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Send email over ham radio with Winlink
Radio waves are the only reliable way to communicate when the grid goes down. While voice communication is possible, what about text messaging or emails? Until fast and reliable satellite internet becomes widely available—like SpaceX's Starlink service—most people still rely on local infrastructure for internet access.
Winlink offers a solution by allowing text data to be sent over the air, bypassing the local grid that may have failed due to a power outage or disaster. It works similarly to satellite internet but uses ground-based receivers instead of satellites. These receivers act as intermediaries between you and the broader internet.
This was crucial for KM4ACK when the AT&T building was bombed last Christmas, cutting off his internet and cellular service. He used Winlink to contact his loved ones and let them know he was safe.
Setting up Winlink isn't easy. You need a ham radio license, proper equipment, and patience. I spent about a year trying before finally getting it working. But the effort was worth it. There are many reasons you might need to stay in touch during a grid failure, like informing your boss who lives in another part of the country about the situation.
I won't go into all the details, which could fill a book. Instead, here's a beginner’s guide with tips to get started.
**What is Winlink and What Can It Do?**
Besides email:
- Saildocs provides news reports, weather updates, and more for sailors.
- You can send text messages via an email-to-SMS gateway.
- You can share your location through APRS.
Instead of relying on local ISPs, Winlink uses public airwaves to bypass local failures. In a normal email setup, your computer connects through a local ISP hub. Winlink replaces that hub with a radio connection to a local Winlink Radio Message Server (RMS), which then connects to the global internet.
Even if the RMS loses internet access, other RMS stations can connect directly, enabling communication between Winlink users.
**Winlink Drawbacks**
Getting started can be frustrating. Unlike simpler digital modes, Winlink requires a "handshake" between your computer and the RMS. This process is similar to old dial-up connections but over noisy radio waves. It takes time and experimentation to get everything right.
Only one client can connect to an RMS at a time, so keep your session short. Messages should be simple, avoiding unnecessary content. Also, Winlink has little tolerance for spam, and external emails require a whitelist.
All amateur radio signals are unencrypted, so privacy is limited. Winlink even provides a message viewer for the past 21 days, which is unfortunate but necessary under FCC regulations.
**What You Need for a Winlink Connection**
There are different methods depending on your license level. Technicians can use VHF/UHF frequencies, while General license holders often use HF bands for longer range.
You’ll need a ham radio transceiver, antenna, cables, a battery for off-grid use, and a computer. Winlink Express is the official Windows client, but open-source alternatives like Pat work on Linux and other OSes.
For easier setup, consider Build-a-Pi, a Raspberry Pi-based package that simplifies configuration. It includes tools like Pat Menu, making it user-friendly.
Powering your station is essential. A battery-powered radio and a solar charger ensure reliability during outages. You can also use a Surface tablet or a rugged laptop like a Panasonic Toughbook.
Finally, you need a Winlink account. Registration requires a first-time login without a password, followed by retrieving your password via email.
**Tips for Making a Winlink Connection Through Build-a-Pi**
Patience is key. Start with voice contacts to ensure your radio and antenna work. Then learn the software and try easier digital modes like WSPR.
Make sure FLRIG is working properly. Check audio settings in Pat Menu and adjust RF gain for optimal signal quality. Avoid features like AGC that can distort the signal.
Use USB sideband for most operations and monitor the ALC meter to avoid distortion. Keep an eye on the ARDOP_GUI and the black window in the Pat interface for troubleshooting.
If you're struggling, check your connections and settings. And remember, if a request is too large, delete it from your Sent box.
KM4ACK has additional tips, and if this article helped you, feel free to reach out over Winlink. My callsign is KO4EMJ.
Here's my test email with John:
