Winlink 2000 Communications
Enhanced Digital Messaging for Amateur Radio
Winlink 2000 is the use of amateur radio and digital technologies to create an emergency radio/packet/telnet/internet communication system.
See the Winlink 2000 News Items Page for current Articles and Publications on Winlink 2000 and its uses.
Winlink 2000 and ARES
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Board of Directors adopted the Winlink 2000 digital radio email messaging system for use by its Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)® during its July 2004 meeting.
Read the following ARRL links regarding this decision.
ARESCOM - Plan to Enhance Emergency Communication Capability (article is mid page)
Minutes from the July 15, 2004, ARRL Board of Directors Meeting
ARESCOM Committee Final Report to the ARRL Board of Directors
This page and its links present the Winlink 2000 (WL2K) system. It is a portal to the Winlink 2000 web site and related applications. The intent is to provide an overview of the system and easy access to greater detail. This page contains links to articles, instruction and installation experiences to produce a consolidated reference to help you create a fully functional emergency packet communications system that will meet the needs of your organization at the local level. The degree of robustness that is developed will be up to your group, its resources and its needs as defined by the requirements of its served agencies. The information on these pages comes from many Internet resources.
Winlink 2000 information can be found on these pages.
Winlink 2000 Home page Winlink 2000 Features
Winlink 2000 Glossary of Terms Winlink 2000 Frequently Ask Questions
Winlink 2000: Quick View
Winlink 2000 is a network of Internet-based servers and HF and VHF/UHF radio stations configured with Winlink 2000 software. The multiple Internet-based servers are known as the Common Message Servers (CMS). CMSs are located around the world. For a real-time view of the Common Message Servers click here. Connected to the CMSs are multiple HF nodes known as Participating Mailboxes (PMBO). The PMBOs, also located around the world, are, minimally, a single HF station operating on a specific frequency and can be multiple HF stations operating on different frequencies. Additionally, there are multiple Telnet Server nodes providing Internet access into the Winlink network. Rounding out the network are Telpac (packet/telnet) nodes and individual Airmail stations providing a VHF/UHF packet/Internet link at the local level. The Winlink 2000 web site provides a list of RMSs and Telpac nodes. RMS Packet stations and status can be viewed here. RMS Pactor stations and status can be viewed here.
Winlink 2000: The Components
A fully developed, robust HF/VHF/UHF digital communications system, Winlink 2000 is comprised of the following parts:
CMS1
(Common Message Server(s) are the hub of the Winlink 2000 (WL2K) network configuration. These servers move the traffic between the participating network stations (RMSs), serve as the email and position reporting interface and provide critically important redundancy. This coordination occurs over the Internet. CMSs have no RF interface. This minimizes the use of the amateur radio spectrum for administrative tasks and leaves radio frequencies available for the end-users.
The status of the CMSs can be viewed here.
RMS2
(Radio Message Server) Part of the Winlink 2000 network, RMSs communicate with each other through the CMS in a network configuration via the Internet and with the end-users and other RMSs over radio. There are two types of RMSs, Public and Emergency. RMSs provide the link between the local communication network and the CMS (RF-to-Internet, Internet-to-RF).
A list and status of RMS Packet stations can be found here.
A list and status of RMS Pactor stations can be found here.
Paclink AGW with Paclink Post Office
Paclink AGW with Paclink Post Office provides a packet interface with most popular e-mail client programs (i.e. Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Eudora). Essentially Paclink AGW adds VHF/UHF packet radio and Telnet channels to your email client program. Paclink Postoffice serves as a local email server, which takes advantage of already existing email client programs. A single Paclink Postoffice server may serve an entire network of computers hosting Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express (or other email clients) as a transparent alternative to normal SMTP email connectivity to the Internet. This application is extremely valuable to emergency management agencies when other means of Internet connectivity have been displaced.
Airmail 2000
Airmail is a messaging program that provides a packet, telnet and email client. The packet program can be used on HF, VHF and UHF. When the Internet is available, Airmail can be used as an email client just like Outlook or Outlook Express. When the Internet is not available, Airmail is ideal for packet messaging to other Airmail or Telpac stations. Once connected to a compatible station, message transfer is completely automatic. Airmail transfers messages automatically with any station supporting the BBS or F6FBB protocols, such as Winlink 2000 (Telpac/Paclink), F6FBB, MSYS, and other Airmail stations. Airmail is ideal for setting up a local communications ("last mile") network.
For more information about Airmail click The Airmail Home page.
AGW Packet Engine (AGWPE)
The Packet Engine handles all the traffic between packet applications (Telpac, Paclink, AGW Terminal, etc.) and your TNC(s). Packet Engine supported applications connect to the Packet Engine and can share a single TNC and radio thus providing multiple packet services such as a APRS, a digipeater, a packet cluster, a packet mailbox. AGWPE can interface with a TNC or use a PC soundcard for packet. There are two versions, AGWPE (free) and Packet Engine Pro ($). The major difference is ease of configuration and the number of TNCs and soundcards supported.
For more information about AGWPE click AGWPE web site.
Local Packet Station
A station using a TNC or Soundcard, VHF/UHF Radio, and packet software (WinPack, HyperTerm...).
The following table presents a consolidated view of the components used in the Winlink 2000 system (servers and programs).
| WINLINK 2000 (WL2K) PROGRAMS & SERVERS | |||
| Program | OS | Function | Comments |
| WL2K USER PROGRAMS | |||
| AIRMAIL | ALL | HF Terminal & Packet Client | Great for HF Pactor; dedicated e-mail client included. Will work WL2K packet with some reservations. |
| Telpac Node | Bridges users to Internet e-mail | Bridges connected packet users (Paclink AGW or Airmail) to PMBO for e-mail exchange. | |
| MS .NET Framework 1.1 | W2K+ | Paclink AGW | 1.1 required for WL2K - Both may be installed on WIN2K/XP machines. |
| MS .NET Framework 2.0 | Not required | ||
| Paclink Post Office | E-mail Server | Best bet for packet use for WL2K. AGW PE Pro recommended but free version will work | |
| AGW PE Free (or Pro) | TNC controller | ||
| Paclink AGW | Packet Client | ||
| Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, Thunderbird, Netscape, etc. | E-mail client programs | Use any of these e-mail clients. | |
| WL2K SYSTEM SERVERS | |||
| Server | OS | Function | Comments |
| PMBO | W2K+ | E-mail Server | Server to HF Pactor users. May have VHF packet port. |
| EMCOMMs PMBO | Special PMBO | With co-located Telpac Node serves local packet users when Internet connection is lost. Usually no HF. | |
| CMS | WL2K Central Message Server | Several located world-wide. | |
| OTHER PROGRAMS | |||
| WINPACK | ALL | Terminal program | Excellent for trouble shooting packet links, TNC and WL2K problems and general packet use. |
| AGWTERM | |||
| Hyperterminal | |||
OS = Operating System
ALL = WIN98, WINDOWS 2000, WINDOWS XP, WINDOWS XP PRO
W2K+ = WINDOWS 2000, WINDOWS XP, WINDOWS XP PRO
A more detailed description of the Winlink features can be found on this page.
More Winlink terminology can be found in the glossary.
Winlink 2000: The Network
The Winlink system uses the HF/VHF/UHF bands and the Internet. The network (Winlink system) can be as simple or complex as requirements necessitate. How the WL2K system is used depends upon the needs of those being served. To better understand the network and its components review the presentations located here.
Airmail stations are local communications stations that can deliver messages over RF and by telnet. These stations can move messages in and out of an area by RF when the Internet is not available by connecting to another station or a packet network that is connected to a Telpac or Paclink station.
Telpac stations are the bridge for Airmail stations requiring Internet access.
Most Paclink VHF/UHF email applications would be seen at installations in a multi-computer environment, on a LAN. Paclink can be configured with up to five prioritized connection paths. Telnet direct to a RMS would be the first, followed by different paths to Telpac Nodes. Future plans include adding HF connection capabilities to allow direct Paclink to RMS connections.
There are multiple network paths a message may take. Picture the local packet station as the initiator of the communication and the CMS as the message router. Messages may get to the CMS in any number of ways including telnet, radio to telnet, radio-to-radio-to telnet. If the addressee is a registered Winlink user the CMS routes the message to the RMS for delivery. Also note that once at the CMS, a message can be retrieved from any station anywhere in the world and from the Message Access page on the Winlink site. If the address is to a regular internet email address the message is routed to that address.
The rest of this page discusses only the VHF/UHF station aspect of Winlink. If you are interested in establishing a RMS you should read the related information posted here.
Winlink 2000: The VHF/UHF Station
The Winlink VHF/UHF station can be any combination of Airmail, Telpac, and Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice. What component(s) you install will depend on the computer and radio station resources that you have available. As a guide, the developers of Winlink 2000 have provided minimum requirements necessary to install and execute the VHF/UHF components. Before installing any components determine what resources you have available (PC, radio, soundcard, TNC, packet capability in the area). Additionally determine what the needs of your group and your served agency are and implement the configuration that will support your needs. It's okay if you do not know these needs at this time. By installing, at the very least, Airmail you will be prepared to participate in the WL2K network as it becomes defined in your area. The rest of this document is a guide to implementing a local solution that incorporates VHF/UHF packet and telnet.
The next sections present:
• the individual Airmail station solution
• the individual Telpac station solution
• the individual Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice station solution
• the combined station solution - Airmail, Telpac, Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice
followed by the Software Installation section.
Imagine finally being able to use that TNC and radio. And because of the software available you don't have to use the archaic BBS commands to send and receive messages and bulletins. Airmail or Paclink and the email program of your choice provide the capability to compose a message including attachments, if necessary, and deliver the message by radio or telnet.
Note: Terminal program. A terminal program can be useful in configuring or troubleshooting your TNC. If you are in need of a terminal program consider using Winpack. Winpack is feature-rich and freeware. Another choice for a terminal program is Hyperterminal. It's delivered with MS Windows.
Winlink 2000: The Airmail Station
Components necessary to establish an Airmail VHF/UHF solution are:
• a PC Pentium II or higher
• Windows 95 or higher
• a TNC or a Soundcard
• Airmail
This configuration will allow you to establish these types of connections:
• packet (including connection with a Telpac gateway or a Paclink station)
• Telnet
• Internet mail
Other solutions such as a Telpac station or a Paclink Postoffice have slightly different requirements. Telpac will run in a Win98 or higher environment and with AGWPE will function with either a TNC or Soundcard. Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice will run in a Windows 2000 or higher environment and with AGWPE will function with either a TNC or Soundcard.
Instructions for installing and sending your first email using Airmail can be found here.
Winlink 2000: The Telpac Station
Components necessary to establish a Telpac VHF/UHF solution are:
• a PC Pentium II or higher
• Win98 or higher
• a TNC or a Soundcard
• AGWPE
• Telpac
This configuration will allow you to establish these types of connections:
• packet
• Telnet
Other solutions such as a stand-alone Airmail station or a Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice station have slightly different requirements. Airmail can run in a Win95 or higher environment and will function with either a TNC or a Soundcard. Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice will run in a Windows 2000 or higher environment and with AGWPE will function with either a TNC or Soundcard.
Winlink 2000: The Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice Station
Components necessary to establish a Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice VHF/UHF solution are:
• a PC Pentium II or higher
• Windows 2000 or Windows XP
• a TNC or Soundcard
• .Net Framework 1.1 SP1
• AGWPE
• Paclink AGW and Paclink Postoffice
• Microsoft Outlook Express/Outlook or POP3 configurable email client
This configuration will allow you to establish these types of connections:
• packet
• Telnet
• email client on a LAN to Paclink
Other solutions such as a stand-alone Airmail station or a Telpac station have slightly different requirements. Airmail can run in a Win95 or higher environment and will function with either a TNC or a Soundcard. Telpac will run in a Win98 or higher environment and with AGWPE will function with either a TNC or Soundcard.
Winlink 2000: The Complete Station (Airmail, Telpac and Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice)
Components necessary to establish this complete VHF/UHF solution are:
• a PC Pentium II or higher
• Windows 2000 or Windows XP
• a TNC
• Airmail
• AGWPE
• Telpac
• .Net Framework 1.1 SP1
• Paclink AGW and Paclink Postoffice
• Microsoft Outlook Express/Outlook or POP3 configurable email client
This configuration will allow you to establish these types of connections:
• packet (including connection with a Telpac gateway or a Paclink station)
• Telnet
• email client on a LAN to Paclink
• Internet mail
See the previously described individual solutions for environment requirements.
Winlink 2000: Software Installation
You will need a decompression program for some of these installations. If you don't have one of these utilities then download WinZip.
Install and Overview documents may be either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. If you don't have Adobe Reader then
Station installation will take a couple hours. The process of installing, configuring and testing the software is more time-consuming than complex. After initial testing is complete expect to spend several additional hours experimenting and making adjustments so that the system can be used for your particular needs. Remember, you don't have to get everything working all at once. First define the features and capabilities that are required by your group and served agencies. Decide what connectivity you want to implement first and complete that task. Then move on to the next capability. Before you know it you'll have all the features implemented. The result being a robust communications system that can shrink or grow to meet the demands of the event and users. To help you out take a look at this step-by-step PDF document. It will provide a general guide to implementing WL2K.
You might also consider joining the Yahoo! Group LOADING_WL2K_USER_PROGRAMS. This group provides assistance for those installing the VHF/UHF components of Winlink. Check it out. All that is required is a current Amateur Radio License.
Install Airmail
Download Airmail
This directs you to the Airmail 2000 software page. Download the install file and Airmail Packet Primer. Note the name of the download folder. The installation is straightforward. Start the install by double-clicking the install file and follow the instructions.
Configuration Notes:
Download and read this very well written installation and configuration Airmail document.
Install AGW Packet Engine (AGWPE)
Download AGWPE
This directs you to the software download page. Download the install file, AGWPE.zip. Note the name of the download folder.
The installation is straightforward. Extract the zipped files into a new folder. i.e. C:\Program Files\AGWPE\
All AGWPE files are located in the extract destination folder. AGWPE does not install files into the Windows folder.
While on the download page, consider downloading AGWTERM. This is a simple terminal program that can be used to confirm that AGWPE is working properly.
Configuration Notes:
See the Paclink AGW Install document Appendix A for installation and setup information.
See the Paclink AGW Install document Appendix B or the Telpac Install document Appendix B for testing your AGWPE configuration.
The Paclink AGW Install document can be found on this page.
Install Telpac
Download Telpac
This directs you to the Winlink 2000 software page. Download the overview file, install instructions and install file. Note the name of the download folder. The installation is straightforward following the instructions in the Telpac install file.
Configuration Notes:
Be sure to have installed and configured AGWPE prior to configuring Telpac. Also consider registering as a node at the Telpac nodes site. Registration is free and bypasses the nag screens, which present license use and call sign input windows.
The Setup window is slightly different from the documentation, but does not affect how you will configure Telpac. Note the "Node Call Sign" is your call sign without a -ssid.
Before testing Telpac be sure that AGWPE is functioning properly. Appendix B in the Telpac Install document provides instructions for testing AGWPE.
Install Microsoft .Net Framework (required for Paclink AGW)
Use Windows Update
Follow the installation instructions provided at the Windows Update site. After installing .Net Framework 1.1 go back to Windows Update and install .Net Framework Service Pack 1.
Windows Update requires the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Install Paclink AGW and Paclink Postoffice
Download Paclink AGW/Paclink Postoffice
This directs you to the Winlink 2000 software page. Download the overview file, install instructions and install file. Note the name of the download folder. The installation is straightforward following the instructions in the Paclink AGW install file.
Notes: The install instructions indicate an order of program installation, follow it. Paclink requires .Net Framework and AGWPE. Install .Net Framework first, AGWPE second, Paclink Postoffice then Paclink AGW.
The install instructions indicate there may be an instability running .Net Framework on a Win98SE PC. I took the chance and installed this on a 266MHz laptop and a 1.7g desktop running Win98SE. I am in early testing but so far there is no sign of instability.
Update: I am now running Win XP on the desktop. I am still running Win98SE on the laptop and have found instability with the newer releases of Paclink AGW. So the laptop is relegated to running Airmail.
The install instructions refer to a Paclink CD. Ignore the reference. You are downloading all programs from the source site. This ensures that you will have the current version as of the download operation. And to stay current Paclink AGW has an Auto Update feature built in. You will find the settings under File --> Properties.
Install Winpack
Download Winpack
This directs you to the Winpack software page. Download the Winpack software and Winpack Manual. There is also a Winpack FAQ file that may be handy. Note the name of the download folder. The installation is straightforward.
Document last updated: 04-09-2006
1 CMS replaced the CMBO (Common Mailbox).
2 The RMS has replaced the PMBO.
Contact the