Why use Winlink over the Internet? Is that really amateur radio?

During an emergency, if you have a working Internet connection, the forms found in Winlink Express (formerly RMS Express) or PAT (Winlink Alternative) are valuable to the Emergency Communications Officers. Having a working knowledge of Winlink can make disseminating accurate information in a form EmComm units use saves time. IF the internet is not available, you can send the Winlink data over the airwaves. Most Winlink Gateways (Winlink receiving and transmitting stations) in South Carolina use the 2 meter frequency of 145.530 MHz. There is one exception in Charleston County using 145.040 MHz.

The nearest Winlink Gateway (145.530 MHz) is located in grid square EM94nd in Columbia, Richland County, not far from the Sand Hill Shopping area southwest of Elgin.

Winlink Wednesdays - Practice Weekly

Getting Started with Winlink (Episode 1)

Introduction to Winlink Express; Sending and Recieving Email via Telnet; Using specialized (easy-to-use) templates and forms that are included;

Connecting Your Ham Radio to Your Computer (Episode 2).

SignalLink is the suggested interface due to it’s plug-and-play capabilities. This is only needed if the Internet is not available. There are other interfaces available as well.

Sending Email via Ham Radio with Winlink (Episode 3)

Focus on sending Winlink Email messages via Radio to a an RMS Gateway

SEC A.R.E.S Winlink Training Series

SC Earthquake Guide

In the past couple years, there have been over 50 earthquakes in our area. You can learn more using the heading/link above.  If there’s an earthquake in your area, use Winlink to report using the directions to the right.

Ham Radio operators can use Winlink to help the USGS by answering questions for the “Did You Feel It?” research.  After an earthquake, fill out the survey form under USGS>DYFI in Winlink Express…

Steps to use TEMPLATES such as the Did You Feel It? Form

  • Open Winlink

  • Choose:Winlink Express>Message>New Message…

  • New Window Opens

  • Select Template>(expand)Standard Templates>(expand)USGS>USGS DYFI.txt

  • Double Click on USGS DYFI.txt

  • A new window will open up in your web browser. 

  • Answer questions and submit.

  • Close the browser window.

  • Click Post To Session.

  • Click Open Session.

  • Click Start in the New Window.