Winlink Basics for EmComm
Winlink for Emergency Communicators: Beginners Workshop
The February 2023 Workshop Registration is closed. To be the first to hear about future workshops Join us
This page contains the companion content for the Workshop. The Workshop is targeted at hams radio operators who are NEW to Winlink. The goal of this series is to get New-To-Winlink users familiarized with the power of Winlink and how Winlink can complement Emergency Communications. At the completion of this multi week workshop, you should be able to send and receive winlink email messages and submit information via standard Winlink forms.
Topics covered in this workshop will include:
- Introduction to Winlink
- Basic installation and configuration of Winlink on a Windows 10/11 PC
- Sending and receiving email via Winlink
- Overview of common Winlink Terms and Concepts
- Introduction to Basic Winlink Functions
- Sending and Receiving Winlink Forms relevant to Emergency Communicators
- Basic Radio to SoundCard Interface to Computer configurations.
You will need a valid amateur radio license and access to a Windows 10 or 11 PC that you can install the Winlink application and other supporting applications onto in order to participate in this workshop. You do not need a Radio with a computer interface to benefit from this class as we will start with training users on the power of Winlink and how it can help your Emergency Communications organization better assist their served agency.
Conducted via Zoom, this course focuses on the uses and best practices for Winlink from an EmComm perspective. A heavy emphasis is placed on the use of Winlink Forms and Templates for sending and receiving EmComm Traffic. Learn how to send common forms including: ICS-213, USGS DYFI, Field Situation Report, Winlink Check In, and more.
Downloads
- Syllabus PDF
- Quick Setup Guide: Downloading and Installing Non-Standard Winlink Forms (K6OLI) PDF
- Quick Setup Guide: Packet Soundmodem (K6OLI) PDF
- Quick Setup Guide: VARA FM (K6OLI) PDF
- Quick Setup Guide: Setting Up Winlink for MESH (W6BI) PDF
Links
- Winlink.org
- NIFOG - National Interoperability Field Guide
- ICS Forms – FEMA
- ARRL Grid Squares
- Grid Square Locator by K2DSL on Levine Central
- Forms not in standard Winlink Library
- UZ7HO Soundmodem
- VARA HF by EA5HVK
Download and Install Winlink for Windows
Links
Instructions
- Navigate to Winlink.org and download the latest version of Winlink Express - aka RMS Express.
- Create a new folder in C:\ called "RMS Express"
- Unzip the content of the downloaded zip file into your RMS Express folder
- Run Winlink_Express_install.exe
Please note: in this course we will only focus on running Winlink Express on the Windows. Therefore you will need a copy of Windows to install Winlink Express and follow along with these instructions.
It is possible to install and run winlink on other platforms via a virtual machine. For example, on a Mac you will need to use either Parallels, VMWare, or have a dedicated BootCamp install of Windows in order to get Winlink running. To install Winlink on Linux additional configurations are necessary that are outside the scope of this course. Running Winlink Express on a Raspberry Pi is not not officially supported and thus is also outside of the scope of this course.
Creating Your Winlink Account
Links
Installing Non-Standard Forms and Templates
Links
SignaLink USB Sound Card Overview
SignaLink: How to determine which is the right SignaLink Part Number for your radio.
Links
Winlink Episodes of WaveTalkers LIVE
Suggested Accessories
All Amazon links presented on this page are Amazon Affiliate links. This means that there is no additional cost to you for using these links, but WaveTalkers will get a small kick back from Amazon if you decide to purchase the item. Using these links will greatly help us fund the infrastructure necessary to keep WaveTalkers going so we really appreciate you helping us out by using these links.
If you would prefer to not use the Amazon Affiliate links, simply copy the name of the item and paste it into the amazon search field to find the product.
Gear Organization
Under $100
BUBM 4Pcs/Set Computer Cable Electronic Organizer Travel Packing Gadgets Bag Pouch for Cables,External Flash Drive,Mouse,Memory Card,Power Bank
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: GPS
Under $100
GlobalSat BU-353-S4 USB GPS Receiver (Black) (Improved-New)
USB connected GPS tested to work with Winlink
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: GPS
Under $25
HiLetgo VK172 G-Mouse USB GPS/GLONASS USB GPS Receiver for Windows 10/8/7/VISTA/XP
USB connected GPS tested to work with Winlink. Note: use of a USB extension cable is suggested for optimal GPS placement, but does work well with winlink.
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: Computer
Under $500
Microsoft Surface Go 3 - 10.5" Touchscreen - Intel® Pentium® Gold - 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD - Device Only - Platinum
Portable Winlink Station used by W6AH
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: USB Adapter
Under $100
Anker USB C Hub, 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1), with 100W Power Delivery, 4K 60Hz HDMI Port, 10Gbps USB C and 2 USB A Data Ports, Ethernet Port, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Pro and More
For Winlink use: suggest adding as many ferrite beads to the adapter as possible. W6AH uses 4 ferrite beads on this device to expand the ports on the Surface Go 3.
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: Surface Keyboard
Under $100
NEW Microsoft Surface Go Type Cover
Converts a Surface Go 3 into an ultra compact laptop for Winlink use. Keyboard cover has keyboard and trackpad and requires no additional accessories to work.
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: Surface 12V Charger
Under $25
Surface Car Charger, 42W 12V 2.58A Power Supply for Microsoft Surface Pro 3/Pro 4/Pro 5/Pro 6, Surface Book, Surface Go, Surface Laptop with 5V 2.1A USB Charging Port (5Ft Cord)
Ideal for portable winlink. Allows a Surface Go 3 to operate off of 12v battery. Just add a powerpoles to 12v socket adapter and field power a surface using your station battery.
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: Gateway PC
Under $200
Beelink T4 Pro Mini PC, Celeron N3350 up to 2.4GHz Mini Computer, Mini Desktop Computer 4GB DDR +64GB, Small Computer PC Supports Dual HDMI, 4 USB 3.0, 2.4G+5.8G WiFi, BT4.0
Amazon Affiliate LinkWinlink Gear: Portable Monitor
Under $200
UPERFECT Portable Monitor 13.3'' Computer Display [100% sRGB High Color Gamut] 2560×1600 USB C Monitor FHD Eye Care Gaming Screen IPS Mini HDMI Type C Dual Speaker VESA, Included Smart Cover Stand
This the PC that operates the Solar Powered Gateway. Meets minium requirements and runs on 12v so excellent for field deployment or as a winlink gateway.
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making GearUnder $25
VELCRO Brand ONE-WRAP Cable Ties, 100Pk, 8 x 1/2" Black Cord Organization Straps, Thin Pre-Cut Design, Wire Management for Organizing Home, Office and Data Centers
Cable management essentials
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $100
SENADA Mini Tent Beach Sun Shelter Small Pop Up Tent Portable Sun Shade Canopy with Mobile Phone Stand for Beach Outdoors Sleep, Beach Tent for Dog Cat Small Pet (Mini Display Tent: 28*20*18inches)
Helpful for operating Winlink portable for seeing your computer screen
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
Saunders Metal Clipboard with Storage, Letter Size Heavy Duty Contractor Grade Clipboard, Recycled Aluminum Dual Storage Form Holder with High Capacity Clip, Assembled in USA, Silver Cruiser-Mate
Amazon Affiliate LinkSaftey Gear
Under $25
CH Hanson Fluorescent Orange Flagging Tape (3-Pack)
Amazon Affiliate LinkSaftey Gear
Under $25
Tourna Mesh Carry Bag of 18 Tennis Balls
Amazon Affiliate LinkGear Organization
Under $500
Pelican 1510 Case With Foam (Black)
Amazon Affiliate LinkGear Organization
Under $500
Think Tank Photo Streetwalker HardDrive V2.0 Backpack (Black)
Amazon Affiliate LinkGear Organization
Under $200
Pacsafe Travelsafe GII 12 Liter Portable Safe
Amazon Affiliate LinkSolar Power Gear
Under $200
Genasun GV-10-Li-14.2V, 10.5 A MPPT Charge Controller for Lithium (4S LiFePO4) battery
Amazon Affiliate LinkEveryday Carry Gear
Under $25
COAST HX5 360 Lumen LED Flashlight, Pure Beam Focusing, Slide Focus, Pocket Clip, Weatherproof, Pocket Sized, Battery Included
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making Gear
Under $25
DC Power Pigtails Cable,3FT DC 5.5MM x 2.1MM Male Plug to Bare Wire Open End Power Wire Supply Repair Cable,16 AWG Barrel Connector Pigtail for CCTV Security Camera,DVR,LED Strip Light Etc-2 Pcs(M)
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making Gear
Under $25
DC Power Pigtails Cable,3FT DC 5.5MM x 2.1MM Female Plug to Bare Wire Open End Power Wire Supply Repair Cable,16 AWG Barrel Connector Pigtail for CCTV Security Camera,DVR，LED Strip Light Etc-2 Pcs(F)
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making Gear
Under $50
12 Terminal Power Distribution Block Bus Bar with Covers and Lock Washer Made in The USA - 180 Amps Rating Marine Bus Bar, Automotive, and Solar Wiring – Battery Terminal Distribution Block (Set of 2)
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making Gear
Under $100
10 AWG Inline Fuse Holder - 12 Volts Fuse Holder for 40A Blade Fuse (6 Pack)
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making Gear
Under $25
140 Pieces Fuses Automotive - Standard Blade Car Fuse Kit, Auto Fuse Assorted for Marine, RV, Camper, Boat, Truck (1A 2A 3A 5A 7.5A 10A 15A 20A 25A 30A 40AMP)
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment GearUnder $50
Eye Safety Systems 740-0283 Striketeam XTO Goggles, Gray
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making Gear
Under $25
RF Choke 31500 Ferrite Filter Core Material 31 Mix ID 1/2" 13mm
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction – Super Soft, Reusable Hearing Protection in Flexible Silicone for Sleep, Noise Sensitivity & Flights - 8 Ear Tips in XS/S/M/L – 27dB Noise Cancelling – Black
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
Sleep Mask for Side Sleeper, 100% Blackout 3D Eye Mask for Sleeping, Night Blindfold for Men Women, Pack of 3
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
Nashua Stretch & Seal Self-Fusing Silicone Tape
Amazon Affiliate LinkCable Making Gear
Under $100
Weller P2KC Professional Self-igniting Cordless Soldering Iron Kit
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $50
Weaver Leather Arborist Throw Line Storage Cube , Black/Orange
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
Weaver Leather Throw Weight
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
SGT KNOTS Dyneema Rope - Polyethylene Throw Line Arborist Rope - Tree Guide Rope - 1.75mm for Indoor and Outdoor Uses - Orange (180ft)
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
[UL Listed] Miady Short Power Extension Cord Outlet Saver, 16AWG/13A, 3 Prong (10 Pack, Black, 8 Inch)
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $50
Diamond MR77 144/440 Mobile Mag Antenna UHF Connector
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
Real Professional Grade Gaffer Tape by Gaffer Power - Made in The USA - Orange Fluorescent 2 in X 30 Yds Floor Markings & Social DISTANCING Lines. Heavy Duty Gaffers Tape - Non-Reflective
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
3M Safety 35-3/4X66FT-OR Scotch Vinyl Color Coding Electrical Tape 35, 3/4 in X 66 FT, Orange, 10 Carton, 100 Rolls/CASE, 66'
Amazon Affiliate LinkGear Organization
Under $25
Aonomi Compatible Label Tapes Replacement for Brother p Touch Label Maker (Orange, 18mm)
Amazon Affiliate LinkGear Maintenance
Under $50
DeoxIT Shield, Brush Applicator, Caig
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $25
Anteenna TW-BNCJ-SMAP (3 Packs) Adaptor Connector BNC Female to SMA Male is Suit for Ham (144/430MHz) Handheld Antenna BNC Male
Amazon Affiliate LinkDeployment Gear
Under $50
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, Black (MTPIXI-B)
Amazon Affiliate Link