[FARC] WN3R-10

[WN3R, Dick]

Winlink 2000 is an email system for hams to use.  Only hams are assigned
email addresses like WN3R at winlink.org.  For emergency communications,
tactical call signs can be had, such as Frederick-RedCross at winlink.org.
There are three ways hams can send and receive their winlink.org email: 1)
HF using Pactor; 2) VHF/UHF using Packet; and 3)Internet.

The normal way to do email requires the use of systems with large
infrastructures, phone modem, DSL, cable, Wi-FI, and AirCards and soon
WiMax.  If these systems are not available "locally", it's hams to the
rescue.  Using 2 meter packet one can be many miles away from a node such as
WN3R-10 in Frederick and still send and receive emails.  HF is a long
distance method of gettng into the internet's email system from 1000's of
miles away.

The idea started by serving hams sailing the world over to send and receive
emails.  The best use of the system for landlubbers is for emergencies when
local connections are unavailable.

In summary, with Winlink any ham can send and receive emails to and from
anyone using the regular email.  

WN3R-10 is a working node (Experimnental is a good word since I do not think
it is yet reliable enough to stake my life on it).

My node setup is simple yet extensive:

An old 2 meter FM mobile transceiver
100 Watt Amplifier
Omni Antenna at 115 feet on the tower that is at 1750' asl. 7/8" Heliax
transmission line
20 amp 12v DC supply for the transceiver
35 amp 12v DC supply for the amp
Packet controller PK-232
Pentium computer runing XP with Winlink Software and Wi-FI
Verizon EVDO service to the internet
2000 Watt UPS with Four 12v- 17AH Batteries
25 KW Standby Generator

When (wishful thinking) Comcast comes to my QTH, the internet connection
will be more reliable.

Pactor and Packet are slow.  Short text only emails work best.

SInce you can get into Winlink using the internet, it would be good to sign
up and get your system running.  I use another piece of software called
Paclink MP.  This allows the use of my regular Outlook email client in
addition to Winlink's client called AirMail.