The Ham Radio Guy

Relays, Nets, and National Service: The Art of Traffic Handling

In Episode 57 of The Ham Radio Guy, we dive into one of the most time-honored and essential aspects of amateur radio: traffic handling. Join us as we explore the mission and methods of Radio Relay International (RRI)—a modern organization with deep roots in the legacy of message relays and emergency communication.

Whether you're curious about how radiograms move across the country, how nets are structured for maximum efficiency, or how traffic handling supports national service and public preparedness, this episode breaks it all down. We’ll cover the fundamentals, share real-world examples, and explain how you can get involved.

If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to be the link in a nationwide communications chain, this episode is for you.

Featured Item

Retevis Ailunce HA1G GMRS Radio, IP67 Waterproof Rugged Durable Two Way Radio. https://amzn.to/3ZccPMe

 

Main Topic Links

https://www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search

https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public%20Service/RADIOGRAM-2011.pdf

https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public%20Service/fsd218.pdf

https://radiorelay.org

 

 

Affiliate Links

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy

 

Hamstuffonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24

 

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

 

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Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping

 

Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB

you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy

 

Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

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Everything you need to know for Dayton #56

Join us as we delve into everything you need to know about Dayton Hamvention 2025, the world’s largest amateur radio gathering, taking place May 16–18 at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio.

Radios, Rigs & Real Talk for WFD Featuring Kody Beer (K3KLB) Episode #55

Affiliate Links

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy

 

Hamstuffonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24

 

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

 

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Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping

 

Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB

you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy

 

Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

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Safe Mobile Operations #54

In this episiode I discuss safe mobile operations for 2m and HF and considerations of Safety, Vehicle mounts, logging and more.

 

Affiliate Links

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy

 

Hamstuffonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24

 

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

 

Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping

 

Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB

you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy

 

Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

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Radio Direction Finding #53

Join W0MET as he dives into the latest in amateur radio! In this episode, he shares updates on his latest projects, including progress on the mesh build, insights into radio direction finding, and the latest news from the ham radio world. Tune in for expert tips, tech talk, and everything ham radio enthusiasts need to know!

Links mentioned

 

Silva Compass.   https://amzn.to/4iaUXso  

 

https://www.roc-ham.net/

 

https://beetenna.com

 

https://www.arrowantennas.com/sub/arrowiiyagi.html

 

 

 

Affiliate Links

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy

 

Hamstuffonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24

 

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

 

Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping

 

Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB

you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy

 

Spec 5 Meshtashtic

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

Sign up for the newsletter

 

VE Testing History and Online exams Episode #52

Links 

W0met.myshopify.com - coffee and swag

https://www.arrl.org/ve-manual

https://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

News

RigExpert’s Administrative Office Destroyed in Missile Attack –

HamCation presentation shows how to ramp up club participation

 

 

Affiliate Links

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy

 

Hamstuffonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24

 

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

 

Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping

 

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

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State QSO Party Episode #51

In this episode of The Ham Radio Guy, we cover the exciting world of state QSO parties! Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started, we’ll explore tips and strategies to maximize your contacts, improve your logging, and even aim for those coveted awards. 

 

 

SHOW NOTES

Links mentioned in the podcast

 

W0MET.myshopify.com

 

 

https://stateqsoparty.com

 

https://www.contestcalendar.com/stateparties.html

https://www.no5w.com/CQxCountyOverlays.php

http://www.mob-rule.com/map

 

 

 

 

SPONSOR

Dakota Lithium. https://dakotalithium.com/ham-radio-backup-emergency-power-lithium-batteries/

 

Affiliate Links 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy  

Hamstuffonline.com

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

 

Dakota Lithium – https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 

use Coupon Code:Thehamradioguy

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

Alpha Antenna.     https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=24

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

  

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

Sign up for the newsletter

 

The Past, Present, and Future of The Ham Radio Guy - Episode #50

W0MET Store   w0met.myshopify.com

 

NEWS: 

FCC Fine               FCC uphold fine 

ARRL decline       K4FMH.com

Direction finding  VE7SAR Blog 

 

 

Affiliate Links

 

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.     https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=24

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

  

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

Sign up for the newsletter

 

Winter Field Day 2025 Episode #49

Links Mentioned 

Winterfieldday

POTA Official events

 

Affiliate Links

 

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.     https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=24

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

  

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

Sign up for the newsletter

 

The Road to Hamfest Episode #48

Sondiko Butane Torch     https://amzn.to/3VSh5Pl
       

NEWS:

hamchallenge.org

https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_SSTV/

https://archive.org/details/dlarc

 

Affiliate Links

 

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

 

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

 

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:  Thehamradioguy

 

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

 

Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=24

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

  

SOCIAL MEDIA

 Coffee and Swag   W0MET.myshopify.com

 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

 

Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com

 

Sign up for the newsletter