Winlink

Winlink opens after launching Start Modems->Vara from 73Linux
Winlink is also launched from the terminal with the command
pat
Easy way to setup is to install 73Linux
Winlink is a global radio email system that uses radio frequencies to send and receive messages. It is commonly used by amateur radio operators, emergency responders, and maritime users to communicate when traditional internet access is unavailable.
Verify
When you get your Winlink acct and post a GPS location using your toughbook, you can test with your browser by going to https://aprs.fi APRS and entering your callsign.

Cron
To configure automated tasks or connections in the Pat Winlink client on Linux, you do not use the standard system Linux crontab. Instead, you must use Pat's built-in, cron-like automated scheduling system embedded directly into its config.json file.When Pat runs as a background service (e.g., via systemctl), it reads this internal scheduler to execute commands like checking mail or changing radio frequencies automatically.
Step 1: Open the Pat Configuration File
Open your terminal and use the native command line to access the configuration editor:
pat configure
Step 2
Scroll down through the JSON object until you locate the "schedule": {} configuration property.Replace the empty braces {} with your desired cron schedules and Pat commands using standard cron syntax (Minute, Hour, Day of Month, Month, Day of Week):
"schedule": {
"*/15 * * * *": "connect telnet",
"00 10 * * *": "freq ardop:7350.000",
"00 22 * * *": "freq ardop:3602.000"
},

Valid Internal Pat Commands for Scheduling:
Note: Because this is a JSON format, ensure all entries have trailing commas except for the final line in the schedule block, or Pat will crash with a syntax error upon startup.
Step 3: Run Pat as a Continuous Daemon
For the internal schedule to execute automatically, Pat must stay running in the background. Enable and start the user-level systemd service:
sudo systemctl enable pat@$USER
sudo systemctl start pat@$USER

To configure a template service to run at startup for a specific user on Linux Mint 22.3, do not use sudo if it is a user-level service.
sudo systemctl enable --now pat@$(whoami).service
At home ref(Requires Internet)
KM4ACK
KM4ACK - Winlink Express
Pat download
Pat\Winlink Ref

Direwolf

Verify Direwolf is installed
  • Open Terminal (Ctrl-Alt-T)
  • which direwolf
  • direwolf --version
  • As of May 2026 - version 1.8
Get Sound Card
  • Make sure your radio is connected
  • Open Terminal (Ctrl-Alt-T)
  • arecord -l
  • For Toughbook CF-31:
Verify Config
  • locate direwolf.conf
  • /home/<user>/direwolf.com
  • nano /home/drogon/direwolf.conf
  • ADEVICE plughw:3,0
  • MCALL KO6LVT <- your callsign
  • MODEM 1200
  • If using flrig
    PTT RIG 2 localhost:4532
Verify Direwolf runs OK
  • Open Terminal (Ctrl-Alt-T)
  • direwolf -p
  • Start flrig if error
  • rigctl -m 4
  • rigctld will just "sit there" while the test is running
APRS
Passcode generator  |  

ax25

flrig

Ctrl-Alt-T to open terminal
arecord -l
ls /dev/snd/by-id

Settings
USB audio codec (In settings)

Vara

Settings
USB audio codec (In settings)

Pat

Ardop

Winlink ARDOP configuration involves setting up the ARDOP Virtual TNC for audio and the Radio Setup for CAT control and PTT. The process differs slightly depending on whether you use Winlink Express (Windows) or Pat(Linux/Windows), but the core components remain consistent

(tr)uSDX

Setup
Getting started with Winlink on a (tr)uSDX transceiver requires setting up Winlink Express, configurAudio Levels: Adjust your computer's playback and recording sliders carefully; overdriving the (tr)uSDX audio input will distort the signal and cause splatter. ing a sound card or virtual audio path, and matching your CAT control settings to emulate a Kenwood rig.

Mode: USB
Semi QSK:Off
Set to 14.078.00

Winlink

Config

  • /home/${user}/.config/pat
Fill in your details:
Update at least these four lines with your Winlink credentials and grid square
  "mycall": "YOUR_CALLSIGN",
  "secure_login_password": "YOUR_WINLINK_PASSWORD",
  "locator": "YOUR_6_DIGIT_GRID_SQUARE",
  "http_addr": "127.0.0.1:8080"

2 Meters

Prominent 2-Meter Gateways Near DM14if
Winlink VHF operations typically utilize packet radio modes (1200 or 9600 baud) on standard amateur VHF frequencies.
Common VHF frequencies for Winlink gateways in California and surrounding regions include:
            144.93 MHz
            145.01 MHz
            145.03 MHz
            145.05 MHz
            145.07 MHz
            145.09 MHz
            145.53 MHz

Setting up Pat Winlink on 2-meter VHF using a Baofeng handheld radio requires a software TNC like Direwolf, an audio/PTT interface cable (such as a Digirig or SignaLink), and proper adjustment of your radio's audio levels.

Chirp
To program a Winlink 2M (VHF) gateway channel using CHIRP, you must configure the radio for simplex operation on the specific ARDOP or VARA FM frequencies used by local Winlink stations.
According to budget setup guides, you should program at least two gateway channels into your radio to ensure connectivity if one station is unavailable.
Config steps

For precise frequency and tone requirements, consult the local Winlink gateway channel list or use software like Pat Winlink to find active stations, as frequencies can vary by region.

Key Path Topography from DM14if

Software Configuration Steps
Tuning and Operation Tips
KM4ACK - Jason |