The
required equipment needed to operate within the Winlink2000 system is: (1) a
Windows-operating system computer, (2) a VHF/UHF or HF transceiver., and (3) a
terminal node controller (TNC or radio modem) or a sound card interface.
Let’s
start with the computer: If you are using Windows 95 operating system, you will
be limited to the use of Airmail only.
Win95 will work just fine with Airmail using a Pentium class machine with a
75MHz CPU or better and 64MB of RAM.
Any
of the later versions of the Windows operating systems (Win98SE, ME, NT4.0,
Win2000, and WinXP) are needed over Win95 if you want to use other than
Airmail.. A working communications (serial, RS-232) port is also necessary, but
if your computer doesn’t have a serial port, most USB-to-serial converters will
work.
Airmail
is a complete stand-alone package for e-mail over Ham Radio for either HF
PacTOR or VHF-UHF Packet. It contains a complete message management system,
address book, and an "Outlook Express Look-alike" E-mail Client.
Airmail
is a 1) radio messaging system, 2) a radio terminal program for keyboard to
keyboard, and keyboard to bulletin board system communication, and 3) a
standalone email program. Presently, Airmail does not support soundcard
operation. A TNC is necessary.
Right
now, I want to limit operation to VHF-UHF with Airmail and talk about the TNC.
The TNC must support the HOST mode and may need a firmware upgrade. Compatible
TNCs are:
Kantronics
KPC3, KPC3+, KAM98, KAM+, KPC9612
AEA/Timewave
PK-88, PK-232, PK900, DSP232, PK-96
MFJ-1278
– ROM version 3.7 needed
Not
all TNCs will work with Airmail
If
you eventually want to have a Telpac station or to operate via soundcard mode,
you will need to use Windows 98SE and have all 98SE Service Packs installed on
your computer. Windows 2000 and WinXP also require the use of Microsoft’s Net
Framework 1.1, not 2.0. Service packs also are necessary for Win2000 and WinXP.
Evaluate
your computer and its operating system, your TNC or soundcard interface, and
then decide where you want to eventually end up in Winlink2000 capabilities.