well, it really DOES require the public internet. That's why MARS booted it. Yes, there is an "RF Only" mode, but if you've ever tried it you'll know why nobody will EVER use it, especially in an emergency. It's basically a semi-automatic ARES NTS system. But even then, somebody needs the public internet at some point. THAT is the entire point of WinLink...internet email on the receiving end. Practically, if the RMS you are hitting does not have internet access (local VHF node or more remote HF node) you're message is going nowhere fast.?
You can accomplish basically the same function as WinLink using D-Rats by setting up a mail server (another D-Rats instance) at a repeater site. The only thing it doesn't do (at least we can't make it work) is reliably send mail attachments. They seem to go through but you can't open them. Station-Station email attachments are fine.?
