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New Jersey
Traffic Handlers' Resource Page Serving NNJ and SNJ Sections
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New Jersey
Traffic Handlers' Resource Page Serving NNJ and SNJ Sections
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" It's true, you know. You can't
teach an old dog new tricks. But I figured out the secret.
If you
keep learning new tricks, you can't be an old dog."
CARL FELT N2XJ (1908-2000)
This Page is
Dedicated in Memory of the Captain
last updated Sept 27, 2008
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What is the NTS? |
NTS, an Introduction
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New Jersey NTS Management |
The State of New Jersey is divided into two ARRL Sections, Northern NJ in the Hudson Division, and Southern NJ in the Atlantic Division.
<<TRIVIA: Only three states are split across Divisions; the other two are New York (Hudson-Atlantic) and California (Pacific-Southwestern)>>
Each ARRL Section has a Traffic Manager (STM) appointed by his/her corresponding Section Manager to supervise traffic handling organization at the section level--that is, to coordinate all traffic efforts within the section, regardless of mode or National Traffic System (NTS) affiliation, so that routings within the section and connections with other networks and digital traffic nodes will result in orderly and efficient traffic flow. New Jersey is a relatively small state in a geographic sense, and the NTS Section Nets are really dual-section nets covering the entire state. For this reason, the STMs of NNJ and SNJ have a long and successful tradition of close co-operation to facilitate both traditional traffic flow and digital forwarding throughout all of New Jersey.
The Section Traffic Managers are:
Northern New Jersey
Dave Struebel WB2FTX
241 Boonton Ave, Butler NJ 07405
wb2ftx @ arrl. net
Southern New Jersey
Dan Ostroy K2UL
8 Golden Crest Ct, Hamilton NJ 08691
k2ul @ arrl. net
Bulk Mail Common Texts - Several stations throughout the country have been originating large volumes of NTS messages. Many of the messages go to people pulled from FCC transaction files or other organizational membership lists. In most cases, the addressee does not know the sender personally, which can make the delivery somewhat confusing. Some traffic handlers think this is a good thing, because it generates traffic and keeps the system oiled. Others think it is nothing more than unwanted amateur SPAM and a pain in the neck to deliver. In either case, these messages will continue to arrive. To make matters a little easier we have compiled a set of COMMON TEXTS for you to view and print. You might consider keeping a copy handy in or near your message log. Or, just click on any of the following calls to jump to their specific message texts: N1IQI K1JPG NM1K W1GMF N1UAN WB5NKD N5RLQ K8LJG KA8WNO. Please let us know of any additions or updates.
ARL Numbered Radiograms - FSD-3 - The complete list of numbered texts (PDF format).
The Pink Card - FSD-218 - has the list of QN-signals, HX instructions, Precedences, and other recommended procedures for message composing and relaying (PDF format).
Other Useful Information:
Using HX (handling instructions)
Station Activity Reports - You do not have to be a League member to submit a SAR or PSHR report. Everyone is encouraged to report so we can know how many people are active on the nets. Reports to the STM (K2UL or WB2FTX) must be received by no later than 11 PM on the 8th day of the following month. Late reports will be sent to ARRL HQ with the next month's reports. Sample SAR and PSHR report
Public Service Honor Roll - PSHR reporting includes ARES, NTS, and other public service activities. Traffic handlers are encouraged to report their PSHR activity to the STM along with the SAR report. Click on this link to learn how to count points for PSHR: PSHR Description
Gary K2GW has developed a PSHR worksheet in Excel for keeping track of your points - makes the end of the month reporting a snap.
Official Relay Station - League members can obtain an appointment as an ORS by contacting your Section Traffic Manager. An ORS appointee makes a commitment to participate in traffic nets and handle messages according to proper procedures. An ORS is also expected to make a monthly Station Activity Report (SAR) to the STM in order to maintain and renew the appointment. ORS Description You may also aspire to become a Net Manager. Net Manager Description
Net Manager Activity Reports - Net Managers of each of the section-level NJ traffic nets are requested to send a report of their net's activity at the end of each month to both the Northern NJ Section Traffic Manager (WB2FTX), and the Southern NJ Section Traffic Manager (K2UL). If you hold an official NM appointment, then a monthly report is required. Managers of the VHF Local nets only need to send a report to your local STM. There is no specific format for these reports but at a minimum they should include the following: name of net, total number of messages listed (QTC), total number of messages passed (QSP), total number of stations checked in (QNI), total number of minutes in session (QTR), and total number of sessions held. In addition, you may wish to send optional data such as number of different check-ins, and percent of traffic passed, and any other news events about your net. Reports to K2UL and WB2FTX must be received by no later than 11 PM on the 8th day of the following month.
Monthly STM Reports - The Section Traffic Managers send monthly reports to ARRL HQ, containing traffic totals for each of the Section and Local Nets, as well as SAR/PSHR totals for individuals. Click HERE to see the most recent reports, as well as a historical archive going back to mid-2000. You can use this data to determine if you qualify for a PSHR certificate.
New Jersey Traffic Handler Awards - New Jersey traffic handlers are proud to recognize outstanding members of our nets, both HF and VHF, during the year. A nicely engraved plaque is presented to each recipient. Read more about Awards Info. Click here for photos of the award plaques and recipients.
New Jersey Traffic Bulletin - A library of past issues of NJTB. We publish a Quarterly Review of all NJ Traffic Nets activities. Click here for the current issue.
NTS Message Handling on Packet - The NTS also has a parallel network of digital systems for traffic forwarding and you may also participate. Click here to learn how.
Public Service Communications Manual - Definitive information about the functions of NTS is contained in Section II of the ARRL PSCM. You can view it here or you can also download a complete copy of the PSCM in Adobe format. View NTS Manual Download PSCM
(The ARRL has lots of good information for prospective traffic handlers. You do not need to be an ARRL member to use the information.)
NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines - The working reference manual on traffic net and message handling procedures in the National Traffic System. This is the place to go if you want to know all the details. NTS-MPG
Net Directory - The ARRL publishes a Net Directory which lists all NTS nets and more. You can search the on-line version or you can also purchase a complete printed copy for $5. On-line Directory Purchase Directory
Traffic Handler Photos: See pictures of NJ traffic handlers, past and present, in the Photo Gallery.
More Interesting Items:
List of Net Members' Birthdays. Send them ARL FORTY SIX.
History of NJN Past Managers, 1948-today
History of NJPN, NJSN, NJM Past Managers
Famous Hams and ex-Hams List, by N2GJ
"The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy" (PDF), (686 kB) by NØHFF (sk); Zipped WORD version (500 kB)
Phillips Code Dictionary (PDF) (1.3 MB), by W2GWS (sk). Very interesting reading, even if you don't plan to use the code. We also have a foldable Booklet PDF version (1.0 MB)
License Plates: Amateur Radio license plates might be useful in an emergency. The way to get them in New Jersey is to call the Motor Vehicle Agency's Special Plate Unit at 1-609-292-6500 and request Amateur Radio Plate application form SPU-43.
Links to Public Service Related Sites:
Links to Other Sections/States Web Sites: Useful information and training materials for traffic handlers can be found on other web sites. Please remember that local customs and procedures may be different than here in New Jersey. (They were all found with a Google Search.)
NTS Training Manual - courtesy of the Eastern Massachusetts Web Page. They also have other interesting traffic stuff.
NTS in North Texas - hosted by Baylor Univ
CW Netiquette - by N5LF, another Texas resource
VE3BDM's Training Pages - Lots of good stuff for cw, ssb, and digital
Basic Traffic Handlers' Course (PDF format) - As it's done in Tennessee
Intro to the NTS (PDF format) - from Cupertino ARES in California
