In an earlier mini essay, I made the proposal to convert the WILMAR 400' packet radio station to an APRS digipeater on 144.390 MHz.
In this one, I'll discuss the reasons why we might consider keeping it on 145.670 MHz and changing it to a Winlink Gateway.
The first point needs to be emphasized - how under utilized this asset is as a packet radio node.
It's height and quality installation give it coverage over a wide area surrounding Willmar, yet it has no users.
This day in age, packet radio is simply too primitive and too slow to attract new users or to be useful in emergency communications.
Since the money spent for the packet station came out of 9/11 Homeland Security funding, it would seem logical they intend this to serve in emergencies.
In 2004, packet radio was the logical choice. In the twenty years since, software has evolved, giving us several better options to move information via radio.
Winlink has become a popular choice because it has a simple and versatile format, email.
As one of the better thought out solutions, in my opinion, Winlink offers each user a number of methods to send and receive their email, depending on what's available.
The built in options range from Telenet (Internet), Packet, Pactor, Ardop, VARA (voice radios) and Iridium (satellite).
Because the Winlink emails are the same format, they can move through any of these modes on their way to the destination.
Flexibility is key and Winlink has it in spades. It's also free to use as is the VARA modem software.
What it needs in this area are experienced operators. We gain this experience by doing (operating).
In the case of Winlink, an easy way to fulfill your training is to use it for your Ham radio related emails.?
Normally, the local Winlink gateway is connected to the Internet. The emails you send and receive thru it via radio will use the Internet from there on.
You are allowed attachments up to 120 kbytes total message size.
However, only VARA FM will transfer data fast enough to do this with your 2m transceiver.
Presently, we have a Winlink VARA FM gateway station located in Willmar on a 60' tower.?
It's accessible to Hams with a line of sight path and an outdoor antenna, mostly within a 15 mile radius.
Having a gateway on the 400' tower would at least double the radius, making access reliable for a much larger area.
Along with a much larger coverage hopefully comes more users.
If it becomes too busy, we can expand another gateway on another frequency and or location.
Usually, a FM gateway will respond to either VARA FM or Winlink packet connections on it's frequency.
Once the connection is made the process is automatic. The user can abort the connection if something goes wrong or hangs up.
When the message transaction(s) are done, Winlink disconnects, making way for the next user.
To summerize, we have an outstanding resource in the WILMAR station that is underused. I am presenting options to change that and still remain true to it's purpose.
73
Mike N0QBH
N0QBH Mike Berg