Winlink 2000fRadio “Email” for
Emergency e ge cyCommunications
Ross Mazzola KC2LOCJim DiTucci N2IXD
GoalsGoals• Generate awareness of the Winlink system and its
capabilities/limitations in the Emcomm setting.• Clarify the differences between the system (Winlink)
and the software (Airmail, Paclink, etc…)( , , )• Encourage ARES members to at least have Airmail
telnet capabilities (only computer and internet are needed) and to gain proficiency with this Emcommneeded) and to gain proficiency with this Emcomm tool
• Encourage more people to operate RMS Packet gateway stations in their communities to providegateway stations in their communities to provide better coverage.
Served Agencies Need to Have Information
Messages Need to Move
Electronic Files Need to be SharedPhotos
Documents
ListsProcedures
Maps
sts
Voice Can OnlyVoice Can Only Handle Part ofHandle Part of
the Trafficthe Traffic
Email is an Alternative to Voice
Served agencies use email for everyday communicationscommunications
Email provides a means to quickly and easily send and receive messages
Files can be attached to email messagesFiles can be attached to email messages
Power is outPower is out
Local internet is down
Cell phone system is p yoverloaded
When All Else Fails
Winlink 2000Winlink 2000Radio Email System
Internet [email protected]
[email protected]@salvationarmy.org
[email protected]_Griffin [email protected]
Radio [email protected]
KC2LOC@ i li [email protected]
Why Radio Email?Why Radio Email?
• Radio email messages can be sent to ANY email address, not just other packet stations
• Files- spreadsheets photos etc - can be attached to a messageFiles- spreadsheets, photos, etc..- can be attached to a message (but will be slow!! to send using HF Pactor I)
• Email eliminates the need for messages having to be re-written to be passedR di il ll f ffi b d i h b i d• Radio email allows for traffic to be passed without bogging down a voice net
• Radio email messages can be sent and received even when the internet is unavailable locally!y
• Email can keep served agencies connected with or without a local internet connection
Winlink 2000
A worldwide system of radios and computersradios and computers
connected to the internet
Winlink CMS
RMS HF Stations
RMS (VHF/UHF) Packet Stations
Local RMS Packet Stations (VHF)( )
Rochester(145.010) N2IXD-10
Lancaster a caste(145.010)
KC2LAS-10 EMCOMM Cortland
(145 590)(145.590) AB2G-10
Wellsville (144 910)(144.910) N2PEE-13 EMCOMM
What You’ll Need for Radio Email
S ftSoftware
Computer TNC (Modem) Radio Antenna
SoftwareSoftware
• Has similar look and feel of MicrosoftHas similar look and feel of Microsoft Outlook, Eudora, Thunderbird
• Airmail and PackLink are most popular• Airmail and PackLink are most popular• Each has pros and cons• Set-up can be a challenge but lots of
internet resources are available.
ComputerComputer
• Even older computers/OS will workEven older computers/OS will work (Microsoft Windows 95)
• Laptops are good for deployment• Laptops are good for deployment• You’ll need serial (COM) port for TNC
ticonnection• USB port is an alternative but sometimes
can be tricky when using a converter
TNCTNC
• HF VHF VHF / HFHF, VHF,VHF / HF• Most HF TNC’s only do Pactor I (Slow)
O l SCS d P t III (F t b t $$$$)• Only SCS does Pactor III (Fast but $$$$)• Older TNC’s may work• AEA PK-232, Kantronics KAM Plus, SCS
PTC-IIusb, Kantronics KPC-3 +,• Don’t forget about cables!
RadioRadio
• HF VHF VHF / HFHF, VHF,VHF / HF• Even older radios will work (IC-735)
N di ith d t t k• Newer radios with data ports makes interfacing easier
Typical Field Unit Set-upsFor deployment at Shelters, Hospitals, Airports, Fire Stations, etc.
yp p
Winlink 2000Radio Email SystemRadio Email SystemSi l P bl “ Mil ”Simple, Portable, “Last Mile”
Coverage for Emergency C g g yCommunications
Getting Started
• Start by visiting www.winlink.org• Register your callsign and get an email address• Download client software- Airmail (or Packlink)( )• The software costs nothing to download!• Install and set-up the programp p g• Send an email to an address via telnet or packet
client (or HF). That address is now registered * ( ) gand qualified to send you email at your [email protected]. * Without this, the Winlink system will block emails coming to you. So there is no point in giving your Winlink.org address to many people.
Airmail: Three Ways to Connecty
Internet Access (Telnet)Internet Access (Telnet)
• You can get started even without a radio or TNC!• No monthly fee to use Winlink (of course if you don’t
ha e a radio and TNC o m st ha e internethave a radio and TNC, you must have internet access)
Packet ClientPacket Client
• VHF• Connects to local RMS packet repeater or digipeater
HF TerminalHF Terminal
• HF• Connects to more distant HF Stations• Pactor I, II or III
Winlink File Attachment TipsWinlink File Attachment Tips
• Never send .EXE files as attachments. If you must, zip it firstUse compressed graphic file formats s ch as TIFF• Use compressed graphic file formats such as TIFF, GIF and JPG
• If possible, compress documents and spreadsheets poss b e, co p ess docu e s a d sp eads ee s(.ZIP) for about 80% savings
Where Can I Get More Info?Where Can I Get More Info?
• http://www.winlink.org• WL2K for “Dummies” Newbies
– http://www.winlink.org/node/23• Yahoo user groupsYahoo user groups
– http://groups.yahoo.com/group/airmail2000– http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wl2kemcommp g p y g p
It’s Time for a Live Demo!It s Time for a Live Demo!
• Anyone in the room have a mobile device with email capability?p y–Lets move some traffic!
Questions
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