The Alpine Fault Network uses Winlink Express for email over radio, and VarAC for keyboard to keyboard real time messaging.
AFN members interested in data modes are encouraged to deploy these applications so they can participate in our monthly exercise.
This exercise tests your proficiency at sending a message exactly as it is given to you. It also highlights the performance of your station, being the effectiveness of your equipment and choices you make when operating it.
The efficiency of your antenna system, choice of RMS gateway and frequency all contribute to the transfer speed.
If you are not already a member of AFN, please JOIN now!
The monthly exercise is conducted in two parts;
All equipment must be operating off grid, including the computer running Winlink.
Send the email message below via your preferred Winlink (VARA HF or VARA FM) RMS gateway exactly as it appears. Do not add any attachment, form, image, or signature. Do NOT send using Telnet Winlink!
TO: ZL6EQ
SUBJECT: AFN WINLINK EXERCISE
MESSAGE: THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER THE LAZY DOG NNNN
Cut and paste the end of session log entries for the transmission made in part 1 into a new message and send to ZL6EQ (preferably via Telnet Winlink, but over radio if no internet transit available). Ensure the message body contains ONLY the log entries.
Example;
TO: ZL6EQ
SUBJECT: AFN WINLINK PERFORMANCE REPORT
MESSAGE:
* --- End of session with ZL2KS at 2025/05/12 07:30:56 ---
* Messages sent: 1. Total bytes sent: 249, Time: 01:07, bytes/minute: 222
* Messages Received: 0. Total bytes received: 0, Total session time: 01:07, bytes/minute: 0
* Disconnecting
* Disconnected from Winlink RMS: ZL2KS @ 2025/05/12 07:31:01
* Session: 1.2 min; Avg Throughput: 303 Bytes/min; 1 Min Peak: 303 Bytes/min; Average SNR: -12.2 dB
If you require assistance configuring or operating Winlink Express, please ask for assistance in the AFN Discussion Group;