HOW TO VERIFY WORD COUNT ON NTS TRAFFIC
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THE CHECK

Counting words in a message has been a source of frustration to many
hams except for the most experienced traffic handler.  Integrity of
the message content is based primarily on the message check being the
same received as sent.  It insures the accuracy of one's message copy.

Message counting involves only the words in the "text" of the message
(the words found between the BT prosigns) not the words in the header,
address, or signature.  Here is a review of word values in the message
count:

   Los Angeles     two words
   NYC             one word
   New York City   three words
   6146B           one word
   KB6SBH          one word
   SEVENTY THREE   two words
   73              one word
   F B Silveira    three words
   Vern A DeMott   three words
   X               one word
   2100Z           one word
   2100 GMT        two words
   ARL SIXTY SEVEN three words

It is advisable to spell out "query" at the end of a question rather
than using a "?" punctuation mark.  Most other punctuation can be sent
as a solitary "X" (and delivered as a pause).

Recommended traffic practice is not to use punctuation, fractions, or
other less known symbols as these do count "one word each" in the
message count (check).  In lieu of using the punctuation period at the
end of a sentence, the "x" is used instead in its place. The last "X"
at the end of the message is not necessary.  End the message text with
a BT followed by the signature (which in turn is followed by the
prosign AR).

Advisable also is to spell numbers out rather than use their numeric
symbols (forty three rather than 43).

Here is a typical message form used within the National Traffic System:

NR 5R KB6IDI 22 CITRUS HEIGHTS CA FEB 2Z

FRED SILVEIRA K6RAU
1611 EVETTE COURT
MERCED CA 95340
T 722 7183      BT

HAVE NOT HEARD KA6FTA ON
PACKET LATELY X PLEASE ADVISE
HIM NR6N AND I HAVE
RETURNED FROM BIG BEAR X
SEVENTY THREE   BT
ALICE KB6IDI     AR

Note the "check" after KB6IDI is 22 indicating that the count between
the BT signs amounts to 22 words (the "x" between "LATELY X PLEASE"
and "BEAR X SEVENTY" count as one word each).

Hams are encouraged to take an active part in traffic handling.

Source material:  "Operating an Amateur Radio Station" printed by the
Amateur Radio Relay League.