Our first Winlink form test was a success.  Thank you to everyone that participated.

Highlights:

• Randy, KD0NSP, reported that he was headed for the State Line.  Might be legal trouble.  Hope to see him again soon. - ICS214A Received
• Chip, N0WKR, reported going to church before heading to the Montrose Tailgate Party.  Assuming he asked for forgiveness before he bought a bunch of new toys.  Good Job. - ICS214A Received
• Henry, KB0SNI, reported that he flew to California for Dinner!  I think I need a better job..... - ICS214A received
• Craig, KF0GDD, reported a nice list of accomplishments: walking dogs, yard work, workout time, regular work and more.  I'm going to have to up my daily productivity to keep up! - ICS214A received.

I know some people are working on their setup for HF, which is good.  However, participating using Telnet, via the Internet, is just as good.  Getting practice on using the Winlink software and becoming familiar with the ICS forms is a major part of the whole process.

While I am planning on doing the bi-weekly practice sessions, you will find we sending short messages on other related topics that don't necessary require a reply.  FYI

John Fuller - WJ0NF
ARES - Region 9 District 4 - AEC - Technology

Purpose:

• Verify that your Winlink setup is still working properly
• Keep your software up-to-date
• Help you get familiarized with how Winlink functions
• Gives you exposure to the built-in Winlink forms
  • What forms area available
  • What the forms are used for
  • How to fill out each form
• Keeps the software, menus and procedures fresh in your mind
• Keeps your skills up for when they are really needed

For the time being, I will try to spearhead this subgroup and send out Winlink messages not only on a scheduled time frame but also randomly as new topics or ideas pop up.

Here is how it works.

• If you want to participate, please send your Name, Call Sign and your personal email address to me (see below), asking to be added to Winlink Notifications.  Not your Winlink email address.  I will use that personal email address, in the beginning, to notify you when I am sending out Winlink messages.  Once we have a routine established, I will only send emails to that address when there are changes to our plans or special events.
• On the 1st and 3rd Friday/Saturday of the month, I will send out a Winlink email to all participates with instructions on what to reply with.  I request that all responses be made by 2000 hours MST the following Monday.  This will give you all weekend and Monday, 48 - 72 hours, to reply.
• The email will be asking for specific information, either as an email response or as an email with a specific Form attached.
• Each time Winlink is used, I plan to make a post here of all the Call Signs that responded.  That way you know your message was received.
• You can respond via a Winlink Telnet Session or an HF Session.  I would suggest that you switch between HF and Telnet so that you are familiar with both processes.

If you run into any issues, please post your questions in this Forum or bring them to the next ARES meeting so that everyone can help.

Everyone is welcome.  You do not have to be a member of Mesa County ARES to participate.

Thank you,

John Fuller - WJ0NF
ARES - Region 9 District 4 - AEC