← Winlink workflow · HF bundle
HF dataWinlink troubleshooting
Most first-session failures are gateway, band, or audio — not “HF is dead.”
Pre-session checklist (10 min)
- Propagation + NVIS — pick band and time window
- Gateway list — RMS in range for your band
- Antenna SWR checked on TX band
- Template drafted in Winlink templates
- Audio drive level — too high clips, too low never connects
Common failures
- Wrong gateway for conditions — retry adjacent band (40m ↔ 30m ↔ 80m)
- No patience — HF windows are not instant; wait for connect tone
- RFI from laptop charger — run on battery for test
- License/class — transmit only where your class allows
Full Winlink workflow First HF shack
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HF base station starters
Shack or field-base HF for regional emcomm — size power and antenna first.
Icom IC-7300
Entry HF base SDR — NVIS nets and Winlink.
~$1100 · Amazon →
Xiegu G90
Portable HF with internal tuner — field base and go-box.
~$550 · Amazon →
Yaesu FT-991A
HF/VHF/UHF base — one-box shack for General class.
~$900 · Amazon →
Astron RS-35M supply
35A linear bench supply for HF base duty cycle.
~$180 · Amazon →
Super Antenna MP1
Portable HF/VHF whip system for POTA and emcomm.
~$150 · Amazon →
LMR-400 coax 25 ft
Lower-loss feedline for mobile and base — PL-259.
~$45 · Amazon →