NTS-National Traffic System

(Reprinted from National Traffic System Training Manual by R. Bruce Winchell, N8UT)

• The National Traffic System consists of ARRL affiliated and independent amateur radio networks ('nets') which pass non-commercial messages on behalf of third parties as a public service.
• NTS has been in operation since 1949. It was established by the ARRL in response to membership demand. It carries on a tradition of message relaying, established by Hiram Percy Maxim when he founded the ARRL for the purpose of handling message traffic in 1914.
• The NTS is a relay messaging system developed for content accuracy. Whatever message is sent by way of the NTS, is received exactly as it was originated. There is no margin for error.
• NTS messages are formalized utilizing the "RADIOGRAM" format.
• Once a message has been formalized and entered into the NTS it is called "Traffic".
• Non-formalized messages relayed over Amateur Radio frequencies are not "traffic" as defined within the NTS.

NTS messages may be sent to, or by, anyone.  You do not have to be a ham to initiate or receive a message. A licensed ham must, of course, handle the transmission of the traffic.

DFW area VHF nets are held each evening on the following repeaters:

    146.88    6:30 p.m.

    145.19    10:30 p.m.

For more information about the NTS-National Traffic System, click on the below topics:

    ARRL NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines

    ARRL Numbered Radiograms

    ARRL Amateur Message Form  Guidelines for originating and handling formal radiogram messages, including precedences, handling instructions, QN signals, Q signals, abbreviations, prosigns and prowords.

    ARRL Handy Operating Guide  This handy operating aid contains five useful references including the UTC time conversion chart, the ITU phonetic alphabet, guidelines to using the RST System, communication procedures and good phone operating guidelines.

    ARRL Radiogram Form  

    ARRL Amateur Radio Disaster Welfare Inquiry Message Form

    Public Service Communications Manual (downloaded from www.arrl.org)

    A_R_E_A National Traffic System Training Manual by R. Bruce Winchell, N8UT

   DFW Metroplex Traffic Net Manual by Don Mathis, KB5YAM

    Texas NTS Net Schedule from Carolyn Womack, KC5OZT

    Station Activity Report Instructions from Carolyn Womack, KC5OZT

   North Texas Emergency Traffic Plan by Carolyn Womack, KC5OZT

   Texas Slow Net by Carolyn Womack, KC5OZT

    Miscellaneous NTS Information by K7BFL