Winlink Express

Make sure you have the latest version of Winlink Express. You can find the latest version from the Downloads section on the Winlink website (https://downloads.winlink.org/User%20Programs/). You will also want to make sure you have the latest version of the forms available. By default, when you open Winlink Express, it should check the latest version of the forms and a dialog box will ask if you would like to update the forms. If, by chance, your version of the forms does not update, you can find the forms for download from the link above, and the instructions on installing them are in the Read Me text file.

To use the template, you will need to open a new message. On the menu bar at the top, click on "Select Template". This will bring up the menu for the Template Manager.

• Expand the Standard Templates. The version of the templates is in parenthesis.

• Expand GENERAL Forms

• Double click on "Winlink Check In.txt". This will open the template.

Templates are HTML forms, so the template opens in your default web browser.

Date / Time - This should default to your system date time.

Select Status - Since you are checking into the net, select "Net"

Band - Please select the band you are using to make your connection. If you are using AREDN or Telnet, select "-N/A-" for the band.

Mode - Select the type of session you will use to send the check-in.

Send To - This will be the call sign you are sending the message to. Check-ins go to KF5VO

Calls Signs of Initial On-Site Operator (s) - This will be your call sign. In most cases, this will be the same as the "Sender" field, but not always. If you are sending from a club call, then the "Sender" would be the club call sign, and the "Call Signs of Initial Operator" would be your call sign.

Sender - Should be the call sign account the message is coming from.

Location - If you are sending the message from home, then put the City, State/Province of where your home is. If you are somewhere else, such as an EOC, then put the name of the EOC (such as Denton County EOC). Also, put the call sign and SSID of the gateway node you are attempting to connect through, if you are not using telnet.

Latitude and Longitude - Totally optional. If you have a GPS device connected to your computer, it will auto-fill this column.

MGRS - Again, totally optional. If you have a GPS device connected to your computer, it will auto-fill this column.

Grid - The maidenhead grid square box is read-only. It is calculated based upon what is entered in the GPS Coordinates box.

Comments - Each week the comments will be different. This is to keep a little more interest going on with the net and to help keep it from being a little mundane. Each Tuesday a reminder will be sent with the question of the week. The comment will be based upon that question.

When you are done filling out the form, click the "Submit" button. When this happens, the data entered into the form will be posted into the message window for Winlink Express. An XML file is generated with the data from the form and is added as an attachment. Finally, send the message.