winlink question

[KD9BKU1]

Has anyone experienced this issue? I am new to using winlink, I am using my laptop , a Baofeng with a Digirig and connecting to a local packet station.
It says I am connected and it looks like the radios are sending and receiving a signal back and forth to each other. The issue is it never sends me any email or picks up what is in my outbox to send. I cant figure out the issue. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Mike KD9BKU

 

[AK9R]

Does the RMS node actually disconnect with you or does it just sit there?

What are you using for an antenna?

Is the frequency busy? Packet radio over 2m FM experiences a phenomenon known as the "hidden transmitter". The receiving station receives your station kinda OK. But, then it hears a stronger station. Because of the FM capture effect, the receiving station will pay more attention to the stronger station than your weaker station.

One other thing...Which RMS node are you trying to connect to? The one in Noblesville on 145.090 MHz? I've heard some rumors that they may be having some issues with that station. You might try attending the club's next meeting and asking about their RMS node. Central Indiana Amateur Radio Association

 

[KD9BKU1]

Yes I'm using the Noblesville 145.090. It says "You're now connected to the Hamilton County packet station" for a couple minutes and then disconnects. They just put the Noblesville node back in service last week so I was trying it out. I've tried 2 antennas, a regular stock antenna and I've hooked it up to my base station antenna in the attic. I'm just a couple miles from its location so it shouldn't be an issue.
Appreciate your quick response, ill keep trying and see what happens.

 

[AK9R]

You are probably going to have to ask them. I'm too far away to try to connect myself.

 

[dickie757]

Did you get this worked out? It sounds like you are trying to connect to a regular packet node, not an igate. Packet nodes are usually standalone BBSs, a chat terminal, maybe a messaging store and forward service. iGates are configured to connect your Winlink packet setup to the internet, for purposes of retrieving Winlink messages through your Winlink application. If the sys admin of the packet node has it set up, one can use a regular packet terminal to retrieve winlink messages, without Winlink. But, your Winlink setup will not connect to internet through a packet node. It will connect to the node in the exact scenario you explained in the first post.....connect cleanly, then disconnect cleanly.

Try to set up a regular packet terminal. You have done all of the hard stuff already: connecting the radio to the computer to get it to transmit. I like to use easyTerm from the maker of soundmodem. If you can load that up, you will find a new enjoyable way to use your amateur license.

Regards, Dickie

 

[KD9BKU1]

I did finally get it working and now I can connect to Winlink and send / receive email! There were a few issues going on but ultimately my breakthrough came when I switched radios. I was using a Baofeng UV5R and I switched to my Yaesu VX 6. I also know they did some work to our local digipeater so that had to happen too. I still can't connect with the Baofeng, but I'll start that project again sometime, as long as I have a way to connect, I'm happy!
Thanks Dickie and AK9R for your assistance!
Mike KD9BKU

 

[nd5y]

I still can't connect with the Baofeng

Assuming there are no audio level problems it's probably because of the excessive transmit-to-receive turnaround time that Baofengs have. You could be missing acknowledegment packets. If you are using VOX that can make it even worse.

 

[R8000]

There were a few issues going on but ultimately my breakthrough came when I switched radios. I was using a Baofeng UV5R and I switched to my Yaesu VX 6.

Sadly Mike, you found out the hard way how the cheap china radios show their true colors. About all they are good for is to chit chat on a local repeater or simplex.
While some cheap china radios (CCR) have improved over the years, they usually fail miserably when used for data (packet, APRS..etc) or dedicated use like links and repeater hardware.
The money you save up front with a CCR is wasted when you find out it doesn't work well and you have to buy a quality name brand radio.
Thankfully, you put some effort into figuring out the problem. Many don't even do that. I am glad you found the solution

 

[KD9BKU1]

It took me so long to get this figured out so I made a you tube video that shows the settings for a Yaesu HT. Mine is a VX-6, I assume others are similar, anyway it's not a quality video, just a reference in case it can help someone in the future. It can be found under Mike KD9BKU on you tube.