Winlink Information

(page updated on 3/16/2023)

Preferred Winlink RMS Gateways

wpDataTable with provided ID not found!

Notes:

  1. VHF RMS gateways can be used as digipeaters for peer-to-peer connections between local stations when Internet access to the Winlink Central Message Server is unavailable.
  2. An asterisk (*) indicates these Winlink Nodes have RMS Relay installed. This means if the internet is down messages can still be left for a recipient to pick up directly.
  3. When seeking a HF RMS gateway, a simple strategy is to listen to SSB stations on your target band to see where propagation is good. Then select a gateway from the Channel Selector in the same general part of the county. For example, if you are hearing stations in the Midwest on voice, choose a gateway station in the Midwest.
  4. When using Ardop or Vara, you have two choices for bandwidth. Under ideal propagation conditions, the wider bandwidth mode achieves greater throughput, which is a significant benefit when sending a larger message. But if the band is crowded, you will be more successful (and considerate of others) when you choose the narrow bandwidth. Be sure to select a gateway having a compatible bandwidth. The Vara HF modem performs significantly better than Ardop under less-than-ideal conditions. Similarly, Vara FM provides greater throughput than the AX.25 packet modem. A license to use Vara costs $69, and multiple instances may be installed for use under a single call sign. It is well worth the money and highly recommended.

Winlink Tactical Addresses

wpDataTable with provided ID not found!

† If you are configuring a laptop to be used for Winlink at one of these facilities, you will need to obtain the password in order to retrieve messages addressed to that facility’s tactical address. Before sending a message to another facility’s tactical address, verify that they are able to retrieve it.

The Maryland-DC Digital EMCOMM Challenge is a monthly training activity sponsored by Maryland-DC ARES to familiarize operators with advanced features of Winlink and other digital modes that are useful for emergency and disaster communications. All ARES members in the MDC section are encouraged to participate. (We have a few participants from neighboring sections as well.) One purpose of the Challenge is to encourage the regular use of Winlink among amateur radio operators. It’s easy to participate — all you have to do is send a Winlink message to tactical call sign MDCWINLINK-1, asking to be added to the mailing list for the challenge. You’ll receive a Winlink message each month with instructions for that month’s exercise.

Most exercises do not require you to be on a certain frequency at a specific time. Rather, a range of time is specified, and you complete the activity at a time of your choosing within the specified time span.