CLUB STATION - 972.705.1349 - W5ROK (461-290)

There are 3 different parts to NTS – daytime operations (SSB), nighttime operations (CW), and NTS Digital.  All 3 will be addressed in the presentation and information will be given about the major nets operating in North Texas.  RCARC will get a "sneak peak" at this presentation, which will be part of an overall traffic handling session at HAMCOM from 10 AM to Noon on Saturday, June 8.  At HAMCOM, formatting and handling of ARRL Radiogram messages will also be discussed.

If time permits, a short introduction to the operation of CW traffic nets will also be presented.  CW traffic nets have been in operation since 1949 and are "fine tuned" to operate quickly and efficiently, as compared to voice nets.  A typical CW net at section and region level lasts about 10 minutes, longer if there is a lot of traffic.  This makes them ideal for those with a limited amount of operating time available.  At area level (come see the presentation to see what section, region, and area are composed of) the net can last longer due to a higher volume of traffic – sometimes more than 20 messages.  But those also typically take no more than a half hour, depending on traffic distribution and transmit / receive liaison stations.

Steve has been active in NTS for 50 years, until recent times exclusively on CW nets.  Now he also participates in the digital domain.  He typically handles from 400 to 600 messages a month, about 60% digital and 40% on CW.  Besides being the manager of the Texas NTS CW Section Net, he is also a Member-at-Large of the Central Area Staff, which is responsible for the proper operation of NTS in this area, and participates on Region Net 5, Central Area Net, and the Transcontinental Corps in NTS Cycle 4 (evening CW).

Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club - W5ROK
P.O. Box 833807
Mail Station 461-290
Richardson, TX 75083-3807