Winlink 2000

An Introduction to

eMail over Ham Radio

Presented by Bud Semon N7CW

With thanks to

KI5DR and VE3GFW/K6

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.

Every transfer is a Permanently stored record.

Data/information is secure from casual monitoring.

Paclink, with in a served agency, either behind or in front of a router and/or firewall.

Telpac

Multi-channel VHF/UHF

Packet

CMBO Server

Telnet

Mobile Paclink

Local PMBO

Airmail HF

All it takes is one computer, TNC or Soundcard, the Paclink program and an antenna!

All it takes is one Laptop, a Transceiver, TNC, the Airmail program and an antenna!

Outlook Express

User Interface

Outlook Express

User Interface

What you needto get started on VHF

Computer

TNC or Sound Card Interface

VHF radio

Internet Connection (Not needed but it will help)

Computer SetupWindows 98SE or better Appropriate Service

Packs, etc.

Windows .Net Framework

Internet Explorer 6.0 Appropriate Service

Packs, etc.

Outlook Express 6

AGW Packet Engine

and

Paclink

Paclink PostOffice

or

AirMail

What programs to get

Go to http://winlink.org/Client.htm and download Paclink AGW and Paclink Post Office

and

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

or

Go to http://www.siriuscyber.net/ham/ and download Airmail

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

Sound Card/Interface SetupAny SoundBlaster Compatible Sound CardRigBlaster – Serial Port Control See www.westmountainradio.com/RIGblaster.htm

RigExpert – USB Port See http://www.mixw.net/RigExpert/

Any device that can isolate radio from computer and match audio input and output levels will work Radio Shack Audio Isolation Transformers (1200 baud only!)

See http://www.patmedia.net/ralphmilnes/soundcardpacket/

Radio Information

Most Modern VHF radios will work at 1200 baud packet

9600 Baud Packet is possible but needs high quality radio

List of 9600 Baud radios is posted on SDGARES Web site See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SDGARES/files/ You must be a member of the group to view

Radio/Sound Card Setup

ComputerSoundCard

Interface Radio

Spkr

Spkr

Mike

Mike

The Future

SCAMP - Sound Card Based Mode

Free Software -NO $$ TNC

Speeds approaching Pactor 3 for HF

Speeds greater than PACKET for VHF

In Alpha Tests Now, Beta testing in Feb. 2005

Software Choices

If you are using Paclink, go to the next slide.

If you are using Airmail, go to “Installing Airmail” slide.

First steps - DotNet

When you download the AGWPE.zip file, unzip it to a location such as c:\AGWPE so you can find it later.

Once you’ve downloaded it, Create a shortcut on your desktop for AGW Packet Engine.exe

Installing AGWPE

Double-Click your AGW Packet Engine shortcut.

Click Agree, then you will see the Radio Port selection box. Click “New Port”.

AGWPEThis is the default screen for adding a new port.

Select your Com-Port, then choose the TNC type in the drop-down box. All of the other commands should default for you without further adjustments.

Here, I chose my KPC-9612+. All of the other TNC Control commands are defaulted for me.

Verify your Serial port and baud rate are correct.

Paclink AGWWhen you run the AGW program, it will unzip to a temporary folder. After unzipping the files, simply run SETUP.EXE.

The PDF files have lots of good info on installing the software too.

Click Next, then choose Everyone, then choose NEXT again.

Click NEXT, then AGW will install. When it’s completed, you can click “CLOSE”.

Click Next, then choose Everyone, then choose NEXT again.

Click Next, then choose Close.

Note: The window to the left saysPaclink AGW – the real one willSay Paclink PostOffice.

Paclink Post Office Configuration

Paclink install places two icons on your desktop – the AGW and the Post Office.

Enter your callsign, and choose a password. You can also select to allow other LAN clients access to the Post Office. Click Update

Outlook Express is configured for you automatically, just enter your password.

Paclink AGW

Now it’s time for Paclink AGW. AGW is the interface between the Post Office and the AGWPE engine.

Choose “File” then “Properties” to begin configuring the AGW.

This is the AGW Properties screen. The only change you should make is to verify the “PATH” to the AGWPE (remember where you unzipped the files to?) is correct.

Click UPDATE.

Once the Properties are set, then choose “FILE, “Channels”. This is the default screen. First, select Telnet (to configure a Telnet path for Paclink.)

When you have an Internet connection, Paclink will use it FIRST to send and receive email. If the Internet is unavailable, it can use 2m Packet. The Telnet Properties displayed here is DIRECTLY out of the documentation. Once the entries are made, Click ADD NEW CHANNEL.

Next, I am adding a VHF Packet channel. I named it “N5TW”. The channel priority simply tells AGW which one to try first. (Telnet was 1, Packet is 5). Enter the Remote Callsign, and in the AGWPE port, select the Drop-Down box for the AGWPE port we just configured. I left all other options as default.

Directly under the Remote callsign is a Connect Script Box. This is what I used to connect to N5TW via a Digipeater.

Now that everything is configured, it’s time to test it.

Here, I’m testing the initial Telnet connection through my roadrunner account.

Next, I’m testing my VHF connection to N5TW. Once you’ve tested your connections, it’s time to send your first email.

Your email address will be your callsign@winlink.org. Open Outlook express (enter your password) and send a test email to anyone you wish. Once the email goes out through the Telnet or VHF packet path, your email will be registered with Winlink. It may take a few hours for this process to complete. Once this is done, try sending yourself an email to yourcallsign@winlink.org . The AGW is configured to check for incoming mail every 60 minutes, but you can manually initiate a connection for testing purposes.

Here’s my first successful sending of a test message. Most of this information is cryptic, and you won’t need to know what it means, but you can see here the line –

K4CJX de KI5DR QTC 1

This tells the PMBO that I have one message outgoing.

Note that when you send your first email via VHF, the system assumes you are a technician and you will not be allowed access to PMBOs on HF. This will require you to send an email to K4CJX and request your registration to be changed to the proper license class.

Installing AirMailDownload and run Airmail.

Installing AirMail (cont’d)

Installing AirMail (cont’d)

Installing AirMail (cont’d)

Installing AirMail (cont’d)

Installing AirMail (cont’d)

Installing AirMail (cont’d)

Your installation is done. Time to send an email. Click on the “Format a new message” icon.

Click on “New” to add an address to your address book.

Select “OK” and type your message.

Click on the “Post this message for sending” icon.

Click on the “Switch to Terminal Window (F6)” icon.

Send an Email

Send an Email

Send an Email