|
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. |
Software to operate WL2K is free
|
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. Free software, instructions and group discussions are available by
joining the Yahoo Group at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/MARS_Winlink/ |
|
Airmail 2000 is easy to install, configure and operate. It supports Packet, Pactor
I, II and III and Telnet. I would recommend it for MARS operators using TNC’s. |
|
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. |
|
The Winlink
Website is a primary source of WL2K information, documents and software. Just go www.winlink.org, click Site
Login and then Create new account using your MARS callsign. The MARS-Winlink
Yahoo Group at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/MARS_Winlink/
is highly recommended. Go to the files
area to download the software and step by step instructions. The latest system.MARS.ini files can
also be found on the Region 4 web page |
Hardware needed :
|
MARS Capable HF radio station Whatever
you are using now should be just fine.
There are plenty of WL2K PMBOs operating on
a range of frequencies
so you will generally be able to make a connection, day or
night. (or) If you
live near a 2-meter Telpac node, you can access the
system with VHF packet. |
|
Computer with Windows 95 (or better) operating system. |
|
A modem (TNC) (A Pactor modem is needed
for HF) Airmail
supports KAM+, KAM-98, KAM-XL, PK-232, PK-900, DSP-1232, DSP-2232, DXP-38, PTC-I, PTC-II. HF Modes
supported include Pactor (I,II,and III), Clover, G-tor
and Packet. There are some differences
in mode options between stations and that information is available for each
station in a drop-down window within the program. (or) A computer with sound card such as used for other soundcard modes
such as PSK, MT-63 etc. and a soundcard to radio interface. (The developers of WINMOR
recommend using an outboard soundcard, but first try your current
configuration, which may well be adequate.) (or) (A Packet modem can be used for VHF access if there
is a Winlink 2-meter node in your area.) |