My Initial Thoughts on Winlink Email for Grid Down Comms

In this video, I’ll share with you my initial thoughts and experience of the Winlink global email system.
If you're new to the channel, welcome! I'm "The Tech Prepper" and I try to produce weekly videos on all topics related to preparedness. Thanks for supporting the channel! If you like the content, don't forget to hit the thumbs up icon, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel. "Be strong, be safe and be prepared." -- The Tech Prepper
Station Equipment
1. Yaesu FT-891
2. SignaLink USB
3. Raspberry Pi 4
Winlink References:
1. Install Winlink on Raspberry Pi 4 Part 1 2019 - • Install Winlink on Ras...
2. Install Winlink on Raspberry Pi 4 Part 2 2019 - • Install Winlink on Ras...
3. Install Winlink on Raspberry Pi4 Part 3 Rig Control - • Install Winlink on Ras...
4. winlink.org/
5. winlinkwednesday.net/
#TheTechPrepper #Winlink #EmComm #Email #EmergencyCommunications #GridDown #Yaesu #FT891 #SignaLink #HamRadio #Prepper
Follow Me:
1. Instagram: / thetechprepper @thetechprepper
2. Twitter: / thetechprepper1 @thetechprepper1
3. Companion Site: www.thetechprepper.com/

[@robertj4488]

Thanks for the video. I had previously struggled using Winlink, never getting it to work. However after watching this video I decided to try it again and had success! Thanks for the encouragement to keep trying to get your comms working.

[@TheTechPrepper]

That is fantastic! I'm glad you revisited your Winlink setup. Setting up digital modes can be complicated. I just got Winlink working now on 2m FM packet. There will be a video coming out this weekend that is more detailed. What's your Winlink station look like?

[@nvrumi]

Good morning Gaston… I got Winlink operational a few weeks ago and am using WW for practice sessions as well as a check in with the local ARES group on our Wednesday net. We have a couple of VHF gateways within reach so I’m able to use VARA FM WIDE mode, which is 9600bps. You are right about pre-high speed Internet speeds. My first modem was a 1200bps unit and I was in hog heaven when I got my 9600bps modem. I really remember the “high-speed modem mating dance” from 30-years ago. Good practice is to delete text from previous messages in the thread, as you say. Also do not use attachments unless necessary. If photos are sent they need to be low resolution. I plan to setup Winlink/VARA FM to work with my Kenwood HT as well as my portable HF rigs. One thing I thought about is that my KX3 has the 2m module installed. It only makes a couple of watts output, but a small 2m PA could readily boost that to 10w to 20w, which would be enough for VARA FM transmissions. Or the 857 could be used and it will make plenty off power. My VHF connections from the house only needs 5w, but that would be different in the field. I’m using Digirig Mobile TNCs now as they are very small. The current computer is a MS Surface Go 2. Although the screen is small for old eyes, I manage. Well done. 73 de AG7TX

[@scottchapman4025]

Informative & well-done video as always! My ears perked up when I heard you mention that Winlink email was slow. I think you'll be pretty amazed with the throughput using HF-VARA when you have a particularly strong & clear 80m NVIS connection one night. Really surprised me how fast messages come & go when everything is "right"! Sending & receiving a few messages under good conditions seldom takes over 1 minute - not under poor band conditions, but VARA flies when you have good RF. -Scott, K4KDR

[@TheTechPrepper]

Well it’s a good thing that the Windows machine is nearly setup and the 80m dipole is going up this weekend. The goal is to check-in to next week’s Winlink Wednesday using VARA HF. It will be interesting to see the new current consumption when sessions take a fraction of the time.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

I think it’s great you’re using winlink daily. Talk about being comms ready. Just like any activity we take time to practice, when it’s on the line and matters most it will be a refined response. Great video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I appreciate that, Eric. As I am responding to you, my little 40m NVIS antenna and FT-891 are sending across an email (363 bytes) to a viewer who wanted to say hello. It's great practice and a good way to build network of likeminded hams. Take care, bud.

[@VinceDiaz]

Just found your channel while searching for emergency comms. I’m in Texas and after the winter storm event we experienced in February I’m working on all my preps including communications. Great info! 👍🏼

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear you’re getting your ducks in a rows after that ordeal. If that’s not motivation to prepare, I don’t know what is. Amateur radio can take a bit of time and expense, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s also fun. Welcome to the channel!

[@VinceDiaz]

@@TheTechPrepper yep. Cell phones where working sporadically. Not sure if it was because the power was out or because they were overwhelmed by everyone trying to use them all at once. And that was only one of the items of concerns. No power, heat, or water.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Well, I’m glad you’re safe and learning from this experience. The trick is to have well rounded preps that covers most of what you’re likely to encounter. Personally, I split my preps and skills focus across food, water, shelter, security, comms, first aid and community. Sometimes I distracted in one area-like comms at the moment. Best of luck.

[@DK5ONV]

Rock 'n' Roll Thursday! I tried that already years ago sending HF.e.--mails from out in the Fields. IC-7200 hooked up to my sneaky lil dell notebook. Winlink works fine. I don't know how many different other softwares are available to use for this because I rarely do digi modes. I am actually a CW'er and great Talker on the Microphone. But your video is very informative to newcomers. who have never tired this before. Keep up good work, stay safe and have a nice weekend. Germany is waving a hand. 73's de Uncle Günter

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to see that you’ve been able to experiment with email over HF in the past. It’s a nice skill to have. Thanks for the support! 73 de KT1RUN

[@DK5ONV]

@@TheTechPrepper Randy K7AGE made me trying this out 8 years ago when he purchased his IC-7200. And he was the Reason to decide myself to get me an IC-7200 which I never regret til today

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@DK5ONV Randy has great content and a knack for motivating hams. The IC-7200 is a great rig.

[@bruehlt]

Jason's setup is nice, but bulky. I have an IC705, which works wonderfully. They recently updated the firmware to allow for direct connection to the radio via wireless AP. In theory if you had a Windows 10 surface tablet, you could connect directly to the radio with that, and use winlink wirelessly directly from the tablet using the RS-BA1 software - a clean, elegant, and wire free solution! Sadly I don't have funds to buy a Windows 10 tablet for testing purposes....

[@TheTechPrepper]

That IC-705 is an amazing rig and a digital operator’s dream. I can’t quite justify the $1500 USD price tag, but I hope to add that to my gear in a couple of years. I’m actually hoping that it will push Yaesu and Kenwood to innovate.

[@forgetyourlife]

@@TheTechPrepper 1299.00 but yeah. Cant wait for Yeasus reply to the 705. Kenwood is probably done with ham radio from resent happenings, model discontinues and rumor.

[@VK5ZSH]

Nice Red Hat 5.2 box in the background, I started off the Red Hat 5.2 myself. I still got to get into WinLink myself, I only gone as far as setting up an account with Pat and the web interface. Thanks for the video!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. I started with Slackware, but then jumped to RedHat. I’ve been a fan of Linux since ‘97. That box was not my original, but I picked it up about 10 years ago as old, new stock for nostalgic reasons. Take a look at Jason’s playlist. You’re half way there. 73

[@VK5ZSH]

@@TheTechPrepper Ah cool, yeah I have been through a few distro's but main hovered around Debian till they started to use systemd and I switched to Devuan. Anyways hope to catch you on Pat sometime. Cheers & 73

[@aaronakiyama]

Right there with you. Never had luck with 20m. 40 and 80 are very reliable though. Definitely try Vara. I haven't used ARDOP once since buying the Vara license.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the confirmation about the bands. That’s awesome that you invested in the VARA license. I’m looking to compare the free and licensed version. I’ll just picked up a refurbished Lenovo Thinkpad to run Windows and give VARA HF a test drive.

[@JDK45ACP]

Great tutorial. Thanks, brother.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's probably time for a Winlink update video. I really struggled with it at the beginning (around the time this was made). It will come to you and just click.

[@chrissewell1608]

Our local club just had a WinLink class. We were trying to run PEER TO PEER on FM, using various rigs and TNC controllers, and all were using Vara FM. Only 2 people were able to make a contact, and we kinda decided that it may have been due to all the RF interferance within the basement area we were in!? Still working on getting it running properly...

[@jayvee1272]

Great channel brother! VARA is the bomb!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, it’s fun sharing the experiences with y’all. Can’t wait to try VARA. 73

[@jayvee1272]

@Situational Ready agreed that PACTOR is very good....its just beyond the cost limit for many. There are far more people who can afford the full version of VARA vs those who can afford a PACTOR modem

[@KM4ACK]

Have you tried adjusting the ARDOP speed? It may help you cut down session time depending on your SNR. Great video. 👍

[@TheTechPrepper]

My SNR is not bad when I’m on a peak or in the National Forest, but at home I’m in most people’s noise. I only use the ARDOP 2000 stations, but I just saw your video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2KTlqttqcetndk I’ll need to check the ardop.max setting with pat configure on my Pi. Thanks for the tip!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hey, keep up the good work

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Sean! 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great Video. You're making me want to dust off my winlink setup.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, T.O. I wish I could have added this to the #ThNHR line up, but the final video length did not match up. Also, I mangled the audio during the demo. After this debacle, I discovered Audacity and now know how to remove background noise (i.e. computer fan kicking on). At any rate, I hope to catch you on Winlink. We should exchange weather reports. ;-)

[@bhamptonkc7]

Using NVIS in central Washington I can send traffic with near impunity start at 100mi and work your way out, hit all rms out to 500 mi and keep a log, soon a few stations will pop out as being most reliable to you. Rig an NVIS antenna, you want your signal to go up. DX is much more hit and mis for me

[@TheTechPrepper]

I mostly use a 40m NVIS antenna to get into a local RMS gateway. In the evenings, I switch over to my 80m NVIS dipole. Both work consistently well.

[@bhamptonkc7]

40m is the day time NVIS band currently 100-500 miles try about 260 miles favorite.

[@RalphsGarage]

I used Winlink from Afghanistan to send emails to my girlfriend when I wasn't able to get internet. I just high jacked our operations HF antenna for a little bit. It worked great and I would log back in a few hours later to check for replies

[@TheTechPrepper]

Nicely done! I love it. Thanks for your service.

[@fernwood]

Good video. Please rethink Black Rifle though.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it. Have you seen the t-shirt since this was released? This is an old video. ;-)

[@lblerg]

I would recommend getting a radio with a built in soundcard, leave the signa blaster at the next hamfest. Cuts the wires and cabling by a large magnitude.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I switched to the DigiRig Mobile about a year ago. I am still waiting for Yaesu to introduce an all-band, all-mode rig that is man-portable with a built-in sound cart.

[@lblerg]

@@TheTechPrepper Its certainly due they release one. +Wifi server capability like the ic-705. No wires at all!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great video. Thanks. By the way, with your solar cells upside down, did you get a negative voltage? LOL

[@TheTechPrepper]

I was in hurry to get the GoPro and film the Winlink session, so the panels were an afterthought. Nope, they were still producing about 3.5 amps. ;-)

[@joshgotto8295]

You forgot to add the SNES to your equipment list ;) Which data cable do you use for your 817?

[@TheTechPrepper]

And the 8-bit NES, too. Good eye! I'm using the RT Systems 62C USB cable. Works great.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Nice shirt.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Haha. I usually wear the same black t-shirt from Costco every day, so I had to watch the video to check. Thanks!

[@tannerwilcox8942]

Could you explain what the signal link is for?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Great question. The SignaLink is essentially an external sound card that connects to your computer and radio. It's responsible for getting the transmitted and received audio from the radio into the computer. Then, the various ham radio program process the audio streams. In general, any sound card that supports speaker out and mic in will work. I've also used USB sound cards, but the SignaLink has more advanced circuits so that it can enable PTT. I hope this helps.

[@daveschwarz5279]

Is there a hardware TNC for HF as l find the audio sound card a hassle to set up, its not reliable connection always forget the settings.

[@TheTechPrepper]

That’s my biggest complaint about digital modes. It’s a pain to get all the settings just right. I’m not sure if there’s a hardware modem for HF... something to look into as that would be great. I assume you’re coming from the packet and hardware TNC world.

[@WilliamMcKeehan]

WinLink works well with the Pactor modems (www.scs-ptc.com/en/Modems.html) - not something my budget can handle :D

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@WilliamMcKeehan Thanks for the assist, William!

[@forgetyourlife]

Which folding solar panel is that at 3:35?

[@TheTechPrepper]

It’s the Bioenno 60 watt folding panel. It works really well for my little station. Out here in the Sonoran Desert, I get about 3.8 amps during full sun. Bioenno came out with a lite version that is the roughly the price.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Patience? I don't have time for that!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I nearly spit coffee all over my screen while reading this. Thanks for the chuckle!

[@okhouri]

I very much enjoyed the fact that you gave a use case scenario for Winlink. The cup of coffee, the baseball cap and the shades on top of the cap added nothing to the video, really. Overall, thank you for the content.

[@TheTechPrepper]

If there isn't a practical application, there's little point for me. Glad you found some of the content useful.

[@chuckchamplin6627]

do you need a ham LLC to do ARPS?????????

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes. In the US, you just need the entry level Technician license.

[@bhamptonkc7]

Nvis

[@bhamptonkc7]

Vara Hf will have much better performance

[@TheTechPrepper]

Unfortunately, VARA is for the most part Windows only. But, yes it is much faster. Some hams have been successful running it under Linux via WINE. It also looks like there some proof-of-concepts to have it run somewhat under the Raspberry Pi.

[@bhamptonkc7]

@@TheTechPrepper I totally understand I am a win user but not a fan you use of Linux is a much better choice for sure.

[@Shoey00124]

Did you rob a library?!?! LOL

[@TheTechPrepper]

I literally laughed out load when I read this. My wife and I like to read a bit. We actually downsized in the last move. ;-)

[@Shoey00124]

@@TheTechPrepper I was looking at the stickers on the bottom of the spines more than the number of books... yeah, I'm that old.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Shoey00124 Good eye. As a younger man, I payed full price for all of my technical books. These days, my wife and enjoy picking up books at the Goodwill and public library. The best thing about books in print-they’re off grid compatible.

[@josevictorec]

Why the Hollywood fake coffee drinking ? I want to see steam rising from the cup. Come on Man !

[@TheTechPrepper]

Dude, there's usually an entire pot consumed during these videos. Nothing fake about what's in the cup. I enjoy about 2 pots before 8:00 AM

[@josevictorec]

@@TheTechPrepper thanks for your dedication, I watch you because of your Do It not too much nonsense talk attitude, keep up the good job. Wanted to send you a photo but couldn't find how to do it.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@josevictorec My pleasure. Thanks for giving a hard time. It's all in good fun. I really do love my coffee. The wife just brewed another pot. Let me know if you find out how to send a photo. I am not sure how to do that either.

[@josevictorec]

Still looking, i have coffee making equipment in arms reach of where i sit in my shack. Keep up the good job.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@josevictorec Will do. Thank you.