Winlink

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Winlink, also known as the Winlink 2000 Network, is a worldwide radio messaging system that mixes internet technology and appropriate amateur radio technologies. The system provides email with attachments, position reporting, graphic and text weather bulletins, and emergency communications between internet users and the amateur radio, US Army and Air Force MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System), and UK Cadet Forces communities. In the UK amateur radio frequencies must not be used for 3rd-party communications, so only amateur-to-amateur messages are allowed and communications between (non-radio amateur) users on the internet and UK radio amateurs on the amateur bands - even in most emergency situations - is illegal. This same restriction applies in other European states.

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[edit] Users

Winlink is open to properly licensed Amateur Radio operators or US Army MARS operators.

As of May 2006, there are approximately 10,000 radio users and approximately 98,000 Internet correspondents. Monthly traffic averages over 150,000 messages or 280,000 minutes of total radio air time.

[edit] Supported Radio Technologies

[edit] Interference caused by WinLink stations

WinLink has the potential to cause interference to other communications, particularly HF packet radio. Radio Amateurs have organized groups such as Winlink Watch to document and publicize such interference.

[edit] Openness

WinLink is partially encumbered by commercial technology that is not completely open. It may be more properly thought of as a product than a protocol. See PACTOR.

[edit] References

Josuweit, Robert (January 2006). "Hams to The Rescue!". Conformity. 

Arland, Rich (February 2006). "It's More Than Ham Radio Volunteers!". Popular Communications. 

A Failure of Initiative: The Final Report of the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina, 2006, <http://www.katrina.house.gov/full_katrina_report.htm>. Retrieved on 24 March 2008 

Josuweit, Robert (May 2006). "High Level Recognition for Hams". CQ Amateur Radio. 

Josuweit, Robert (March 2005). "Tsumnami!". CQ Amateur Radio.  Linden, Lou (December 2004). "Winlink 2000 In The Jungle". CQ Amateur Radio. 

[edit] External links