What is Amateur Radio

This chapter presents software and hardware solutions for interconnecting an existing VHF amateur packet radio infrastructure with ‘Winlink 2000' radio email network. Having in mind that a number of households, schools, and offices are equipped with Internet connections, and that many radio amateurs at such locations are active on their VHF (or UHF) digital networks on a daily basis, the connectivity between the two systems will increase the chances for citizens who suffer after disasters such as earthquakes, heavy rains and floods, followed by malfunction in commercial communicating services – to remain electronically wired with the rest of world by email. The chapter provides a tutorial on constructing, installing, and testing a simple packet radio repeater station, additionally equipped with computer programs with ‘Winlink 2000' compatibility.