We are working to interest Oregon’s hams in traffic handling, and this is a great
introduction for both new and experienced hams!
SEND A VALENTINE VIA RADIO!
The recipient does NOT have to be a ham.
Traffic handling is a foundation of amateur radio, and Valentine’s Day
is February 14. Sending a Valentine via ham radio is a good exercise for
the entire system, and gives operators (including you) a chance to build
experience needed during emergencies.
For example, if I were sending a Valentine to my wife…which I might
just do…it would look something like this.
1 R N7JI ARL 9 Eugene OR Feb 13
Karen Luks
Eugene OR 97405
5415551212
BT
ARL Fifty ARL Sixty Valentines Day
X LOVE YOU
BT
Scott
ARL refers to a number, spelled out.
The ARRL Sweepstakes exchange, including “precedence,” is actually
derived from traffic handling.
Numbered radiograms come from a list and save time.
Present your message to your Section or Local net for relay to the
addressee.
Via voice, say:
This is YOURCALL, with traffic, when you check in to the net.
When the net control asks for your traffic, say:
“I have (x) routine message(s) for
(City(s)) (State, if outside of Oregon,) over.”
The NCS will direct you from there.
Via CW, send:
“de YOURCALL, QTC X (City, etc.) K.”
Then wait for direction from the NCS.
Beaver State Net, (BSN), 3920 kHz @ 17:30 local time, can route your
message to locations in Oregon or outside of the Oregon Section via
Liaison to the Region 7 net. Local nets: Portland Metro, Northwest
Oregon Traffic and Training Net on 145.27 MHz (107.2) repeater meets at
18:05 local time, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Traffic
routes via the Section Net Liaison as mentioned. Check your local net!
Liaison to BSN!
It’s as simple as that!
Remember – traffic handling is a foundational pillar of amateur radio,
and we are always looking for new traffic handlers. Like everything in
amateur radio, actually doing it will develop your confidence and
skill…and we were all newbies once.
For traffic handling questions, contact Oregon’s Section Traffic Manager
Thanks & Happy Valentine’s Day!
Scott N7JI
ARRL Oregon Section Manager