The National Traffic System (NTS) is a network of amateur radio operators who move information during disasters and other emergencies. General messages offering good wishes also would move through the NTS to help test the system and to help amateur radio operators build traffic handling skills. While the NTS is primarily set up to serve the United States and Canada, it is possible to move traffic internationally through the NTS through various local, regional, area, and international network connections.
The National Traffic System is an ARRL-sponsored program that provides an organized method for moving messages related to the event. Called traffic, these messages can provide critical information for saving lives or property, also inquiring about the health or welfare of those affected. Messages are composed using the radiogram format, and these radiograms are moved, or relayed, into and out of the affected area. This is the Relay in American Radio Relay League: traffic is relayed from one location to another.
What is a Radiogram Message?
Radiogram messages are the heart of the National Traffic System or NTS. Remember the telegraph messages of old? Radiogram messages are twenty-five words or less and range from birthday and holiday greetings to simple messages to stay connected. These messages can go to anyone, whether they are a ham (amateur radio operator). Radiogram messages are relayed on radio nets and sent digitally by hams all over the United States and can be sent to other countries wherever third-party traffic is permitted. In times of an emergency, hams handle health and welfare message traffic to and from disaster areas.
What is Saguaro NTS?
The Saguaro NTS (National Traffic System) Net meets every night on the Eastern Arizona Amateur Radio Society (EAARS) repeater system at 6:30 pm MST. In the Tucson area, typically use of Mt. Lemmon is part of the system at 147.160 MHz. Check the EAARS website for other parts of the system throughout southern and eastern Arizona. Join and learn to participate in traffic handling. Training tidbits are offered nightly. The Saguaro NTS Net’s purpose is to relay radiogram message traffic within the United States, and outside the United States wherever third-party traffic is permitted. And to enable hams with any level of amateur radio license to participate.
Source: Saguaro NTS and ARRL
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