Using Winlink with your FT-991A - set-up and demo

In short, Winlink allows you to send e-mails from your computer to any other computer without the need for an internet connection.
Winlink is just another digital mode, not terribly different than any other, but the application and infrastructure is unique and surprisingly easy once you know how.
Links:
Winlink Main Page: winlink.org/
Winlink Express download: downloads.winlink.org/User%20...
Amateur Radio Safety Foundation (ARSFI) Main Page: arsfi.org/
Register your key: arsfi.org/express.aspx
RMS Live Map: winlink.org/RMSChannels?qt-li...
Signalink USB Web-site: www.tigertronics.com/slusbmai...
FT-991A Menu Settings
031 CAT RATE: 9600
(You can use any value - note the CAT RATE)
032 CAT TOT: 100ms
033 CAT RTS: Enable
062 Data Mode: OTHERS
064 OTHER DISP (SSB): 1500 Hz
065 OTHER SHIFT (SSB):1500 Hz
066 DATA LCUT FREQ: OFF
068 DATA HCUT FREQ: OFF
070 DATA IN SELECT: REAR
071 DATA PTT SELECT: RTS
072 DATA PORT SELECT: USB
MODE: DATA -USB
F (-LIST)
WIDTH: 3200
METER: ALC
RF PWR: 8-50W start low and work up.
WIDTH: NAR/WIDE: W 3000
AGC: Auto
NB-NOTCH-CONT-DNR-DNF: Off
DT Gain: 6
** IMPORTANT ** The DT Gain defaults to 50! This will overdrive the rigs modulator which will cause unwanted audio harmonics. Not good. Turn the DT Gain setting down to about 4, and start working your way back up, watching for ALC on the meter as well as the power out that you want. As you move the DT Gain setting back up (higher), you will see your power level increase as well as ALC levels. Find the happy medium of NO ALC showing on the meter. Excessive ALC indication is a sign that the audio drive is too high, and distortion is most likely happening.
Chapters:
00:02 Introduction
00:41 The Winlink System Diagram
03:51 Downloading and Installing Winlink Express
04:59 Winlink Express initial settings
05:29 Getting your Winlink Express (optional) Registration code
06:26 Creating an eMail
07:03 Picking the ARDOP TNC and other options
07:57 FT-991A Menu Settings
09:30 Picking your Mode - DATA-USB
09:53 FT-991A Functions (F_M-List) Settings
11:30 Verifying your Port Settings (Device Driver)
13:26 Setting up Winlink Express and ARDOP TNC
16:63 Demo - Sending eMails
19:58 Demo - Receiving eMails
20:33 Summary
21:18 Invite to Write
21:24 End Notes
Thanks for Watching - Please remember to Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe
73 de Tom, ND3N

[@COUREURSdesBOIS88]

I have a FT-991 on order. Thank you very much for this thorough tutorial!

[@2wrdr]

Nice, I have I love it. The rx filters and IF shift control are excellent in dialing in frequencies when close to other traffic. I did have to send mine in for repair as the internal USB connection failed. Suggestion: add several snap on chokes to your USB cable tying computer to 991A to help protect that input from possible RF and surges. Mine is still under the 3 year warranty but it cost me $80 to ship and a month of waiting time. BTW, I highly recommend RT Systems software if you don't already have it.

[@michaeldavidheit]

You'll love this wonderful rig .... "shack in a box" is so true ...

[@michaeldavidheit]

I've used Winlink in the distant past, I was using my Elecraft KX3 but now I'm setting up my Yaesu FT991A and your video is a great help sir. I'll send you a message as soon as I am set up. For now, i need to get my HF antenna finished, I have way to much coax left over need to trim off for good operation. I am also going to try a VHF link as well since we have it available up here in North Pole. Keep warm, and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 73 de AD7VV

[@ND3N]

That particular video shows winlink with ARDOP. After some additional experience, I now recommend connecting with VARA HF. I’ve put out a video on using it. I look forward to your message. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@michaeldavidheit]

@@ND3N thank you Tom, I'll check out the Vara HF video sir. Mike

[@michaeldavidheit]

@@ND3N I’m in the process of trying to get the full version of VARA HF … I have the free (limited) version but their system payment node is down??? For now I’ll watch your video, I’ve printed out the commands for the FT991A you posted, and when I’ve completed the video I’ll try to get it set up once I get off work and access to my radio. Thank you Tom, we wish you and your family a wonderful thanksgiving weekend and pray that God will protect you, your family, and richly bless you all. 73 Mike AD7VV

[@markm9849]

Hey Tom, loved the video since it's radio specific. After looking at your other vids list, I'm subscribing & have a number to watch! Unfortunately I wasn't able to get Ardop working yet. Although the virtual TNC was going through the motions, my radio is not transmitting, so that narrows it down a bit. Checked the ports & all settings again, baud/CAT rates match, etc. Probably something simple, but dang if I can't find it! BTW, I've had other winlink modes functional in the past, just haven't used it recently & was playing with VARA. Anyways, great job with the detail. Mark K4MTM Edit: Got it working! Had to make a few changes that goes against what you did, so I guess there's more than one way to get 'em working! Here's what I did; --- In Virtual TNC Optional Radio Settings, removed all settings --- In Winlink Session Radio Setup, filled in all sections Did a successful send & receive, AND the CAT channel controller worked as it should. Hope that helps others if there's a similar issue.

[@neilgodfreybartley3143]

😎👍🏾

[@AI5HV]

Thank you for another great video. AI5HV

[@benjaminabood7945]

Great video. I have it all set up but keep trying all channels not busy and it keep getting a failure to connect after several transmitted cycles. Rechecked my setting and all are same as recommended. Guess I’ll keep trying 😢 Edit: connected to several now after a awhile calling, so progress but disconnects after a minute with no data sent. Of course after last edit it worked. Lol only an hour to send an email but, but it worked so there’s that. Keep up great videos Tom!

[@hobojon44]

Is that 25$ one time or every year?

[@86casimir]

Merci Tom pour cette excellente démonstration. 73/F8MGW

[@user-xb9ps5qb1v]

Thank you for all of the work you put into your videos! I have a question. How do you save you save the menu settings on the 991A? There is a lot of difference between best voice, and digital settings. One could spend quite a bit of time swapping between voice and and winlink transmissions. Thanks in advance!

[@ND3N]

When you’re using SSB voice modes, you’ll use the DSP menu items related to that mode. When you use the data modes (USB-D or Data-U, I forget the label) you use the data associated DSP menu settings. My 991A is currently being repurposed into a go-box for POTA activities.

[@lauriepalmeira7519]

Another great video! This is next on my list to try. I wouldn't be able to get there without your help. My internet Elmer. :) Thank you. W1RCY

[@hillcountrysawdust351]

This is a great video. Request: Due to my location VARA HF is required for me. I have been searching for ever(weeks & month) for setting up my 991A with nothing that is specific for VARA HF. The detail for this video leads me to believe you could provide the perfect missing video for 991A and VARA HF Greg K5KYR

[@ND3N]

Greg, if you know VARA, the 991A settings should be the same. And a VARA follow up vid is already in the works. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@stefanpulver396]

Hi Tom, having success with Ardop after playing a bit with the settings. Email sent to my next node in a 340km distance, but my reply hasn't received yet.Trying later to collect my reply. Great job with the radio specific videos. Also run my wsjt-x with HRD and grid tracker after your settings. Hopefully the menu settings didn't conflict too much with wsjt-x. Thank you very much.Vy 73 de DK2SP

[@ND3N]

Fantastic. You might want to try VARA HF instead of ARDOP. I have a video on the VARA HF setup and I can almost guarantee once you try it, you won’t go back

[@user-jw4if5nu5d]

Hello, I have it all setup and everything looks good except it doesn't key the radio. You can see it trying to send the packet till it retrys out, but the radio never keys at all.

[@ND3N]

With all the programs running, check your audio settings on your computer and make sure your TNC is connected to your codec, then check the audio settings on your TNC for the codecs. Also check your PTT settings on the rig

[@ericmuller7755]

I have the "991a" sending Vara P2P and Vara HF running fine with the internal sound card. There are certain configuration settings that were needed. Have you been able to get Packet Winlink running with the internal sound card?

[@ND3N]

Not yet, but I will get to it..

[@eammendola]

@@ND3N I'm trying (probably too hard) to get Packet Winlink working on VHF with the FT-991A. I actually had it working several months ago, but something got changed and I haven't been able to pin it down yet. There's little clues all over the internet and KZbin, but nothing definitive. I'd love to see a comprehensive setup (andtroubleshooting) video for Packet Winlink VHF / FT-991A / internal sound card with a USB cord. In any case, thanks for the great videos!

[@user-yc5is1sq7m]

(11:42) Can I ask what power supply your using?

[@ND3N]

For that video I was using an Astron Solid State 50 amp power supply. You can get away with a 30 amp one, though.

[@AI5HV]

Do you happen to have a video for the FT-991A with all of the settings needed for Winlink and VARA FM ?

[@ND3N]

I have a video that does that, but away from my shack right now. Will send you the link Tuesday morning. 73 de Tom, N D3N

[@ND3N]

Try this one.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYG1Znt6bsh2rq8

[@AI5HV]

@@ND3N Thank you. I will take a look but I believe that I have already watched it. I have used your very helpful videos for settings for the Yaesu FT-991A including settings for Winlink and VARA HF. I have heard that there are different settings for VARA FM and am wondering about those settings specifically.

[@kleinbiker1]

Are there local VHF nodes/frequencies to do winlink over that you’re aware of? I’m slowly diving into this and am local to you, also with a 991A

[@ND3N]

I tried to do a video about VARA FM and WinLink over VHF. Unfortunately, the closest station to me was 56 miles away and I couldn't hit it with my system. Go ahead and download the VARA FM program and start it, just like you do with VARA HF. Then use the Channel Selector to see what is in your area. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@Andy2e0ree]

Hi Tom great show very informative thanks de 2e0ree

[@ND3N]

Glad you enjoyed it - 73