Winlink Global Radio Email

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Winlink Global Radio Email (https://www.winlink.org/) is a network of amateur radio and authorized government-licensed stations that provides worldwide radio email using radio pathways where the internet is not present. The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed "Ham" volunteers. It supports email with attachments, position reporting, weather and information bulletins, and is well-known for its role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. It is capable of operating completely without the internet--automatically--using smart-network radio relays.

Winlink can be used to exchange email over both HF and VHF/UHF radio frequencies, so it is available to entry level (Technician) amateur radio operators, as well as operators authorized full HF privileges. It provides a significant advantage for survivalist communications as it will function from anywhere you can operate your radio and a laptop computer. Even if Internet and cellular connections are unavailable in your immediate area, Winlink lets you connect with a distant station/gateway and exchange email over the air.

Beyond packet radio communication / ARDOP (Amateur Radio Digital Open Protocol), Winlink also supports the VARA protocol. (https://www.winlink.org/tags/vara) VARA is a major upgrade that offers additional speed, robustness and utility, including a new robust 500 Hz narrow bandwidth mode.

To use Winlink you will need a radio, a computer to run Winlink software, and an interface (such as the Signalink USB Interface) to connect the radio and computer together. You will also of course need to establish a Winlink account on the Winlink web-site, if you plan to access the Winlink network (send other than peer-to-peer messages). You must have a amateur radio operator's license to establish a Winlink account. Once you have Winlink set-up you will be able to exchange email with other Winlink users as well as exchange email with Internet email accounts (such as Gmail and Outlook).


OH8STN Ham Radio demonstrates Winlink for preparedness in two YouTube videos:

Winlink Email to Gmail | Ham Radio for Preparedness

Winlink Email P2P | Ham Radio for Preparedness

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