[SMCARA] Winlink Class Scheduled

[Rob Hoyt]

 Good Afternoon! In the ARES group, we have been discussing the need/desire for a Winlink class. I'm happy to report we have our first one scheduled! See below detail from the instructor Steven, the Zoom class is set for 8 August, 0830 - 1130. If you would like to attend please send me an email and I'll get you added to the list. This class has been opened to the entire MD/DC Section but we do have 100 slots so if you want to attend, let me know fairly soon.  See below for all the detail, I hope this comes through on the reflector well...


 Hello Everyone,
A Winlink Training Session has been scheduled that will be open to any ARES member. The class is being held at the request of STMA (Rob Hoyt, EC STMA) but will be beneficial to many Winlink Operators. 
The class is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 0830 to ~1130 depending upon questions, additional topics, etc. The 1130 ending time is not for me. I will remain as long as necessary to answer questions/help anyone. The Zoom class has a 100 participant limit. The login information is below.
The class is geared towards new/low end of intermediate operators to get them up and running with the basics and a bit more.

The class will cover topics such as:
Basics of the Winlink System - to include Basics of the Winlink System, RMS, CMS, Hybrid Network, Session Types to include Winlink, Peer 2 Peer (P2P), Radio Only (RO) messaging, Protocols such as Pactor, ARDOP, Vara FM, Vara HF, Packet, Hardware and software configurations (Express Settings Options), Sound Card options, Software TNC's, Creating messages, addressing, basic form usage and saving data in/for the form, creating a Winlink Account, callsigns, aux callsigns, tactical callsigns, digipeating, and others if time permits. We will cover the basics to give everyone an overview and get them online and save the more 'advanced' items for later in the presentation. 
The presentation will include live usage of Winlink Software showing some items mentioned in the presentation to give students the ability to follow along with their own Winlink installation. 
Demo's will show connection types (Packet, Vara FM & HF, ARDOP) operation, and some hardware configurations.
Questions will be held until the end of the class. The Zoom Host will handle questions via the "Hands Up" function in Zoom and the Chat window. Be patient if you post something; it will get answered. 
Both Video and Muting will be turned off at the beginning of the presentation to save bandwidth. When you are asked to present your question you can unmute and have at it. If you have an issue that needs to be sent via video that can also be turned on. 
Participants need to have their name, callsign, and affiliation noted on their screen. 

Several experienced Winlink Operators from PRGE will be teaching the class:
Jim Montgomery, WB3KAS, PRGE EC, MDC SECJeff Humbert, KB3SPH, PRGE AEC ADMINKen La Capria, KA3POX, WL2K Gateway Node SysopSteven Keller, KC3DSO, PRGE AEC Operations, MDC ASEC (Main Instructor)
Learning the Winlink Software is about 75% of the game here. And this can be learned when using Winlink via a simple Telnet connection. The RF part of the link is easy as we all work with RF almost daily. I highly encourage all ARES members to get and maintain a Winlink Account. It's free (a small reg fee if you choose but it is recommended) and easy to get an account. To get the most benefit from the class it's highly recommended all participants have a working Winlink Account prior to the presentation. 
*******Zoom Login data***********************
Topic: Wnlink Training Session Time: Aug 8, 2020 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81977590745?pwd=MHlZQ0tMRjV1K1FJZHdicUt1Y1JjZz09 Meeting ID: 819 7759 0745 Passcode: 812051 One tap mobile
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Meeting ID: 819 7759 0745
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcb8Y5D6py******************************************************
Feel free to contact me with any questions.  

73Steven KellerKC3DSOPrince George's County, MD ARESAssistant Emergency Coordinator - OperationsMDC Assistant Section Emergency Coordinatorwww.pgares.orghttps://www.facebook.com/pgaresraces/Via Winlink: KC3DSO & MDCASEC