The days of struggling with Winlink2000 are over! Winlink2000's server setup is complex and expensive, requiring both the server and client to use a dedicated PACTOR TNC to function, which severely limits the development of Winlink2000. (Later, I discovered that vara modems could be used, but I believe that vara modems are strictly for amateur radio use.)
However, PSKMail doesn't have these issues. It supports using a computer sound card as a TNC, the server setup is simple and lightweight; it even has a client app for Android systems, making it convenient for mobile work.
PSKMail Homepage http://www.pskmail.org/
To use email, you need a PSKMail server node on the frequency. Currently, there is none in China. Setting up the server is simple; all you need are a Raspberry Pi (if your computer can run 24 hours a day, you can also use it directly) and a shortwave transceiver (which can be a single-band). The two clients can chat with each other. First, install Fldigi, which will act as the TNC. Configure the audio settings of Fldigi and the radio parameters, then open Fldigi, and then open PSKMail. You don't need to connect the two software separately. Setting up PSKMail is also very simple; it uses common English words that hams use. For more detailed information, you can refer to the PSKMail website, the official Wiki, and the book "HF/VHF Data Communication Handbook".
I hope there will be a localized version of PSKMail software...
(The following is a re-publication of a machine translation)
How much bandwidth does a mobile HAM radio truly need?
Like most things, there are several possible answers. The best one might be "it depends on your lifestyle." If you're used to broadband internet and don't want to give it up while traveling, then satellite internet is a good option for you. However, you will have to bear the cost of this luxury. On the other hand, if you're just relaxing and don't need immediate information, you can try using PSKmail for simple communication. PSKmail provides you with a 500 Hz wide internet channel, which is enough to receive important emails, weather forecasts, and daily updates on solar flares. As a nomadic people, we live on boats in the summer and in camping cars in the winter. I mostly use a 200 Hz frequency and a half-hour server call. How many emails do you need per day to keep up with the times?
Of course, if you understand what I mean, we will combine our daily PSKmail and weekly webmail sessions to obtain the "image." Go ahead and buy something other than ham.
However, I can upload software patches to the internet every day, even though I live on a beach in the Mediterranean, where there are no ADSL outlets.
What is PSKMail?
PSKmail is a method used by amateur radio enthusiasts to communicate using shortwave radio.(HF)A narrowband ARQ system for communication use. It does not require a special controller; you only need a computer with sound card.
The PSKmail server uses the fldigi program as a modem, and supports PSK, MFSK, and THOR modes, including a new robust PSK mode that incorporates soft Viterbi decoding and interleaving to improve immunity to QRM and QRN. The client is written in Java and includes the modem built-in. Operators can select multiple modes and speeds when establishing a connection to match channel conditions.
The system employs an asymmetric adaptive mode control, effectively utilizing channel capacity. When the channel quality changes during a connection session, the system adjusts its speed to adapt to the new environment.
PSKmail has a client/server architecture. Unlike packet radio, the PSKmail protocol only allows one client to connect at a time. Use maximum speed.(PSK500)Its bandwidth (at 3 dB) is up to 500 Hz, providing approximately 2600 characters per minute of net throughput, including ARQ overhead.
The PSKmail client runs on Windows, Linux, and OS X across multiple platforms. The server is written in Perl.
The application includes an email (port 24) that allows downloading/uploading local emails and messages from the internet, downloading information from the web (only ASCII text), updating position via APRS (port 26), and a chat mode (between clients).
Pskmail is reserved for emergency communication. Even if the local internet connection is lost, remote connections over HF can ensure a connection to the internet. Setting up a dedicated server is unnecessary.
For this specific use case, pskmail includes a port where you can connect to APRS mapping applications (e.g., xastir, UIview).
Pskmail also works with Sylpheed and other Linux email clients. You can use your familiar mail integration system (any mbox-compatible system).
Pskmail Development Plan
The primary frequency in Europe is 10148.0 kHz (10147.0 for dialing, USB). The default listening mode within the EU is PSK500R.
The Pskmail project was initiated by PA0R in 2005, followed by SM0RWO and IS0GRB.
Prior to the end of 2008, this client only supported Linux. The Java client was introduced from early 2009 and has since replaced the Perl client, making pskmail compatible with all common operating systems. VK2ETA joined the team in 2009 and made valuable contributions to the robust psk mode of fldigi. John also completed the conversion of modern code from C++ to Java. The primary focus of the main client was on transferring email and web information in connection mode.
This software is free and open-source, licensed under the GPL.
This WIKI contains information on how to install and operate common pskmail systems.
The HAMs can use these services for free, but you should buy a few cases of beer for PA0R when appropriate.
(The following is a machine-translated excerpt from the PSKMail Wiki)
Welcome to the PSKmail wiki, a global community for communication.
PSKmail is a communication software used and developed by radio enthusiasts.
Users of PSKmail create a flexible, independent, and decentralized global network using HF radio.
PSKmail also provides remote gateways for internet services such as email or Twitter.
PSKmail is a versatile radio communication tool:
On-site: PSKmail is suitable for campers, sailors, hikers, cyclists… It's ideal for hobbies and communication needs.
Thanks to the server's adaptive logic, you won't need a large amount of transmit power. A moderate antenna may be useful as a reference; please see here.
For emergency communication: PSKmail has been tested in a real-world setting, and you can practice using it daily.
Or simply for fun: Experience the magic of amateur radio in your own cozy space.
Versatile: File upload and download, email service, loading text pages from the internet (e.g., weather forecasts), sending short, quick emails via APRS, sending tweets to Twitter. It can also be used to send status updates to Facebook…
Stay on the map: PSKmail provides APRS location and message sending/receiving, as well as an iGate for transferring APRS data to the internet. PSKmail can be used with mapping software such as xastir to meet local or global needs.
Adaptive: PSKmail provides the possibility of automatic message transmission under harsh communication conditions. If needed, it can utilize the most powerful available mode and use ARQ for strong error correction.
Flexible network architecture: Clients can also chat with each other using keyboard-to-keyboard communication. The APRS iGate is also suitable for clients. Decentralized: Works completely without the internet. Multi-platform: Java-based client. Also offers a free Android client.
Open-source software, volunteer-run servers: A free and open network.
(However, you should purchase beer from PA0R when appropriate.)
Main client: V1 and V2 are based on Java and are independent of the operating system. V1 can also run on ARM, similar to a Raspberry Pi.
Portable Client: AndPSKmail is designed for Android devices. It also supports Bluetooth audio.
Server software: The PSKmail server acts as a secure gateway between the PSKmail network and the Internet. The server is designed for Linux, but can also be used with Windows.
Both the PskMail client and server can run smoothly on a Raspberry Pi. Here, the remote desktop connection to the Raspberry Pi is made from an Android tablet, while the Pi itself is installed inside the FT-897 radio.
Popular Java clients: V1 and V2:
The client software does not require any special hardware; it uses the computer's sound card.
The Ham radio client is a versatile tool for ham radio operators. Using the PSKmail client, you can send and receive emails or get weather forecasts while on the water or in the desert – but you need to have some knowledge of HF radio.
The client can send location beacons to the APRS service, and your location will then be visible on the internet from anywhere. The client also receives location information from other PSKmail users via HF. If you use a mapping software like Xastir, you can see their locations on the map. This does not require an internet connection.
Version 1 uses Fldigi as a transceiver. A good place to find detailed information is in the manual:
Version 2 includes its own modem.
Manual V2.1, PSKmail software is free and open source. The client software (and server) can also be downloaded as a puppy live-CD version for quick use.
AndPskmail is a client software for Android devices. It can use the device's built-in GPS to generate APRS location beacons. Other features are very similar to those found in popular clients.
A good place to find detailed information is in the manual:
AndPskmail manual (pdf)
AndPskmail Page
Server software
The Pskmail server acts as a gateway between the Pskmail network and the Internet. Its most important internet services include: email, web browsing (text-only), APRS service (messages, short emails, location data) and Twitter.
This server can be connected to a local email server as a backup in case of internet outages during emergencies. It has a downloadable information file repository that can be regularly updated.
The PSKmail server can also be used to broadcast announcements when necessary.
The server software is only compatible with Linux, but there are some ways to easily run it on Windows computers... one of them is using Puppy-live-cd, which also includes the server.
PSK Email Philosophy
- The PSKmail network does not have a single critical point: PSKmail uses a distributed client/server gateway concept.
- No information is stored on a central server.
- The smallest working system consists of 1 server and 1 client. (The clients can also communicate with each other.)
- Only for open-source software: can be modified for specific purposes.
- Use existing hardware
- Multi-platform: Compatible with Linux, Android, OSx, Windows (XP, W7)
- PSKmail is a community effort. The main developers include: Rein PA0R, Per SM0RWO, John VK2ETA, Klaus DL4OAH, and many system administrators and testers from around the world...