Lansing ARPSC

Getting started with Winlink

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 22:00:00 +0000

What is Winlink?

Winlink is a network of amateur radio and authorized government-licensed stations that provides worldwide radio email using radio pathways where the internet is not present. The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed amateur radio volunteers. It supports email with attachments, position reporting, weather and information bulletins, and is well-known for its role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. It is capable of operating completely without the internet automatically using smart-network radio relays.

2025 Update

As mentioned on the ARPSC Training Net, Chuck-K0BBQ has created some training videos for Winlink that go well with the information below. Check out the following video(s) to help you either brush up or get started with Winlink!

YouTube -> Getting Started and sending a Station Position Report

Getting Started with Winlink

ARPSC member should have some familiarity with Winlink to send messages to support our served agencies in emergencies and during exercises. For those ARPSC members that have not used Winlink, here’s some info on getting started with Winlink.

Download Winlink Express (these instructions apply to windows computers only)
1. Visit Winlink.org, click on the downloads link, then click on the User Programs link.
2. On the next page download the complete Winlink Express package. The file is called Winlink Express Install xxxx.zip, where ‘xxxx’ is the current version number.
Register and obtain a Winlink account
1. Open Winlink Express, with an internet connection fill out the form presented on first startup after installation. See the help article “Basic Configuration” for guidance.
2. Be sure to include a password and password recovery address. Click ‘Update’. Winlink Express makes the process easy.
Winlink Accounts Requirements.
1. Winlink accounts must be used with client program use via radio or telnet connections only; Webmail and other accesses don’t count!.
2. Accounts off-air for 400 days are automatically purged.
3. Use it or loose it!

Winlink Web Links https://arsfi.org/ https://winlink.org/ https://hamradioprep.com/winlink/ https://winlink.org/RMSChannels https://w8cmn.net/mi7-winlink/ https://winlink.org/content/winlink_book_knowledge

Here are some good video training resources:

What Is Winlink? (Good introduction using a kpc3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGhUfW8pjY8

This is a very basic video on how to install Winlink and get your Account setup by AG6AG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSLghO6RgFU

Installing Sound Modem and Easy Term For FM Packet Operations by AG6AG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0goPLAozNg

Interfacing Sound Modem and WinLink To Send Email Via Packet by AG6AG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjFbO7SNrl0

Using a Sound Modem TNC for VHF Packet in Winlink Express by K4REF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF0OMNZCEVA

Lansing/Ingham Skywarn

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Slides from presentation

Useful Skywarn Links mentioned in Lansing / Ingham Skywarn Overview 3-15-21

ARPSC Membership Requirements
- https://www.lansingarpsc.com/membership-requirements/
  - This link includes the four classes needed and background check form
ARPSC Facebook Page
- https://www.facebook.com/LansingInghamARPSC
  - Follow this page for updates and events
Grand Rapids NWS
- https://www.weather.gov/grr/
  - Click map for a forecast, and check out “Hazardous Weather Outlook” for details
Mobile friendly NWS
- https://mobile.weather.gov/
GRR NWS Spotter Training Page
- https://www.weather.gov/grr/spottertraining
Storm Prediction Center
- https://www.spc.noaa.gov/
  - Check out Convective Outlooks for specific days
Spotter Network
- https://www.spotternetwork.org/
  - Spotting App with training and location services

2019 November Meeting Minutes

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:00:00 +0000

November 18, 2019 ARPSC Meeting

Winlink
- John Winn discussed training to come on using Winlink. There is a handout for some videos and information to become familiar with so that we can do a training and demonstration in the future.
- Here’s a link to a 20 minute video that gives a good overview of the Winlink email system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGhUfW8pjY8
EOC Computer
- There is a list of the programs that are requested for the EOC computer for us to be able to use during activations. This list will be passed on to William.
Christmas Party
- The CERT / ARPSC party is on December 13th.
Silver Bells
- Purpose of our support to Silver Bells:
  - We help monitor parade route, watch for crowd dynamics, look for medical issues / altercations.
  - There was discussion about the possibilities of recording - cameras have SD cards, or we could DVR recording at the command center. We generally do not record events, and only do so when we are asked to.
- Discussion and planning details for this year’s Silver Bells:
  - North Capitol Ramp video camera spot is new – hoping to have a better link to the Bank and cover capitol lawn position.
  - Awaiting two new HD cameras (4mp) about the same as the existing dome cameras (here Weds).
  - There is a request for a library location camera.
  - Thoughts are that we won’t need a trailer this year.
  - 3GHz – ubiquity stock isn’t the greatest lately and/or tariffs – so we won’t have as many 3GHz radios as we were hoping (they have less interference).
  - Because of this, we’re going to try 5.8GHz.

2019 July Meeting Minutes

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 22:00:00 +0000

July 15, 2019 ARPSC Meeting

Upcoming Events:
- St James Walk - August 11th 8am
  - N8OBU will volunteer radios for the site, and use his repeater for coverage
- Veterans Day Parade - November 11th
- Silver Bells - 11-22-19 5-10pm before Thanksgiving
ATV (Amateur Television)
- Will be getting groomed soon for after Common Ground ● Common Ground
- Camera positions changed a bit over the course of the event this year
- There were some issues with 2.4 GHz, but 3.3 GHz worked better
- We had two operators do it for the first time. Chiefs were impressed with our ability to pick up and moe camera locations (an ability they don’t currently have)
- Thought of adapting our tripods for the helix with an extension.
- There was talk about how to get a better RF situation on the river side
  - Possibly bringing drive over masts to get better antenna positions
Hamfest
- This is scheduled for September 7th from 10am to 3pm. More information can be found: http://www.centralmiarc.com/hamfest.php
Field Day
ID Cards - make sure that Dennis or Jeff have a picture to be able to print a RACES card this can be used to issue a new ARPSC ID card
Talk about EC-16 - management
MICIMS has quarterly update
- Feel free to look at and do that training if there aren’t active events going on

2019 Feb Meeting Minutes

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 18:32:14 +0000

A Meeting happened.