Winlink
2022-07-05
Winlink is a service provided by radio amateur volunteers that provides email via amateur radio. The service can be used by radio only or can also connect to the Internet backbone for exchanging email with those who are not radio amateurs. It is commonly used by mariners who can send and receive email while they sail the seas. I use it as part of my desire to provide emergency communications.
I use Winlink via a Windows computer program, Winlink Express, connected to either the Internet or to my radio. I also use PAT, another Winlink client that runs on any type of computer, and I run it on Raspberry Pi. It's always good to have more than one way to do something in case you have a problem with one of them. I have two clients using two types of computers and two ways to connect to the email service.
On the Raspberry Pi, I use Build a Pi as the platform to provide PAT Winlink service. I can use it to send and receive emails, and can set up an Emergency Email Server that other people with tablets, phones, or computers could use to send emails via radio. It could be useful in disasters.
I have a PiGate RMS station that provides a gateway to the Winlink system for 2 Meter radio users: AA6BD-10 on 144.950 MHz using 1200 baud packet. I designated it as an EMCOMM station so it is not always on the air. Other gateways are designated as PUBLIC and they are always operating. There are several of them near me.
Winlink is a service provided by radio amateur volunteers that provides email via amateur radio. The service can be used by radio only or can also connect to the Internet backbone for exchanging email with those who are not radio amateurs. It is commonly used by mariners who can send and receive email while they sail the seas. I use it as part of my desire to provide emergency communications.
I use Winlink via a Windows computer program, Winlink Express, connected to either the Internet or to my radio. I also use PAT, another Winlink client that runs on any type of computer, and I run it on Raspberry Pi. It's always good to have more than one way to do something in case you have a problem with one of them. I have two clients using two types of computers and two ways to connect to the email service.
On the Raspberry Pi, I use Build a Pi as the platform to provide PAT Winlink service. I can use it to send and receive emails, and can set up an Emergency Email Server that other people with tablets, phones, or computers could use to send emails via radio. It could be useful in disasters.
I have a PiGate RMS station that provides a gateway to the Winlink system for 2 Meter radio users: AA6BD-10 on 144.950 MHz using 1200 baud packet. I designated it as an EMCOMM station so it is not always on the air. Other gateways are designated as PUBLIC and they are always operating. There are several of them near me.
2022-08-19
I participate in two weekly Winlink nets: TN WL NET and Winlink Thursday. By participating in two, I get to try more things to get more practice.
I added VARA to my suite of software tools. VARA adds high speed and very reliable communications modes for use in Winlink. VARA HT operates on HF frequencies, and VARA FM operates on VHF/UHF frequencies. Fortunately, there are both modes available to me from my home. I have tried them, and they are my new standard modes. VARA is built for Windows, and there is a script available to also run them on the Raspberry Pi. I have not tried that yet, but will do that at some future time.
I find myself using Windows more and RPi less. With Windows, all I need is my laptop and my IC-7100. With RPi, I have to also have a sound modem and I have had some problems with them, so I have been going for the least pain approach. I will eventually get the RPi mode going more often as it is good to have multiple ways to do something.
I heard about WoAD, a Winlink client for Android. I have loaded it on my phone, and have used in in Telnet mode. I am waiting on others to work out how to set it up for other RF devices and then I will also check it out. It would be really cool to have WoAD for Winlink and APRSdroid for APRS on my phone, coupled with Mobilinkd and an HT to provide a portable station with both capabilities good for emergencies. Of course, I really need Winlink on HF to provide good emergency service. Winlink can connect via text, and APRS can text using SMSGTE.
I participate in two weekly Winlink nets: TN WL NET and Winlink Thursday. By participating in two, I get to try more things to get more practice.
I added VARA to my suite of software tools. VARA adds high speed and very reliable communications modes for use in Winlink. VARA HT operates on HF frequencies, and VARA FM operates on VHF/UHF frequencies. Fortunately, there are both modes available to me from my home. I have tried them, and they are my new standard modes. VARA is built for Windows, and there is a script available to also run them on the Raspberry Pi. I have not tried that yet, but will do that at some future time.
I find myself using Windows more and RPi less. With Windows, all I need is my laptop and my IC-7100. With RPi, I have to also have a sound modem and I have had some problems with them, so I have been going for the least pain approach. I will eventually get the RPi mode going more often as it is good to have multiple ways to do something.
I heard about WoAD, a Winlink client for Android. I have loaded it on my phone, and have used in in Telnet mode. I am waiting on others to work out how to set it up for other RF devices and then I will also check it out. It would be really cool to have WoAD for Winlink and APRSdroid for APRS on my phone, coupled with Mobilinkd and an HT to provide a portable station with both capabilities good for emergencies. Of course, I really need Winlink on HF to provide good emergency service. Winlink can connect via text, and APRS can text using SMSGTE.