How to sign up for a Winlink RADIO e-mail account

Winlink 2000 is a RADIO e-mail service for licensed radio operators, and is NOT an internet "common carrier", to use legal terminology. To create a radio e-mail account you must use radio e-mail client software and make a connection using RADIO, or a connection directly to one of our CMS servers with correctly configured client software. This process is not supposed to be "internet easy", and is intended to both validate on-air radio stations and to prevent abuse by non-licensed users.

Webmail is a limited convenience for established Winlink users when they are separated from their stations. Online webmail access becomes available to users only after they have established a radio e-mail account. Accounts with webmail-only or server access are not available. This is by design.

There are a number of ways to get started using Winlink 2000 radio e-mail. If you are without a local teacher or mentor, we suggest you follow this general approach:

• First, you need an amateur radio license to use this system. See the amateur radio licensing authority in your country for information. If you live in the USA, go to this site: http://www.hello-radio.com
• Next, create an account on this web site to to download software, tutorial files, and additional help. Click Site Login and then Create new account. This registration does NOT create a radio email account.
• If you are a sailor, cruiser or RV'er and only interested in HF radio email, you may want to purchase this excellent how-to book.
• If you are interested in Emergency Communications using Winlink, and particularly packet radio, check out "Winlink for the Digitally Challenged". This online course will take you step-by-step through downloading and installing client software, establishing your WL2K e-mail account, and using the software to send and receive messages using the internet and without a radio. When you feel comfortable with the software, you can move ahead with connecting your radio and TNC/modem, and going on the air.
• Otherwise, all that is necessary to establish a WL2K email account is to load Airmail or Paclink user software, configure it properly, and to send a message by connecting to a WL2K RMS radio gateway or CMS telnet port. Afterwards, you will be able to receive radio e-mails at your new address [yourcall@winlink.org]. Proper configuration of the software and your radio station is absolutely necessary! To prevent frustration, we strongly suggest you join the previously mentioned group, or buy the book. Give your learning curve a chance!
• If you are a MARS operator, go to the "Documentation" item in your MARS menu (left column after logging in). Download all the documentation files, read them. They provide special instructions for setting up a MARS WL2K station.

To get help before or after you sign up:

• Join an e-mail discussion group for the best support. The best ones are listed on our support page. There are hundreds (or thousands) of users on these groups willing to help you at every step. Search the group for an answer to your question. Look up topics. Download documents and useful utilities from their files areas.
• Browse through the Winlink 2000 FAQ. Many questions have been asked and answered before!
• Browse the "How-to" and "Training Aids" Documents in the downloads area.
• Use the search tool (upper right of every page). Simply enter key words and click 'Search'.