WinLink Express over VHF using SignaLink USB

Darrell

This is a follow-up from the presentation at RVARC on May 10, 2019. I’ve included
the links to the reference guides and software needed to operate.

Overview
WinkLink Express (formerly called RMS Express), is the software needed to send/receive email
through the WinLink 2000 system for emergency communications over Amateur Radio.
In the past, it was necessary to use a hardware TNC (Terminal Node Controller) unit
connected to a PC using DB-9 serial connections. This could sometimes be quite expensive.

Today there are several software solutions available that allow the use of an USB soundcard, like the SignaLink.
The same hardware can be used on VHF (using AX.25 Packet) and HF (using Winmor) frequencies. This post is
going to focus specifically on VHF Packet.

What is needed – a brief checklist:

1) WinLink Express – the main software needed.
https://downloads.winlink.org/ > User Programs > Winlink_Express_install_xxxxxxx.zip (xxxxxxx
being the current version number). Download the ZIP file, extract the files to your local PC
and run the installer.

2) Soundmodem 100 – Written by Andrei, UZ7HO, the software replacement for the hardware TNC.
Provides the AX.25 Packet protocol for sending over VHF.
http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm > scroll down the page to the section and find the soundmodem100.zip file and download.
There is also an User Guide PDF. There are other files available, but they are not needed for this demonstration.
No installation is required. Place the soundmodem.exe file in a Folder where you can find it. Double-click
the file to run the program.

3) SignaLink USB Soundcard – provides the connection between your PC and radio via the USB port.
The SignaLink needs to be configured properly to work with the brand and model of radio you are going to use.
Keep in mind that the SignaLink provides a second soundcard on your system. The Soundmodem 100 sofware needs to be
configured to use this soundcard. The SignaLink usually shows up as “USB Audio CODEC” versus some other name that
is the built-in soundcard. Useful references:
http://www.tigertronics.com/files/slusbmanual_win7810.pdf > SignaLink Users Guide > Configuring Windows
http://www.tigertronics.com/slusbfaq.htm#Will%20the%20SignaLink%20USB%20work%20with%20the%20WinLink%202000%20Airmail%20system?
Note: some of this webpage is outdated (the AGWPE software is no longer supported).

4) Step-by-step instructions for configuring the software. Provided by the Denver, CO ARES Group.
http://denverares.org/resources/denver-ares-digital-strategy/winlink-express-2m-packet-signalink-usb/

Optional: https://downloads.winlink.org/User%20Programs/WL2K_FAQ.pdf > a LOT of information, but a good resource

Intitially, there is going to be some trial-and-error in the configuration. During my demo, where I got stuck (I thought
the SignaLink was defective) was an additional setting on the Icom IC-706mkIIIg radio to allow the SignaLink to PTT on VHF.
So, having the radio’s User Manual handy might also be a plus.

After configuration, the general order of things would be:

1) Connect the SignaLink to the radio with the proper cable and plug in to the PC with the USB cable.
2) Launch Soundmodem 100
3) Launch WinLink Express
4) In WinLink Express > Open Session > select “Packet Winlink”
5) In the session window > “Channel Selection” and “Update Table via Internet” > select the station
and frequency that is close to your location > Start session

If the odds are all in your favor, then you will have your first Winlink session over VHF!