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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 is the has replaced
the PMBO MDS system for all MARS services. |
Software to operate WL2K is free, and currently there are two
applications available:
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Airmail 2000 is easy to install, configure and operate. I would recommend it for most MARS operators, and
particularly for first time users. |
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Paclink is a
new 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 supports
attachments, multiple addresses and tactical addresses. |
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Both programs and
instructions can be obtained at www.navymars.org
by clicking on "Winlink 2K Info". For Airmail users download "Airmail_for_WL2K_MARS_Basic_Training.pdf
for step-by step
instructions All of these files, and
much more is available at www.winlink.org
. Set up an account using
your MARS callsign. This will
give you access to the latest information, files, reports. New developments
and the Tri-MARS Technical Forum. The latest system.MARS.ini
files can also be found on the Region 4 web page |
Hardware
needed :
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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.
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Computer with Windows 95 (or better) operating system. |
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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 Packet modem can be used for VHF access if there
is a Winlink 2-meter node in your area.) |
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This page is maintained
by NNN0TJC |