This is the fifth and last of a series of briefings on traffic handling and the National Traffic System. The source for this material is from N0WPA (now K0RM) and the Colorado ECom web pages.

While preparing this series, a few things came to mind which didn't fit into a category which was covered during a specific briefing. Here, then, are miscellaneous tidbits for traffic handling after which we can go into an open forum to discuss traffic handling if any station has questions which weren't handled in the briefings.

• While attempting to keep the word count at a minimum, care must be exercised to keep from creating ambiguous messages.

• Letter greetings such as Dear Mom and Dad, are bad form - they are redundant.

• Reading speed versus regular sending speed. Transmitting station should trace over the words as you are speaking them to ensure you are not speaking faster than the receiving station can write.

• NO XRAY needed at end of message.

• RECEIVING station calls sending Station; NET controls should hand off to receiving station.

• The standard way of indicating that you are finished sending is to say "END, NO MORE, or END 1 MORE.. (call sign, back to net).

• Hams are not expected to spend money to deliver NTS traffic - toll calls, calls to directory assistance to obtain telephone numbers and stamps to mail locally all cost money.

• ARRL operating aids for the traffic handler:

  • Yellow and green pad of Radiogram forms
  • FSD-218 dated 2/91 Title: Amateur Message Form, known as "The Pink Card"
  • FSD-3 dated 2/94 Title ARRL Numbered Radiograms - earlier forms do not contain the latest addition which is ARL SIXTY NINE

  These items are available from the ARRL or any commercial establishment with an ARRL bookshelf.