Using Winlink with your FT-991A - set-up and demo

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  • Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
  • In short, Winlink allows you to send e-mails from your computer to any other computer without the need for an internet connection.
    Winlink is just another digital mode, not terribly different than any other, but the application and infrastructure is unique and surprisingly easy once you know how.
    Links:
    Winlink Main Page: winlink.org/
    Winlink Express download: downloads.winl...
    Amateur Radio Safety Foundation (ARSFI) Main Page: arsfi.org/
    Register your key: arsfi.org/expr...
    RMS Live Map: winlink.org/RM...
    Signalink USB Web-site: www.tigertroni...
    FT-991A Menu Settings
    031 CAT RATE: 9600
    (You can use any value - note the CAT RATE)
    032 CAT TOT: 100ms
    033 CAT RTS: Enable
    062 Data Mode: OTHERS
    064 OTHER DISP (SSB): 1500 Hz
    065 OTHER SHIFT (SSB):1500 Hz
    066 DATA LCUT FREQ: OFF
    068 DATA HCUT FREQ: OFF
    070 DATA IN SELECT: REAR
    071 DATA PTT SELECT: RTS
    072 DATA PORT SELECT: USB
    MODE: DATA -USB
    F (-LIST)
    WIDTH: 3200
    METER: ALC
    RF PWR: 8-50W start low and work up.
    WIDTH: NAR/WIDE: W 3000
    AGC: Auto
    NB-NOTCH-CONT-DNR-DNF: Off
    DT Gain: 6
    ** IMPORTANT ** The DT Gain defaults to 50! This will overdrive the rigs modulator which will cause unwanted audio harmonics. Not good. Turn the DT Gain setting down to about 4, and start working your way back up, watching for ALC on the meter as well as the power out that you want. As you move the DT Gain setting back up (higher), you will see your power level increase as well as ALC levels. Find the happy medium of NO ALC showing on the meter. Excessive ALC indication is a sign that the audio drive is too high, and distortion is most likely happening.
    Chapters:
    00:02 Introduction
    00:41 The Winlink System Diagram
    03:51 Downloading and Installing Winlink Express
    04:59 Winlink Express initial settings
    05:29 Getting your Winlink Express (optional) Registration code
    06:26 Creating an eMail
    07:03 Picking the ARDOP TNC and other options
    07:57 FT-991A Menu Settings
    09:30 Picking your Mode - DATA-USB
    09:53 FT-991A Functions (F_M-List) Settings
    11:30 Verifying your Port Settings (Device Driver)
    13:26 Setting up Winlink Express and ARDOP TNC
    16:63 Demo - Sending eMails
    19:58 Demo - Receiving eMails
    20:33 Summary
    21:18 Invite to Write
    21:24 End Notes
    Thanks for Watching - Please remember to Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe
    73 de Tom, ND3N

Комментарии • 45

  • @michaeldavidheit
    @michaeldavidheit Год назад +1

    I've used Winlink in the distant past, I was using my Elecraft KX3 but now I'm setting up my Yaesu FT991A and your video is a great help sir. I'll send you a message as soon as I am set up. For now, i need to get my HF antenna finished, I have way to much coax left over need to trim off for good operation. I am also going to try a VHF link as well since we have it available up here in North Pole. Keep warm, and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 73 de AD7VV

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  Год назад

      That particular video shows winlink with ARDOP. After some additional experience, I now recommend connecting with VARA HF. I’ve put out a video on using it. I look forward to your message. 73 de Tom, ND3N

    • @michaeldavidheit
      @michaeldavidheit Год назад

      @@ND3N thank you Tom, I'll check out the Vara HF video sir. Mike

    • @michaeldavidheit
      @michaeldavidheit Год назад

      @@ND3N I’m in the process of trying to get the full version of VARA HF … I have the free (limited) version but their system payment node is down??? For now I’ll watch your video, I’ve printed out the commands for the FT991A you posted, and when I’ve completed the video I’ll try to get it set up once I get off work and access to my radio. Thank you Tom, we wish you and your family a wonderful thanksgiving weekend and pray that God will protect you, your family, and richly bless you all. 73 Mike AD7VV

  • @COUREURSdesBOIS88
    @COUREURSdesBOIS88 2 года назад +2

    I have a FT-991 on order. Thank you very much for this thorough tutorial!

    • @2wrdr
      @2wrdr 2 года назад

      Nice, I have I love it. The rx filters and IF shift control are excellent in dialing in frequencies when close to other traffic. I did have to send mine in for repair as the internal USB connection failed. Suggestion: add several snap on chokes to your USB cable tying computer to 991A to help protect that input from possible RF and surges. Mine is still under the 3 year warranty but it cost me $80 to ship and a month of waiting time. BTW, I highly recommend RT Systems software if you don't already have it.

    • @michaeldavidheit
      @michaeldavidheit Год назад

      You'll love this wonderful rig .... "shack in a box" is so true ...

  • @reedprior4255
    @reedprior4255 5 месяцев назад +1

    Really appreciate this video… I use an FT991a in my RV, and I am occasionally outside cell coverage. I’m excited to try this!

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  5 месяцев назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @VerticalMark
    @VerticalMark 2 года назад +3

    Hey Tom, loved the video since it's radio specific. After looking at your other vids list, I'm subscribing & have a number to watch! Unfortunately I wasn't able to get Ardop working yet. Although the virtual TNC was going through the motions, my radio is not transmitting, so that narrows it down a bit. Checked the ports & all settings again, baud/CAT rates match, etc. Probably something simple, but dang if I can't find it! BTW, I've had other winlink modes functional in the past, just haven't used it recently & was playing with VARA. Anyways, great job with the detail.
    Mark K4MTM
    Edit: Got it working! Had to make a few changes that goes against what you did, so I guess there's more than one way to get 'em working! Here's what I did;
    --- In Virtual TNC Optional Radio Settings, removed all settings
    --- In Winlink Session Radio Setup, filled in all sections
    Did a successful send & receive, AND the CAT channel controller worked as it should. Hope that helps others if there's a similar issue.

  • @benjaminabood7945
    @benjaminabood7945 2 года назад

    Great video. I have it all set up but keep trying all channels not busy and it keep getting a failure to connect after several transmitted cycles. Rechecked my setting and all are same as recommended. Guess I’ll keep trying 😢
    Edit: connected to several now after a awhile calling, so progress but disconnects after a minute with no data sent.
    Of course after last edit it worked. Lol only an hour to send an email but, but it worked so there’s that. Keep up great videos Tom!

    • @hobojon44
      @hobojon44 Год назад

      Is that 25$ one time or every year?

  • @neilgodfreybartley3143
    @neilgodfreybartley3143 Год назад +2

    😎👍🏾

  • @JeffSchmeichel-b4z
    @JeffSchmeichel-b4z Год назад +1

    Hello, I have it all setup and everything looks good except it doesn't key the radio. You can see it trying to send the packet till it retrys out, but the radio never keys at all.

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  Год назад

      With all the programs running, check your audio settings on your computer and make sure your TNC is connected to your codec, then check the audio settings on your TNC for the codecs. Also check your PTT settings on the rig

  • @Diver989EMT
    @Diver989EMT 3 месяца назад +1

    Hi Tom, After downloading the driver into my laptop, I am only finding one listing for Silicon Labs. The standard and enhanced drivers you show on your computer are not found on my device manager. Do I need to have the computer and radio connected to each other before I see enhanced and standard drivers show up in device manager?
    Thank you! Bill, KC3RMV

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  3 месяца назад

      As soon as you connect your computer to the 991A, you should see the drivers populate on your device manager.

  • @RickHolt-k7u
    @RickHolt-k7u 11 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you for all of the work you put into your videos! I have a question. How do you save you save the menu settings on the 991A? There is a lot of difference between best voice, and digital settings. One could spend quite a bit of time swapping between voice and and winlink transmissions. Thanks in advance!

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  11 месяцев назад +1

      When you’re using SSB voice modes, you’ll use the DSP menu items related to that mode. When you use the data modes (USB-D or Data-U, I forget the label) you use the data associated DSP menu settings. My 991A is currently being repurposed into a go-box for POTA activities.

  • @stefanpulver396
    @stefanpulver396 Год назад +1

    Hi Tom, having success with Ardop after playing a bit with the settings. Email sent to my next node in a 340km distance, but my reply hasn't received yet.Trying later to collect my reply. Great job with the radio specific videos. Also run my wsjt-x with HRD and grid tracker after your settings. Hopefully the menu settings didn't conflict too much with wsjt-x. Thank you very much.Vy 73 de DK2SP

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  Год назад

      Fantastic. You might want to try VARA HF instead of ARDOP. I have a video on the VARA HF setup and I can almost guarantee once you try it, you won’t go back

  • @user-yc5is1sq7m
    @user-yc5is1sq7m 8 месяцев назад +1

    (11:42) Can I ask what power supply your using?

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  8 месяцев назад +1

      For that video I was using an Astron Solid State 50 amp power supply. You can get away with a 30 amp one, though.

  • @caroleemoreno8086
    @caroleemoreno8086 5 месяцев назад +1

    I have no issue sending WinLink messages with rms but when I try to send Vara hf p2p no tones are generated. Are settings the same for both?

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  5 месяцев назад

      I’ve never tried p2p, though they should be the same.

  • @hillcountrysawdust351
    @hillcountrysawdust351 2 года назад +1

    This is a great video.
    Request: Due to my location VARA HF is required for me. I have been searching for ever(weeks & month) for setting up my 991A with nothing that is specific for VARA HF. The detail for this video leads me to believe you could provide the perfect missing video for 991A and VARA HF
    Greg K5KYR

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  2 года назад +2

      Greg, if you know VARA, the 991A settings should be the same. And a VARA follow up vid is already in the works.
      73 de Tom, ND3N

  • @AI5HV
    @AI5HV 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for another great video. AI5HV

  • @ericmuller7755
    @ericmuller7755 2 года назад +1

    I have the "991a" sending Vara P2P and Vara HF running fine with the internal sound card. There are certain configuration settings that were needed. Have you been able to get Packet Winlink running with the internal sound card?

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  2 года назад +2

      Not yet, but I will get to it..

    • @eammendola
      @eammendola 2 года назад

      @@ND3N I'm trying (probably too hard) to get Packet Winlink working on VHF with the FT-991A. I actually had it working several months ago, but something got changed and I haven't been able to pin it down yet. There's little clues all over the internet and RUclips, but nothing definitive. I'd love to see a comprehensive setup (andtroubleshooting) video for Packet Winlink VHF / FT-991A / internal sound card with a USB cord. In any case, thanks for the great videos!

  • @AI5HV
    @AI5HV 2 года назад +1

    Do you happen to have a video for the FT-991A with all of the settings needed for Winlink and VARA FM ?

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  2 года назад

      I have a video that does that, but away from my shack right now. Will send you the link Tuesday morning. 73 de Tom, N D3N

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  2 года назад +1

      Try this one.... ruclips.net/video/WPR5HD9cCxM/видео.html

    • @AI5HV
      @AI5HV 2 года назад

      @@ND3N Thank you. I will take a look but I believe that I have already watched it. I have used your very helpful videos for settings for the Yaesu FT-991A including settings for Winlink and VARA HF. I have heard that there are different settings for VARA FM and am wondering about those settings specifically.

  • @kleinbiker1
    @kleinbiker1 Год назад

    Are there local VHF nodes/frequencies to do winlink over that you’re aware of? I’m slowly diving into this and am local to you, also with a 991A

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  Год назад

      I tried to do a video about VARA FM and WinLink over VHF. Unfortunately, the closest station to me was 56 miles away and I couldn't hit it with my system. Go ahead and download the VARA FM program and start it, just like you do with VARA HF. Then use the Channel Selector to see what is in your area. 73 de Tom, ND3N

  • @lauriepalmeira7519
    @lauriepalmeira7519 2 года назад +1

    Another great video! This is next on my list to try. I wouldn't be able to get there without your help. My internet Elmer. :) Thank you. W1RCY

  • @86casimir
    @86casimir 2 года назад

    Merci Tom pour cette excellente démonstration. 73/F8MGW

  • @Andy2e0ree
    @Andy2e0ree 2 года назад +2

    Hi Tom great show very informative thanks de 2e0ree

    • @ND3N
      @ND3N  2 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it - 73