Winlink Forms (Templates)

“How to Send a Form Using Winlink”

Many of the ARES served agencies, EOCs, Red Cross, FEMA etc. require the use of forms such as the ICS-213, General Message form. The Red Cross’ version in called ARC-213 which is the form I will demonstrate here. With the form templates constantly changing what you see may be slightly different from what is described below. This is a general guideline and should be applicable to most templates.

Notes:

• Only the data is sent in a Winlink form to save bandwidth.

• It is sent in an attached XML file.

• The information is also repeated in the Message Body in a readable format.

• Both the sending and receiving stations must have the same version of the form.

• ‘Template’ describes the format or template for a form, where ‘Form’ refers to a template when it is in use. The two are used interchangeably.

Reading and replying instructions are below.

To Send an ARC-213

This applies to any form. The ARC-213 is demonstrated because it is a two-way form that allows the receiving station to create a reply.

• Open a New Message in Winlink [“Message” -> “New Message...”].

• Click “Select Template” in the menu.

• Expand the “Standard Templates (version <x.x.xxx.x>)” by clicking on the “+” sign to its left.

• Expand “ARC Forms” by clicking on the “+” sign to its left.

  • Here is where you can pick other agency’s forms, the following applies to any Winlink form.

• Double-click on “ARC 213 Message.txt”.

• The form will open in your default browser.

• From the top down (this may change as forms are updated constantly and it is impossible to keep up).

  • If you have saved “ARC 213 Initial Data” at the bottom of the screen, you can load it with the ‘Load ARC INITIAL Data’ button.

    • Saved Initial Data ends up in your download folder. Look there if you haven’t moved it.

  • “Form Instructions” has a lot of good information.

  • Fill in as many fields as you can. Create your message.

  • You can Save the ARC Initial Data if you wish so you do not need to re-enter. This is handy if you are handling a lot of 213 messages.

    • Saving the Initial Data will download a text (.txt) file into your download folder.

  • When the form is complete click “Submit”.

• A message window will open asking you to OK the form. Click OK.

• You can close the browser now.

• The Winlink message you started the form from will now contain the information you entered. DO NOT EDIT THIS MESSAGE.

• The “Subject:” and “Attach:” fields are all filled in.

• Address the form in the “To:” and “Cc:” fields and click on “Post to Outbox”.

• Send by any Session mode (e.g., “VARA FM Winlink”) you wish.

Replying to an ARC-213 form

This applies to opening / reading any form you receive in your Winlink Inbox. The ARC-213 is demonstrated because it allows you to reply to the form.

• An incoming ARC-213, or other agency’s 213 form, will show up in your Inbox with the attachment paperclip in a yellow box to the left of the email in your Inbox.

• To read the form click on the attachment paperclip. The form will open in a browser window.

  • This is a read only version but is suitable for reading or printing.

• To reply to a 213 form:

  • Open the email in Winlink by double clicking on it in your Inbox.

  • Click on “Reply” or “Reply All”, whichever is appropriate, in the email read window you just opened.

  • This will open an editable form in a browser window.

  • If you have saved Reply Data you can load by by clicking on the Load ARC 213 REPLY data button.

    • See the instructions on the Saved Send Data above.

  • Write your reply into the box under Reply:

  • Enter your “Name” and “Position / Title”.

  • Date / Time will auto fill if you click in it or enter as needed.

  • You can save this reply if you are using it for multiple replies. See the explanation above.

  • Click Submit.

  • Read the instructions and click OK. The browser window will go blank. You can close the browser window.

• The Reply message will now be open on your desktop.

  • You can edit the To: and Cc: fields it necessary.

  • Do not edit the body of the message.

• Post the reply to your Outbox.

• Send by any Session mode.

– N4SER.org (Sarasota [FL] Emergency Radio Club), May 13th, 2020