开云体育

Spring is definitely in the air as temperatures have gone into the 60s in recent days, although we know how fickle New England weather can be. Still thoughts turn warmer weather and to upcoming summer activities. Field Day 2025 will occur on June 28-29. Clubs are making plans and we hope those plans will include how to get those extra points for sending NTS radiograms via RF from Field Day sites. Of course all too often club members are not familiar with how to do this. If you are a member of a club, you are in a good position to help out. They might appreciate your offer of assistance. Let them know about how to find traffic nets, and how to create, route and send a radiogram. You might also help spread the word through social media and other media sources so the public can discover the resources of local hams and amateur radio. Annual Traffic Handlers Picnic will be held in Concord MA Sunday August 3 from noon on. Hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages will be provided. Bring your beverage of choice and, though not required, anything else you would like to share. Also lawn chairs if you have one would be appreciated as I have a limited number available. More details to follow. HamXposition 2025 will be held in Marlboro MA August 21-24. Tickets are now available at https://hamxposition.org/. We plan on another traffic handlers get-together, so hope to see you there. BCCTJ or Boston Cape Cod Traffic Jam is still going strong. We're not talking about the roadways (yet), but rather a program of radiogram exchanges between folks on the Eastern Mass 2 Meter Net and the Cape and Islands Traffic Net. Listen in on either of these nets as well as HHTN and MARIPN and learn a thing or two about locations in Eastern Mass. Better yet, join in the fun and get practice in sending radiograms. See Peter KC1HHO or Tim W1TCD for details. The BCCTJ has caught the attention of some new radio amateurs interested in joining the program. Several folks have been participating in training and we expect some new Official Relay Stations to be appointed. Great going guys and gals! Traffic Tip for the Month: Book Traffic - What, Why and How To the newer traffic handler, book traffic can be confusing and somewhat daunting. The order of the radiogram according to that form in front of you is rearranged so cannot be a guide as you copy along. The reason for booking has to do with efficiency, saving transmission time, and can be very beneficial. It is generally used when more than one radiogram has the same common parts such as the same preamble, same text and same signature, but other parts are different, such as the message number and address portion. It is common practice, for example, to introduce the book with the introductory phrase "book of x" when x is the number of addressees in the book being sent. This alerts the receiving station to what is coming next. The common parts follow beginning with the preamble (excluding the message number), a break, the text, another break, and the signature. Another break follows here before sending the uncommon parts for each addressee. A break is also sent between each of the addressees. For example, following the signature, a break, the first message number and addressee, a break, next message number and addressee, break etc. Following the last number and addressee the phrase "end book" is sent. When copying book traffic it is probably easier to copy onto a plain sheet of paper rather than trying to conform to the message form. You can put the individual messages together later. There are other types of book traffic, but the principle is always the same. The introductory phrase "Book of X" is followed by the common parts, a break and then the uncommon parts with each message number and address portion separated by a break. The last of the uncommon parts is followed by the proword "end book". As mentioned previously, the purpose is to reduce transmission time and promote net efficiency. However, booking is not necessary and in some instances can cause more confusion and more time for explanations. The above example

VIRTUAL NTS TRAINING NET Many Technician class amateurs miss out on fun and skills learning of traffic handling because they reside in areas of the country where local traffic nets on VHF repeaters don’t exist. The Virtual NTS Training Net (VNTN) seeks to address this problem with the creation of a Zoom-based local traffic net that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. VNTN will accept check-ins and radiogram traffic utilizing standard phonetics and pro-signs; in short, participants will enjoy the same experiences as those who check into conventional “RF” traffic nets. The net will incorporate a “hands-on” training approach in traffic procedures, radiogram creation, and relay. It is our hope that new amateurs who participate in VNTN will be motivated to join section and region nets on HF after upgrading to a higher license class. The Net meets Wednesdays at 7:00 PM ET. Plans are underway to move the time to 8 PM ET in May. The VNTN URL is: <https://bitl.to/3xj4>. For updated information, please subscribe to the VNTN list at: <[email protected]>.

As temperatures are now moderating, attention begins to turn toward outdoor activities which may likely include completing those antenna projects. I know some folks are looking forward to getting out to the parks for those POTA activations. Whatever your projects, I hope they will include some traffic for the traffic nets. We have some new traffic handlers whom we want to welcome to our traffic handling community. The Boston Cape Code Traffic Jam, reported on last month, has been a boon in generating interest and a lot of message traffic. Peter, KC1HHO, manager of EM2MN reports Matt, KC1VXV and Scott, AC1TR have been participating in his training program and Jack, KC1SJK has taken on an additional responsibility as a Net Control Station. HHTN Manager Bob, KC1KVY reports Jim, KM1TWL has also been actively sending and receiving BCCTF radiograms. John KC1ZT from Beckett MA has been a frequent visitor to the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net, giving us another outlet into Western Mass. Welcome to all these guys. And thanks again to Peter for the BCCTJ which continues to operate like gangbusters. Want to get involved and have some fun, contact Peter for more info. Want to have some more fun with traffic? Check out the NTS Treasure Hunt. The concept for this activity originated with the CEO of ARRL, Dave Minster, NA2AA and was developed by one of the NTS 2.0 teams. Watch the monthly NTS Letter (https://nts2.arrl.org/ntsletter) for Treasure Hunt updates. Every other month a question related to traffic handling is posted. Participants are asked to send the answer via RF in a properly formatted radiogram to a designated "judge" who will determine the correctness of the answer and reply with the next question and designated "judge". There are generally four questions per hunt. Those completing all four rounds successfully will be listed in a following issue of the NTS Letter and will be awarded a certificate. Each month the hunt is held, the winner of a random drawing will receive a specially designed coffee mug. More information about this activity can be found at https://nts2.arrl.org/treasure-hunt/. A virtual NTS training net was recently launched via Zoom, thanks to Phil K9HI and Michael, WZ0C. This net meets weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM EDT. The purpose of this net is to give technician class licensees an opportunity to experience a traffic net and receive training where they might not be able to reach a local VHF net where training is generally conducted. See announcement of this net here. If you're available on Wednesday evenings at 7PM, check in at https://bitl.to/3xj4 and offer your support. While this net has been focused primarily in New England, check-ins have come from other parts of the country as well and it is intended that similar nets be created elsewhere throughout the country. Here is yet another way to participate in NTS and gain some experience while enjoying the fun of traffic handling, I'm sure some of you are active on APRS. Check out NTSGTE, an APRS-NTS gateway created and maintained by Michael Ford, WZ0C. This gateway can be used to send a radiogram through the NTS if one is unable to access a traffic net. NTSGTE is an APRS information service that receives radiograms and forwards them on to the Digital Traffic Network. Radiograms are then relayed on as usual. Check out Michael's gateway report at the end of each monthly STM report. A video and a PowerPoint presentation illustrating how to use this service can be found at https://nts2.arrl.org/ntsgte-an-aprs-nts-gateway/. Northeast HamXposition is coming August 21-24, 2025. Save the dates. Tickets can now be purchased and hotel reservations made at a special rate at the Best Western Hotel in Marlboro, MA. Check out https://hamxposition.org/ for details. While marking your calendar, set aside August 3, the first Sunday in August, for the annual traffic handlers picnic in Concord MA More details to follow at a later date. The February STM report is attached. Thanks to all for your participation and support. 73, Marcia KW1U Section Traffic Manager

Hi Traffic Handlers, I'm looking for some volunteers to help with the STEM Fest hosted by Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass on Saturday May 3, 9 am - 1 pm at Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham. The event is for Girl Scouts grades K-12, and no Girl Scout affiliation is needed to volunteer (I'll handle that side of things). My idea is to set up a station where Girl Scouts can learn about amateur radio and send a radiogram to their family, if they choose. It would essentially be a radiogram-centric GOTA station. Specific modes/bands would depend on who volunteers. I'm looking for two types of helpers: 1. Ideally 2 (or more) volunteers who could be there on site so we can set up at least 2 ways to send traffic out. We may have power, but willingness to set up a portable station on battery power would be a plus. 2. One or more volunteers at their home stations during that time who could receive our messages. Please let me know by Saturday 3/15 if you are interested, and feel free to pass on this request to others. Constructive suggestions are always welcome. Thanks and 73, Jessie KC1SLQ

It is said Punxsutawney Phil is a predictor of continued winter weather and it appears he may be correct again this year. With this prospect we should have more time to plan for all those outdoor projects, whether POTA activations or antenna and related updates. Meanwhile those antennas will hopefully stay in the air during these winter storms, allowing the nets to continue daily operation as usual. Be on the alert, however, for Skywarn activity during upcoming storms and give the spotters plenty of opportunity for their reports. The traffic nets have been quite active during the past few weeks. EM2MN manager Peter, KC1HHO has developed a very interesting and exciting plan for generating traffic for our traffic nets. See Peter’s story below. Boston Cape Cod Traffic Jam (BCCTJ) – Generating excitement on Eastern Mass 2 Meter Traffic Nets NTS Relay stations from 4 Eastern Mass NTS nets have been having fun with a new program dubbed the “Boston Cape Cod Traffic Jam”. Local nets, Eastern Massachusetts 2 Meter Traffic Net, Heavy Hitters Traffic Net and Cape & Islands Traffic Net as well as the Massachusetts Rhode Island Phone Net, one of our two section HF traffic nets are involved with sending traffic back and forth between the Boston area and Cape Cod. What makes this unique is all the traffic involves queries regarding our respective locations, travel adventures and other local subjects. All traffic is delivered on air during the nets. About 30 radiograms have been passed in less than 3 weeks and the future of the program looks bright. If you have considered getting involved with NTS but have found it to be rather dry perhaps it’s time to give it another shot. Things like this are what we make it and the intent here is fun while preserving the important function of the methods and procedures that make NTS an effective communication tool. Practice makes perfect. This traffic jam is one that we are all enjoying on the nets. Please stop in to the local 2-meter traffic nets and check it out. 73, Peter KC1HHO Exercise Operation Clear Ice – February 1, 2025 An Eastern Mass section-wide exercise called ‘Operation Clear Ice’ was called on Saturday February 1 to test capabilities of amateur radio operators in emergency situations. As in other recent exercises, NTS was called upon to operate both the Eastern Mass 2 Meter Net and the Massachusetts Rhode Island Digital Net to handle message traffic relating to the exercise. EM2MN was called by net manager Peter, KC1HHO who reported 16 checkins handled 13 NTS radiograms during the 2 hour exercise. They also handled 15 NOAA radio reports which were sent to WX1BOX via Winlink. MARIDN manager Jon, N1ILZ reported a total of 7 stations who, using FlDigi and FlMsg, checked in and, after poor conditions on 80 meters required a move to 40 meters where conditions were slightly better, were able to pass two NTS messages during the same 2 hour period. NTS has a definite role during emergencies and the two managers plan to meet together to discuss how NTS can better serve the community during such times. News from the Net Managers In addition to reporting on the BCCTJ, Peter, KC1HHO reports that Matt, KC1VXV from Brighton has nearly finished training in message handling and net procedures and Jack, KC1SJK from Arlington has also been doing a great job handling traffic. Jack has also been heard recently on the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net on HF. Thanks to both you guys for your help and support. Bob, KC1KVY, manager of Heavy Hitters Traffic Net reports that several of their net participants have been active in the BCCTJ including Shawn, N1CVO, Neil, N1HAN and Jim, KM1TWL and Bob expects more to follow. He reports Tim, W1TCD from Cotuit on Cape Cod has been instrumental in relaying traffic to and from HHTN and the Cape and Islands Traffic Net (CITN) where Tim is net manager. Thanks to all those folks for their help and participation. All have found this a fun and exciting way to practice handling radiogram traffic on a traffic net. Have you been following The NTS Letter, published monthly by ARRL? Ge

As I write this month's report I am looking out at a winter wonderland covered in white, but with temperatures diving into the single digits I for one plan to stay in and play radio. As this is the end of the year, I am including a summary of traffic activity for 2024. 2,082 net sessions were reported. 6,375 radiograms were handled. The nets reported 15,127 check-ins 33,891 minutes or 564.85 hours were spent handling the traffic. That's a lot of man-hours and a lot of traffic. Great job and thanks to all for your participation and support! We have two section nets, one SSB and one CW, both operating on the 80 meter band available to anyone with a General class license or above and interested in traffic handling . Notice to all Technician class licensees - it's a lot of fun and a good motivation to upgrade. The Mass Rhode Island Phone Net (MARIPN) operates on 3978 kHz at 5:00 PM daily. Net manager Ralph, N1LAH reports 2024 was a good year and the net is looking forward to an even better 2025. This net reported 1847 messages handled in 2024 by a total of 2470 check-ins. Great job all. The Mass Rhode Island CW net (MARI) meets daily on 3565 at 7:00 PM. As reported recently we lost some folks during the year but our group of regulars still managed to pass 1352 messages during 2024. We recently welcomed Tage, K1SEI to our net. Tage is in CT but CT has no section CW net, so we're happy to have him join us. Peter, KC1HHO, manager of EM2MN reports "all is going well with the EM2MTN. We continue to have a steady call up every night. We have been using APRS NTSGTE to its full potential, both Jessie KC1SLQ and I (KC1HHO) have been sending through traffic on it. A new station, Matt KC1VXV in Brighton has been taking training and he is coming along well." Stay tuned for info on a new project Peter has been working on involving the traffic handlers on EM2MN and CITN who will be generating traffic for their respective nets. Sounds to me like a really neat program. More to follow next month. Check with Peter for more info. Bob, KC1KVY, manager of HHTN reports "N1HAN, Neil has stepped to the plate and is our new Thursday NCS. He has been a consistent check in and brings and takes traffic regularly. Thanks Neil! Several stations take traffic for delivery when needed. They include WZOC, AA1SE, N1HAN, KC1SJK, W1TCD, N1CVO to name a few. I am lucky to have a team like this!" CM2MN manager John, KK1X has noted in his report a need for more check-ins, more traffic, and especially more net control stations so that the net can operate daily. This net covers Worcester County. If you are in range of the Paxton repeater, I encourage you to check in and perhaps lend a hand. We have a digital net (MARIDN) operating on 3582.5 kHz on Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. We use FlDigi and FlMsg from the NBEMS suite of software, generally on Thor22. This net has been successfully involved in emergency exercises, has a regular group of local traffic handlers and often visitors from other areas. There is a concurrent Zoom session for those who would like help or just enjoy the cameraderie. Contact net manager Jon McCombie, N1ILZ (n1ilz@...) for more information. The APRS-NTS Gateway saw an uptick of traffic in December. 112 messages were handled by 7 local traffic handlers plus more from out of our area, including one from Colombia in South America. Check out https://nts2.arrl.org/ntsgte-an-aprs-nts-gateway/ for more information or catch Michael, WZ0C on the nets. If you have not yet signed up to receive the monthly NTS Letter, go to nts2.arrl.org/ntsletter where you can learn how to subscribe if you are an ARRL member. Anyone can read all back issues on the site. While you're on the NTS2.arrl.org site, check out all the other information about new things going on in NTS. NTS 2.0 Callout Meeting, February 4, 2025 Phil Temples, K9HI The NTS 2.0 subcommittee and its working groups have completed a number of projects and initiatives. Examples include: the NTS Treasure Hunt, the Radiogram Portal, certificates, enhancing ARL numbered texts and handling instruction

Please take note of the following which was reported in the January NTS Letter and please spread the word. Thanks. 73, Marcia KW1U Group owner/moderator NTS 2.0 Callout Meeting, February 4, 2025 Phil Temples, K9HI The NTS 2.0 subcommittee and its working groups have completed a number of projects and initiatives. Examples include: the NTS Treasure Hunt, the Radiogram Portal, certificates, enhancing ARL numbered texts and handling instructions, and of course, creation of The NTS Letter. More projects are planned or in the works. We are looking for individuals who would like to be a part of this exciting initiative! We’re holding a callout meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT for anyone who is interested in learning more about the future of NTS and NTS 2.0. The URL is bit.ly/406jokl You are not required to download or install any additional software or apps. Just type the URL into your browser. Questions? Contact Phil at k9hi@....

Holiday greetings to all. Hard to believe it is only a week before Christmas. Have you sent out holiday greetings via Radiogram this year? It has become expensive to send holiday cards especially if you have lots of friends. Of course cell phones or Zoom calls may be the next best thing. But why not a radiogram via amateur radio? You must admit it is unique and I have heard how friends and families have gotten quite a "kick" out of receiving them. It is quite easy, even if you don't yet feel comfortable sending a radiogram on a traffic net. There is always the Radiogram Portal at https://nts2.arrl.org/radiogram/. This web based program will walk you through the information it needs from you and then formats the radiogram for you. That's all you have to do. That radiogram will be picked up by a seasoned traffic handler and relayed through the traffic system. Of course we hope you will check into one of our training nets (EM2MN, HHTN or CITN) and take advantage of their training programs. You may find it's a lot of fun. From the Net Managers: HHTN Manager Bob Sparkes, KC1KVY reports Jim, KM1TWL has begun taking Training Radiograms and we wish to welcome him to the nets. Bob also reports Neil, N1HAN has been stepping up and doing a nice job of taking traffic. EM2MN Manager Peter Doherty KC1HHO reports several new stations have been checking in. One new trainee, Joe, K1HGT has been doing well. We welcome Joe as well and hope all of these guys find enjoyment in successfully relaying formal message traffic. Special recognition also goes to Jessie, KC1SLQ whom Peter reports is doing a great job as NCS. MARI CW net and MARIPN are happy to hear Ed Cochran, K1GRP back on the traffic nets. Ed was off the air following a house fire, but many thanks go to some great fellow amateurs from FARA, the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association, who helped get antennas up in the air at Ed's temporary location. We extend our thanks to Henry, K1WCC and Gene KX1C for helping Ed get back on the air. He has been greatly missed especially on the CW net. Ed is back to handling traffic, and net controlling both MARI and 1RN. Some discussion came up recently after a couple SAR reports were received which included an extra category for Unsuccessful Delivery Attempts. When many people change phone numbers and/or screen calls and do not answer calls from numbers they don't recognize, it can make delivery of messages quite difficult and while attempts at delivery are earnestly made, it is not always possible. Should these folks who make these attempts not be recognized for their efforts? This subject has come to the attention of the NTS 2.0 steering committee and has been discussed. However a conclusion has not been made at this time, so for now I will not be counting this category in the SAR totals until such time if or when it becomes official. You can, of course add additional information in your report if you wish. It can be helpful to determine why non deliveries were unsuccessful. Of course a printed copy of a radiogram can always be mailed, especially with an explanation. It may even create some interest in the NTS. This has happened! I would like to comment this month about the "Parks on the Air" or POTA program. Some of our traffic handlers including Jack KB1SYL, have set up POTA stations, and others, including Bob KC1KVY, have sent radiograms to confirm POTA contacts. In fact Bob has sent close to 1500 of these radiograms this year and we appreciate Bob's contribution of traffic to the nets. Others might try this as well. It occurred to me there is another aspect to this ham activity. While it is not about traffic handling, it does offer a very valuable experience in setting up and operating portable stations, which can be done at any time of year and not just on Field Day. Considering an increased awareness of emergency preparedness, suppose we were to experience a disaster. We could find ourselves dependent on those who have this capability of setting up almost anywhere and operating their radios. While this may not be the most desirable time of th

I think we are finally entering winter as the temperatures this past week have taken a dive. Perhaps it’s time to come in from the cold, hunker down and check into some traffic nets. Renew those traffic handling skills as well as old friendships. From the Net Managers: HHTN: Bob KC1KVY reports that they are in the process of replacing KD2JKV and N1PZP who have recently stepped down as net control stations. Meanwhile, Shawn, N1CVO has been doing yeoman duty covering extra net sessions. Bob also reports Neil, N1HAN has now been added to the list of those able to move thru traffic to beyond the local net area, as has Tim, W1TCD who checks in from Cape Cod via Echolink. Many thanks to both those guys. While the net has experienced some technical difficulties, they are fortunate to have Joe, W1HAI busy at work to resolve these problems. EM2MN: Peter, KC1HHO reports that following the loss of Doc, KE1ML, who recently became a Silent Key, the net has been fortunate to have Jessie, KC1SLQ step up and assume NCS duties. Jessie was well trained by Peter and is now a regular NCS on Monday nights and helps out alternating on Saturdays with KC1KVY and Peter himself. MARI CW: As mentioned previously, our CW net is in need of help in order to survive. Learning to send and copy CW? Try MARI CW traffic net. It’s a good place to practice and improve those skills. This net meets daily at 7:00 PM on 3565 Khz. Need some help getting started? Check out this page on the section website: https://ema.arrl.org/basic-cw-net-procedures/. Radiograms to introduce the NTS Letter: The NTS2 group recently sent out 830 radiograms to all Official Relay Stations, Net Managers and Section Traffic Managers currently on the ARRL’s Field Services database. While primarily intended to introduce the NTS Letter to all in the NTS community, it has had a side benefit of helping to update the database, particularly identifying Silent Keys. Thanks to all who helped with this effort. NTS Trivia and the NTS Treasure Hunt: It was recently revealed that the NTS Trivia site maintained by Aaron Hulett K8AMH has been shut down. For those Trivia fans and those who like a fun challenge, check out the NTS Treasure Hunt. Questions concerning a variety of aspects of traffic handling are published in the NTS Letter every other month. Answers to these questions are sent by radiogram to a designated “judge” who will determine correctness of your answer and following a correct answer send you the next question. Anyone completing three rounds of correct answers in a given month is awarded a certificate with one winner, chosen at random, being awarded a specially designed coffee mug. Check out the website, https://nts2.arrl.org/treasure-hunt/ for more details. “November Gale” Exercise: The Eastern Mass Section Emergency Exercise “November Gale” was conducted on Saturday, November 9. NTS participation was again included in this drill. Peter, KC1HHO manager of the East Mass 2 Meter Net activated that net for the two hour period to facilitate movement of any exercise traffic. A special session of MARIDN, the Mass Rhode Island Digital Net was also activated. Net Manager Jon, N1ILZ reports, “As part of the Fall 2024 SET “November Gale,” we conducted a special session of the Massachusetts Rhode Island Digital Net. MARIDN is an affiliate of the National Traffic System (NTS) of the ARRL, convened to pass formal written traffic across MA and RI and to and from wherever third-party traffic is allowed, using the digital message-passing capabilities of the Fldigi NBEMS software suite. The MARIDN special session ran 1000-1203L (1500-1703Z). A total of 14 stations checked in, with a total of six pieces of traffic passed, including both Radiograms and ICS-213 messages. The exercise demonstrated passing traffic within the net and exchanging traffic with the greater National Traffic System (NTS).” Jon also reports we could use more FlDigi capable stations to help with this effort, and it’s a lot of fun. Contact Jon N1ILZ@... for more details on getting involved. APRS Gateway to DTN: Have you noticed A

As the cooler weather of fall sets in, our thoughts turn to preparation for winter. Is your station set for those cold snowy days? As the time changes in November (Nov 3), so will propagation likely change on some of our traffic nets. The First Region Net (FRN) which meets on SSB in the afternoon, will go back to its winter time of 1:45 and 3:30 PM and will return from 7243 Khz to the 75 meter frequency of 3950 Khz. Eastern Area Net returns to 2:30 PM EST, continuing on 7243 Khz. Our local nets remain at the same local time, however MARIPN will return to the 75 meter frequency of 3978 Khz, with a back-up of 7243 Khz. If you don't find them on 75M, check 40M. Remember these changes will take place on Sunday, November 3. We have been saddened to hear about two of our traffic handlers who became Silent Keys over the summer. Bernie Lynch, KC1MSN of Milton MA passed away at the age of 63 on July 9, and Doc Kinne KE1ML of Somerville MA passed on September 25 at the age of 59. Both had been active on EM2MN and HHTN. Our condolences to their families and friends. Their obituaries can be found at Bernie, KA1MSN and at Doc, KE1ML. Rest in Peace both you guys. On October 14 thanks to the efforts of WMA Section Manager Ray, AA1SE, we tried a Zoom session for training in traffic handling. This was publicized in the NTS Letter as well as locally and we had a great turnout of 81 amateurs from around the country. Both Bob, KC1KVY and Shawn, N1CVO were a big help, sharing their experiences in handling message traffic. We were encouraged by the turnout which demonstrated the interest in learning this skill. We are talking about doing this again in the future. Stay tuned. If you haven't yet seen the NTS Letter, go to the website nts2.arrl.org and learn more about what the NTS 2.0 project is all about. Especially check out both the NTS Letter and the Radiogram Portal, each being found under the Quick Links at the top of the home page. You will find there an archive of all copies of the NTS Letter since its initial issue of October, 2023 as well as instructions on how to subscribe to receive copies in your email mailbox . The Radiogram Portal is a web-based program which was created by Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD (also creator of Echolink) not only to inform the public about amateur radio message handling but also provide a means to send a message through the National Traffic System. Why, you might ask, would anyone want to send a message through NTS when instant (and inexpensive) communication via the internet and cell phone service is readily available? One might look to the recent extreme hurricanes in southeastern US where power was knocked out to hundreds of millions of people. No internet, no cell phones, and about the only means of communication was via amateur radio. Another goal of the Portal is to generate more third party traffic into the system. Traffic handlers who have been authorized to retrieve radiograms take these messages which the program puts into radiogram format, add their message number and call sign as station of origin, and enter them onto traffic nets or the digital traffic system. Not only can the public generate message traffic, but also those hams who might be unable to make a traffic net or access the digital system can make use of it as well. I encourage you to give it a try. Its unique and its fun. The MARI CW net is in real need of more operators. Of our regulars, Henry, WA1VAB moved to NH and is now active on the NH traffic nets. Ed K1GRP suffered a house fire and is temporarily off the air. John WA1LPM has been among the missing due to some personal problems. CW traffic handling is not only fun but also a good way to practice some CW in a more structured way with friends who are always willing to help. Need help to get started with all those Q signals and shortened abbreviations? Check out CW Traffic Net Procedures or contact Net Manager, KW1U@.... The September STM report is attached. So why do we bother reporting? For one thing, it can show to any potential "customers" such as service agencies or the public w

Greetings All, Please take note of the following message from Phil Temples K9HI regarding the upcoming election of New England Division Director. There are two candidates, AB1OC Fred Kemmerer and K1KI Tom Freneye. I was unable to find a website for K1KI, but many will remember Tom as a former Director who served for a number of years in the past. To find more information on AB1OC who served as Director the past three years, go to https://ab1oc-4-director.org/. If you are an ARRL member I urge you to make your voice heard and vote. Thanks. 73, Marcia KW1U _________________________ Within the next week or so, you should be receiving voting instructions for the ARRL New England Director election. ARRL has contracted with Election Services Corporation (ESC) to conduct the election, and for the first time we'll be able to vote online. ESC will send postcards to eligible members with the instructions on how to use their online voting site to access candidate statements, photos, and the electronic ballot. The postcard will also have instructions for requesting a paper ballot if preferred. Members with an email address on file with ARRL will receive the postcard and an email message from ESC. Members without an email address on file will receive only the postcard. ESC provides the online voting website, collects and processes electronic and paper ballots, and computes the election results. If you require assistance or have questions, ESC will provide help. You can contact ESC at (866) 720-4357, or via email: ARRLElection@.... To ensure you get a ballot, you should review the email and mailing addresses associated with your ARRL membership by going to www.arrl.org/myARRL. You must be logged in to the ARRL website to view your account. Ballots (paper or electronic) must be received by noon on November 15, 2024. 73, Phil Temples, K9HI

What a great time of year to be in New England. Temperatures have been comfortable with sunshine day after day and no storms in the area. The traffic nets continue to operate daily and while traffic numbers have been down you folks do a great job of faithfully checking in and handling all the listed traffic. August Events August was a busy month, beginning with the section-wide summer exercise, "Big Blow". EM2MN,MARIPN and MARIDN were activated and our traffic handlers showed up to take care of any listed traffic. Thanks to net managers KC1HHO, N1LAH and N1ILZ for help in this effort. We also enjoyed our annual traffic handlers picnic on Sunday, August 4 where 18 folks braved the weather predictions of potential storms to be present on what turned out to be a delightful afternoon. Later in August I hope you were able to attend the Northeast HamXposition in Marlboro, one of the best ever. Of particular note was the NTS display put on by the Nashua (NH) Area Radio Society which included a demonstration of the new web-based Radiogram Portal. Here visitors could learn about amateur radio and its ability to relay messages when other means are unavailable, and they could actually send a radiogram to friends and family via the Portal. More information on this Portal can be found at https://nts2.arrl.org/radiogram/. In addition, on Saturday afternoon visitors could observe the operation of a live traffic net. The First Region Net was conducted remotely from the Nashua display via a station located in New Hampshire. Thanks to NCS John Gotthardt, K1UAF and participants of that net for putting on this demonstration. ___ Upcoming Election for ARRL New England Division Director This is an election year for ARRL New England Division Director and Vice Director. We have been fortunate to have Fred Kemmerer AB1OC as our Director for the past three years. During that time Fred has been a champion for NTS and message traffic handling. He has been largely responsible for the creation of the NTS 2.0 revitalization and enhancement of NTS project, which has involved traffic handlers from all over the country. As one who has worked with Fred on this project I have seen how hard he has worked not only for NTS but for amateur radio in general. Check out his website at https://ab1oc-4-director.org/. He is running opposite Tom Freneye, K1KI who has served as director in the past. Ballots will be sent out in October to all ARRL members in New England. If you are a member, PLEASE remember to VOTE. We've got the momentum. Let's help keep it going! Phil Temples, K9HI Vice Director who was unopposed was reelected, and we are happy Phil will continue as our Vice Director for the next three years. ___ NTS Training on Zoom - October 14, 2024 Interested in NTS and Traffic Handling? Join us Monday, October 14 at 7PM on Zoom and receive training. Hosted by Ray, AA1SE the WMA SM and joined by Marcia, KW1U the EMA, WMA and RI STM, Bob, KC1KVY and Shawn, N1CVO, we will provide training on the basics of proper handling of NTS traffic as well as participating on a net. This will be a combination of videos and open discussion to get started in this aspect of the hobby that’s been around for over 100 years. This is an important skill for anyone considering emergency communications. And by the way, it's rewarding and it's fun. All ham operators are invited to join whether you are experienced or not. Please find the link for this training below. This will be first come-first served and limited to 100 participants. We hope to see you on Zoom. Any questions email Ray AA1SE at aa1se@... Topic: NTS Traffic Training Time: Oct 14, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86391167095? pwd=EE7QXsDKRQPqzlUgZxc4HUfk27Ja9Z.1 Meeting ID: 863 9116 7095 Passcode: 346199 --One tap mobile +19292056099,,86391167095#,,,,*346199# US (New York) +13017158592,,86391167095#,,,,*346199# US (Washington DC) 73, Marcia KW1U STM EMA / WMA / RI

To all traffic handlers in Eastern Mass, there will be an Emcomm exercise this Saturday, August 3 from 10 AM to 12 Noon. It has been requested that the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net, the Mass Rhode Island Digital Net and the Eastern Mass 2 Meter Net be in operation during that time to stand by for test traffic. MARIPN will be on 7243 kHz (+/-) LSB, fallback to 3978 kHz (+/-) if conditions warrant MARIDN will be on 7042.5 kHz (+/-) USB-D, Mode THOR22; fallback to 3582.5 kHz (+/-) if conditions warrant EM2MN is on its usual frequencies As ARRL is promoting emergency communications including the participation of NTS, I hope any traffic handler who is available at that time will monitor any of these nets and feel free to check in. For more information about the exercise, see https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EasternMA-ARES-Summer-Exercise-2024-V1.6.pdf 73, Marcia KW1U Section Traffic Manager

Greetings All, (My first email went out before I finished editing. Here is the amended version with the attached report.) As summer races forward, we now look back on Field Day and look forward to the traffic handlers picnic, the August Emcomm exercise and HamXposition. As we reflect back on Field Day, some of our folks operated with their clubs, some operated at home and some traveled to different clubs. Our nets were geared up for handling FD messages and the KW1U MBO was quite active with FD radiograms. Thanks to all who helped in this activity. We might be considering what we could do next year to add to this activity, promoting and teaching others in our clubs how they can get some experience in message handling and get those extra points. This is the last call for the annual traffic handlers picnic, to be held in less than two weeks on August 4 in Concord MA. As mentioned before, hamburgers, hot dogs and Italian sausages will be provided along with baked beans. Bring your beverage of choice and something to share if you so choose. Also bring a lawn chair if you have one. I have a few for those who do not. The address is 44 Raymond Rd, Concord MA and the time is 12 Noon onward. We may have a talk in on Waltham repeater or call 508 314 6836 for directions if needed. I've put in the request for nice weather and I do have a nice shade tree to sit under. Enjoy seeing your fellow traffic handlers and joining in discussions of NTS and traffic topics. All interested in traffic handling are welcome. Please RSVP so I know how much food to have on hand. There will be an Emcomm exercise in Eastern Mass on Saturday August 3, organized by Cape DEC Frank WQ1O. There will be an NTS component for this exercise and Frank has asked that the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net, East Mass 2 Meter Net and Mass Rhode Island Digital Net be activated during the exercise period of 10 AM to 12 Noon. Net Managers are looking for help manning these nets, and participants to be available to assist with message traffic. Check with your net manager for details. The New England HamXposition is coming up in just one month, August 22 - 25 in Marlboro MA. Lots of activities are planned and include an NTS presentation as well as a traffic handlers Meet and Greet. HamXposition 2024 is reported to be even bigger and better than ever, so come check out the activity and visit us at the NTS programs. Check https://hamxposition.org/ for details. From the Field: Peter KC1HHO, manager of EM2MN and Assistant Section Traffic Manager for Training reports the following: Visited 3 radio clubs during ARRL Field Day. Definitely created awareness to NTS. Will be working with Jack N1QE of Whitman Club to send NTS from the clubs Marshfield Fair event in August. More details to follow. I am working on getting traffic from K1USN for their CW Slow Speed Training Certificates. I am working with PI K1RV on this project. Thanks to Peter for all his great efforts. Traffic Tips: Last month I mentioned the new ARRL Numbered Radiograms which can be found at https://nts2.arrl.org/numbered-texts/. These have also been updated on the ema.arrl.org site. I am now pleased to announce that thanks to Phil K9HI we now have downloadable versions in both PDF and DOCX so that you are no longer required to have internet availability in order to access this information. Download and store on your computer or print out a copy for quick access. Note also a PDF and DOCX version of the Handling Instructions available at https://nts2.arrl.org/hx-handling-instructions/. There you will notice new handling instructions HXI and HXR which have been in use for handling Emcomm agency forms. There is now an additional handling instruction HXT which will be used in future traffic tests. More information about these tests will be made available in the near future. Stay tuned. Thanks to all for your continued participation and support. 73, Marcia KW1U STM EMA / WMA / RI

Greetings All, As summer races forward, we now look back on Field Day and look forward to the traffic handlers picnic, the August Emcomm exercise and HamXposition. As we reflect back on Field Day, some of our folks operated with their clubs, some operated at home and some traveled to different clubs. Our nets were geared up for handling FD messages and the KW1U MBO was quite active with FD radiograms. Thanks to all who helped in this activity. We might be considering what we could do next year to add to this activity, promoting and teaching others in our clubs how they can get some experience in message handling and get those extra points. This is the last call for the annual traffic handlers picnic, to be held in less than two weeks on August 4 in Concord MA. As mentioned before, hamburgers, hot dogs and Italian sausages will be provided along with baked beans. Bring your beverage of choice and something to share if you so choose. Also bring a lawn chair if you have one. I have a few for those who do not. The address is 44 Raymond Rd, Concord MA and the time is 12 Noon onward. We may have a talk in on Waltham repeater or call 508 314 6836 for directions if needed. I've put in the request for nice weather and I do have a nice shade tree to sit under. Enjoy seeing your fellow traffic handlers and joining in discussions of NTS and traffic topics. All interested in traffic handling are welcome. Please RSVP so I know how much food to have on hand. There will be an Emcomm exercise in Eastern Mass on Saturday August 3, organized by Cape DEC Frank WQ1O. There will be an NTS component for this exercise and Frank has asked that the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net, East Mass 2 Meter Net and Mass Rhode Island Digital Net be activated during the exercise period of 10 AM to 12 Noon. Net Managers are looking for help manning these nets, and participants to be available to assist with message traffic. Check with your net manager for details. The New England HamXposition is coming up in just one month, August 22 - 25 in Marlboro MA. Lots of activities are planned and include an NTS presentation as well as a traffic handlers Meet and Greet. HamXposition 2024 is reported to be even bigger and better than ever, so come check out the activity and visit us at the NTS programs. Check https://hamxposition.org/ for details. From the Field: Peter KC1HHO, manager of EM2MN and Assistant Section Traffic Manager for Training reports the following: Visited 3 radio clubs during ARRL Field Day. Definitely created awareness to NTS. Will be working with Jack N1QE of Whitman Club to send NTS from the clubs Marshfield Fair event in August. More details to follow. I am working on getting traffic from K1USN for their CW Slow Speed Training Certificates. I am working with PI K1RV on this project. Thanks to Peter for all his great efforts. Traffic Tips: Last month I mentioned the new ARRL Numbered Radiograms which can be found at https://nts2.arrl.org/numbered-texts/. These have also been updated on the ema.arrl.org site. I am now pleased to announce that thanks to Phil K9HI we now have downloadable versions in both PDF and DOCX so that you are no longer required to have internet availability in order to access this information. Download and store on your computer or print out a copy for quick access. Note also a PDF and DOCX version of the Handling Instructions available at https://nts2.arrl.org/hx-handling-instructions/. There you will notice new handling instructions HXI and HXR which have been in use for handling Emcomm agency forms. There is now an additional handling instruction HXT which will be used in future traffic tests. More information about these tests will be made available in the near future. Stay tuned. Thanks to all for your continued participation and support. 73, Marcia KW1U STM EMA / WMA / RI

As I write this on the official beginning of summer, we have been experiencing 90+ degree weather in Massachusetts, some of the warmest in the country. Field Day begins tomorrow and summertime thunderstorms are often on the horizon. I hope our traffic handlers are taking part in Field Day activities while staying safe. If any have experiences you would like to share in my next report please send them to me, kw1u@.... I would be interested in reporting on them next month. Be sure to remember our annual Traffic Handlers Picnic coming up on Sunday, August 4 beginning at 12:00 Noon. Come to 44 Raymond Road, Concord MA and enjoy an afternoon of food and friendly conversation with fellow traffic handlers. Hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausages and baked beans will be provided. Bring your own beverage of choice and a lawn chair if you have one. I do have a few for those who do not. Any additional food delights are always welcome. An RSVP to help me plan how much food to provide would be most helpful. Radiogram or email works for me. Hope to see you there. Have you been following the NTS Treasure Hunt in the NTS Letter? Information is also now available on the NTS 2.0 website at https://nts2.arrl.org/treasure-hunt/. We have so far had two first place winners from Massachusetts, Shawn, N1CVO and Lem, W1LEM. Congrats both of you. Join the fun and generate some message traffic. Specially designed coffee mugs have been awarded to first place winners each month with certificates going to all who complete all three rounds. There was no Hunt in June but I've been told there will be one in July, so check out the NTS Letter or the NTS2 website for details. I hope you have set aside the dates August 23-25 for the New England HamXposition in Marlboro. Check out the website https://hamxposition.org/ for details. We will have a forum on NTS, what it is and how are we transitioning into this 21st century. We will also have a NTS Meet and Greet, an opportunity to meet other traffic handlers from all around New England and share experiences. Of course there will be many interesting forums going on, but we hope we will see you at one of our NTS sessions. Jack KB1SYL, a regular on the Eastern Mass 2 Meter Net, took to heart my previous comments about the importance of using delivery of welcome to amateur radio radiograms as a means helping these contacts to become involved with NTS. Jack reports that he is keeping a log and as a result of his delivery contacts, KC1URV, KC1PFS, KC1OOH, KC1PWO and KC1TKS have all been participating in EM2MN. Great work Jack and a good suggestion for others to take note. Bob KC1KVY, manager of HHTN reports that two regular check-ins to his net are now not only taking traffic for delivery but have been volunteering to pick up "thru" traffic from HHTN for movement beyond the local area. Thanks to Shawn N1CVO and Dave KC1TLF for their help in keeping traffic moving toward destination. Last month I wrote about the new list of numbered radiograms available on the NTS2.arrl.org website. I have now added these to our section website at https://ema.arrl.org/arrl-numbered-texts-20230606/. The May report is attached. Thanks to all for your participation and support. 73, Marcia KW1U STM EMA / WMA / RI

I must apologize yet again for the tardiness of this report. I will place blame on my recent travels. The bare report did go to ARRL HQ in time however to make the July QST, which, by the way, publishes call signs of all those who turn in a PSHR report. Want to see your call sign in QST? Anyone can submit a Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR) report. It is not just for traffic handlers. It does require a minimum of 70 points to be published however. More information on ways to be awarded points can be found on the https://ema.arrl.org/national-traffic-system/ page. With warm weather finally here, our thoughts turn to outdoors and I'm beginning to plan for the annual traffic handlers picnic. As mention previously, save the date Sunday, August 4. We will gather in Concord MA at 44 Raymond Rd beginning at noon. Bring your beverage of choice and a lawn chair if you have one (I do have a few if you don't). You're welcome but not required to bring anything else to share. Hamburgers, hot dogs and Italian sausages will be provided. Anyone with an interest in traffic handling is welcome. More details will be forthcoming. I was privileged to attend Hamvention in Xenia Ohio this month of May. I understand they broke an attendance record of over 35K attendees. The weather was great, except for some rain Friday morning. Major vendors were there and while I didn't get to see much of the flea market I heard it was a success as well. One thing missing, however, was a meeting of traffic handlers. I did see a few folks I knew, but I'm sure there were more I would have liked to meet. All in all it was a great time and I recommend it to anyone able to travel. Our own HamXposition will be coming up August 23-25. We are planning some NTS activity, including a forum and a meet and greet which has always been well attended. Planners have been working on making this convention the best yet. Hope to see many of you there. In just a few weeks we will celebrate Field Day, one of the biggest ARRL events of the year. Clubs have been busy making their plans. I hope to see many traffic handlers involved as well. There are a variety of ways you can be involved, whether helping at a FD site or making contacts from home, assisting in generating those NTS radiograms for the extra points or monitoring traffic nets to assist with relay or delivery of FD traffic. Among other things, this is an opportunity to demonstrate amateur radio to the public and show what we can do. Most importantly, we can all have fun! My traffic tip of the month concerns the ARRL numbered radiograms. You have no doubt heard about the expanded list of standardized texts, created to shorten radiogram messages. This list which was updated by the NTS 2.0 group can be found at https://nts2.arrl.org/numbered-texts/. If you have been using the old FSD-3 form from the ARRL website, be assured these have not changed. However there are more options on the new list and you may see any of these in a radiogram and need to translate before making a delivery. That's it for this month. Thanks to all for your participation and support. The traffic report is attached. 73, Marcia KW1U STM EMA WMA RI

As temperatures become warmer and trees and flowers begin to bloom, our thoughts turn to summer. One of the earlier summer amateur radio activities is Field Day being held this year on June 22-23. Since the ARRL awards points for handling NTS messages, and since clubs are beginning preparations for Field Day, this would be a good time to work with your respective club leadership to promote and help train where needed, the formatting and transmission of NTS messages. Many do not know about radiograms, and those who do often don't know where and when nets operate or how to get messages into the network. This is a great opportunity to promote the value of NTS and formal messaging and demonstrate how it is done. Of course, when these messages are sent, we need you to monitor the various traffic nets for FD messages and help get them delivered or on their way. Bob KC1KVY, manager of HHTN, reports several new stations checking into the net who are also sending and receiving traffic. Great job Dave KC1TLF, Kevin N1ERS, Glenn KC1EIJ and of course Shawn N1CVO, who we reported on previously. Dave is also DTN capable and can help move thru traffic through the digital network. You guys are setting a great example to others. Thanks for your contributions to NTS and its mission. Next month I will be reporting on the Cape and Islands Traffic Net, including the training net conducted by Chris WA1CMR. You have heard about the NTS Letter, and many of you are currently receiving it in your email box. If you have not been receiving a copy, check your profile on the ARRL website to affirm you are opted in. You can also read each issue on the NTS2 website at https://nts2.arrl.org/nts-letter-issues/. Do you have comments, suggestions, stories of interest regarding NTS and message handling, anything you would like to see in the NTS Letter, write to ntsletter@.... Have you been checking the NTS2.arrl.org website for updates on the NTS 2.0 project? The Radiogram Portal which has been reported on in the past has been operational with now approximately 40 registered "radiogrammers" who are waiting to take messages from the site, format them and send them on their way via the NTS. There are two motivations for this project. The first is to provide a platform to explain to the general public what Amateur Radio messaging is all about — to give a basic introduction to this part of our public service capability, and then to provide an easy way for someone who’s not a ham to submit a message for origination. The second is to try to inject more true third-party traffic into our traffic system." As the system is just getting started there is not a great deal of traffic. We could use some help in spreading the word to friends and family, to clubs and any ham radio gatherings such as NearFest, HamXposition, etc. For more information here is a link to a video, https://nts2.arrl.org/introducing-the-radiogram-web-portal/. On the NTS2 website mentioned above is a new tab called "Promotional Resources", where you can find downloadable information including handouts for clubs, license testing sessions and Field Day, and added tips for FD planning. Also the beginning of a series of NTS training videos can be found here. Stay tuned for more to come. Thanks to all for your participation and support of NTS. The March STM report is attached. 73, Marcia KW1U

Spring has officially sprung. The daylight hours have increased and thoughts turn to outdoor activities, be they POTA activations, leaf raking or antenna work. The nets continue to thrive. A special commendation to the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net under the leadership of Ralph N1LAH which takes the prize for most traffic handled in February (207) and the most check-ins (250), including 14 different stations. Great job to all those folks. Peter KC1HHO reports that EM2MN has been seeing new check-ins with at least one of those taking advantage of the net's training program. We love seeing new check-ins and hope they will take the training and become proficient and enjoy the excitement of a new skill mastered and the fun and camaraderie of the traffic nets. It has been reported that Echolink has returned to the Mount Greylock repeater so we hope to see more from the western part of the state joining in the Heavy Hitters Traffic Net. It has been great to see a number of folks from Worcester County checking in via the Fitchburg and Gardner repeaters. Western Mass Section Manager Ray, AA1SE has been a regular on that net, and I suspect has been an influence in the increased number of check-ins from Worcester County. With its nearly statewide coverage HHTN has been a good outlet for traffic throughout the state. This month I would like to focus on our section CW net, MARI. In earlier days it was referred to as EMRI, as it served only the eastern Mass section and Rhode Island. In the early 80s when I began my journey into traffic handling, the net was quite active, experiencing a good number of QNI (check-ins) and QTC (traffic). However the proliferation of home computers and the internet led to diminished interest in NTS and message relay via amateur radio. The FCC's elimination in 2006 of the CW requirement for licensing also likely contributed to the decrease in activity on the CW nets. Not long after that there were often only two regulars on EMRI available to assume net control and liaison to the region net, so the decision was made to discontinue the net. In 2011, with the encouragement of the section managers of both Eastern and Western Mass, MARI was formed which would include Western Mass along with Eastern Mass and Rhode Island. This net continues today with a core group of very dedicated regulars who keep the net operational every evening at 7:00 PM local time with assigned net control stations and 1RN liaisons each night. The net operates at approximately 15 words per minute for up to 45 minutes per session, allowing it to clear a number of messages prior to the first region net at 7:45 where "thru" traffic is moved on toward its destination. While we understand the speed of the net can be intimidating to the newcomer to CW traffic nets, the speed is necessary to get traffic cleared. However it is net policy that anyone wishing to check in is welcome to do so at the speed with which they can copy, and net control stations are asked to acknowledge and communicate with that individual at that same speed. There are opportunities for training in CW and CW traffic nets available via slow speed nets and Zoom, as well as an introductory article on CW nets at https://ema.arrl.org/basic-cw-net-procedures/,and anyone interested can contact Section Traffic Manager KW1U for more information. So, what do these net regulars have to say about the net and why they enjoy it? Here are some comments I received from them. (Net meets) "At a convenient time of day for me, after work and dinner." "Well organized regarding assigned liaisons to region net." "Early on when I was re-learning CW, it was and still is good practice for maintaining CW skills and improving them." "As an NCS it can be an interesting puzzle to try to get all business done quickly, efficiently." "Narrow bandwidth of CW - can fit in on a busy band" "Using adjacent frequencies is reliable and routine" "The letter by letter nature of CW makes it easier to send complicated text vs voice" "I like CW because it's not as vulnerable to propagation changes as the daytime phone

It is great to see more and more daylight hours again. In a few weeks we change once again to daylight savings time. It feels like spring is very near. I hope all are taking advantage of the colder weather and getting on the air. February began with the section Simulated Emergency Test (SET). NTS had a part in this exercise and it was good to see folks taking part in the various NTS nets that were in operation. Traffic nets operating for the two hours included MARIPN, MARIDN and EM2MN. Thanks to those managers for their service in keeping these nets available for message traffic. Folks checking in included N1LAH, K1UI, K1GRP, K1UAF, KC1KVY, W1RVY, KW1U, KC1NEK, KB1VXY, KC1RVS, N5CQU and WZ0C. Thanks to all for your support of this important exercise where we test our skills and see what we do well and what needs improvement. I would like to highlight this month a new ham who was first licensed in 2021 and upgraded to general in late 2022. Chris Ranney, WA1CMR of Sandwich MA was introduced to amateur radio after joining the Sandwich CERT team in 2019 where he quickly learned he needed an amateur radio license to operate the radios in their Emergency Operations Center. He also joined the Cape and Islands ARES team where he discovered NTS messaging. He was hooked and joined the Cape and Islands Traffic Net (CITN) to hone his skills. He has been active ever since, and in January 2024 he began checking into the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net (MARIPN) on HF, He has a goal to learn FLDigi this year in order to check into MARIDN, the Mass Rhode Island Digital Net. Chris has served as President of the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) and in looking for programs of interest for club meetings he discovered there was a good deal of interest in the National Traffic System (NTS). He decided to form a Cape and Islands NTS Training Net where folks could learn and practice handling traffic in a safe and encouraging environment. It was to be an opportunity, as well, to work on becoming a competent net control. He received approval from Section Manager Jon McCombie N1ILZ, and Chris says both N1ILZ and Tim W1TCD, manager of CITN have continued to provide him with advice and encouragement. The CITN Training Net continues to meet on the Falmouth N1YHS 147.375 repeater every Tuesday. Great job Chris!!! You have set a good example for newer traffic handlers. Thanks for providing this training opportunity. I would also like to call attention to another success story from a welcome to amateur radio radiogram delivery. Shawn Dodds N1CVO, a regular participant on the Heavy Hitters Traffic Net delivered such a greeting to Dave Marcucci of Tyngsboro when Dave was first licensed last September. Dave's interest in message handling was piqued and he began checking into traffic nets and has begun composing and sending radiograms to new hams. I recently handled a message Dave was sending to a new licensee in Oregon. Since receiving that radiogram, the recipient has begun checking into his local traffic net. Dave says he will likely do more of this and feels like this is a great way to introduce people to NTS. He says he also shares the Traffic Trivia website https://www.traffictrivia.com/ with people because that was an interesting way for him to practice sending traffic. Thanks, Dave, for your participation and support and for paying it forward so others can learn and join the fun of NTS. My traffic tip this month raises the question, to spell or not to spell? When and why do we spell words phonetically? A primary consideration is to try to understand the perception of the receiving operator. If there is any chance of misunderstanding or ambiguity it is generally wise to spell. If you are going to spell a word or group, be sure to introduce that spelling with the introductory words, "I spell" or in the case of groups, "figure(s)", "initials", "mixed group" etc. Instances where spelling would be most likely required include: (1) Last names in addressees and signature (2) Proper names (3) Introduced groups such as (a) initials (initial or letter grou