Winlink

Introduction

Currently this page is a work in progress. We appreciate your patience while we continue to add content. This may take a while.

The intent of this page is to provide a reference to set up and run Winlink on a Windows computer. Necessary equipment includes:

1. Computer – Windows OS, typically 11, but 10 is preferred by many.

2. Radio – almost any radio will work from HTs to base stations.

3. Interface – Typically, a KISS TNC or packet emulation software modem. Software modems also require a sound card, either external (e.g., Digirig) or internal to the radio.

4. Antenna – Nothing special beyond what you have for normal voice communication, but low SWR in the data portion of the frequency band helps.

This webpage is basically an outline with links to presentations, articles, websites, etc. Contributors have occasionally provided opinions of the various options.

The options available are limitless, but a variety set up guides, online or by IARC members, are provided which can be applicable to just about any combination of equipment.

How to Set Up Winlink

Winlink Installation

1. How to set up Winlink Express (AKA RMS Express) - My Account | Winlink Global Radio Email

2. Winlink tutorials – The Winlink Book of Knowledge | Winlink Global Radio Email

3. IARC presentation, Bob KI7RMO and Mihai W4MHI, Introduction to Winlink - click here.

KISS TNCs

Mobilinkd TNC4

1. Mobilinkd website and TNC4 - Mobilinkd – Highly mobile packet radio

2. Mobilinkd cables - TNC Cables | Mobilinkd

TNC-X

1. TNC-X is a basic KISS mode TNC available from Coastal ChipWorks either fully assembled or in kit form. Website: TNC-X (fettechnologies.com)

Packet Emulation Software Modems

Software modems require a sound card. These can be internal to your radio or external as an interface. We will first discuss sound cards and then the software modems.

Soundcards

1. Internal soundcards in radios – Some radios (e.g., Icom 7100, Icom 705, Yaesu 991A) have soundcards in the radio. These are usually accessed by USB cables which run from the computer to the radio, thus eliminating the need for an external soundcard.

2. Digirig – Digirig is a small, external sound card that connects your computer to your radio and provides both audio and serial (CAT). More information at Getting Started with Digirig Mobile

3. Masters Communications DRA Series – matchbox size, optimized sound cards used to connect a two-way radio to a computer (or host) for digital data communications with Amateur Radio. They are used widely to transfer data at high speeds when used with software modems (e.g., Vara and Vara FM). More information at (DRA Radio Adapter Index Page (masterscommunications.com).

4. Signalink is not used by many (if any) IARC member, but you can visit the Signalink website at SignaLink USB Interface (tigertronics.com)

SoundModem

1. Introduction – Soundmodem is a free, packet emulation software modem by UZ7HO. Details and file downloads can be found on the website UZ7HO Personal page - Packet-Radio - English version

2. UZ7HO user guide link – Soundmodem User Guide v114 (ho.ua)

3. Other Soundmodem guides can be found at

a. Qsi.net - user_guide_v105_EN.pdf (qsl.net)

b. Oliver (K6OLI) and Scott (NS7C) - quick_setup_guide_for_winlink_sound_card_packet_for_vhf-uhf_on_windows_v1.2.pdf