The Rural Iowa Amateur Radio Club operates a VARA FM Winlink gateway on 145.070. Connect using the callsign W0OEL-10.
Winlink is a network of stations that lets you send email over radio — no internet required. Messages can carry attachments, weather reports, disaster assessments, ICS forms, and position reports, which is exactly why it fits our club's mission.
Winlink isn't tied to a particular radio, brand, frequency, or mode. Here in Fayette County we run a VARA FM gateway, but Winlink also works over HF. You can send messages through an RMS gateway station, or peer-to-peer directly between two stations.
The gateway can also act as a digipeater, relaying messages between two stations that are out of range of each other but both within range of the gateway.
A mobile radio with a 9600 baud connection works best, but almost any VHF radio — even a handheld — will get you connected. You'll also need a power source and antenna.
Some are available new; others turn up discounted online or at hamfests.
Our gateway runs on VARA FM, currently Windows-only. If you're comfortable with emulation, it may run on Raspberry Pi or Mac as well.
A $69 VARA FM Wide license unlocks the gateway's full 9600 baud speed.
We recommend the DRA series — the DRA-50 uses your radio's 6-pin mini-DIN jack for the fastest 9600 baud connection.
Already own one of these? It'll work — bring it to a meeting and we'll help you get it running.
Winlink filters incoming mail by default — whitelist the addresses you want to reach you.
Read the whitelist explainer →Use role-based addresses (like a position or net name) instead of a personal callsign, so messages reach whoever's on duty.
Read about tactical addresses →