Winlink 2000 Telpac Gateway
Introduction and Overview  

 Node: KE6O-10
145.030Mhz 
1200 Baud  

DESCRIPTION

 Winlink 2000 (WL2K) Telpac stands for TELnet PACket. Telpac provides an internet Email gateway capability to the wireless ham user using AX.25 packet in combination with WL2K’s Telnet Servers. Telpac is ideal for a temporary emergency setup where it can deliver reliable wireless communication to the “last mile”.  The following graphic shows the major components of Telpac and how it interfaces the remote wireless ham to the existing WL2K system and the Internet. YOU are the Remote packet user!!

HOW IT WORKS  

Telpac takes advantage of Internet connectivity and eliminates the need for local message storage, databases, and routing tables at the Telpac gateway.  The user connects to a Telpac gateway with a standard packet keyboard. In keyboard mode he uses a few familiar commands to List, Read, Kill or Send messages. Telpac also supports user client programs like AirMail. Besides the simplicity and robustness of the Telpac gateway one significant advantage over conventional BBSs is the very short message latency.  By way of WL2K technology messages are routinely delivered to the recipient’s destination mail server in less than two minutes. NO HF frequency's are harmed in this process as long as the recipient is accessible directly  through the internet. 

APPLICATIONS  

Telpac has been successfully tested with very simple terminals (Palm devices with HT radios).  These basic terminals permit “walk around” access to the WL2K system for any remote user in range of a Telpac gateway.  Other obvious applications include the setup of “emergency BBS” gateways where a Telpac gateway is installed or activated near the emergency/disaster site to provide “last mile” wireless connectivity to remote field operators and emergency personnel. 

 WHY 1200 BAUD PACKET??

Simple! Because it works, the gear is cheap and it is available NOW. It may not be fast, it may not look pretty but it WILL get your message through. Another great reason is that we already have two digipeaters in place! One is on Mt. St. Helena (W6CO-3) and one on the county building in Napa (W6CO-4   AKA "Napa")

WHAT IF THE INTERNET FAILS??

Remember, this is "Last mile" email access! Once you connect to the gateway you are completely dependant on the internet. Do NOT think of this as Holy Grail of digital communications. It is just another tool in your Ham Radio toolbox! It is very similar to EchoLink in this respect.

GATEWAY  LOCATION

 The gateway is currently located near the Napa State Hospital . The radio is a Yeasu Ft1500 running at 25 watts into a 30 foot high 7db gain antenna.

GET ON THE AIR!

 Getting on the air is quick and easy. All you need is a packet radio setup (TNC, radio and a terminal program or favorite packet program) set to 1200 baud and tuned to 145.650 Mhz. Be sure to set your call sign into the TNC! 

Once you are setup just type “C ke6o-10” and hit enter. You should then see after a brief pause ….

 *** CONNECTED to KE6O-10
KE6O-10 Telpac v1.2.7

Telnet Logon OK

Testing RMS Lite Telnet Server...Please report problems to rmuething@cfl.rr.com

Keyboard connections: Type I for info, H for Help  

[WL2K-0.5.7-B2FIHM$]

Connected via KE6O-10 to CMS  >

 Type “H” and you will get all of the directions you need to send an Email to someone on the internet.

 When you send your first Email message the WL2K system assigns you an Internet Email address (yourcallsign@winlink.org) There is A LOT more to know but this should get you started!

INFORMATION

 The current list of active WL2K Telpac gateways can be found at www.winlink.org/status/Telpac.aspx

For more information about WL2K Telpac in Napa , contact Mark Evans KE6O@napasars.org