“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