What is WinLink 2000?

■ WinLink 2000 is E-mail over Radio (or the Internet) for Hams.

Why use WinLink?

■ can send/receive far more information, quickly and error-free, than via “phone”;

■ can send/receive low-resolution pictures;

■ can send/receive spreadsheets or databases;

■ Recipient can retrieve anytime; doesn’t have to be on the air simultaneously.

What Equipment is Needed?

■ 2-meter HT or Mobile;

■ TNC (“Terminal Node Controller”) aka a Modem for your Radio ($100 to $200);

■ Windows-based computer, with a Serial Port or USB Port;

■ Radio-to-TNC Cable;

■ Computer-to-TNC Cable;

■ USB-to-DB9-Serial-Port Adapter (unless your Computer has a Serial Port of its own)

What are the Advantages?

■ perfect transmission/reception of text or data;

■ FAST exchange of text or data;

■ Email can be sent to Any Email Address;

■ Email can be received from Any Email Address;

■ far less likely to be intercepted by scanner, news media, etc.

What are the Disadvantages?

■ you need a bit more equipment, not just a radio;

■ can’t use WinLink for commercial (i.e. For Money) traffic, just like Ham Radio “phone”; same rules.

■ no real encryption, just compression;

■ you have to be able to Type Well !

■ it is NOT the Internet; you have to Find a Node, Program correct Frequency, Learn a Few Things;

■ you must Practice before you use it, or need it!

But it’s not that complicated!

Lots More Information: www.NoveltyHill.net, click on “Amateur Radio and ARES”

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Bill Thomassen

N6NBN

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Bill Thomassen

N6NBN

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