HF (Radio) E-Mail Radio Networks
1. HF E-Mail Network Winlink-2000 (WL2K)
The Winlink-2000 (WL2K) is also a HF e-mail network, which is basing on the Amateur Radio Service (ARS).
It is also using the waveforms Pactor II, III and IV on HF, and X.25 on VHF/UHF bands. The slower waveform
Pac-I is not supported anymore, in order to reduce airtime.
Legitimate subscribers are only amateur radio stations, which might be operated on board vessels as well,
but whereas the operator must hold a valid amateur radio operators certificate and an amateur stations
license respectively.
The maritime mobile radio operators certficate or the ship station license are NOT sufficiant for this.
Nevertheless, the marine radios might be used for amateur radio applications also, under the above mentioned
conditions - but NOT vice versa- amateur radio apparatus in the Maritime Mobile Service (MMS) are not permitted.
WL2K is a global network of so called Radio Mail Servers (RMS) in the HF, VHF and UHF bands, which provides
a world-wide coverage and availability, but no fully automatic operation.
Aside the exchange of e-mails in all directions of traffic (ship to shore, shore to ship, ship to ship or other
mobile subscribers) further services are offered, such as weather reports, navigational information, position-
reports and position requenst.
Permitted is traffic, restricted on
- private and non-commercial messages of personal need
- messages regarding the navigation of the vessel or another vehicle
- technical or scientific messages
- distress, urgent and safety messages
- messages of humanitary nature
WL2K is therefore directed only to the following user groups and demand bearers:
- Sport and Small Shipping
- Campers
- Off Roaders
- Civil Defense and Relief Organzations
- Humanitary Organzations, Development Aid and other NGOs
- Universities and Scientific Institutions
- Research Stations
- Expeditions
- other non-commercial demand bearers
Network coverage of Winlink
2. HF E-Mail Network Sailmail
The HF (Radio) e-mail network Sailmail is primarily directed to small non-commercial vessels below 300 RT only, because Sailmail is a US-based non-profit organization.
It is basing on the Maritime Mobile Service (MMS), whereas in some parts frequencies are being used, which are outside of the regular ITU-Channels (Marine-Bands). Therefore it might be neccessary, to re-program the HF radio, to be enabled, that those frequencies are unblocked. Also Sailmail makes use of a world-wide network of coast stations, which can be connected by the users.
The coast stations of Sailmail are working semi-automatically. That means, the user has to select the coast stations and their frequencies manually via the client software, whereas the radio will be remote controlled by the computer. In such a way the operator has to try to establish a link on several coast stations and frequencies, until he is getting a connection, whereas the upload and download of mails will be performed automatically.
The subscribers will be charged with an annual fee, which has to be paid in advance, in order to register the vessel. The user will get an e-mail account in the frame "callsign"@sailmail.com. Included are services like e-mail exchange, weather-services, position report, by a limited weekly airtime on MF/HF. Unaffected are connections done via Telnet (WiFi, LL-Internet or Sat connections).
The owner of the vessel needs to hold a Ship Station License and the radio operator a sufficient Maritime Radio Operators Certificate, in order to operate legally via that system.
The registration may be done by us or directly at the network operator.
The applicant needs to provide the vessel's particulars and the call sign, which was allocated by the telecommunication regulator of the flag state.
Further information may be obtained from here:
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