kroth@regina.DEC (Philip J. Kroth) (01/17/86)
The following is a letter I put together for distribution at hamfests and club
meetings etc. I used to be the assistant net manager of a 2m traffic net and
used to do a lot of traffic handling "advertising."
I'm posting this letter because it seems there is a recent lack of interest in
traffic handling -- especially CW traffic handling. Fewer and fewer new people
are joining in. Is it computers...packet...??? All are worthwhile. Regardless
of the reason, it's still a real shame that more people aren't giving traffic
handling a try too.
New faces are welcome everywhere. There are CW, Phone, 2m FM, and RTTY nets (to
name a few) to satisfy anyone's taste. All would love to have a few new faces.
Traffic handling sharpens radio communication skills and is excellent
practice for emergencies. But most of all it's just plain fun!
Please take time to read the letter and let me know what you think. The letter
talks about CW traffic handling but really applies to all modes in general. I
have more information that I'd be happy to send to anyone who is interested.
If you've never received a Radiogram, send me your address and phone number and
I'll send you one. (a great way to get in touch with some local traffic
handlers)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE QUESTION:
-------------
Are you looking for something different in Amateur Radio?
Maybe getting tired of the same, "standardized" QSO's: RST,
name, QTH and WX? Or maybe the thrill of working DX isn't
the same as it used to be.
THE ANSWER:
-----------
Give CW traffic handling a try! ! ! !
--
"Oh no! not CW! I don't even know if I can receive at five
words per minute any more. And I've heard that those code
nets run at about 40 words per minute -- I'll stick to VHF
and HF phone..."
Does this sound like you? If it does you're missing out on
one of the nicest and most enjoyable aspects of Amateur
Radio. And believe it or not, EVERYONE starts out at five
words per minute at one time or another.
A GREAT WAY TO START:
---------------------
There are many "Slow Speed Nets" or "Novice Nets" which are
specifically designed for the new comer to CW traffic
handling which are just waiting for you to check in. EVERY
net which I have come in contact with always loves to have
new people check in. And you won't be alone because there
are many other amateurs just like you who are new to CW
traffic handling. Slow Speed Nets are not exclusively for
new comers either. Many seasoned CW traffic handlers check
into the slow speed nets to act as an example to help the
new comers and mostly because it is just plane fun! Getting
to know these people can be very interesting and fun. All
of the traffic handlers I know are glad to help with
questions and advice. You may even find new friends right
in your local area who share your new found interest.
For example, one such net (my personal favorite) is The
Empire Slow Speed Net. ESS covers New York State and the
surrounding area and meets at 3.590 Mhz at six O'clock
Eastern Time. It is an independent net which means it is
not formally affiliated with the ARRL sponsored National
Traffic System but has close links with the NTS nets so
messages can be handled to any US or Canadian destination.
As is transmitted each time the net begins: "EMPIRE SLOW
SPEED NET FOR TRAFFIC AND TRAINING ALL STATIONS WELCOME." If
you check in just once a month the net manager W2WSS in New
York City will send you a newsletter which is PACKED with
lots of interesting information about CW traffic handling
and traffic handling in general. There is no commitment
made by checking in and you can check in as often as you
like. That's another nice thing about traffic handling; you
can participate whenever it is convenient for you.
If you are still a little leery about checking in just
listen to a few net sessions to see how it goes. That way
you'll eliminate your anxiety and hopefully peak your
curiosity. Listening or checking into a CW traffic net is
probably the best way to increase your code speed too.
Listening to code tapes can get boring because it's the same
meaningless text over and over again. CW nets are live! No
two net sessions are alike! This makes copying interesting
and fun. Based on my own experience, I'm sure that you'll
be amazed at how fast your speed picks up. BUT SPEED IS NOT
IMPORTANT!!!
Don't be afraid to give it a try. The Net Control Station
(the station which runs the net) will slow down to your
speed and will repeat anything you miss. Believe me they
don't mind slowing down. Rather they will be glad to see a
new station checking in for the first time. Don't worry
about making mistakes. Remember this is fun! Everyone has
made each mistake at least once before they learned.
For more information I highly recommend reading a two page
article from the December 1976 QST titled "Checking into
Slow-Speed Nets." The article gives a brief synopsis of how
the nets are structured and how to check in. If you don't
save old copies of QST the article is reprinted in the back
of the ARRL's "Net Directory." The Net Directory is a
listing of most all net frequencies and times in the US,
Canada, and many parts of the world. They are available
from the American Radio Relay League for $1.00 either at
their booth at most hamfests or by mail from their
headquarters (255 Main Street, Newington, CT., 06111).
Consult the Net Directory to find the meeting time and
frequency of a CW net in your area. Or ask around on a
local repeater or at a club meeting for suggestions. There
is a lot of help and information out there just for the
asking.
I have put together a file with excerpts from "Checking into
Slow-Speed Nets." Send me a mail message and I'll send it to
you along with the answers (I'll do my best) to any
questions you might have.
Hopefully I've managed to peak your interest. "The more the
merrier" really holds true for traffic handling. Hope to
hear you on the net soon.
Good luck and 73,
Philip KA2QIK/1
..{allegra|decvax}!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-regina!kroth