4.9 KiB
+++ 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: 🔗 https://radiomail.app/news/radiomail-1.2/
Get the app and: Pricing :money_bag:
Find the application in Apples AppStore: 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 📝
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 Stations in the top right corner and add the WL2K station to your favorites (if it's not in there already).
Tap the envelope ✉️ in the bottom left corner and choose the WL2K station from your favorites. Choose Send & Receive and hit Connect.
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.
| TNC input settings | TNC output settings |
|---|---|
 |
 |
The actual battery state can be viewed in Power Settings....
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 📖 User Manual 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 Stations.
Select the station and tap Add to Favorites.
Now, when you want to connect to a gateway, you can choose from your favorites from within the Connect screen by hitting Favorites.
Then select the mode and your favorits get listed.
Compose a message using forms
Compose a message while using forms by tapping and holding the {{< icon "edit" >}} button on the bottom right corner.
{{< 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.
{{< /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 Settings, VARA HF Modem (in DEVICES) and enter the IP Address of the host running VARA-HF. Example below:
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.