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 is one most commonly used on the traffic nets, so best to start with that.
The March report follows. Thanks to all and especially those newer traffic handlers, for your efforts, participation and support.
73, Marcia KW1U
STM EMA/WMA/RI