TCARES WinLink Net provides a regular opportunity to test our hardware and software configurations, and to practice our skills in using the WinLink radio email system (www.WinLink.org).  Announcements and reminders go out to past participants via WinLink and via this website.

All TCARES are encouraged to participate and add WinLink, an important part of our ARES response capability, to your amateur radio toolkit.  It’s easy to do, and if you are already set up for digital modes you have all the hardware you need. If not, find a buddy to help you set up your system.

WinLink training topics will be included in the acknowledgements that I send. These will include important features and characteristics of the WinLink system (scripts, P2P, creating templates, message precedence, white lists, compressing files). Also included will be tips, shortcuts, definitions, links to other system and training information, etc.

The preferred method is to use any VHF or HF RMS gateway to send your check-in through your radio. Initially, if your setup is not capable of digital transmission, you may use telnet. But within a few weeks you will be expected to transmit through a Gateway as this is the real value of WinLink.

Check-in Procedure

Check-in anytime between Thursday 00:00 and Wednesday 23:59. Each Thursday morning the Winlink NCS will acknowledge all check-ins and announce the week’s count. Training announcements might be included; so please try to read them in time for the next check-in. The check-in count will also be announced on the TCARES Sunday Net.

Check In Format

In Winlink Express, click on New message, then click Select Template, then Standard Forms, then General Forms, then Winlink check in. Address your check in message to the Winlink NCS AG5TR.