We recently held our first SWCRS Winlink Net.
SWCRS may be based in the Southwest, but participation wasn’t limited to our region. We had six stations check in from Arizona and New Mexico, along with operators in Iowa, Florida, and New Jersey. It was a solid first session and a good proof of concept for the group.
Why Winlink?
Winlink allows us to send email-style messages, forms, and attachments over amateur radio. If internet access is unavailable — whether from a local outage or something more widespread — Winlink gives us another way to move information.
For emergency communications, that can mean passing situation reports, weather updates, or resource requests when normal systems aren’t working.
Why a Net?
The purpose of this net is simple: practice.
Getting a digital station set up takes some work – configuring a TNC or software modem like VARA, interfacing with your radio, and reliably connecting to an RMS gateway. The more you use it, the more comfortable and efficient you become.
By participating, you:
- Make sure your station is working properly
- Get comfortable composing and sending traffic
- Help strengthen the overall network by being an active station
The more operators who can reliably move messages, the better prepared we are if they’re ever needed.
Join the Next One
If you didn’t participate this time, we hope you’ll join us next week.
When: Every Sunday, 0000–2359 UTC
How: Send your Winlink check-in to N7WSS
Requirements: A valid amateur license and a Winlink-capable station with access to an RMS
Simple, practical training — that’s the goal.
73,
The SWCRS Team