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
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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@comcast.net.
The September STM report is below. So why do we bother reporting? For one thing, it can show to any potential “customers” such as service agencies or the public what we can offer – a free messaging service that equates to man-hours, which in turn can equate to dollars. As a Section Traffic Manager I am required to report to ARRL, monthly totals of numbers of messages, hours and personnel involved in this service. I get these from your SAR and net reports. I am very thankful to all of you who send me your reports monthly. I’m also thankful for all the time and efforts you put into relaying and delivering messages and acting as net controls, keeping the nets running smoothly and getting all the messages passed. Thank you, thank you.
73, Marcia KW1U
STM EMA/WMA/RI
STM EMA/WMA/RI