I never stop to be amazed with this hobby. Tonight I managed to send and receive emails via the WinLink 2000 Global Radio Email system (http://www.winlink.org/). The WinLink website states that “Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting e-mail by radio, with non-commercial links to internet e-mail”. I have been fascinated by the possibililty of sending and receiving email whilst out in the sticks for some time and wondered how complex it might be. Luckily, I already have a soundcard interface between my PC and my radio and also a software controlled PTT switch, so I found installing and configuring the software was fairly easy – although there was some trial and error. I positively love hardware user guides but I have a deep loathing of them for software which can get me into trouble, but not this time :)
Firstly, I created an email to myself with the supplied RMS Express email client and clicked the Open Session button, selecting “WinMore Wl2K” from the drop down menu. Once the WinLink 2000 Session started, I went to the Setup menu and followed the setup routines for my radio, these boiled down to 1) the radio you have in mind – and there was a large selection of radios including my target, an FT1000MP 2) the COM port to control the radio and baud speed (Com 4 for me at 4800 bps), 3) the PTT switch Com port (number 6 in my case) and finally 4) the audio selection for Audio In and Audio Out. I have a number of sound cards installed on my XP machine and it took some trial and error to get it to work using the TEST routine, supplied on one of the menus (Setup > Transmit Level test)
I was prompted to select an appropriate station to connect to and after some deliberation, I ended up listening to a blank frequency of apparently HB9QX-5 on my dial frequency 3.597.50, USB. Nothing but static.
Eventually, I plucked up the courage to hit the START button and away she went! My PC clicked and the FT1000MP sprang into life and sent an automated burst of data via RF out across the 80m band. I was amazed when I heard HB9QX-5 responding and off the two stations went, dancing around bytes, handshaking, Rcv Frames, Error correction and more. I was astonished as my data finally left my station and literally before the two stations agreed to terminate their session (it is fully automatic), an email had arrived in my inbox!
So there’s more to life than PSK31. Give WinLink a go and have a bit of fun with a practical slant! Good luck,
The Club is hosting the Advanced Examination tomorrow, Monday evening 5th December 2011. Four intermediate license holders; Paul 2E0CVU, Stu 2E0NYC, Mark 2E0RKX and Paul 2E0DBL are in the hot seat. Lead instructor Chris, G0EYO commented, “I know I speak for everyone in wishing them all the best of luck and hope to hear of their new M-Zero callsigns before Xmas”.
Wythall Radio Club won the RSGB Region 5 Club of the Year for 2010. This is the second year running that Wythall have won the trophy, competing against many other radio clubs in the Midlands region for prestigious trophy and certificate.
The full range of activities that the club offers its members obviously impressed the judges. We felt it only fair not to enter for 2011 so that other clubs in the region could have a chance to win it. The certificate and trophy were sponsored by RadioWorld Ltd our friendly Midlands dealer in all things radio, our thanks to Dave.
A reminder to all that Wythall’s weekly VHF net takes place at 8:00pm, Callum M0MCX is usually in the chair.
Our chosen Sunday Frequency is the “club channel” of 145.225MHz and ends up wherever the feeling takes us. There is some discussion over having a Sunday morning net too on 40m. Watch this space for frequencies and modes.
Wythall Radio Club’s Xmas Party, will be held in the Britannia Hall, Wythall House on Friday December 9th starting at 7.30pm, live and recorded music, skittles, raffle, and other prizes. American Supper, bring some food and share it with everyone.
Prizes for the raffle would be most welcome.
Bring friends and family, there is no entry charge. Bar until 11pm.
New Zealand amateur radio operators have had their power limit raised from 500W to 1000W (1kW) although their national website is still showing no news to this effect.
Coming into force on 30th Nov 2011, their Radiocommuinications Regulations, section 5.5 state:
Except as provided to the contrary in this notice,
transmitter power output must not exceed 1000 watts peak
envelope power (pX), as defined in ITU Radio Regulation
1.157
RSGB currently have an open agenda item with Ofcom to discuss the power limits for UK amateurs. The objective is apparently be give contest stations in the UK a lift in their power limits. More news on this topic will probably come available sometime next year.
Ok so you have got your licence, congratulations, but you know you still have a great deal to learn to get the best out of this hobby. Traditionally these experiences were learnt by being part of a club with members who can help you learn new things. Not all of us have easy access to a club but these days the Internet offers a huge variety of videos and websites which show many aspects of amateur radio. We have put together a long list of URLs you can access, under our TRAINING & BEYOND header menu, covering:
The club’s motto is "Having Fun with RF" and our mission is to have FUN with RF in everything we do.
Club Culture
Wythall Amateur Radio Club provides a friendly environment to discuss radio-related topics, seek advice and participate in Club events. These include contacting other radio amateurs around the world using the Club’s equipment, portable operation outdoors, demonstrating amateur radio at public events, participation in contests, social activities, and experimenting with low power, satellite, and other forms of communication.
Club Call Signs
Currently, Wythall Amateur Radio Club manage the following callsigns:
– G1WAC
– G4WAC
– G7WAC
– G0WRC
What is Amateur Radio
Amateur Radio is a world-wide technical hobby which allows people of all nationalities, religions, age groups and abilities to communicate with each other and have a lot of fun at the same time. It has a strong volunteer public service content. Go to Header Menu and read more under Amateur Radio
Training
Reluctantly, Wythall Radio Club has had to close its classroom and online training programmes after nearly 20 very successful years. There are many reasons for this and these are explained elsewhere on the website. Chris G0EYO still continues to act as Training Co-ordinator for the Club. If anyone wants advice on where to go, then please contact him via e mail g0eyo@blueyonder.co.uk. Go to Header Menu and read more under Training
Contesting
Wythall Contest Group is an informal group of Wythall Radio Club members - they organise participation in (and training for) monthly and annual contests including in-house, portable (using club equipment) and Field-Day style operations. Wythall Amateur Radio Club is affiliated to the Radio Society of Great Britain.
