Winlink Sites (Map)
N4SER-10 (EL87sd) VHF Gateway 144.950 MHz
1200 baud
N4SER-10 (EL87sd)
VHF Gateway 144.910 MHz
1200 baud

N4SER-10 Winlink gateways: ( This page was edited on 12/7/18  )

There are now 2 N4SER-10 Winlink gateways on 144.950 MHz and 144.910 MHz.

Both gateways are now connected to the N4SER HF gateway. Should the internet fail then all e-mails received via the air will be forwarded via HF to a gateway out of the affected area.

Information on the N4SER Packet Digi-peater can be found  (Here)

Winlink 2000 (www.winlink.org) is a world wide system that connects packet radio to internet e-mail.

The system is comprised of the following parts:

  • Client: a packet radio station that sends and receives e-mails using specialized software and a standard amateur radio packet setup.
  • Gateway: a specialized packet setup that is connected to the internet. It connects the client to the internet and transfers e-mails to and from the client.
  • CMS (common message server): Web servers run by the Winlink administrators that move e-mails between the gateway stations and the internet.

Winlink can operate in a number of modes on HF, VHF and UHF. These include:

  • Packet (AX.25 protocol) on UHF and VHF
  • Pactor 1, 2, and 3 on HF. Pactor 4 is not yet approved for amateur frequencies.
  • WINMOR: A new digital mode for HF utilizing sound card to radio interface. An inexpensive substitute for Pactor.
  • Telnet: Direct access to the Winlink system from a computer attached to the internet.

How to get involved:

In order to participate in Winlink you will need to set up a client station. The easiest, and least expensive is a VHF station utilizing existing hardware.

  • VHF radio capable of operation on 144.950 MHz
  • A computer running Windows XP or newer. There is a team working on a Linux client but it is recommended to start with a Windows based system.
  • A copy of the Winlink client (user) software package installed on the computer.
    • A list is available here: www.winlink.org/ClientSoftware
    • RMS Express is recommended. it is inclusive, not requiring a separate e-mail client, and is easy to use.
Packet TNC’s for RMS Express:
AEA/Timewave:   DSP232, PK232, PK88, PK900, PK96
Kantronics:   KAM-98, KAM-XL, KAM+, KPC-3, KPC-3+, KPC-9612, KPC-9612+
Kenwwod (buit in TNC):   TH-D7/D72, TM-D700, TM-D710, TS-2000
Open Tracker USB
TAPR TNC2
Tiny Tracker
TNC-X
KISS: any TNC that can be placed into KISS mode. This will require some experimentation.
  • With a TNC
    • It is important to have a TNC that is supported by the client software that you intend to use. Each software has its own list.
    • TNCs compatable with RMS Expreess are listed in the sidebar.
    • Other client software apps have their own list of supported TNCs.
  • Without a TNC
    • You can work WinLink (or any other packet system) without a TNC.
    • The soundcard software that is recommended is by UZ7HO. AGW Express still works but consensus is UZ7 is more universal and easier to use.
    • Read Elmer’s tutorial (Here) for how to set this up.
    • One easy install. Works with most PSK type soundcard interfaces.
    • No TNC needed to create a WinLink e-mail client.

NOTES:

  • Connect the TNC to the radio following the manufacture’s instructions.
  • Kenwwod TS-2000 menu setup to run RMS Express:
    • 46: MAIN/SUB BUILT-IN TNC “SUB”
    • 47: DATA TRANSFER RATE; BUILT-IN TNC “1200bps”
    • 50A: PACKET FILTER BANDWIDTH “ON”
    • 55: PACKET OPERATION “ON”
    • ?
  • USB / Serial dongles work very well when your computer does not have a serial port.

 A tutorial on e-mailing with RMS Express can be found here