United States Traffic Net

United States Traffic Net History

The United States Traffic Net originated in 1972 as a continuation of the Springbok HF Net formed and founded by Don R. Zak KA4RVZ / K4DRZ Now (SK)

Don was a Life Member of OMISS his number was 4158

Donald R Zak Sr, KA4RVZ:1983 <--via HamCALL.Net
3011 W Wilder Ave
Tampa, FL 33614
USA

In March 1990, under the guidance of Don Zak, Cono DelRosso, known by the call sign KD4QWY, was formally inducted and certified as a 10-meter Net Control Station (NCS) on the Springbok HF Net. This esteemed recognition led to Cono becoming the 1001st member of the net. If you refer to the attached image, you will find the Springbok Member Certificate proudly displayed on the wall, symbolizing Cono's accomplishment.

Fast forward to November 2020, when the Springbok Net resurfaced with a renewed purpose as the United States Awards Net (USTAW). On November 11th, 2020, a significant milestone was reached as the inaugural USTAW went live, marking the commencement of this new chapter. As time progressed, the network underwent a name change and is currently known as USTNET, which stands for the United States Traffic Net. This rebranding came into effect on October 9th, 2022, signifying the net's evolution and broader scope of operations.

Operating seven days a week, the United States Traffic Net is a diligently functioning entity. Its primary mode of communication is Single Sideband (SSB), a popular technique employed in radio transmissions. It is essential to note that participation in this specific frequency range necessitates individuals to possess the General Class authorization as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This requirement ensures a responsible and regulated usage of the allocated spectrum.

USTNET Net Control Operators
NCS Are you someone who enjoys providing assistance to others while on the airwaves? Do you possess a station that consistently transmits a strong signal? Are your antennas and amplifier of high quality? Additionally, do you have dependable internet access in your operating space? If you can affirmatively respond to any of these inquiries, then you possess the ideal qualifications to become a net control operator for this net! We are constantly seeking individuals who are willing to contribute as NCS, either on a regular basis or as an alternate NCS. Once you have spent some time participating in USTNET and have familiarized yourself with the operation of our nets, you may wish to consider taking on the role of a net control operator. Unlike other nets, this net does not require a formal training program, tests, or strict regulations from Board Members that must be adhered to because there is no BOD. Our net control operators enjoy complete autonomy in managing their nets, allowing them to make necessary adjustments on the spot when special stations check in or when conditions require it. The only expectation we have is that you fulfill your scheduled nets and inform other net controllers in advance if you're unable to do so, by posting a message on the USTNET NCS Email Reflector as early as possible. So, are you ready to give it a try? For additional information and guidance to get started, please reach out to Anthony, W2ZMZ, at support@ustaw.net We would be thrilled to welcome you as a net control operator within the USTNET Family! 5/5

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About USTNET
To check in to a USTNET during one of our scheduled nets, follow these steps: 1. Install the "NetLogger Program" by downloading it from www.netlogger.org 2. Once installed, open the program and entered all your information, click on the "Blue Select Net Window" in the list of nets you should see. Select "USTNET 40m Net" or "USTNET 80m Net" also open the "Blue AIM Window" located at the top. This window allows you to send and receive messages to everyone on the work list. 3. Alternatively, you can also use the "Blue AIM Window" as an alternate method to check in. Remember to utilize the NetLogger program and the "Blue AIM Window" for seamless communication and checking in on USTNET. QSL Cards In order to fully participate in any WAS Net, it is crucial to confirm all of your QSOs. We highly recommend stations to make use of the following services for this purpose: eQSL, QRZ, LoTW, Direct Mail, or any QSL Bureau, including the free USTNET QSL Bureau. Answer Promptly When Called Unless you make other arrangements, you are expected to listen continuously to the net, and answer immediately when called. If you have to step away from your station briefly, tell Net Control before you do so on AIM, and check in with Net Control when you return on AIM. Otherwise, net control can waste a lot of time attempting to call you when you aren't there. WHAT'S A SIGNAL REPORT? READABILITY - From 2 (barely readable) to 5 (perfect copy) STRENGTH - From 1 (barely registering) to 9 (strongest signal) A signal report of 21 is the minimum acceptable signal report that we will validate your contacts. 22 - ""Rifle Shot"" or ""Bang-Bang"" 33 - ""Triplets"" 44 - ""Magnum"" 55 - ""Nickels Nickels"" or ""Speed Limit"" 57 - ""Heinz Variety"" 59 - ""Maximum"" or ""Max"" In Netlogger USTNET Nets are listed as USTNET ##m Net replace the ## with the band. Club Member ID#’s These nets are Free to anyone who desires to join in daily. Work one station and get their unique member ID number and submit with it with a small fee, You'll receive an ID# and member certificate from our support staff. See the membership page for more details Click Here Remember that you do not need to become a member to check in to our nets. However, you do need to receive an ID# to take part in USTNET Awards and Promotions. NEW TO THE NET? If you have NetLogger loaded on a computer, After you check in, you'll see your callsign on the list in light green as "op" status meaning Operator (You). When you see the pink line on top of your callsign that means it's your turn to call anyone on the list or go UFG (Up For Grabs) it's like calling CQ - just answer the loudest station. If you need help please ask NCS or a relay and they will be happy to assist you. I hope that wasn't too confusing. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "GO UP FOR GRABS?" Going "up for grabs" is like calling CQ and taking calls from whoever answers. To do this, simply say "This is [your callsign] in [your state], UP FOR GRABS!" You will get stations giving their callsign in response, pick up one station to answer and exchange signal report with for your log also ask them for a member id# for the application to become a member. Sometimes NCS will offer you the opportunity to go up for grabs again to accommodate a large number of stations wanting to work you. WHAT IS A ""GOOD CONTACT""? This is a term used by Net Control or a relay station to let you know that both sides of the contact have each other's signal reports properly logged. This is how we validate contacts made on the net. In order to ensure that you get a good contact we ask that you repeat the report you received and then give your report of the other stations signal. Here's an example: "WY0Q this is KD2DYJ. Roger the 59. You're also 59!" Please note that relaying signal reports on the air or on AIM is not allowed on nets. If you can't hear them, you can't log them... We WILL, however, be happy to relay a callsign, name, or location for you! WHAT DOES "GIVE HIM A LONG STRING" MEAN? When a station is trying to hear you in rough conditions they may ask you to "send me a long string". They are asking for you to send ONLY the signal report numbers several times. We recommend giving the report 5 to 7 times slowly and use the slang terms as well. Often you can complete a "good contact" by using this method 5/5

Thank you
The US Traffic Net wishes to extend its gratitude to the former stations and managers who played an instrumental role in shaping our net into what it is today. Each one of you knows the invaluable contributions you made. Thank you! 5/5

About USTNET

United States Traffic Net