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 the year to try this out in this part of the country, spring will soon be here and now is a good time to prepare. Of course if you’re not the outdoorsy type, you could always be the “hunter” and seek out these hardy souls from the comfort of your home stations and give them support with your contacts. Whether “hunting” or “activating” consider finding out more about this amateur radio activity and how it could be of value to the traffic handling community. Check out https://parksontheair.com/ for more information.
That’s it for this month. I wish all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
See November report below:
MASSACHUSETTS - RHODE ISLAND STM REPORT FOR NOV 2024