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+++
title = 'Winlink on my iPhone with RadioMail'
summary = '''Finally there is an absolutely portable way
to operate Winlink.'''
date = '2023-10-08T21:08:38+02:00'
#lastmod = ''
categories = [ 'amateur-radio' ]
tags = [ 'winlink', 'radiomail', 'iOS' ]
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Have a look at the recent (as of today) announcement which already explains
all the new features: :link: <https://radiomail.app/news/radiomail-1.2/>
## Get the app and: Pricing :money_bag:
Find the [application in Apples AppStore](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/radiomail/id1613839993):
be aware that it might cost something. I paid 17.99€ in October 2023.
If you want to use Winlink Forms you have to subscribe to a yearly (9.99€)
or monthly (1.99€) plan to support the developer.
## Winlink Forms :memo:
Winlink forms work very well. There is also a way to import your self-made
forms---which also works very well on most forms. I got one form that I was
unable to import, but I haven't found the reason yet (it gets imported into
Winlink Express without problems though).
## Setup the application
Using your Winlink username (callsign) and your Winlink password (the same
that you would use for Winlink Express on a Windows Computer).
## A quick walkthrough via TELNET
Tap <kbd>Stations</kbd> in the top right corner and add the <kbd>WL2K</kbd>
station to your favorites (if it's not in there already).
Tap the envelope :envelope: in the bottom left corner and choose the
<kbd>WL2K</kbd> station from your favorites. Choose <kbd>Send & Receive</kbd>
and hit <kbd>Connect</kbd>.
That's it basically.
## Using the Mobilinkd TNC4 with the Icom ID-52
### Basic configuration of the TNC with Mobilinkd Config App
As with most equipment, you need to set the audio levels on the Mobilinkd TNC.
There is a [configuration app at the AppStore](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mobilinkd-config-app/id1449681533).
| TNC input settings| TNC output settings |
| :---------------: | :---------------: |
| ![input settings](tnc_audio-in.jpg) | ![output settings](tnc_audio-out.jpg) |
The actual battery state can be viewed in <kbd>Power Settings...</kbd>.
After you finished the confgiguration, disconnect the Config App from your TNC.
### The actual use of the TNC with RadioMail
Connect the Mobilinkd TNC with an appropriate cable to your transceiver. I'm using
my [Icom ID-52]({{< ref "/equipment/handhelds/icom-id52" >}}) for this because this is the radio if have usually with me---if any.
{{< alert "circle-info" >}}
Read through the [:open_book: User Manual](http://www.mobilinkd.com/downloads/) as it is
really helpful (yes I know, real men and specially tech geeks don't need
manuals---they just post stupid questions on mailing lists later...)
{{< /alert >}}
Once you are in the app, select your favorites from the full stations view by
tapping the top right button called <kbd>Stations</kbd>.
![Stations list](rm_stations.jpg)
Select the station and tap <kbd>Add to Favorites</kbd>.
![Station details view](rm_station-details.jpg)
Now, when you want to connect to a gateway, you can choose from your favorites
from within the <kbd>Connect</kbd> screen by hitting <kbd>Favorites</kbd>.
![Connect screen](rm_connect.jpg)
Then select the mode and your favorits get listed.
![Select favorite screen](rm_favs.jpg)
### Compose a message using forms
Compose a message while using forms by **tapping and holding** the
{{< icon "edit" >}} button on the bottom right corner.
![Compose menu](rm_compose.jpg)
{{< alert "circle-info" >}}
Don't forget: you need a subscription to use forms, as they require
more maintainance to keep always updated with the regular [Winlink Forms][1].
[1]: https://www.winlink.org/WinlinkExpressForms
{{< /alert >}}
## Using RadioMail with VARA-HF
This is also valid for VARA-FM (but I won't cover that, because I use the built-in packet
option from RadioMail).
You need another device (usually a Windows Laptop or Tablet) that can run VARA-HF.
Put your iPhone and the device that runs VARA-HF into the same network so they can talk
to each other.
Go to <kbd>Settings</kbd>, <kbd>VARA HF Modem</kbd> (in <kbd>DEVICES</kbd>) and enter
the IP Address of the host running VARA-HF. Example below:
![VARA HF Settings](rm_varahf.jpg)
RadioMail on your iPhone can now talk to the VARA HF Modem on your Surface tablet (for example).