Winlink was a system that used MBOs (Mail Box Operations) around the world that you could connect to with Pactor and Clover II, to send mail to other hams. It was also tied in to the VHF packet structure at one time.
The owners then developed an internet based system called Winlink 2000, which is a VERY different paradigm, and which keeps most of the traffic off the HF bands and on the internet. It works through HF using Pactor, mostly P2 and P3 with a daily time limit, and also has many VHF connections using packet. This systems is not associated in any way with SCS and it is not a commercial operation since all usage is free to radio amateurs. In some respects the old Winlink network lives on as the NTS/D (ARRL National Traffic System - Digital), but the Winlink 2000 Administrator has been very unhappy that it has continued to operate and has publicly stated that he wished they had installed time bombs in the software so it would have become inoperative. Needless to say, some of us do not support that kind of viewpoint. 73, Rick, KV9U David wrote: > .....i believe these PMBO's use Pactor 3 which is a commercial program > of SCS in Germany.....i also believe that Winlink is a commercial > program by the same company.....
