Winlink Portable Station

The following describes a setup for a portable Winlink station, using two different radios, the Baofeng UV-5R and the Yaesu FT-818nd. Both radios are connected to a computer using a DigiRig as the audio interface.

Extended goal:

If your hardware supports it, we will have a machine that can be used as a "headless modem for Vara". This means that we could use it as a dedicated device for Vara FM/HF and use RadioMail as a Winlink client to connect to it.

RadioMail, Baofeng, digirig and a mini-pc working together as a Winlink portable station.

Topics:

1. Part list and Hardware tested
2. Operating system setup
3. Radios:
   1. Baofeng UV-5R
   2. Yaesu FT-818nd
4. RadioMail
5. Carrying your gear:
   1. Makeshift manpack for the Yaesu FT-818nd
   2. Hard case for the UV-5R
6. Power options

Learning resources

Here are a few links that can enhance your knowledge on using Winlink and operating portable.

YouTube Channels:

• WaveTalkers

• Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN

• The Tech Prepper

• KM4ACK

A few selected videos:

• Winlink Basic

• Winlink Basic playlist from WaveTalkers

• Winlink on iPhone & iPad with RadioMail - Setup and Use, email on the GO!

• Winlink Email P2P | Ham Radio for Preparedness

• Email over Ham Radio | Winlink Express Check-in Vara HF

• Winlink Email to Gmail | Ham Radio for Preparedness

• Digirig setup for VaraFM with HT

• My Initial Thoughts on Winlink Email for Grid Down Comms

Contributing

Want to help with this doc? Do you have a new radio or rig that would like to add here? Contributions are welcome, just do a PR against this repo.