LaPorte County ARES Traffic Net — Training Item for 09OCT2025

Tonight’s training focuses on the “check” in the radiogram header. A radiogram is a standardized message format used in amateur radio communications.

The check is the number of words or groups in the message text and must be used on all messages. This number helps operators verify that the text was copied correctly.

What Counts as a “Word”

Anything in the message body separated by a space is a word. The prosign BT (a signal marking the start and end of the message body) is not counted.

Example: For the message body “MEET ME AT PARK”, the check is 4 (MEET, ME, AT, PARK).

Why It Matters

Accurate word counts:

• Ensure the message was copied correctly
• Prevent missing or added words

If the check does not match the header, a transmission or copying error occurred.