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Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide
system of volunteer resources supporting e-mail by radio, with non-commercial
links to internet e-mail. These resources come from Amateur Radio, the
Military Affiliate Radio Systems (MARS), and other volunteer organizations.
The system provides valuable service to emergency communicators, and to
licensed operators without access to the internet. WL2K has replaced the PMBO MDS system
for all MARS services. |
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WL2K can be accessed with a TNC using
AIRMAIL
software, or your computer soundcard using WINMOR /
RMS EXPRESS software. |
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Much information, instructions and group discussions are available by
joining the Yahoo Group at: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/MARS_Winlink/ |
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Paclink is an implementation of a
streamlined radio e-mail client that interfaces with most popular e-mail
client programs, like Microsoft Outlook Express and Mozilla Thunderbird. Paclink provides access to WL2K using
the same modes as Airmail. Paclink supports attachments, multiple addresses
and tactical addresses. This is
more complex than Airmail or RMS Express, more suited to organizational use. |
All Software to operate WL2K is free
WINMOR
RMS Express is the
latest application for use with the WL2K system. Developed initially for WINMOR, it also supports Packet,
Pactor III and Telnet.
WINMOR allows access to
the WL2K Radio Message Server Stations (RMS) using your computer and a
soundcard, thus avoiding the cost of expensive TNC’s.
Hardware needed:
A computer with sound
card such as used for other soundcard modes such as PSK, MT-63 etc. and a
soundcard to radio interface.
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(The developers of WINMOR recommend using an
outboard soundcard, but first try your current MT-63 set-up, which probably
will work just fine.) |
Getting Started:
Airmail 2000 is easy to
install, configure and operate. It
supports Packet, Pactor I, II and III and Telnet. I would recommend it only for
MARS operators using TNC’s. (Even
if you have a TNC you should also install RMS EXPRESS to give yourself an
additional/back-up tool.)
Hardware needed:
A PACTOR modem (TNC) such as a KAM+,
KAM-98, KAM-XL, PK-232, PK-900, DSP-1232, DSP-2232, DXP-38, PTC-I, or PTC-II is required for WL2K PACTOR.
Getting Started:
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