When: 14 December 2024 (Saturday) from 0900-1400

Where: Clackamas Community College (meeting room TBA),

What are we doing?

Learn about Winlink, how it works, and getting things set up for use.

Install and configure Winlink Express, SoundModem, and Vara FM

Learn how to set up and configure your computer to play nicely with your TNC and Radio.

By the end of the day, we hope to have you have a configured account, and to both send and receive messages by Telnet (internet connection) Packet, and Vara FM.

What do you need to bring?

Bring your FULLY CHARGED laptop – we are a bit short on power outlets – we will have some power strips, but if you can have your laptop fully charged, that will make things easier.

Download and install Winlink Express

https://downloads.winlink.org/

From that web address, click on User Programs, and then download and install Winlink Express, as well as Vara FM from the VARA downloads directory.

Also visit: http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm and download and install SoundModem 1.14

If you have any issues downloading or installing these programs, don’t worry – we can help you get things installed the day of and will have copies of the program available.

Winlink Express is “nag ware” and will stall on open unless you register. A lifetime license is $24 and well worth it if you can afford it.

Likewise, VARA products are free to use in a slightly handicapped way (less speed, inability to set up as a digipeater or as an RMS) without paying the license fee which is currently $69 USD.

You need to research what form of soundcard/TNC you are going to use to connect your laptop to your radio. CARES has worked with and can support the following: SignaLink USB (https://tigertronics.com/slusbmain.htm), DigiRig (https://digirig.net/store/), and Masters Communications (https://www.masterscommunications.com/). All three types should be present at the workshop so you can work with what you have at home or wish to purchase.

Any questions, please contact Jeremy, KI7BDP (ki7bdp@gmail.com).