oe7drt-website/content/posts/2023-10-09-winlink-on-my-iphone-with-radiomail/index.md

+++
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).

## Would I recommend using RadioMail instead of Winlink Express?

No. The app is nice and it is really fun to use, it feels well-built but I do get
strange behaviour sometimes which prevents me from sending or receiving mails at all.

I haven't found a solution for this yet nor do I really know what is causing this
behaviour but I will rather use the "real" Winlink Express on a tablet rather to
investigate into random errors of a paid app. I wouldn't buy it again to be fair.