Amateurs in Kane County, IL now have the capability to send email using a VHF radio under the Winlink protocol. My friend Robert, W9DSR, and I have been experimenting with packet and Winlink protocols We have now installed a Winlink Express gateway (WX9CTA-10) and a packet Digipeater (KC9AES-7) at two locations in the county. We hope this system should allow most amateurs in the county to connect to the Winlink system and send/receive email via radio.
For those that don’t know, Winlink is a worldwide radio messaging system that uses amateur-band radio frequencies to provide interconnection services that include email (with attachments), position reporting, weather bulletins, emergency relief communications, and message relays.