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WinLink and How to Use It

11/09/2024
| by admin
| Comments Off on WinLink and How to Use It

Introduction to Winlink

Email and texting service with ham radio net and node connectivity

Presented by Terry N. N4TFN @ gmail dot com
November 9, 2024

What is Winlink?

  • Email via ham radio
  • The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed “Ham” volunteers.
  • Accessible through radio to internet gateways on HF, VHF, UHF
  • Peer to Peer (P2P) messaging mode between client stations is also possible.
  • The basic idea is to get your (email) message to the internet, and allow retrieval of messages sent to you. Or, to get messages to a common RMS for distribution without using the internet.

Winlink System Overview

  • Client Stations
    • Ham operator station to access Winlink system by connecting to an RMS
  • RMS (Radio Mail Server)
    • RF interface between stations and the CMS (or other stations)
    • Sends/receives Winlink and internet email
  • CMS (Central Message Server)
    • Main Winlink message server hosted on Amazon Web Services
    • Only directly accessible via an internet connection
    • Relays incoming/outgoing internet email

Why Winlink?

  • Store-and-forward format allows messages to be sent to an operator even if they are not on the radio at that moment
  • Text messaging has advantages over voice in certain situations and can reduce errors when relaying important information (numbers, technical information, lists, etc.)
  • Multiple locations and ways to access the system
  • Ability to send to non-hams if needed
  • Winlink is the preferred mode for EmComm for the ARRL and other organizations

General Winlink Information

  • Can attach small files (total message limit is 120KB)
  • All incoming/outgoing messages are archived online and viewable by all Winlink users via the internet for 21 days
  • Some settings are controlled on winlink.org
    • Personal whitelist for approved incoming internet email
    • Checking messages via webmail is also available at winlink.org
  • User e-mail addresses are: CALLSIGN@winlink.org
  • Accounts can only be created within Winlink software (see winlink.org/user for more info)
  • Accounts off-air for 400 days are automatically purged.

 

Winlink System Metrics

Winlink Message Activity
==================================================
HF Activity

VARA       Oct 2024: 10,619      Nov 2024: 577

————————————————–
FM Activity

VARA FM Connections      Oct 2024: 10,514     Nov 2024: 777
VARA FM WIDE Connections      Oct 2024: 30,745     Nov 2024: 1,084

————————————————–
Packet Activity

Messages Received      Oct 2024: 8,020     Nov 2024: 209
Messages Sent      Oct 2024: 9,336     Nov 2024: 252

————————————————–
WebMail Activity

Messages Read      Oct 2024: 9,132     Nov 2024: 339
Messages Sen      Oct 2024: t 1,372     Nov 2024: 89

 

Winlink System Metrics

List of users nearby N4TFN (29)
Position: 33-36.36N 085-49.38W posted at: 11/2/2024 1:04:00 PM
(NOTE: All dates in UTC, distance in nautical miles and bearings true great circle.)
Winlink 2000 Nearby Mobile Users
(Only the latest report for each call within the past 10 days is listed.
CALL Dist(nm @ DegT) POSITION REPORTED COMMENT
N4TFN 0.0 @ 000 33-36.36N 085-49.38W 2024/11/02 13:04 ACK FD Challenge
WJ4K 7.8 @ 353 33-44.09N 085-50.53W 2024/10/30 16:24 EAST-COAST Winlink Checkin Week 44
KV4S 42.8 @ 248 33-20.21N 086-36.86W 2024/10/30 13:30 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
N4BTA 44.3 @ 075 33-47.50N 084-57.87W 2024/11/01 02:22 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
KN4NQX 46.5 @ 111 33-19.86N 084-57.26W 2024/10/30 01:28 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
ND1J 66.5 @ 105 33-19.14N 084-32.37W 2024/10/29 11:26 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
K4HVF 72.8 @ 278 33-46.10N 087-16.11W 2024/10/29 15:40 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-in Week 44
W4MTJ 73.6 @ 082 33-46.02N 084-21.72W 2024/10/29 00:49
W4PPC 77.3 @ 335 34-46.57N 086-28.60W 2024/10/29 14:58 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
KY4G 83.9 @ 329 34-48.10N 086-42.00W 2024/10/30 03:59 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
N4DPH 88.5 @ 312 34-35.12N 087-09.36W 2024/10/29 23:15 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
K4AZM 89.2 @ 028 34-55.05N 084-58.62W 2024/10/29 20:19 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
WS3V 104.3 @ 068 34-14.89N 083-52.57W 2024/10/30 16:59 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
N5WDX 119.9 @ 346 35-32.61N 086-25.13W 2024/10/31 13:20 GREEN – All is well
W4RCX 123.3 @ 025 35-28.07N 084-45.96W 2024/10/23 23:50
KN4CCQ 124.2 @ 005 35-40.06N 085-35.81W 2024/10/29 20:59
KZ4AU 141.5 @ 033 35-34.92N 084-15.54W 2024/10/25 11:09 conditon green / testing
K4KCF 141.9 @ 345 35-53.38N 086-34.32W 2024/10/27 17:19 1st Positions report – Followup from ComX SET AAR 26Oct24′
K3LLH 145.7 @ 341 35-53.52N 086-49.36W 2024/10/29 00:21 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44 message
W4WTN 149.3 @ 010 36-03.14N 085-15.86W 2024/11/01 02:04 Monterey, TN
WA4WSZ 151.0 @ 011 36-04.59N 085-14.48W 2024/10/23 23:31 Monterey, TN
W4WWF 160.5 @ 342 36-08.43N 086-51.96W 2024/10/30 01:40 !TNWX Davidson County ARES
W0ADD 161.7 @ 335 36-02.17N 087-14.57W 2024/10/29 18:03 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
KM4AUG 172.5 @ 110 32-34.52N 082-37.18W 2024/10/26 21:02
W0HM 180.2 @ 164 30-43.02N 084-51.15W 2024/10/31 19:30
KW4KWS 194.4 @ 057 35-21.02N 082-30.61W 2024/10/28 10:57 73!
W4RYF 194.7 @ 057 35-18.93N 082-28.70W 2024/10/30 01:37 DE W4RYF /NNA4RF 10-29-2024
KM4ACK 198.3 @ 332 36-31.01N 087-44.10W 2024/11/01 12:21 YELLOW :: Off grid test day 4. Low battery 15%. Sunshine and solar expected today
K5VP 201.1 @ 325 36-18.80N 088-14.10W 2024/10/29 12:02 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44
AJ4KY 204.4 @ 178 30-12.08N 085-40.69W 2024/10/29 23:56 EAST-COAST Winlink Check-In Week 44

 

Supported Modes (Listed Slowest to Fastest)

  • Telnet (Internet Access)
  • Packet (1200) direct
  • VARA (HF)(Paid version for more speed)
  • VARA FM (VHF/UHF)

 

Basic Station Setup

  • Computer
  • Client Software
  • Radio Hardware (Packet Sound Modem)
    • Transceiver operable on the gateway frequency/band desired
    • Antenna, coax, power supply
    • A TNC (Terminal Node Controller) that is operable in the mode desired, or a soundcard interface and appropriate software.
    • Note: you can use the radio, antenna, coax, etc. that you already have if you don’t want a permanent presence on the Winlink frequency.
    • Note: hardware TNC recommended for AX.25

Typical Sending/Receiving of Messages

  • Compose messages “offline” while not connected
  • Connect to an RMS
    • Tell software to connect to the specific RMS or station
    • Your station automatically sends any messages in its outbox.
    • RMS checks with CMS for messages to deliver to you.
    • RMS sends any messages to you.
    • Connection is ended automatically.
  • Connect to another station Point To Point (P2P)
    • Same as above but only sends/receives messages to/from the other station/user

Forms Built Into Winlink Programs

  • HTML forms are available to streamline the submission of form data.
    • PDF files can be large for Winlink use and easily exceed the 120KB limit
    • Form data is sent using an XML attachment
    • Data is also sent in plain text in the message body
  • A variety of form libraries are available
    • ICS Forms
    • FEMA Forms
    • Radiogram
    • Weather
    • Etc.

Creating a Winlink Account

  • Download, install, and configure client software. We suggest Winlink Express. See the help menu for lots of helpful info.
  • If using Winlink Express (while having an active internet connection) fill out the form presented on first startup after installation. See the help article “Basic Configuration” for guidance. Be sure to include a password and password recovery address.

Taken from Winlink.org/user

 

Visit/Login to Winlink for page views:

Winlink Express Setup

Winlink Express – Main Interface

Winlink Express – New Message

 

CCARA Winlink “Net” (M-S)

  • To participate, just send a Winlink message to Terry/N4TFN via Winlink at any time. He will reply to every message received to confirm receipt. No specific message is needed – just a “hi” will be fine.
  • You can use any method you like to access Winlink. Use Telnet if no radio is connected. You are encouraged to use the various forms.
  • We hope this net will both promote Winlink and help operators maintain familiarity with using the system.

 

North Alabama Winlink Wednesdays “Net”

  • To participate, just send a Winlink message to Mike/AE4G via Winlink at any time on Wednesdays. He will reply to every message received by Thursday to confirm receipt. No specific message is needed – just a “hi” will be fine.
  • You can use any method you like to access Winlink.
  • We hope this net will both promote Winlink and help operators maintain familiarity with using the system.

 

Winlink Wednesdays “Net”

  • To participate, follow instructions on weekly notice and send a Winlink message to David/KN4LQN via Winlink at any time on Wednesdays. He will reply to every message received by Thursday to confirm receipt. Sometime later, usually, Thu/Fri, you will see the net roll-up.
  • https://winlinkwednesday.net/WWcurrentmap
  • Follow stated instructions to send your message.
    • Winlink Wednesday Check-In
    • N4TFN, TERRY, PIEDMONT, CALHOUN, AL, VARA FM VHF
    • 33.5208, -85.6250

 

Winlink and EmComm

 

Winlink Nets

  • CCARA
  • Winlink Wednesday
    • Nationwide (KN4LQN) & Alabama (AE4G)
  • American Legion Post 42 of Nelson County (AMLEGNELCO)
  • Florida Winlink Net (W4AKH)
  • East Coast Winlink Net (EAST-COAST)
  • Emcom Training Nets (ETO-04)
  • GLAWN (GLAWN)

 

Winlink Net Maps

 

Links to Winlink Resources

 

 

Why Ham Radio?

10/12/2024
| by KI3N
| Comments Off on Why Ham Radio?

Ham Radio In the world of instant messaging, cellphones & social media? Its fun and offers emergencies assistance, & more.

So, why ham radio?

What can the ham radio hobby do for me? In the world of instant messaging, cellphones, social media, and snap chat it may seem that amateur (ham) radio is a thing from a bygone era. Most people think of ham radio as a large boxy radio, massive antennas, and pounding away on a Morse code key because this is the common portrayed by Hollywood. This image couldn’t be farther than the truth. Modern radios have a host of amazing features, from simple hand held radios resembling walkie-talkies to some truly amazing computerized radios with dazzling displays and all sorts of cutting edge features.

First Radio

Usually, everyone starts out with a small hand-held radio and can talk locally to other hams via a repeater. There are several in the area, including the CCARA club repeater that sits atop Mount Cheaha, the tallest mountain in the state of Alabama. A repeater lets you call it using a low-power radio, and it re-transmits your signal at a much higher altitude and at much higher power. This lets you talk over a far greater geographic area with a very low cost (usually $20- $30) radio. The WB4GNA CCARA repeater has a normal ‘footprint’ that can reach about seven nearby counties, including Calhoun, Cleburne, Clay, St Clair, Etowah, Talladega, on average and with the right conditions can extend far beyond that.

Ham Radios Emergency Communications

What else can you do with a small handheld radio? It turns out that they can be handy in remote communications or for certain emergencies. They are small, lightweight, and easy to carry and be placed near a door ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Since they run on battery power, they can function away from home or away from any electrical mains. These radios are also more powerful than a typical cell phone that transmits in the hundred of milliwatts range whereas a modern handheld radio may transmit 5 to 10 watts. Also, while a cellphone also usually has no external antenna, it is easy to attach a different antenna to a handheld to get even more range.

Local Events

There are many events around our local community that benefit from this kind of support. It can be something as simple as being on a certain location to monitor runners for a 5k run or  Cheaha Challenge bike race, a community event like a street fair or similar. In the case of a 5k, most races are run in the city where even if cell service is available, a visible presence can be reassuring to the participants, and we can still pass messages quickly to race personnel and can provide extra information to emergency services if needed. Some events like the Cheaha Challenge has a course spread out along a 126 mile course that is impossible for cell phones communications due to intervening terrain. Ham radio, though, can get by most of these limitations. There is also a very real need for hams, as the threat of injuries is unfortunately very real with some injuries being serious enough to require airlifted to an appropriate care facility. In fact, we can be asked to deploy as many as 70 hams to locations throughout the four county area! Many of these event personnel are very appreciative of our volunteering our time and expertise and provide a free tee-shirt as a way of thanks. So, for the cost of a small $30 radio you may earn that back in a single year of free tees.
Another thing that goes hand-in-hand with emergency communications is receiving training from the National Weather Service (NWS) to learn how to become a storm spotter. The main radar for our local area is based in Calera, AL. Due to the curvature of the Earth (‘flat Earthers’ non-withstanding) when radar indicates a possible tornado in the area, the part they are seeing is rotation well into the air. The only way to confirm an actual tornado or touchdown is eyes on the ground. Typically a ham radio operator or (Law Enforcement officer using PD radios) will call or radio in to the NWS, the NWS will advise the local media outlets, and James Spann or your other trusted news source will broadcast this out to the public. By simply monitoring the local storm spotter radio nets, you can get that faster notification that can make all the difference. Storm spotting, though rewarding, is a potential life-threatening activity which is why proper training is essential.

Learn about communications, satellites, and electronics

Finally, there’s the educational facets. Getting into the radio hobby is a great way to start learning about electronics and STEM learning. With the entry level license you gain the ability to use satellites to make contacts across much greater distances. Of course, this sort of communication has some challenges: you need to know what satellite will be overhead and ‘visible’ in line-of-sight. Good news though, that’s easily done with apps for both Android, Apple, Windows, and Linux computers. Since ham radio satellites orbit the earth, a satellite typically will be in view and usable for about 10 minutes, but on the other hand there’s multiple satellites up there. But, in the process of learning how to use satellites, it’ll serve as a real-world example of orbital mechanics, doppler shift, and a bunch of other concepts that will be learned much better than any textbook could teach.

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