Digital modes & Winlink
Digital modes — Winlink for email-over-radio, VARA HF/FM for high-speed HF and VHF data, APRS for position reporting, and packet for message handling — are how DeKalb ARES moves structured information when voice isn't enough and the internet is stressed. This page is the curated set of tools and tutorials we actually use.
Our AEC for Digital Communications is Greg Mann, WC4Y. Email wc4y.greg@gmail.com for setup help.
APRS
APRS — the Automatic Packet Reporting System — is the go-to for position reporting and short-message traffic during public-service events and drills. DeKalb ARES ran county-wide APRS drills in March and April 2026 that led to a permanent local deployment.
W4BOC-1 — DeKalb ARES digipeater and iGate on the Stone Mountain summit, online since April 2026. Operating on the national APRS frequency 144.390 MHz, with a coverage radius of approximately 106 miles per APRS.FI.
→ APRS introduction (video, KK4ODA)
Winlink
Winlink moves email over radio — useful in an activation when commercial internet is down. DeKalb ARES runs two gateway stations under callsign WD5EMA-10; full station details live on the Nets page. Members are encouraged to check in to the Sunday practice net via Winlink — just address your check-in email to WD5EMA@winlink.org.
Installing Winlink Express
A local setup guide exists from a 2017 DeKalb ARES meeting — slightly dated on the UI, but the fundamentals are unchanged:
→ Install Winlink Express (PDF, 2017)
Check-in template
When checking in to the net via Winlink, use the standard Winlink check-in template so we collect consistent information. In RMS Express: Select Template → Template Manager → Standard Templates → General Forms → Winlink check-in.txt.
Video tutorials
Walkthroughs by Facundo Fernandez, KK4ODA.
VARA HF, VARA FM, and VarAC
VARA is the high-speed modem behind most modern amateur digital messaging. VarAC is a chat client that runs over VARA HF or VARA FM. DeKalb ARES has invested heavily in VARA infrastructure — our Stone Mountain VARA FM gateway on 145.530 MHz is the newest addition.
Basic install for Winlink or VarAC operation on HF
How to install VarAC for HF
Advanced — watch the basic VarAC install first
Setting up VARA FM as a digipeater
Classic packet digipeater setup
Regional VARA HF gateways
Frequencies of nearby Winlink VARA HF gateways used by DeKalb ARES members (verify current operation before relying on these in an activation):
- 14.110 MHz center · N5TW
- 7.1035 MHz center · KJ4YLO
- 145.530 MHz · W4KIB (local VARA FM RMS, co-channel with our Stone Mountain station)
DigiPi
DigiPi is a Raspberry Pi-based digital toolkit that bundles Winlink, APRS, and packet in a small footprint — ideal for a go-kit. DeKalb ARES received an internal presentation from Pat DeLoe (N4MPC) and Facundo Fernandez (KK4ODA) on setup.
Digirig
Digirig is a compact sound-card interface that pairs well with HTs and mobile radios for digital operation.
Winlink on mobile
For members who want Winlink without hauling a laptop — two solid mobile clients:
External training resources
Curated references from Winlink, other ARES groups, and Ham Radio University — ranging from introductions to deep-dive technical material.
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→ Winlink Book of Knowledge
The official Winlink documentation hub
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→ EmComm Training — Tutorials
Step-by-step tutorials on message forms and ICS integration
- → PCACS · Winlink training (2021 PDF)
- → Winlink 2000 FAQ (PDF)
- → Ham Radio University · Winlink for EmComm (2023 PDF)
- → Phil Sherrod · The Winlink System (PDF)
- → Sarasota ARES · Winlink Introduction (PDF)
- → TLARC · Winlink (2025 PDF)
- → RMHAM · Why use Winlink, and the very basics (2022 PDF)
Credits: much of the hands-on tutorial content on this page was produced by Facundo Fernandez (KK4ODA) and Pat DeLoe (N4MPC) for DeKalb ARES members.