Winlink 2000Winlink 2000

An Introduction toAn Introduction to

eMail over Ham RadioeMail over Ham Radio

Presented byPresented by

Bud Semon N7CWBud Semon N7CW

ContributorsContributors

Steve Waterman, K4CJX Scott Pederson, KI5DR Alex Kelly, WU2W Bill Gerth, W4RK Howard White, KY6LA Victor Poor, W5SMM Rick Meuthing, KN6KB Alan Jorgenson, KE6SQS

33

Why eMail?Why eMail? Using e-mail is universal. Minimum training required. Large amounts of data/information may be

exchanged, accurately:• Detailed damage or status reports.• Detailed work assignments & shift changes.• Lists of equipment and supplies needed.• Graphic or text-based Medical information.• Anything else that may be handled routinely

by e-mail, including attachments. Every transfer is a permanently stored record. Data/information is secure from casual

monitoring.

text onlytext only very slow very slow translation required translation required inflexible, prone to error inflexible, prone to error no permanent record no permanent record not self-originating not self-originating not reliably point-to-multipointnot reliably point-to-multipoint

For complex messages, voice, Morse code, For complex messages, voice, Morse code, Radiograms, Radiograms, won’t won’t do…do… WHY?WHY?

Why Winlink?Why Winlink?

July, 2003: In cooperation with its partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, and at their recommendation, the ARRL Board has agreed to provide a nationwide digital system to enhance the communications capability of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®).

There are situations, the Board said, when

ARES® "must have the capability to pass digital "must have the capability to pass digital traffic across the nation quickly and accurately.”traffic across the nation quickly and accurately.”

Purpose of Winlink 2000 in the ARES Purpose of Winlink 2000 in the ARES Environment:Environment:

To supply de facto e-mail for served agencies:

• from inside a disaster area

• without normal e-mail servers or Internet connections being available within the “last mile” affected area.

What is it?What is it?

Winlink is basically an improvement to packet radio.Winlink is basically an improvement to packet radio.

It uses message drafting software similar in appearance to standard e-mail handling applications and transmits them in various digital modes

VHF/UHF Packet (using Airmail or Paclink freeware) HF Pactor (using Airmail freeware) and Telnet (from a normal Internet connection).

At the receiving end of VHF/UHF and HF transmissions, it is either held for other participating stations or it enters the Internet for further transmission anywhere as normal e-mail.

Winlink 2000 TodayWinlink 2000 Today Created seven years ago for open water boaters and RV usersCreated seven years ago for open water boaters and RV users

Approximately 150,000 radio message/260,000 minutes through Approximately 150,000 radio message/260,000 minutes through system, monthly. system, monthly.

Over 7,200 weekly users to over 85,000 e-mail recipients.Over 7,200 weekly users to over 85,000 e-mail recipients.

Over 50 standard participating locations (PMBOs) with 25 in Over 50 standard participating locations (PMBOs) with 25 in USA. Many locations contain both VHF Telpac and HF Winlink USA. Many locations contain both VHF Telpac and HF Winlink capabilities. capabilities.

HF radio access, VHF/UHF radio access, Telnet internet HF radio access, VHF/UHF radio access, Telnet internet access, WEB browser access.access, WEB browser access.

2.1 minute average delivery time 2.1 minute average delivery time

Endorsed by the ARRL as a viable emergency digital Endorsed by the ARRL as a viable emergency digital communication system communication system

Benefits to Served AgenciesBenefits to Served Agencies

Backup, radio SMTP e-mail until “last mile” is restoredBackup, radio SMTP e-mail until “last mile” is restored

VHF/UHF for local area connection to InternetVHF/UHF for local area connection to Internet

HF for distant connection to InternetHF for distant connection to Internet

Familiar e-mail interfaceFamiliar e-mail interface

Local “Hubbing” even with no Internet accessLocal “Hubbing” even with no Internet access

No software or hardware necessary behind FirewallNo software or hardware necessary behind Firewall

Control operator need not be present for third-party digital Control operator need not be present for third-party digital traffic. (traffic. (§97.109 Station control, for 3rd Party traffic rules) Not §97.109 Station control, for 3rd Party traffic rules) Not directly accountable for content (directly accountable for content (§97.219(c.)§97.219(c.)

VHF or HF Radio

Data Interface

VHF or HF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

The PMBO is connected to the internet at all times.

There are over 300 VHF Telpac PMBOs and 25 HF PMBOs in the USA. There are more than 50 HF PMBOs worldwide.

The InternetThe Internet

How is it done?How is it done? By connecting to stations that run Participating Mail Box Operations (PMBOs) 24/7.

PMBORemote Station

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF and HF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

VHF PMBOsVHF PMBOs with internet gateways are called TELPAC TELPAC stations – a combination of the Telnet internet connection and Paclink.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

TELPAC

802-11b

TELPAC stations may be associated with an HF PMBO using a substation ID (-1, -2) from the the PMBO or stand alone and connect to the Internet via any TCP/IP link, including ICOM’s D-Star or “WiFi” 802-11b.

W6IM-1 W6IM

D-Star

Telnetvia ISP

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

Other computers, or Central Mail Box Central Mail Box Operations (CMBOs)Operations (CMBOs),, organize and manage the network traffic. There are only two, one in Ohio, and one in California.

The InternetThe Internet

CMBO CMBO

CMBOs are transparent to users. They are redundant, and you never know they are there.

CMBO

The NetworkThe Network

PMBO

VHF and HF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

Winlink allows you to Winlink allows you to transmit standard e-mail transmit standard e-mail directly to all Internet e-directly to all Internet e-mail users worldwide,mail users worldwide, as if you were using your home or office computer.

Likewise anyone anywhere can send you an e-mail back through the same system.

The InternetThe Internet

CMBO

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Compute

r

Adding a Local Area Network (LAN) to the PACLINK computer permits multiple individuals within the served agency to send and receive radio e-mail. PACLINK is now an e-mail server.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

SERVED AGENCY LAN

PACLINK may be placed in the “DMZ” zone in front of the firewall.

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

And you can send radio e-mail to other amateur stations via Paclink (VHF) or Airmail (HF/VHF) without the Internet.

The PMBO will hold the e-mail in queue waiting for the receiving station to connect.

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

There are lots of options to get the email delivered….

The InternetThe Internet

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

If the local PMBO has an outage, you can make a connection with another local TELPAC station …Or…

VHF Radio

Data Interface

TELPAC

The InternetThe Internet

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Compute

r

… you can traverse the packet network using nodes to get to a connected TELPAC station or PMBO…Or…

VHF Radio

Data Interface

TELPAC

NODE

NODE

The InternetThe Internet

PMBO(local)

VHF Radio

Data Interface

…you can use an HF station to get to a distant connected PMBO using Airmail…Or…

Computer

HF Radio

DataInterface

PMBO(distant)

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Compute

r

…if your computer has a valid internet connection, Telnet can be used to send and receive e-mail through an ISP via a PMBO to other Winlink or Paclink stations. This is handy for fixed stations because it is fast.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

TELNETTELNET

PACLINK stations can switch between preset radio destinations and Telnet connectivity to find a connection to a PMBO.

What you need to get started with Winlink What you need to get started with Winlink VHF (Paclink)VHF (Paclink)

Computer (recommended OS Computer (recommended OS Windows 2000 or better)Windows 2000 or better)

TNC and cables &TNC and cables &Airmail softwareAirmail software

-- or ---- or -- TNC and cables & Paclink TNC and cables & Paclink

AGW and AGWPE softwareAGW and AGWPE software -- or ---- or --

Soundcard InterfaceSoundcard Interface (e.g. Rigblaster) &(e.g. Rigblaster) &

Paclink AGW and AGWPE Paclink AGW and AGWPE softwaresoftware

VHF radio with data cable to VHF radio with data cable to computer soundcard computer soundcard interface or TNCinterface or TNC

Suitable antennaSuitable antenna

What applications to get for Winlink HF and What applications to get for Winlink HF and VHF (using a TNC):VHF (using a TNC):

Go to Go to www.winlink.orgwww.winlink.org and click and click on the link for the Airmail on the link for the Airmail WebpageWebpage

-- or -- -- or -- Go directly to Go directly to

http://www.siriuscyber.net/ham/http://www.siriuscyber.net/ham/

and download the latest version of and download the latest version of Airmail Ham ClientAirmail Ham Client

For HF use, a linked propagation For HF use, a linked propagation table is available by also clicking table is available by also clicking on the link to the NTIA/ITS website on the link to the NTIA/ITS website and downloading the propagation and downloading the propagation application.application.

You may also need You may also need Winzip, Adobe Acrobat Winzip, Adobe Acrobat Reader and antivirus Reader and antivirus software.software.

Read and follow the installation instructions!

What applications to get for VHF Paclink, What applications to get for VHF Paclink, using a TNC or soundcard interface (no using a TNC or soundcard interface (no TNC):TNC):

Go to www.winlink.org to download Paclink AGW and Paclink Post Office

Go to www.elcom.gr/sv2agw and download the latest AGWPE packet engine

An Email interface is required – An Email interface is required – Outlook Express is Outlook Express is recommended – free with recommended – free with Internet ExplorerInternet Explorer

NOTE:  Paclink requires the new Microsoft .NET framework.  Click on the link to Microsoft Downloads at the Winlink 2000 Download page

You may also need You may also need Winzip, Adobe Acrobat Winzip, Adobe Acrobat Reader and antivirus Reader and antivirus software.software.

Read and follow the installation instructions!

Sound Card/Interface SetupSound Card/Interface Setup

Any SoundBlaster Compatible Sound CardAny SoundBlaster Compatible Sound Card RigBlaster – Serial Port ControlRigBlaster – Serial Port Control

• See See www.westmountainradio.com/RIGblaster.htmwww.westmountainradio.com/RIGblaster.htm

- or -- or - RigExpert – USB PortRigExpert – USB Port

• See See http://www.mixw.net/RigExpert/http://www.mixw.net/RigExpert/

- or -- or - Any device that can isolate radio from computer and match Any device that can isolate radio from computer and match

audio input and output levels will workaudio input and output levels will work• Radio Shack Audio Isolation Transformers (1200 baud Radio Shack Audio Isolation Transformers (1200 baud

only!)only!) See See http://www.patmedia.net/ralphmilnes/soundcardpacket/http://www.patmedia.net/ralphmilnes/soundcardpacket/

VHF or UHF?VHF or UHF?

Most modern VHF radios will work at 1200 baud packetMost modern VHF radios will work at 1200 baud packet 9600 Baud Packet is possible but needs a high quality radio9600 Baud Packet is possible but needs a high quality radio For a good discussion, seeFor a good discussion, seehttp://www.patmedia.net/ralphmilnes/soundcardpacket/6modes.htmhttp://www.patmedia.net/ralphmilnes/soundcardpacket/6modes.htm

There are not many UHF Telpac nodes – for the best There are not many UHF Telpac nodes – for the best interoperability – remember to KISS.interoperability – remember to KISS.

A WINLINK 2000 HF FIELD STATIONA WINLINK 2000 HF FIELD STATION

You will need the following equipment:• HF transceiver (IC-706MKIIG, FT-897D or equivalent)

• Pactor capable TNC:

• Pactor I @ 200 bps – TNC is cheap or free

• Pactor II @ 800 bps – TNC is moderately expensive

• Pactor III @ 3600 bps – TNC is very expensive

• HF multi-band (mobile/portable) antenna, and possibly an antenna tuner

• 12V DC power source

• Laptop Computer (Win 98, NT, 2000, XP) and Airmail software

Example of Portable Example of Portable Winlink Station: HFWinlink Station: HF

Jerry Reimer HR3/KK5CA:    IBM 300 Mhz laptop running XP Pro OS, Airmail, SCS PTCII with Pactor 3 license, Icom IC-706 Mk IIG, LDG Electronics Z100 tuner, MFJ switching power supply.

Mike Bourke W5LMB: Dell P150 laptop running WIN-98, Airmail, KPC-3 TNC, Kenwood TM-201B radio, powered by 36 AH SLA battery in separate case.

Example of Portable Winlink Station: VHF

Equipment/Software Decision TreeEquipment/Software Decision Tree

VHF or HF?

Software = Airmail

TNC or Soundcard?

Pactor 1, 2 or 3?

Choice of TNCs

SCS TNCHF

VHF

Software = Paclink & AGWPE

Airmail Support?

P1

P2 or P3

Soundcard

TNC

Needs audio isolation

Software = Paclink & AGWPE

Software = Airmail

No

Yes

Software OperationSoftware Operation

Email Email ProgramProgram

Packet/Telnet Packet/Telnet InterfaceInterface

Email Email ServerServer

Radio Radio InterfaceInterface

Outlook Outlook ExpressExpress

Paclink AGWPaclink AGW Paclink Paclink PostofficePostoffice

AGWPEAGWPE

Part of AirmailPart of Airmail N/AN/A N/AN/A Part of AirmailPart of Airmail

Questions?Questions?

See: See: www.winlink.orgwww.winlink.org

Or call Bud, N7CW, at 928-771-8267 or n7cw@cableone.net