Saguaro
National Traffic System (NTS) Net

The National Traffic System of messaging began over 100 years ago with the formation of the American Radio Relay League in 1915, a proud tradition that continues today. Our intention is for this site to be a helpful resource to all ham radio operators interested in handling message traffic.
   
WHAT IS A RADIOGRAM MESSAGE?
Radiogram messages are the heart of the National Traffic System (NTS). Remember the telegraph messages of old? Radiogram messages are 25 words or less, and range from birthday and holiday greetings to simple messages to keep in touch. These messages can go to anyone, whether or not they are a ham (amateur radio operator). Radiogram messages are relayed on radio nets and sent digitally by hams all over the United States and can be sent to other countries (wherever Third Party Traffic is permitted). In times of an emergency, hams handle Health & Welfare message traffic to and from disaster areas.

SAGUARO NTS NIGHTLY NET:
The Saguaro NTS Net meets EVERY NIGHT on ham radio at 6:30 P.M. (1830 hrs MST) on the EAARS Repeater Network (Eastern Arizona Amateur Radio Society). EAARS repeaters cover Eastern Arizona clear into new Mexico! You may also use EchoLink on a desktop machine, laptop or smartphone to connect to EAARS via K7EAR-R and check-in. Our purpose is to relay radiogram message traffic within the United States (and outside the U.S. wherever Third-Party Traffic is permitted). The Saguaro NTS Net is on VHF two-meters, voice mode, to enable hams with any level of amateur radio license to participate. Pink, K7ILA, and Bill, KC7ZZ, started the Saguaro NTS Net after Field Day (a national ham radio weekend) in June 2009. Many thanks to the Radio Society of Tucson (Randy, KF0X, in particular) for encouraging us to start the net on the K7RST repeater atop Mt. Lemmon. We moved to the EAARS network in 2010 to reach a wider geographic area, and utilize KK7OEM, -146.880 (110.9 PL), and -145.250 (156.7) as our alternate repeaters. Bill, KC7ZZ, is the Net Manager. Kurt, KF7PDV, is the Assistant Manager in charge of training. And both are considered to be co-managers of the net and skilled at training newcomers.

THE SAGUARO PROTOCOL FOR NET MEMBERS:
1. Each month, all members will originate a radiogram and pass it on the Saguaro Net.
2. A minimum of 5 check-ins per month is required to remain on the roll call list.
3. To join the net list an individual must attend 4 times and originate a radiogram.

Always welcome new amateurs to our net and offer them your mentoring and advice.

Thank you.

Bill KC7ZZ
Net Manager

SAGUARO NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM MONTHLY NUMBERS:
For the month of May 2016 there were; check-ins: 356, messages handled 110, messages originated were 70 and total session were 31.

PHOENIX VALLEY FREQUENCIES TO PASS TRAFFIC:                                                                Additional frequencies to pass traffic in the Phoenix area, using the Metrolink -- a constellation of 5 linked repeaters serving mainly Maricopa County. Repeaters are;

Shaw Butte (north central Phx) 147.240(+) (162.2 PL)
Mt Ord (near Payson) 146.920(-)(162.2 PL)
Usery Pass (far East Valley) 146.860(-)(162.2 PL)
Scottsdale Airpark (Northeast Valley, Scottsdale) 146.760(-)(162.2 PL)
Daisy Mountain (North Valley, near Anthem) 448.375(-) (100.0 PL)

ARIZONA TRAFFIC & EMERGENCY NET (ATEN):
The Saguaro NTS Net is an affiliate of the Arizona Traffic & Emergency Net (ATEN), an HF voice net which meets nightly on 3986 KHz (80 meters) at 7:00pm. (MST) or 0200z. Saguaro NTS members relay traffic to and from the ATEN, and also connect with other wide-area HF nets. Saguaro participants also utilize CW, Pactor and other modes to relay traffic into and out of Arizona.
 
Please join us on the air! Click here to join our Yahoo group e-mail list (or ask any of our net control operators for an invite).