Winlink

“Winlink Global Radio Email®️is a network of amateur radio and authorized government stations that provide worldwide radio email using radio pathways where the internet is not present. ” Winlink can deliver the email to a specific operator, or, through a gateway, to any internet-connected computer. This protocol also allows the use of forms for both sending and receiving information, ensuring a consistent format. In addition, this sends a text representation of the data that can be imported into another system if needed. (see below for example screens and click here to view forms).

Of all the digital services I have researched so far, this one is the best for form data. A Winlink form transmission includes a summary in the email body, a text file, a PDF to an internet address, and the ability for someone with the same form loaded to view the information in the form. The files could easily be collected into a system for later logging, reporting, and analysis.

The point-to-point would allow for information to flow directly or to a central location for dissemination. The gateway system in use is a store-and-retrieve system. The odds are that the gateway is outside of the event and can be used for all communications. This would allow for transmissions to both individuals and internet-connected email addresses (perhaps to gather them for the final report).

The system also gathers propagation data to help you choose the best channel. Additionally, you will check whether the channel is in use before transmitting.

For emergency communications, this system can allow forms to be sent via the internet, if available. The interconnected storage they have enables messages to be transferred outside the impacted area. While not as immediate as point-to-point (which is also an option), this storage-and-retrieval would mean that messages could also be sent to another operator to compile for the report.

When you get ready to send what is in your outbox, you will have the option to choose your destination (if you are not using point-to-point) from a select channel dropdown. This shows not only the best by propagation reports, but also the amount of bandwidth you will take (500, 2300, or 2700).

How will we use it?

While this can also be used to send ICS forms, we are just testing out the system. The goal would be to integrate this into our Skywarn storm reporting. It will allow us to get consistent reports and, using the HF bands, might enable better transmissions by bypassing the linked repeater system. It will also allow us to send information around in the event of damage to the linked repeater systems.

We will mirror the Winlink Wednesday net by using their check-in message. Your target will be AC1IX or AC1IX@arrl.net. The first will be for P2P and the gateway, while the latter is for the internet connection.
In Vara HF P2P, set your dial freq to 7090 and bandwidth to 500.
You will send the following message format:

To: AC1IX (or AC1IX@arrl.net)
Subject: Monday WinLink check-in
Message body: call sign, first name, city or town, state (HF or VHF, etc.)
feel free to add an additional line of information if you would like.

You will receive a reply message to your WinLink after the net.

In their standard forms is a weather report for local weather. While I will probably release a more streamlined version, this will make an excellent test form to send.

As this is a digital format, the data should take less time, both on the air and in writing the reports. Using VARA will help send it in the most efficient manner (a VARA license is required for full speed, but WinLink is free).