Table 2-5.—R/T Message Showing All Possible Elements of
the Address Components.
FORMAT LINE 10
Format line 10 is identified by the proword
GROUPS, followed by the number of groups, or
“GROUP NO COUNT.” This line may contain an
accounting symbol in addition to the group designation.
Accounting symbols are seldom used on R/T circuits.
However, they may appear on messages received for
relay from circuits using other procedures. Accounting
symbols are a combination of letters used to indicate the
agency, service, or activity that assumes financial
responsibility for the message.
Since R/T messages are usually short, a group count
is seldom used. However, if a group count is sent, the
number of groups is preceded by the proword GROUPS
and appears in the message prefix. When a message is
transmitted before the group count is determined, the
proword GROUP NO COUNT is used in lieu of the
group count. The actual group count may then be
transmitted in the final instructions and be inserted in
the message prefix by the receiving operator. The
proword GROUP NO COUNT is included in messages
bearing an accounting symbol when groups are not
counted.
FORMAT LINES 11 THROUGH 16
Format line 11 contains the proword BREAK. This
line separates the heading from the text. The use of this
proword is not required except where confusion may be
possible between the heading and text.
Format line 12 is the text of the message and
expresses the idea of the originator. The primary
difference between R/T text and other types of
communication is that R/T text must be spoken.
Therefore, it is important that new operators thoroughly
familiarize themselves with the proper phrases and
prowords that are commonly used in communications
texts.
Format line 13 contains the proword BREAK. This
line separates the text from the ending. Like format line
11, this proword should be used when confusion may
occur between the text and the ending.
Format line 14 is used only in abbreviated
plaindress messages when a time group is transmitted
here. When used, it takes the place of a DTG in format
line 5. For example, a DTG may not be determined
prior to transmission. In such cases, it may be omitted in
format line 5 and be sent as a time group in format line
14. When used, format line 14 consists of the proword
TIME, followed by the time group plus the zone suffix.
For example, you are in time zone B and you are sending
a time group of 310850 in format line 14. You would
transmit the time group as:
“TIME Three One Zero Eight Five Zero Bravo.”
Format line 15 contains any final instructions.
When used, this line may contain prowords (such as
WAIT, CORRECTION, MORE TO FOLLOW,
AUTHENTICATION IS), operating signals, address
groups, call signs, and plain language designators.
Format line 16 is identified by the proword OVER
or OUT. Every transmission ends with either OVER or
OUT. However, the proword OVER may be omitted
when two stations are in continuous communication
with each other on a circuit not shared with a third
station. In transmissions where the proword DO NOT
ANSWER is used, the transmissions must end with the
Proword OUT.
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