RADIO AMATEUR’S TFC SCHOOL THE ART OF PASSING RADIO TRAFFIC ACCURATELY & EFFICIENTLY KATE HUTTON K6HTN ORS DRS LOS ANGELES SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGER Why not just send email !!??!!  Useful in a disaster “when all else fails”  Excellent training for message handling in general (ARES & other emcomm) & directed net operation  Hones basic operating skills & knowledge of propagation  Hams enjoy it “When all else fails … amateur radio” National Traffic System  A public service activity of amateur radio  Originally, free message service for non-commercial messages, when long- distance phone calls & telegrams were expensive  Now, the message traffic arm of ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) & training for emcomm operators  Hiram Percy Maxim needed to buy a tube, but could not raise seller on radio  Started the American Radio Relay League  Began as the formal ARRL relay system using 14 “trunk lines”  Improved frequency control allowed “nets” to form  Updated to present net structure in 1949 by George Hart W1NJM  First digital implementation in 1990s  2010s - radio email via WinLink2000 (WL2K) NTS IS THE ONLY AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE THAT “PRACTICES” FOR DISASTERS EVERY DAY, 365.25 DAYS PER YEAR ROUTINE TRAFFIC  Provides daily practice passing messages  Teaches directed net operations  Hones basic radio skills (phone, CW & digital) & knowledge of propagation  Young people can experience responsibility  Elmering opportunities  Play trivia games, chess, etc.  Extra points on Field Day  Oh, yes … send quaint, retro greetings to friends & relatives So someone calls you on the telephone & gives you this message … “Welcome to the FISTS Club. We are glad to have you with us and hope you will enjoy the fun and fellowship of the organization. Best wishes.” What did this message look like in its “native form”? NR 42 R HXG K8LJG 6 FLINT MI APR 15 KATE HUTTON K6HTN PO BOX 60212 PASADENA CA 91116 626 123 4567 <BT> ARL SIXTY NINE FISTS CLUB 73 <BT> JOHN K8LJG FISTS NR 1460 <AR>