N9PUZ
Amateur Radio -- When All Else Fails...
(C) Copyright 2008, Tim McDonough. All Rights Reserved.
Winlink 2000, Telpac and Paclink
The Winlink 2000 System provides a means for Amateur Radio operators to send and receive email via VHF, UHF, and HF radio links. I have a particular interest in being able to provide digital communications to local users during emergencies, special events, etc. Towards that end I have established what's called a TELnet PACet bridge at my home station. In the lingo of the Winlink system this is referred to as a Telpac Gateway.
The main comprehensive source of information on all these technologies is the Winlink web site. The remaining information on this web page relates to Telpac Gateway designated N9PUZ-10 here in Springfield, IL.
The main comprehensive source of information on all these technologies is the Winlink web site. The remaining information on this web page relates to Telpac Gateway designated N9PUZ-10 here in Springfield, IL.
Connection Information:
| Operating Frequency | 145.050 MHz |
| Mode | FM Packet |
| Speed | 1200 Baud |
| Station ID | N9PUZ-10 |
June 11, 2007
This page is definitely a work in progress. I eventually intend to have a step by step tutorial for configuring a client program, TNC, and radio to access my Telpac Gateway but my initial priority is getting some things squared away on the Telpac gateway itself. In the mean time if you look at the Winlink site and particularly the Airmail program you can gather the pieces you need. Brad KC9GQR, Don N9ZGE and Steve K9WAV have both successfully sent emails through N9PUZ-10 so they may be able to at least describe what they've done so far.
Basic hardware needed:
- VHF FM radio and antenna
- Basic TNC such as the Kantronics KAM Plus, KPC3, etc. (See Airmail for specifics)
- Connecting cables
- Computer
This page is definitely a work in progress. I eventually intend to have a step by step tutorial for configuring a client program, TNC, and radio to access my Telpac Gateway but my initial priority is getting some things squared away on the Telpac gateway itself. In the mean time if you look at the Winlink site and particularly the Airmail program you can gather the pieces you need. Brad KC9GQR, Don N9ZGE and Steve K9WAV have both successfully sent emails through N9PUZ-10 so they may be able to at least describe what they've done so far.
Basic hardware needed:
- VHF FM radio and antenna
- Basic TNC such as the Kantronics KAM Plus, KPC3, etc. (See Airmail for specifics)
- Connecting cables
- Computer
Using the TelPac Gateway with regular Packet Radio Terminal...
If you already have a VHF packet radio station and a simple packet terminal program you have everything needed to send and receive basic emails via a TelPac Gateway. (Note: you cannot receive or send file attachments)
Step 1: Select the frequency 145.050 MHz (simplex) on your radio.
Step 2: Connect to N9PUZ-10 directly or digipeat through another station if necessary.
Step 3: Once you are connected, follow the instructions. Type 'H' for help or 'I' for Information.
(Caution! -- "Information" can send a lot of text your way. Be careful what you ask for)
Follow the directions for sending/receiving email. If this is your first time feel free to send a message to N9PUZ-1 and I will reply so you can confirm your system is working.
Step 4: Disconnect as you would when completing a normal Packet contact.
(Return To Top of Page)
Step 1: Select the frequency 145.050 MHz (simplex) on your radio.
Step 2: Connect to N9PUZ-10 directly or digipeat through another station if necessary.
Step 3: Once you are connected, follow the instructions. Type 'H' for help or 'I' for Information.
(Caution! -- "Information" can send a lot of text your way. Be careful what you ask for)
Follow the directions for sending/receiving email. If this is your first time feel free to send a message to N9PUZ-1 and I will reply so you can confirm your system is working.
Step 4: Disconnect as you would when completing a normal Packet contact.
(Return To Top of Page)
Using the TelPac Gateway with Airmailtm Software...
Coming Soon
Quick Links: Using A Simple Packet Terminal Using the Airmail Software
July 4, 2007 Update
The Telpac Gateway itself has been very stable and I encourage anyone with an interest to give it and Winlink a try even if you only use a simple Packet Radio program. Instructions on using a basic packet terminal interface are here.
The past several weeks I've been setting up a portable station of my own so I have a means to use N9PUZ-10 myself for testing and wireless email. Initially I have had a new TNC called a TNC-X from Coastal Chipworks and an Yaesu FT-60 handheld radio attached to my home desktop PC. The software I'm using for the portable station is called Paclink. It can be obtained along with instructions from the Winlink web site under the section titled "Winlink 2000 Paclink AGW With Paclink Post Office". I strongly suggest that you READ THE DIRECTIONS before you start loading programs. Your life will be much simpler.
The TNC-X merits special mention. You probably know that many newer computers, especially laptops, no longer come with RS-232 style serial ports. The TNC-X has an optional USB interface so you can directly connect it with newer computers without the hassle of special adapters, etc.
The Telpac Gateway itself has been very stable and I encourage anyone with an interest to give it and Winlink a try even if you only use a simple Packet Radio program. Instructions on using a basic packet terminal interface are here.
The past several weeks I've been setting up a portable station of my own so I have a means to use N9PUZ-10 myself for testing and wireless email. Initially I have had a new TNC called a TNC-X from Coastal Chipworks and an Yaesu FT-60 handheld radio attached to my home desktop PC. The software I'm using for the portable station is called Paclink. It can be obtained along with instructions from the Winlink web site under the section titled "Winlink 2000 Paclink AGW With Paclink Post Office". I strongly suggest that you READ THE DIRECTIONS before you start loading programs. Your life will be much simpler.
The TNC-X merits special mention. You probably know that many newer computers, especially laptops, no longer come with RS-232 style serial ports. The TNC-X has an optional USB interface so you can directly connect it with newer computers without the hassle of special adapters, etc.