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Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD The Working Group on Updated Access and Delivery Methods has been putting the finishing touches on a project called The Radiogram Portal.
It's a new website that introduces Radiograms to the general public and provides an easy way for the public to submit messages that can be originated as formal traffic. The Portal has two goals in mind: First, to explain what amateur radio messaging is all about, to an audience that might not be familiar with Radiograms - or for that matter, amateur radio in general. And second, to provide a quick and easy way to boost the volume of true third-party traffic into NTS.
Here's how it works: Someone, typically a non-ham, discovers the Radiogram Portal home page on the web, and fills out a simple form to compose a message to send to a friend or relative. The message is stored in a special database that also tracks the NTS region in which the submitter lives. Any volunteer traffic handler who has registered in advance to pick up traffic from the Portal, can visit the site from time to time to look for newly submitted messages.
Finding one, he or she clicks "Pick Up," the site converts the message to standard Radiogram format, and the volunteer traffic handler then originates the message into NTS in the usual way using any available mode -- phone, digital, or CW. From there, the message makes its way to its destination and final delivery. NTS Resources The National Traffic System? (NTS) is a network of amateur radio operators who move information during disasters and other emergencies. General messages offering well wishes also 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. Sign up to Receive The NTS Letter The NTS Letter is published monthly and is free of charge to ARRL members. Subscribe: Editor: Marcia Forde, KW1U, Section Traffic Manager -- Eastern Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island ARRL Director of Emergency Management: Josh Johnston, KE5MHV ARRL Emergency Management Planner: Jeremy Dunkley, KC1SIV Support NTS: Join ARRL NTS is a program of ?. No other organization works harder than ARRL to promote and protect amateur radio! ARRL members enjoy many benefits and services including digital magazines, e-newsletters, online learning (), and technical support. Membership also supports programs for radio clubs, on-air contests, Logbook of The World?, ARRL Field Day, and the all-volunteer ARRL Field Organization.
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W0AYE Ben Wussow
