NTS DIGITAL TRAFFIC NETWORK NEED VOLUNTEERS
The ARRL and Radio Relay International (RRI) are working to reinvigorating the National Traffic System (NTS). Traffic handling was once a core element of amateur radio operations. When sending telegrams was expensive, ham radio operators offered a free alternative for noncommercial messages. With the development of the internet and text messaging on our phones, the NTS has seen a significant decline. Passing radiograms is still a critical part of our emergency communications and a component of our public service toolbox.
The Digital Traffic Network (DTN), a team effort by ARRL and RRI, has taken over a considerable portion of the NTS workload. DTN operates message servers where a local Digital Traffic Station (DTS) receive and download message for local traffic nets (e. g. our Eagle Net or the Florida Phone Traffic Net – FPTN). These digital stations then serve as liaison between DTN and the local voice or CW net (what we call the “last mile” in communications).
We need more DTS operators in our section. One advantage is you can download the traffic on your own schedule though you would need to sign into one of the local traffic nets to pass the radiograms to the recipient. If you would be interested, checkout the information at the following websites: ARRL National Traffic System – https://arrl.org/nts, and the Digital Traffic Network – https://nts-digital.net/mw/index.php/Main_Page
If you are interested in being part of Digital Traffic Network, please contact our Section Traffic Manager, Dave Rockwell W4PXE via email at w4pxe@arrl.net. Rockwell will provide your information to a point of contact from the National Traffic who will assist you in getting started.
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