TMRA WinLink Information
Last Updated on 12/15/2020 by Zack (N8ZAK)
Winlink Email is a network of amateur radio stations that provides worldwide email using radio pathways where the internet is not present. The system supports email with
attachments, position reporting, weather and information bulletins, and is well-known for its role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. It is
capable of operating completely without the internet!
The information here is for using TMRA's WinLink system with a Tigertronics Signalink soundcard box.
It is also possible to use the service using a TNC (Terminal Node Controller). You can also build a relatively inexpensive TNC using a Raspberry Pi and RS-232 header
board to use with your transceiver/radio. The Signalink method we describe below uses the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method an works very well.
Software Required (Windows XP and later)
Radio Frequency Setup
Set your radio to 145.050 Mhz (no PL and no repeater offset). All transmissions are done over simplex.
Install the RMS software and fill out the registration information. This is free software with a donation request you may bypass if you wish. Your WinLink callsign registration
will expire after a year if you do not use the service approximately once every 365 days either via Radio Packet or attached to the Internet using traditional means.
Signalink Setup
Set TX to about the 10:30 to 11:00 position and set the Delay to 0.
Verify Soundmodem Software Configuration (Devices)
Make sure your Settings->Devices match below.
| Output Device |
Speakers (USB Audio CODEC) |
| Input Device |
Microphone (USB Audio CODEC) |
| TX Rotation |
Unchecked |
| Single Channel Output |
Checked |
| Stop Waterfall on Minimize |
Checked |
| AGWPE Server Port 8000 |
Unchecked |
| KISS Server Port 8100 |
Checked |
| PTT Port |
None |
| Dual PTT |
Unchecked |
| Swap COM pins for PTT |
Unchecked |
Verify Soundmodem Software Configuration (Modems)
Set Modem Filters Channel A to the following settings (you can ignore Channel B settings).
| Default Settings |
Checked |
| KISS Optimization |
Checked |
| Non-AX25 Filter |
Checked |
| Mode |
AFSK AX.25 1200 baud |
| TX Delay |
500 milliseconds |
Verify WinLink Packet Setup
Select Packet WinLink in RMS Express and Click Open Session. On the Packet WinLink Session screen click on Settings and verify the following settings and click update to save the settings.
| Packet TNC Type |
KISS |
| Packet TNC Model |
NORMAL |
| Serial Port |
TCP |
| Auto Connect Time |
Disabled |
| TCP Host/Port |
127.0.0.1 and Enter in 8100 for the port |
| Verify TNC Parameters is Set for 1200 Baud |
Check Enable iPoll also |
Send and Email via RF
- 1.) Launch the Soundmodem software and make sure your Signalink is installed and transmit capability is turned on.
- 1a.) You can configure this to automatically launch with RMS Express if you want also.
- 2.) Select Packet WinLink in RMS Express and Click Open Session
- 3.) Select Connection Type DIRECT and the Gateway Name should be W8HHF-10
- 4.) Click Start and that will send and receive any email - the Signalink will send and receive traffic automatically.
Don't be overly concerned about all the clicking and radio transmissions - it may take a minute or longer of back and fourth
communication with the W8HHF gateway and your radio to send the messages.
Some Caveots
By default, you can send email outbound anywhere but only receive email from other callsign@winlink.org
addresses (for example N8ZAK or n8zak@winlink.org). This stops incoming spammers from taking advantage of the WinLink system.
If you want to be able to receive email from some of the most popular websites, send the following email message (you can copy and past the message).
| To: |
SYSTEM |
| Subject: |
WHITELIST |
| Message: |
Accept: bex.net
Accept: tmrahamradio.org
Accept: googlemail.com
Accept: gmail.com
Accept: yahoo.com
Accept: hotmail.com
Accept: aol.com
Accept: msn.com
Accept: live.com
Accept: ymail.com
Accept: outlook.com
Accept: cox.net
Accept: sbcglobal.net
Accept: verizon.net
|
If you have problems connecting to the system (double check your settings) and if you don't hear any packet traffic with your squelch
open, let the Tech Committee know and we will do our best to assist.
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