Resources

A quick introduction to traffic handling is available on our site. The presentation shows the relationships between the National Traffic System (NTS) and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), as well as when they might be called upon to perform public service.

More information on relevant topics is available on other sites.

• • American Radio Relay League (ARRL). The ARRL is the voice of amateur radio in the United States. Since its formation in 1914, ARRL has been the means by which amateur radio operators organize their efforts to relay messages.

  • ARRL Ohio Section. The state of Ohio falls into a single administrative section of the ARRL. COTN is a part of the Ohio Section of the National Traffic System. The Ohio Section site has news and information that affects all of Ohio, as well as the current list of common texts or canned messages.

  • QNI, the independent newsletter for amateur radio traffic handlers. Released quarterly.

  • National Traffic System (NTS). ARRL's NTS site has the NTS Manual, forms for traffic handlers, and a directory of affiliated nets. Pay particular attention to Appendix B, the Methods, Practices, and Guidelines document.

  • Radio Relay International (RRI) Publications Library. RRI publishes guides, directories for active traffic nets, directories for traffic handlers, and other valuable resources for traffic handlers.

  • ARL Numbered Radiograms. When you have a message with text like ARL SIXTY SEVEN you've got work to do. Find the text to read to the addressee here. This is a web version of the document FSD 3 below.