Winlink Basics for Emcomm Volunteers
Winlink is not a replacement for voice nets — it is contingency traffic when repeaters and internet paths fail across a wide area. Emcomm volunteers should know when to reach for it and how not to clog gateways.
What Winlink does
Winlink Express (and compatible clients) move email-style messages over HF, VHF packet, or telnet when a path exists to an RMS gateway. Modes include VARA HF, PACTOR, and packet depending on the gateway.
Before you transmit
- Check propagation — HF propagation advisor and NVIS tool
- Pick a gateway — RMS reference; verify on winlink.org when online
- Draft short structured traffic — templates or ICS-213
Session workflow
Follow the full Winlink & NBEMS session workflow on KI4TQN — it mirrors step 4 of the emcomm deployment workflow and ends with logging in the incident workspace.
Document Winlink as a C or E layer in your PACE plan, not as the only plan.
What Winlink is
Winlink is radio email — messages move through RMS gateways on HF or VHF when internet path exists on the gateway side. It is Contingency or Emergency in most PACE plans, not Primary family voice.
What you need
- Appropriate license class for the band and mode
- Winlink Express or compatible client on a field laptop
- Antenna and power plan sized for HF duty cycle
- Pre-written templates — Winlink templates on this site
Session workflow
Follow the Winlink session workflow — propagation check, gateway selection, template draft, connect, confirm delivery, log in ICS-214.
Common failures
Wrong gateway for conditions, audio drive level too high, no patience for retry windows. Practice monthly on propagation and NVIS bands before an activation.
General class path
Technicians have limited HF — upgrade via General guide for regional HF emcomm. Extra operators: Extra hub.
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