Winlink is an email system like Microsoft Outlook but adds a few steps and options. The extra options are particular to radio communications and emergency services. Unlike Outlook, Winlink is not a private, encrypted, messaging system. Winlink is used by emergency services, volunteer organizations, off-grid homes, sailors, adventurers, RVers, and many more.

 

In addition to connecting over the internet, you can link your computer to your radio through equipment that turns the digital signal from your computer into audio tones. Your signal can be received through special radio repeaters to be transmitted over the internet or sent directly to another radio which is setup for Winlink.

 

Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) can send and receive digital messages from individual operators or other EOCs.

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RACES recommends that its members install and practice using the Winlink program because it will probably be used during an emergency/disaster.  Note also that the Emergency Operations Centers will be replacing AirMail with Winlink in the future.

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Note that auto-update of new forms is now available.  Gain some familiarity with ICS 213RR since it may be used in our drills.

 

Exercises:

Summary of our 2021 NEMCo Winlink Exercise.

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Summary of our 2022 NEMCo Winlink Exercise.

                                 

Member Contributions

 

Winlink Forms Basics, Jon Rumsey, K7RMZ, Feb. 2022

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Interconnecting Winlink to your radio presentation. Jon K7RMZ, Fall 2020:

Interconnecting Transceivers and Computers for WinLink

Typical Hardware TNC Setup

Survey of Packet Equipment

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Outreach Committee WinLink Virtual Workshop.  Doug Hilderbrand KF7RQ - with Dan Agun KF7HJ, John Cornaby KI7YQR, Kent Reade N7JTO, Jon Rumsey K7RMZ, and Randy Schaffer N7OYN.  Spring/Summer 2020, pp. 18-19

 

A Unique WinLink Packet Station. Jon Rumsey, K7RMZ.  Spring/Summer 2020, pp. 20-21

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WinLink Peer-to-Peer Setup for the Kenwood TH-D72 Handheld Radio. Doug Hilderbrand, KF7RQ.  Summer 2019, pp. 9-11

 

WinLink Peer-to-Peer Setup for the Kenwood TH-D74 Handheld Radio. Doug Hilderbrand, KF7RQ.  Fall 2019, pp. 9-11

 

Monthly WinLink Net Check-in.  Randy Schaffer, N7OYN.  Fall 2019, p. 12

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