NTS Oklahoma – Winlink

The National Traffic System (NTS) was designed and implemented in the 1950s to send messages from coast to coast, via amateur radio, in under 24 hours, using amateur radio. Messages are sent during fair weather days to test the system and allow operators to practice their skills. During bad weather days, disasters, or other emergencies, messages communicate information critical to saving lives or property. Additionally, health and welfare messages allow people to inquire about a disaster victim.

Oklahoma NTS moves messages over HF and VHF/UHF using voice, CW, and the Winlink messaging protocol.

Yesterday, I talked to the South Canadian Amateur Radio Society (SCARS) group that gives an overview of traffic movement in Oklahoma, specifically how to set up the Winlink system. A link to that presentation and the PowerPoint slide deck is available on the http://ok.arrl.org/ntsoksoftware/ page.

The HF voice traffic system would love to have you join their ranks, and more information is available at http://ok.arrl.org/ntsnets/.

The Superlink repeater system has a traffic net on Thursday evenings in the Tulsa and Northeast region. In addition, they train and practice sending messages around the country. More information on that activity is available at http://ok.arrl.org/ntslocal/.

And the newest method to move NTS traffic is using the Winlink system on both HF and VHF. We are looking to increase the number of Winlink stations to send and receive messages to all 12 ARES regions of the state. More information is available on joining the NTSOK Winlink folks at http://ok.arrl.org/ntsok/.

Whatever mode you choose, please join us in the NTSOK system, so you are ready for message handling when the need arises.

Elk City Hamfest

The Oklahoma Hamfest season starts with the Elk City Hamfest. On March 5th, 2022, the hamfest will be at the Beckham County Activity Center, 310 East Main St. in Sayre, OK. (Exit 23 I-40) then west on Hwy 152.

The 2022 Elk City one-page flyer is available at this link.

The doors are open Saturday from 8:00 am until ???

Admission is $5.00, and tables are available for $5.00 each. No preregistration is required. Pay at the door.

Early setup is available for Friday afternoon (3/4/22) from 1:30 pm until 8:00 pm.

VE Testing is available Saturday at 1:00 pm. Bring a photo id and a copy of your license. Preregistration is preferred at http://www.sites.google.com/view/wcoarc/pre-registration. You must have a Federal Registration Number (FRN) and a valid email. There is no fee for the exam, but the FCC license fee may be in effect.

The Sayre City Park has hookups for about a dozen RV’s.

There is plenty of parking available at the hamfest site, but no RV hookups are available there.

Contact: aa5gw.gary@gmail.com or 580-243-9848.

Talk-in on the 146.76 –offset 88.5 tone repeater or DMR on the 147.225 +offset CC1 TG 304098 machine.

Face masks will be available, but they are not required.

See you there!

Clubs

Amateur radio clubs like the Enid Amateur Radio Club (EARC) https://enidarc.org/ are the backbone of the hobby. The tremendous local hams have good information, and as Elmers or mentors they love to share it. Send something that your club is doing well to me n5hzr@arrl.org, and I’ll feature your club in this newsletter, and on the ARRL club newsletter. Most clubs are seeing an increase in new member activity recently. Our Oklahoma Affiliated Club Coordinator, Jim Shideler W5JCS, can help you find a club or help your club become affiliated. We currently have 39 clubs listed at http://ok.arrl.org/clubs/. Look for a club near you, or verify that your club is on the list. Send Jim an email at W5JCS@arrl.net if you need club assistance.