Setting Up A VARA HF Winlink Gateway - WaveTalkers LIVE 59

This week the WaveTalkers Crews dives into the details of setting a HF Winlink Gateway with VARA HF. We will cover basic configurations of RMS Trimode, the key application that you will need to operate a HF Winlink Gateway. We will explore how to select an operating frequency, testing connections to the CMS, and explore common tools for evaluating your own HF Gateway operation.
Our goal is to make this episode Helpful to ALL Winlink Operators by helping you better understand how HF Winlink Gateways operate. We will present the information I wish I had learned when I first started to pass traffic on VARA HF Winlink Gateways. If you are considering operating HF Winlink or are planning on setting up or supporting a HF Winlink Gateway then you will certainly want to to tune in.
To become a VARA HF Winlink SysOp, we will assume you are already an experienced HF operator and have Winlink operating with your ham radio and your Windows PC using VARA HF. Although not required, we strongly recommend operators begin with a VHF/UHF Winlink Gateway to gain initial experience as a Winlink SysOp AND become comfortable operating on HF before embarking on setting up a HF Winlink Gateway.
The basic HF Winlink Gateway hardware we will be configuring includes:
Radio: Icom 7300
Computer: BeeLink Windows 10 PC
Antenna: Chameleon EmComm III Portable
Thanks to Chameleon Antennas for suppling the antenna.
If you missed Episode 57 or 58, please check it out on our KZbin Channel as we will be building on the information we walked through in those episodes
We will wrap up Episode 59 with an after party for all of those joining us in the Zoom. We would love hear about your Winlink Gateway Plans.
Thank you for joining us our this journey into ham radio and emergency communications.
73!
Chris Mattia de W6AH
Website: wavetalkers.com
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[@rolandhaas6404]

Thanks for the exclusive instruction on the winlinks system, the videos are always great, with lots of information. greet Roland DG1GHR 73

[@WaveTalkers]

Our pleasure DG1GHR, we are always thrilled to have you learning with us! 73 Chris W6AH

[@jstrunck]

Thank you all! I think I could at least cobble together an RMS Trimode gateway if I had to. Bless you guys for what you do to help with Winlink!

[@WaveTalkers]

Thanks for learning with us! 73 Chris W6AH

[@DudeGuyWho]

Diggin' the class you guys are offering right now. Can't beat FREE either!

[@WaveTalkers]

Thanks for learning with us Shawn! 73 Chris W6AH

[@kd5you1]

This is a really informative video, and I'm sure it will help anyone who wants to set up a Winlink HF Gateway, especially since the RMS Trimode help file is somewhat outdated. There are a few items that I would like to clarify. The UZ7HO Soundmodem software isn't needed for ARDOP. ARDOP comes with RMS Trimode as well as Winlink Express. The UZ7HO Soundmodem is used for packet on a soundcard interface. This setup would take the place of something like a Kantronics KPC3+. The VARA Retry counter is used when a client is trying to connect to a gateway, and when signals in either direction are lost and retries are sent. I believe it is also used for RMS Trimode for calling other gateways when the gateway is configured as a hybrid or to forward messages. I found that when I make connections to HF gateways, the performance did not increase while setting the ALC to 1/3. I typically set my radio to 30 watts, then I increase the TX volume on my Signalink USB until the output power reaches 30 watts. At that point the ALC is still at zero, but the connections on VARA and ARDOP are good. I would like some clarification on using 3589 kHz as a center frequency. You specified that it is in the extra class portion of the band, but the data portion of the 80 meter band extends to 3600 kHz for extra, general and advanced class licensees. If the SSB channel width is 3kHz then the signal would span from 3587.5 to 3590.5 (narrower for a 2300 hz signal). I currently have two VHF gateways, and in the future I will add a HF gateway when I move to a location that will allow me to do so. 73 KD5YOU

[@hugothales4902]

Excellent presentation. Thanks a lot!

[@DudeGuyWho]

Thanks!

[@DudeGuyWho]

73 K1RZZ

[@WaveTalkers]

Big THANKS Shawn! 73 W6AH

[@ahuggins6]

What is the minimum power I should be aiming at for an HF gateway? I'm trying to find a cheap radio, and that Xiegu G106 would meet that requirement, but will it work to reach back to the WInlink user? This system will hopefully be powered offgrid, so that QRP helps there.

[@WaveTalkers]

Great questions. it is really more about your Antenna than the power from your gateway. I help support a gateway in Utah that is only pushing 20W into a fan dipole and it had hundreds of connections up and down the entire west coast and out as far east as TN. You don't need much power, but keep in mind your gateway will be pushing 100% duty cycle when it is in operation. So make sure your antenna is resonant on the Frequencies you plan to operate it on, and you have a good external tuner to touch up any discrepancies. Ultimately, it is all about your antenna though.