If you’ve been looking for a practical way to expand your amateur radio capabilities and get hands-on experience with digital modes, scheduled airtime nets are one of the best places to start.
The Southwest Community Radio System (SWCRS) announced the launch of their weekly SWCRS Winlink Net Kickoff last year, highlighting how operators across the country are using digital messaging to stay sharp, verify equipment, and build real-world emergency communication skills. We’re on the 36th session and growing. Bill N7WSS has done an exceptional job every week as the NCO to keep it going.
Whether you’re brand new to digital modes or looking to keep your station operating smoothly, here is why joining a Winlink net is a great next step in your ham radio journey.
What is Winlink?
Winlink is a global radio email network that allows amateur radio operators to send and receive standard email messages, attachments, weather updates, and standardized emergency forms directly over RF.
Because Winlink can operate entirely off-grid without relying on local internet infrastructure, it serves as a critical bridge during emergency deployments, severe weather events, and widespread power outages.
Why Get Involved in Digital Radio Nets?
Setting up a digital ham station can feel intimidating at first. Configuring hardware or software TNCs (like VARA FM/HF), interfacing radio audio, and establishing reliable connections to Radio Mail Servers (RMS) takes experimentation. You can even configure the Winlink software to use Telnet to connect without a radio to get the feel of how it works.
Participating in a regular net gives you a clear goal and routine practice:
- Station Verification: Regular check-ins ensure your soundcard settings, TNC configuration, and antenna systems are working correctly before you actually need them.
- Traffic Handling Proficiency: Composing check-ins, attaching forms, and transmitting digital packets builds muscle memory and speed.
- Network Resilience: Active nets demonstrate the geographic reach of amateur radio. During the initial SWCRS kickoff, operators checked in not only locally from Arizona and New Mexico, but also from as far away as Iowa, Florida, and New Jersey.
How to Participate in the SWCRS Winlink Net
The SWCRS Winlink Net is open to all licensed amateur radio operators with a Winlink-capable station and access to an RMS gateway.
- When: Weekly every Sunday, 0000–2359 UTC
- Target Callsign: Send your check-in message to
N7WSSvia Winlink - Prerequisites: A valid amateur radio license and a configured Winlink station
Ready to Build Your Digital Station?
Getting involved in digital traffic nets like this is one of the most rewarding ways to grow in the Amateur Radio Service. Set up your software, dial in your audio interfaces, and send a check-in to N7WSS during the next window!