Participants in National Traffic System® (NTS®) message nets will soon be noticing two changes in ARRL Radiograms. For the first time in 45 years, a new message “precedence,” or priority level, is being introduced, and the list of numbered “ARL” radiogram texts has been updated and expanded. The new “C,” or “CERTIFIED,” precedence joins the long-standing list of E (EMERGENCY), P (PRIORITY), W (WELFARE), and R (ROUTINE) message categories. It is to be used for unique messages to specific individuals with known contact information and must be delivered within 48 hours of origination. The “C” precedence may not be used for bulk messages, such as those sent to welcome new amateurs to the hobby. It is the first new precedence established since the WELFARE (W) category was introduced in 1980.

In addition, the list of standardized ARL Numbered Radiograms has been updated and expanded to keep up with changing technology and messaging needs during disasters and emergencies. The use of “ARL” in a message alerts the receiving operator to expect ARRL NUMBERED RADIOGRAM(s) in the message text. For example, the new ARL THIRTY FIVE is a shortened form of telling the recipient that the sender is “Evacuating to family member/friend’s house,” and ARL NINETY TWO is shorthand for “Widespread disruptions to internet service at this location.” There are many more new ARL Numbered Radiogram Texts. Anyone involved in traffic nets is encouraged to download the complete list from either the NTS 2.0 website or Radio Relay International (RRI).

The changes are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the National Traffic System and result from a memorandum of understanding establishing a closer working relationship between NTS and RRI. More details are available in the November issue of The NTS Letter.

BC Emergency Alert system TEST: November 19, 2025 at 1:55 p.m. (PST)

More information at  https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/test/

The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association
invites you and your local club members to
participate in some NVIS radio propagation
tests on the 60m band.
Here is the essential information:
• Date – Sunday Dec 21 (shortest day)
• Time – 11:30am to 2:30pm
• Callsign – VE7NA
• Mode – USB
• Frequency – 5.346.5 MHz (dial freq.)
(On channelized radios use 5.348 MHz)
NARA’s NVIS tests on Dec. 21 allow us all to
get together again on the 60m band, to
exchange season’s greetings and test the
range that we can achieve on the 60m band
in daylight when the D-layer prevents longer
distance communication.
The scenario for these tests is to simulate
voice communication (USB) from an
emergency operations centre (EOC) trying to
communicate on the 60m band over several
hundreds of Kilometers during daylight.
One of the reasons that the Amateur Radio
Service gained the 60m band in 2002 was
because these frequencies were recognized
as being very useful for emergency
communications.
While the 60m band is often forgotten it can
produce good ranges during daylight and
much longer distance communication at night
when the D-layer is not present.
Note that the attenuation through the D-layer
is both as the signal goes upwards and
downwards! Also because of the geometry, as
distances between two stations does up the
attenuation also increases.
Many amateur radio stations may not have
60m antennas but with some ingenuity
amateurs should be able to load up one of
their wire antennas to radiate a signal on the
60m band.
VE7NA will act as net control station for these
tests. In addition to VE7NA transmitting from
the Nanaimo area, we also welcome listener
reports/logs from other stations. Especially
noting what stations were calling VE7NA but
who were not heard by VE7NA.
VA7NA will put out voice calls on the above
frequency during the test period every 10
minutes but do call in at any time. Please do
consider participating in these propagation
tests and please advise your friends.
Any queries or reports should be sent to:
nvis@ve7na.ca
Hoping to work you on 60m, 73 NARA

The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association October 2025 Newsletter can be found at

NARA Newsletter

November-December 2025 eTCA is now available

The annual general meeting was held on Oct 23 2025. Thanks to all those who have served on the executive over the last year and a welcome aboard to the new members.

2025 was another successful year CECA . Thanks too to the Regional District of Nanaimo and the City of Nanaimo

It is Saturday Nov 1 2025. Daylight Saving Time Ends Tonight  Remember to turn your clocks back one hour.

The November- December 2025 issue of the Communicator has been released. Yet another 100 plus page edition of the newsletter. it may be found at

https://ve7sar.blogspot.com/

The Hurricane Watch Net has now secured from their activities with respect to Hurricane Melisa.

It should be noted that the Hurricane Watch Net is has celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. This net provides critical communications to the US National Hurricane Centre as well as areas impacted by hurricanes. Their record activation was 151 hours straight.

Thanks to all those involved.

It is truly a shame to read this. Richard was  very knowledgeable and was working hard to develop products for the amateur radio community. He was very interested in emergency communications and equipment to make the job easier and more efficient..

VE2DX ELECTRONICS DESIGN MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!