Digital Dilemma - EMAIL Packages

Thanks to Mac, KE5QDA, I have had to reconsider the Digital Dilemma! He asked if I considered Winlink2K to be a digital mode. WELL, I had not even considered that question and I had to do some research on the topic. What I found out (after some soul searching) caused me to re-do my original Digital Dilemma post ... here's my thinking...

From the Winlink2K website:

"Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting e-mail by radio, with non-commercial links to internet e-mail. "

After reading this, I view WL2K as a pipeline rather than a digital mode of communication.

And I am sure there is LOTS of room for argument and discussion. Feel free to discuss because there's plenty of room for other opinions.

Any way, if this is my feeling on WL2K, then what about PSKMail? I reviewed the features list and came to the same conclusion. PSKMail is also PRIMARILY a pipeline to support email. It has some other features that kind of cloud the picture (mainly texting via APRS) but the main function is pipeline rather than allowing station to station communication.

There is WAY MORE information at each of these websites. WL2K is the "official" choice of just about everyone who is any kind of official.

Consider the following a VERY BRIEF introducton to these two programs ....

WinLink 2000 - Provides Email - WL2K Website
1. Windows (obviously)
2. Uses PACTOR 1,2, and 3 and requires pactor modem which is pricey.
3. Some proprietary features? ("The Winlink 2000 system, and Winlink user software is built, maintained and supported by the Winlink Development Team (WDT), your membership in the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, and your tax deductible contributions.")
4. Recently introduced a sound card mode called WINMOR
5. APRS text messaging is possible as well as some packet usage for "last mile" coverage.
6. Lots of email servers world-wide. If you happen onto one of these frequencies, you'll probably have to move your QSO.

PSKMail - Provides Email - PSKMail Website
1. Linux BUT available in Windows emulator (puppy_linux)
2. Uses Fldigi
3. Modes - PSK250 with ARQ
4. GUI easy to use and provides email, APRS and Chat mode.
5. Upload/download email from internet and works with Linux email program called EVOLUTION.
6. While most email servers are in Europe, there appears to be a couple of email servers in the U.S. (one in San Antonio.)

... AR

Packet Radio for Emergency Messaging - OUTPOST

Outpost creates a screen that resembles an Internet e-mail application. The user doesn't need to be overly familiar with packet radio. You just need to know how to type and click send. Outpost takes care of the rest.

Outpost was covered in the April 2008 issue of QST. It is available at www.outpostpm.org

Outpost was written by Jim Oberhofer, KN6PE. He is a member of the Cupertino, CA ARES group ( www.cupertinoares.org ).

This program provides the following:

• Supports all 3 packet message types - Private, NTS, and Bulletins.
• Create messages from imported files, from scratch, or by REPLY or FWD.
• Built-in message form maker. An NTS message form is provided.
• Supports TNCs, AGWPE, and Telnet interfaces.
• Automatic query/posting to BBS based on time.

There are actually a lot more features here than I can absorb. For example, it can use several popular PBBS and BBSs as mail drops including Winlink via Telpac.

This gives a whole different set of programs for using packet radio for emergency messaging.

...AR

Packet Radio for Emergency Communications - EcomScs

In the April issue of CQ Magazine there is an article concerning the use of packet radio for Emergency Communications. This is one of several articles I've seen lately on this topic.

These programs are available at the following website:

www.qsl.net/kb2scs

Even though packet use has been relegated mainly to the APRS applications, the use of packet in EmCom is growing.

The EcomScs program can send and receive messages formatted as NTS messages in attachments. The program handles sending and receiving messages when connected to the bulletin board. Keyboard to keyboard communication is supported as well. Any type of file may be sent or received, whether binary or text. It also allows the user to create their own message forms. It will send picture files as attachments. The program does do some optimization of the file.

GateWayScs provides a temporary mailbox to send and receive local packet mail until normal bulletin board services can be set up or restored. It also can be used to provide an internet gateway for packet messages.

The article describes emergency driven uses for both of these programs. This progam pair provides invaluable connectivity during an emergency situation. Well worth more investigation.

...AR