Sound Modem

For Packet radio, a sound card modem can be used instead of a Terminal Node Controller (TNC).

Typically, a TNC is connected to a computer using a Communication Port (com port). In order to have a sound card (such as Signalink, RigBlaster, etc) work with packet, a software package will need to be installed that will act as an emulator. This will allow the sound card to "emulate" a com port. Two of the most popular programs are Direwolf and SoundModem.

For SoundModem, there is a great write-up on the Winlink.org website (https://www.winlink.org/sites/default/files/RMSE_FORMS/quick_setup_guide_for_winlink_with_signalink_on_windows_2018-08.pdf)

Direwolf is another software modem. This has the advantage of being used on multiple platforms such as Windows, Linux, or MacOS. Another great write-up can be found here (https://www.cvadn.net/how-to-winlink-radio-email/)

One of the wonderful things about Winlink Wednesday is the fact that you can test out various station configurations. If you can get your station up and running on one software, try it with another.