information Net (AIN) | 3940 LSB |
| 0900 – Mon-Sat | Northern Florida ARES Net (NFAN) | 3950 LSB (ALT 7242 LSB) |
| 1200 | Florida Mid-Day Traffic Net (Mid-Day) | 7242 LSB |
| 1800 | Tropical Phone Traffic Net / FAST (TPTN/FAST) | 3940 or 7242 LSB |
| 1830 | Florida Medium Speed Net | 3651 or 7051 CW |
| 1830 (Winter) 1930 (Summer) |
Northern Florida Phone Net | 3950 LSB |
| 1900 | All Florida CW Net (QFN) | 3547 or 7051 CW |
| 2200 | All Florida CW Net (QFN) | 3547 CW |
| 2230 | Florida Amateur Sideband Net – Late |
3940 SSB |
VHF/UHF Nets affiliated with NTS in the WCF Section
| Time EST/EDT (Local Time) |
Net Name – Location |
Frequency |
| 1830 | SPARC Daily Net St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay Area |
147.060 (+) |
| 2030 | Eagle Net ARRL WCF Section Traffic Net |
NI4CE/R System |