NOTICE UP FRONT !!!!

Trying to set up a soundcard with WinLink and Airmail or PacLink is usually not a simple "plug & play" operation.  If you just want to have the capability to send e-mail via 2 meter radio, it might  be easier to buy a good TNC and use it.  I've been told by the experts that using soundcards for e-mail is NOT the best way to ensure reliable transmissions.

However, if you like to tinker with software and are not easily frustrated, go for it.  It can be done and at half or less cost than buying a TNC.  If and when you finally get things kludged together, you WILL feel good!  :>) 

This page describes the steps I followed to get my  SignaLink USB device up and running with Airmail.

Instead of using your internal PC soundcard, the SignaLink is a stand alone "soundcard in a box", connected to a USB port on your computer and your radio via the data or mic with a special cable from the  manufacturer, sold with the  device.  These sell for about $100, depending on the cable you need - be sure to select the correct one when you order the unit.  Last I heard, there was a long delivery wait for a Signalink USB; however, I bought mine in early 2008 and got it set up to work with my Kenwood D710 to transmit sounds like the Rain Report or the ARRL News fairly easily.  Getting it up and running is a bit tedious, since internal jumpers must be installed, the levels set and tested, but the directions are good and I didn't have any real problems.

However, I did have trouble finding out how to make it work with Airmail, and searched the Internet for about six months without success.  However, thanks to the  directions on Ralph Milnes (KC2RLM) website which I found recently, I can now successfully send/receive e-mail via W5SI-10.

Here are the directions I followed and the software I use to make it work.

Step 1.  Download a copy of AGWPE (Free or the Pro version - I got the  Pro version)

Step 2.  Carefully follow these setup instructions  to set up AGWPE.  (You will want a printed copy of these for reference)

However, Airmail won't work directly with AGWPE, you need other software to link them.

Step 3.  Read these directions next   (and print out a copy for reference)

Step 4.  Download a copy of AMPE16. 

Step 5.  Next, following the directions in Step 3 above, download and install a copy of

Lantronix CPR (Com Port Redirector)

Step 6.  Edit the Airmail.ini file as shown in the instructions in Step 3 above.  (Paragraph 7 in these instructions.)

If you did everything correctly, you should now be ready to contact W5SI-10 on 145.070 MHz via your 2 meter radio connected to your SignaLink USB connected to your PC. 

Step 7.  Dial in the frequency, then

              start AGWPE, then

              start AMPE, then

              start AirMail and

              draft a test message and 

              post it in Airmail, then

              start the AirMail Packet Client Module. 

              You should see a message that Packet has initialized. 

              Click on the  green button

You should now be in contact with the digi-peater and able to send and receive e-mail.

Step 8.  Brag to all your ham friends that you got your soundcard working for Winlink and Airmail! 

UPDATE:  I have been using my Signalink USB on VHF for over a month now and am very happy with the  results.  Seldom do I need to adjust anything, I just make sure I have followed the items in Step 7 above and all works fine.

I was so pleased that I ordered a second Signalink USB and cable, this one for my Kenwood TS-2000 to try some digital HF modes.  After following the instructions regarding jumper settings in the SLUSB and making a few menu adjustments to my TS2K, all worked fine and I've been having a lot of fun working PSK31 on the 20 and 40 meter bands.  Making a contact in Japan or the Canary Islands with less than 15 watts of power IS a kick!

73,

Chuck

KE5RAD

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