Air Force MARS
Transcon Digital Network

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Digital Message Instructions Part 2
USAF MARS Unattended Auto-Forwarding

The USAF MARS Digital (Data) system employs the zip code routing system available for routing NTS
type traffic through out the CONUS.

  1. For members to forward NTS type traffic through the Network they must know the zip code of the
    person or station receiving the message. The format will be <zip_code>@<zip_code>.
    The command ST [message type T] must be used to originate this type message.

    2. Example: 66440@66440

    In this example all BBS in the AF MARS digital system will have pointers in their forwarding files
    that will route traffic for zip codes starting with 66 along the system to the USAF MARS
    Rgn3 gateway system AFA3HW Message Center in Kansas.

    Note: All NTS traffic to be delivered in the CONUS, AK and HI must have a telephone number.
    The Digital System subject line must be in the format of:

    <town>, <State Abbreviation>. <area_code - Telco office code>

    Example: Osterville, MA, 508-428

     

  2. Traffic for officials are sent to their designated home BBS.
    The command ST [message type T] must be used to originate this type message.

    3. Examples:

    AGA3C@AFA3XB.IL.RGN3.USA

    AFN1EC@AFA1PZ.ME.RGN1.USA

    AFN3VN@AFA3HW.KS.RGN3.USA

    AFN3AT@AFA3HW.KS.RGN3.USA

  3. Bulletins for dissemination to members USAF MARS wide (USAF MARS only).
    The command SB [message type B] must be used to originate this type message.

    4. Examples: ALL@AFMARS

  4. Bulletins for dissemination to members ALL MARS wide (ALL services MARS ).
    The command SB [message type B] must be used to originate this type message.

    Examples: ALL@AFMARS

  5. For bulletins to be retained within a USAF MARS Region.
    The command SB [message type B] must be used to originate this type message.

    Examples :

    ALRGN1@ALRGN1
    ALRGN2@ALRGN2
     

  6. At no time will any message of type P be recognized as official MARS traffic and can not be
    considered accountable. This is any message originated with the commands SP, S, or CC.
    These messages can only be seen by the addressee or the originator, and not by members
    Checking the BBS system as traffic handlers.
Note: From AFN3AT, USAF MARS National Digital Manager.
USAF MARS does not split bulletins east and west. My policy is the left hand should know what
the right one is doing. With unattended auto-forwarding and some stations moving to
PACTOR II and PACTOR III, backups of traffic have not occurred.

Allen K. Smith, National Digital Manager USAF MARS, AFN3AT
13700 East 134th Rd. Hoyt, KS 66440
Phone: (785) 986-6647
BBS: AFN3AT @ AFA3HW.KS.RGN3.USA
E-Mail: w0qgs@holtonks.net