Winlink References

Over the past couple of months, we have been busy building expertise with Winlink. These are some of the references we've used to get up and running.

To get started with Winlink, you'll need Winlink express, some kind of sound card and TNC, an interface cable and a radio capable of operating with digital modes. The easiest interface is a SignaLink USB and a cable designed for the radio you have. Primarily, we've been using VHF and UHF radios. First, you'll need to download and install Winlink Express. Here's where you go to get it:

Winlink downloads

Click on the User_Programs link, then click on the Winlink_Express_install_1-5-25-0.zip link. There is also a README_Software_Install_Instructions.txt file in that directory. Full installation instructions are available on the support page and several other sites. Installation takes about 30 minutes, including the initial configuraiton.

After you do the install and initial configuration, you can use Winlink with telnet to send and receive messages. Try it now!

After you get the software working with telnet, it's time to take the show on the road. For this, you'll need a radio, computer, sound modem software (from UZ7HO), SignaLink and cables. The first thing to do is open the SignaLink and install the jumpers for your radio. For most radios, you'll need to install four (4) jumpers. From there, connect the cable from the SignaLink to the radio and the USB cable to the computer. And don't forget to make sure your power and antenna are connected. Now launch the Winlink software and follow through as Rick Frost describes the configuration settings. The SignaLink USB also comes with a really good instruction manual - be sure to read it.

These are the frequencies and locations for local VHF nodes.

Node Call sign	Frequency	QTH
K1NYY-10	144.900 MHz	Waldoboro
KS1R-10	145.010 MHz	Phippsburg
KX1EMA-10	145.030 MHz	Rockland
N1REX-10	145.010 MHz	Whitefield
WD1O-10	145.050 MHz	St. George