ARRL Numbered Radiogram
Brevity codes for rapid ARRL/RRI radiogram transmission during congestion.
An ARRL Numbered Radiogram is a brevity code used to compose ARRL/RRI radiogram or radiogram-ICS213 messages when radio channels are congested. Experienced traffic handlers in the ARRL or RRI National Traffic System (NTS) use these codes to transmit standard messages—sometimes with customized text—very quickly. The codes consist of one or two numbers, always written as words and preceded by the procedural word "ARL." Throughout their journey via the Amateur Radio National Traffic System, the codes remain in this numeric-word format; they are only expanded into plain English upon delivery by a radio amateur. For example, "ARL FORTY SIX" is typed in a letter or spoken over the phone as "Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come." When customized text is allowed, it follows the number code word immediately. For instance, "ARL SIXTY TWO CHRISTMAS" is delivered outside the NTS as "Greetings and best wishes to you for a pleasant Christmas holiday season." The current list of numbered radiogram codes was expanded by Radio Relay International in 2024 and adopted by the ARRL in 2025. It is backward compatible with older versions and adds codes supporting the RRI "I Am Safe" program, along with additional texts for emergency communications and the RRI National Response Plan.
- Format
- Messages encoded as one or two numbers, written as words, preceded by the procedural word 'ARL'
- Expansion
- Expanded to plain-English meaning only when delivered by a radio amateur outside the NTS
- Example code
- ARL FORTY SIX expands to 'Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come'
- Customization example
- ARL SIXTY TWO CHRISTMAS expands to 'Greetings and best wishes to you for a pleasant Christmas holiday season'
- Expansion year 2024
- Current list expanded by Radio Relay International in 2024
- Adoption year 2025
- Adopted by the ARRL in 2025
- Backward compatibility
- Backward compatible with older versions
Lore & Background
The ARRL Numbered Radiogram codes are designed for use within the Amateur radio National Traffic System (NTS), where they retain their numeric-word format throughout transit. Only upon delivery by a radio amateur are they expanded to their plain-English meaning, ensuring speed and consistency during high-traffic periods. For example, 'ARL FORTY SIX' becomes a birthday greeting, while 'ARL SIXTY TWO CHRISTMAS' adds customized holiday text after the number code word.
Reader's Guide
The significance of the ARRL Numbered Radiogram lies in its role as a standardized brevity code that enables rapid, reliable message handling during radio congestion. By encoding common messages as one or two numbers preceded by 'ARL', experienced traffic handlers can transmit efficiently without ambiguity. The system's backward compatibility ensures continuity with older codes, while the 2024 expansion by Radio Relay International—adopted by the ARRL in 2025—added support for the RRI 'I Am Safe' program and additional texts for emergency communications and the RRI National Response Plan. This evolution underscores its ongoing relevance in both routine and emergency amateur radio operations, preserving a structured method for conveying critical information under constrained conditions.
Did You Know?
- The codes are always written down as words and preceded by the procedural word 'ARL'.
- Customized text is added immediately following the number code word, as in 'ARL SIXTY TWO CHRISTMAS'.
- The codes are only expanded to plain-English meaning when delivered by a radio amateur outside the NTS.
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