Winlink 2000 (WL2K) Introduction and Overview Prepared by WL2K authors: Vic Poor, W5SMM / AAA9WL Rick Muething, KN6KB and Presenter: Rick Pemble AAR4WJ / W4RP 10/13/07 Melbourne Hamfest

What is Winlink 2000 (aka WL2K) What were the design Goals for Winlink 2000 Winlink Today… Winlink 2000 and MARS Alphabet soup… What are a CMS, PMBO, RMS and Telpac? What are AirMail and Paclink? Winlink Web services…system info via the web WL2K Emergency Use What you need to get started with WL2K Additional Resources Questions Overview:

What is Winlink 2000 (aka WL2K)? It is a volunteer designed and operated communications system that provides reliable service over MARS and amateur radio Frequencies regardless of the user’s physical location. In english: It lets you send and receive to/from the internet via radio: HF Pactor, VHF Packet, or via Telnet on your computer.

PMBO Participating Mail Box Office RMS Radio Messaging System CMS Common Message Servers Telpac Telnet Packet AirMail An WL2K Client (program) a user runs on his computer to access (send and receive) on his computer PaclinkMP A new WL2K Client (replacement for AirMail) The Acronyms:

Advantages over ‘classic’ BBS / Node / and other Radio Messing Systems Seamless message communications between Internet and all supported radio modes – A single domain for – No H-routing, No ‘home’ BBS, etc Compatibility with existing packet networks Multiple-destination Addressing of Messages (Amateur, MARS, and internet )

Transparent File Attachments Reduce HF Radio Airtime – Use a fast user client program – Inter-MBO forwarding on Internet – User Time Limits and Lockouts – Minimize/eliminate “keyboard” connections Worldwide Access Via HF for Mobile Users Local Access Via UHF/VHF for Fixed Users and for Packet Interconnection Advantages over ‘classic’ BBS / Node / and other Radio Messing Systems

Served Agency LAN Winlink Today Internet Existing Ham/MARS Radio Networks VHF/UHF Packet Paclink at Served Agency Telpac Telnet, D-Star, Telnet, VHF/UHF Packet, HF Pactor WiFi, Etc. Individual Users (AirMail, Paclink) PMBO/RMS VHF/UHF Packet Three mirrored CMS sites in Washington, San Diego, and Perth User’s standard Client Outlook, Thunderbird, etc. WL2K ‘LAND’ Radio Domain

Demonstrated > 99.9% system availability since implementing mirrored servers 3 Full-time Redundant Common Message Servers (CMS) in Washington, San Diego and Perth, all in hardened “caged” sites, with power backup, provide excellent reliability 102 total PMBO/RMS sites, worldwide, in 4 service classes: Public, ARES, Army/Air Force MARS, and UK Cadet Forces Approximately 10,000 Radio users, 100,000 recipients, currently running an average of 150,000 messages monthly and growing. Average monthly HF connection time of 280,000 minutes with an average duration of 3.3 Minutes and 3,600 bytes/per message. Typical message latency sender to recipient delivery 4 to 5 minutes, less locally In the ARES Service Class, there over 400 Active VHF/UHF Telpac Gateways with many more on standby for emergency operation Winlink 2000 Today By The Numbers

MARS WL2K: Current Status The formal Agreement between Army MARS & the WDT now complete. DHS HQ Common Message Server/PMBO now in place (CMS Washington). Secure FTP site to be moved to Fort Huachuca. Proposed Fort Huachuca CMS/PMBO in process. The Network is fully operational. It is very robust. MARS WL2K is being reviewed, proposed, and used, by an ever-increasing number of Agencies. (This is dated – someone in This audience can update us)

What is a CMS (Central Message Server) ? Routes all messages between PMBO/RMS sites and messages to and from the Internet Sends all outbound Internet mail messages to their addressees (no relays) Receives and routes all messages addressed Automatically registers all users and tracks their locations and PMBO/RMS usage Provides additional services... IT IS A SYSTEM LEVEL DATA BASE THAT HOLD ALL UNTIL THE INTENDED USER RECIEVES IT. FOR REDUNDANCY, THERE ARE SEVERAL OF THEM (3) DISPERSED GEOGRAPHICALLY AND PERIODICALLY SYNCHRONIZE SO THEY ALL HOLD THE SAME MESSAGES/INFO.

What is a PMBO or RMS? (Participating Mail Box Operator) (Radio Message Server) Routes messages between users sharing the same PMBO or RMS site Receives messages for local users from CMS sites Forwards all radio messages to a CMS site for further handling (internet or radio destinations) Forwards all message and connection status data to a CMS site for further handling Maintains a local user directory

What is TELPAC (TELnet PACket) ? Connects one or more VHF packet users and channels directly to a PMBO/RMS site using telnet Works over hardwired, D-Star, WiFi, or any channel capable of supporting TCP/IP Reports QTH to APRS and Status to CMS Simple transparent, no-maintenance installation and operation

TELPAC for Win 98 – Win XP Simple Setup: Computer, Packet TNC, FM VHF Radio, Antenna, Internet connection

What is AirMail? AS A USER: This is the program YOU load on YOUR computer and send/receive via WL2K – (HF Pactor, VHF/UHF Packet, Internet, etc) Acts as a personal client for a radio user Supports Pactor, packet, and telnet connections to a PMBO or RMS site – directly or via a Telpac gateway Optionally provides propagation forecasting for picking optimum HF radio channels Provides a catalog of PMBO/RMS locations and frequencies Provides extensive bulletin catalog

Using AirMail… You tell AirMail your TNC, and Radio Configuration. Then compose and send your message just as with any Client

AirMail Screens (cont)

What is Paclink MP? Provides an SMTP/POP3 port into Winlink for served agencies so they can use Winlink services with their existing LAN and Internet client. Works over VHF/UHF packet, HF Pactor, D-Star, WiFi, or telnet. Supports automatic multiple prioritized channels for message delivery Minimizes training of served agency personnel PACLINK is the next-generation AirMail – it integrates WL2K into your Outlook/Outlook Express / Thunderbird / Etc., client When you have Airmail ‘down’ you might want to try Paclink MP as a replacement or adjunct to Airmail – (it is still under development)

Using Paclink MP… You pre Configure Prioritized Pactor, Packet Or Telnet “Channels” Each “Channel” becomes a way to connect to WL2K Once configured Paclink needs no user interaction…simply send From your existing Mail Client (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.) and Paclink MP automatically routes it through the best “channel” to WL2K and your destination!

Emergency Use WL2K’s mission is to provide our users and agencies with the value-added services they want. Today, that includes digital messaging in the form of de facto extendibility. The network is in place, proven and fully operational. It is now up to us to be organized and trained with the proper tools to respond to any casualty event.

What you need to get Started with Winlink 2000 As a User to send/receive Radio Valid MARS or Ham Radio license Paclink MP or AirMail user client and Windows computer. VHF/UHF Radio and TNC (packet radio) (local access) Pactor TNC and HF SSB radio for Long distance As a part of the WL2K/MARS System Infrastructure : Valid MARS or Ham Radio license VHF/UHF Radio and TNC (Telpac or RMS Packet gateway) SCS PTC II model TNC (Pactor 1, 2, 3) & HF SSB Radio Full time internet connection Win 2000 or later OS and modern computer.

What Programs Do I NEED??? –AIRMAIL Use on HF (Pactor I or II) Use on VHF / UHF (Packet) Use on Internet (Telnet) Where to get the programs / Tutorials / Info – –

Additional Resources System details and downloads: Join the member EmComm reflector: Join the Mars_WL2K reflector Take the on-line course for using WL2K modules for EmComm: Keep up with the latest news about Winlink 2000: Review the presentations and examples of EmComm use:

AirMail/Winlink Demos Paclink MP, PTC II, TS-480 WL2K Demo RV 30 M Pactor II, III Distant HF PMBOs Paclink MP, PK96, KDK VHF AAR4WJ MLB Hamfest FPAC Switch Trinity Towers, Melbourne To the WORLD VIA INTERNET

This Presentation can be found on the web at my web site (W4RP) At: follow the links for MARS

Last But NOT LEAST Say Hello to Our Audience VIP’s –WL2K Authors: Vick Poor W5SMM / AAA9WL Rick Muething KN6KB Ask them about WL2K !!