1.0 THE ARRL MESSAGE FORMAT

The standard ARRL message format is used to send written amateur radio messages throughout the National Traffic System (ARRL NTS) and independent nets. The format is standardized in order to provide a uniform means of originating, handling, and tracking messages.

A message is considered a “formal” radiogram when it is completed with a correctly formatted preamble, address, text and signature. Stations in the system are not obligated to handle incomplete or improperly formatted messages.

This chapter presents the message format and how to fill out the message form. The ARRL standard message consists of four main parts:

1. PREAMBLE: Information to track the message;

2. ADDRESS: Name and address of the intended recipient; (followed by optional delivery “Op Note”);

3. TEXT: The message information; and

4. SIGNATURE: The party for whom the message was originated; (followed by optional service or reply “Op Note”).

The ARRL radiogram consists of GROUPS (words or groups of figures, initials, or mixed character types) in the Preamble, Address and its Op Note, Text, and Signature and its Op Note. These groups consist ONLY of three possible character types: LETTERS (all upper case), FIGURES, and/or SLASHES (/). The slash is used to separate characters within a group, but may be the first or last character if needed. It is not usually used as a group by itself.

The letter “X” is used as a substitute for a period (and is never used as the last group of the text).

The letter “R” is used as a substitute for a decimal point within a figure group.

The group “DOT” is used as a substitute for a period within an email address or URL written out in words.

The group “DASH” is used to separate the characters of a 9 digit US expanded zip code, as in: 12345 DASH 6789.

Other punctuation must be spelled out as a word group, and is not permitted in certain parts of the Preamble, Address, OP Notes, or Signature. See the individual sections below.

RECORDS: These four parts are recorded on the message form along with information records about how the message was originated, received, sent or delivered. The handling operator’s duties include entering these records. Message records may be in any form.