National Traffic System Formating

Message Example�

� I.� � 1� � R � HXG W1AW 8 NEWINGTON CT 1830Z� May 1
� � � � a� � b� � � c� � � � d� � � � e� � � � � � f� � � � � � � � � � ������ g� � � � h

� II.� John Doe
� � � � 136 WEST FORTH STREET
� � � � EAST RIVER CITY OH 00246
� � � � PH: 000-000-0000

� III. HAPPY BIRTHDAY X SEE YOU
� � � � SOON X LOVE

� IV. PATRICIA
� � � � � (note that X, when used in the text as punctuation, counts as
� � � � � a word.) � (X is used in place of a period.)

� Message Format

I.� PREAMBLE
� � � � a. Number (begin with 1 each month or year)
� � � � b. Precedence (R, W, P or Emergency)
� � � � c. Handling instructions (optional, see text)
� � � � d. Station of origin (first amateur handler)
� � � � e. Check (number of words/groups in text only)
� � � � f. Place of origin (not necessarily location of station of ori -
� � � � � gin)
� � � � g. Time filed (optional with originating station)
� � � � h. Date (must agree with date of time filed)

� II.� ADDRESS (as complete as possible, include zip code and tel
� � � � ephone number)

� III.TEXT (limit to 25 words or less, if possible)

� IV. SIGNATURE

Precedences
(the precedence will follow the message number)


EMERGENCY--Any message having life and death urgency to any person or group of persons, which is transmitted by amateur radio in the absence of regular commercial facilities.� This includes official messages of welfare agencies during emergencies requesting supplies, materials or instructions vital to relief of stricken populace in emergency areas.� During normal times it will be very rare.

PRIORITY--Important messages having a specific time limit.� Official messages not covered in the Emergency catagory.� Press dispatches and other emergency-related traffic not of the utmost urgency. Notification of death or injury in a disaster area, personal or official.

WELFARE--A message that is either a) an inquiry as to the health and welfare of an individual in a disaster area b)an advisory or reply from the disaster area that indicates all is well should be given this precidence.� These messages are handled after Emergency and Priority traffic but before Routine.

ROUTINE--Most traffic normal times will bear this designation.� In disaster situations, traffic labled Routine should be handled last, or not at all when circuits are busy with Emergency, Priority, or Welfare traffic.

�

HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
(Optional)


HXA--(Followed by number.) Collect landline delivery authorized by addressee within......miles.� (If no number, authorization is unlimited.)

HXB--(Followed by number.)� Cancel message if not delivered within ......hours of filing time; service originating station.

HXC--Report date and time of delivery to originating station.

HXD--Report to originating station the identity of station from which received, plus date and time.� Report identity of station to which relayed, plus date and time, or if delivered report date, time and method of delivery.

HXE--Delivering station get reply from addressee, originate message back.

HXF--(Followed by number.)� Hold delivery until ...... (date).

HXG--Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required.� If toll or other expense involved, cancel message and service originating station.

For further information on traffic handling, consult the Public Service Communications Manual or the ARRL Operating Manual, both published� by ARRL.

Sample blank message form prints out nicely on standard size paper.

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