Virtual Winlink Training Class
When: Monday June 7th @ 6:00 PM CT
Where: Virtually on Zoom
Who: Anyone interested in Winlink may attend this free class.
The training will be led by Dennis Howard W1BUB, Patrick Aland KG5ZYP, and Everett McArthur KE5QVC. All the details on this training class are provided below. Please contact Patrick Aland if you would like an invitation to the Zoom Class.
Winlink is a worldwide radio email service that uses radio pathways where the internet is not present, and is capable of operating completely without the internet–automatically–using smart-network radio relays. Winlink provides its users email with attachments, position reporting, weather and information bulletins, and is well-known for its role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. Licensed Winlink operators/stations use both amateur radio and government radio frequencies worldwide. The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed “Ham” volunteers.
What We Will Cover
What is Winlink and How Does It Work?
1. Global system of Common Message Servers (CMS) that are linked via the internet to Radio Message Servers (RMS) that can receive and send email traffic via amateur radio.
2. The Advantages of Winlink and the star configuration network
a. Operates like regular email which makes it familiar to most users
b. The interoperability between modes and mediums creates a resilient network useful for emergency communications
c. The system is designed to allow peer-to-peer connections for direct messaging
d. Winlink can be configured to operate in radio only mode that can manage email traffic without the internet component
3. Modes of Operation
a. Via HF connections to RMS hubs
b. Via UHF/VHF to local RMS hubs
c. Via Telnet protocol directly over the internet
d. Via Webmail over the internet
4. VHF/UHF Local Operations
a. Requires a UHF/VHF radio equipped with a connection to a computer
b. VARA FM – Software TNC
c. A local RMS station
d. A Winlink account and email address
5. HF Winlink Operations
a. Requires a HF radio equipped with a connection to a computer
b. VARA HF – Software TNC
c. A Winlink account and email address
d. Allows long distance comms making Winlink HF much more adaptable to emergency communications efforts
6. Download the Software
a. Visit https://downloads.winlink.org/User%20Programs/
b. Download README_Software_Install_Instructions.txt
c. Download Winlink_Express_install_1-5-37-0.zip
d. Visit the website at https://rosmodem.wordpress.com/
e. Download VARA HF v4.4.3 (High Performance HF Modem)
f. Download VARA FM v4.1.2 (VARA for FM transceivers)
7. Follow the instructions given in the readme files to install the software on your computer.
a. Instructions must be followed exactly
b. Install Winlink first, then install VARA HF and VARA FM
8. Every radio has its own idiosyncrasies when it comes to setting up Winlink and VARA
a. There are guides for almost every make and model of radio on the internet
b. The first object is to get your radio and computer talking before attempting any other tasks
c. You may need an external soundcard like a Signalink or Rigblaster
d. Some new radios have an internal soundcard that can be used
9. When doing your setup keep copious notes. You may need to refer back to them later.
a. Screen shot your setup screens for future reference
b. Don’t get in a hurry. The setup process for some radios can be tedious and frustrating
b. Don’t get in a hurry. The setup process for some radios can be tedious and frustrating
c. Get help. Find an Elmer with Winlink experience to help
10. A Quick demonstration
a. Ending emails via Winlink VARA FM
b. Sending an SMS text Message via VARA FM
c. Using VARA HF to connect to a distant RMS
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Contest Calendar
- CWops Test (CWT)
0300Z-0400Z, Apr 25
- CWops Test (CWT)
0700Z-0800Z, Apr 25
- RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data
1900Z-2030Z, Apr 25
- NCCC FT4 Sprint
0100Z-0130Z, Apr 26
- Weekly RTTY Test
0145Z-0215Z, Apr 26
- NCCC Sprint
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 26
- K1USN Slow Speed Test
2000Z-2100Z, Apr 26
- 10-10 Int. Spring Contest, Digital
0001Z, Apr 27 to 2359Z, Apr 28
- SP DX RTTY Contest
1200Z, Apr 27 to 1200Z, Apr 28
- UK/EI DX Contest, CW
1200Z, Apr 27 to 1200Z, Apr 28
