Precedence and HX
As promised last time, a more in-depth look at the Precedence and HX boxes on the radiogram form.
PRECEDENCE
The Precedence box determines the importance of the message being delivered. There are currently 4 levels of importance, as follows.
EMERGENCY -- This traffic type is always handled before any other net business. Emergency traffic would include requests for help, possibly from a disaster area where no other forms of communication are available. These are the most important messages we can handle.
PRIORITY (P) -- These are also called for at the start of most traffic nets. They are second only to emergency traffic in importance.
WELFARE (W) -- These messages are for checking on another's health and welfare. These are not called for at the start of the traffic net, but would be handled before routine traffic. These could be replies to priority or emergency traffic.
ROUTINE (R) -- these are normal, everyday messages. Birthday greetings, license renewal notices, etc. are all found here. Also included here are the so-called "canned" messages that are sent in bulk by traffic originators.
Notice that we have a 1 letter abbreviation for all precedencies except for emergency. This word must be spelled out, even on CW, to ensure the type of traffic is known to all parties.
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS (HX)
Next, we will go over the various handling instructions you may find in the HX box.
There are seven different types of handling instructions. These are notated by a single letter in the HX box.
HXA: This is saying that the recipient will accept a collect call. If there is a number, this would be the mileage limit for the collect call.
HXB: This will be followed by a number, and requests delivery of message to be completed within that number of hours from filing time. If this cannot be done, cancel message and service one back.
HXC: Report date and time of delivery to originating station.
HXD: More in-depth reporting than HXC. In addition to reporting the date and time of delivery, you are to report date and time you received message, as well as the callsign of the station you received the message from. Also, if you are merely relaying, this requests you to report date and time received, and the callsign received from, as well as date and time relayed, along with the callsign of the receiving station.
HXE: Originator is requesting you to originate a reply from the addressee.
HXF: This will include a number. This number is a date, and you are requested to hold off on delivering until that date. Often used for birthday greetings.
HXG: No requirement to spend money on delivering the message. If a call would result in long distance charges, or if you would need to mail the message, which would cost a stamp, please service the message back to originator.
You may see multiple handling instructions on the same message. Follow all to the best of your ability.
PRECEDENCE
The Precedence box determines the importance of the message being delivered. There are currently 4 levels of importance, as follows.
EMERGENCY -- This traffic type is always handled before any other net business. Emergency traffic would include requests for help, possibly from a disaster area where no other forms of communication are available. These are the most important messages we can handle.
PRIORITY (P) -- These are also called for at the start of most traffic nets. They are second only to emergency traffic in importance.
WELFARE (W) -- These messages are for checking on another's health and welfare. These are not called for at the start of the traffic net, but would be handled before routine traffic. These could be replies to priority or emergency traffic.
ROUTINE (R) -- these are normal, everyday messages. Birthday greetings, license renewal notices, etc. are all found here. Also included here are the so-called "canned" messages that are sent in bulk by traffic originators.
Notice that we have a 1 letter abbreviation for all precedencies except for emergency. This word must be spelled out, even on CW, to ensure the type of traffic is known to all parties.
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS (HX)
Next, we will go over the various handling instructions you may find in the HX box.
There are seven different types of handling instructions. These are notated by a single letter in the HX box.
HXA: This is saying that the recipient will accept a collect call. If there is a number, this would be the mileage limit for the collect call.
HXB: This will be followed by a number, and requests delivery of message to be completed within that number of hours from filing time. If this cannot be done, cancel message and service one back.
HXC: Report date and time of delivery to originating station.
HXD: More in-depth reporting than HXC. In addition to reporting the date and time of delivery, you are to report date and time you received message, as well as the callsign of the station you received the message from. Also, if you are merely relaying, this requests you to report date and time received, and the callsign received from, as well as date and time relayed, along with the callsign of the receiving station.
HXE: Originator is requesting you to originate a reply from the addressee.
HXF: This will include a number. This number is a date, and you are requested to hold off on delivering until that date. Often used for birthday greetings.
HXG: No requirement to spend money on delivering the message. If a call would result in long distance charges, or if you would need to mail the message, which would cost a stamp, please service the message back to originator.
You may see multiple handling instructions on the same message. Follow all to the best of your ability.
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