I’ve been a Winlink Express user for many years. Up until just a few days ago, always on HF. The interest in HF meshed with my believe that disasters are mostly either local or regional. Sure a hurricane or winter storm can take out the internet and power in a region, but it doesn’t bring everything down everywhere. You just need to be able to hop over the impacted area. HF is perfect for that, and I tested and used a Winlink Express client regularly.
For a long time, I’ve been looking to try out a VHF Winlink connection, but there are very few gateways in the local area. Yesterday my goal was accomplished when I was able to connect to N1ASA-10 on the other side of the bay. Being used to the slow speeds of HF and old style packet, I was blown away by the VHF connection speed.
Today the goal was to stand-up a RMS Packet station on my side of the bay using VARA-FM in the wide mode along with a Kenwood TM-D710G and Masters Communication DRA-50.
I was immediately drawn to the RMS Trimode software and figured that was the universal solution, but quickly discovered that was pretty much for HF use. A process of elimination lead me to RMS Packet, which I installed. After entering some information on myself, and discovering the checkbox to use VARA-FM, I was up and operating! Honestly it took perhaps 15 minutes including the time I fumbled with RMS Trimode.
Here is my RMS Packet software running (and I now show up on the Live System Map for RMS):
Next step is to install the software on a dedicated miniPC and set things up to run 24/7 (I have a 100 Ah battery that is charged by solar, plus a gas generator runs for extended failures. Even if I don’t have local internet, I can act as a relay outside the region to HF stations that are working.
Sir, Might have screen shots of your successful set up. I use the same equipment for Winlink Express VARA FM with great success.
Waiting for the AHA! Moment.
Hi
Is it possible to post some pics of cables used , and the Main settings page please?
I want to set up VHF Packet Gateway , using a Laptop and KENWOOD 710GA
Satya
VE3YSN
Hi Satya,
As I’ve mentioned in my post, I use a DRA-50 unit for the audio and control. It is available here: https://www.masterscommunications.com/products/radio-adapter/dra/dra50.html
It attaches to the back of the 710G via a standard DIN-6 cable that I purchased from Amazon (although you can buy it with the DRA-50 if you want). The only other cable is the USB interface to the DRA-50 (its a standard USB AB – some people call it a printer cable). You should have no issue using the DRA-50 and your 710GA with your laptop.
Good luck!
73, Bob, WB4SON