RadioMail: A Modern Winlink Client for iOS

Introduction

RadioMail is a modern Winlink client designed for iOS, offering a sleek and intuitive experience for sending and receiving emails via the Winlink network. This app allows messages to be sent to any internet email recipient as well as other Winlink users, making it a versatile tool for communication.

What is Winlink?

Winlink is a global network of amateur radio and authorized government stations that provides worldwide radio email services using radio pathways, especially in areas where the internet is unavailable. Operated by licensed radio amateur volunteers, Winlink supports email with attachments, position reporting, and plays a crucial role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. A valid amateur radio license is required to use RadioMail.

Key Features of RadioMail

Station Directory

RadioMail automatically retrieves station information from Winlink and organizes it by proximity based on your current location. It also allows the addition of custom stations for peer-to-peer connections, which are outbound only.

Favorites

Users can add stations to their favorites list for quick access, categorized by modes and bands as desired.

Radio Aware

RadioMail pairs with a VARA modem or packet KISS modem via WiFi or Bluetooth. It also supports radio CAT control through rigctld. A running instance of VARA modem is required, and for packet mode, Mobilinkd and DireWolf packet modems are supported.

Digipeater

The app allows users to extend their range by configuring up to two digipeaters for connections in packet or VARA FM mode.

Camera Integration

RadioMail provides direct access to the camera for taking pictures or attaching images from the photo library. Images are automatically optimized to reduce transmission time.

Forms

With over 100 standard Winlink forms available, users can compose and view forms with pre-filled GPS coordinates based on their location. Received forms can be shared and printed as PDFs. Note that this feature requires an additional subscription.

Location Services

The app utilizes the internal GPS to provide accurate location data with messages and forms, and users can post their position to the APRS network.

Attachments

Users can preview and annotate images, access files locally or in iCloud, and save or share attached files via other apps.

Notifications

RadioMail supports automatic message reception even when the app is in the background, providing notification alerts for new messages. This feature is limited to telnet connections only.

Contacts

The app allows users to look up contacts from the address book and access their email addresses when composing messages.

Flexible Addressing

RadioMail supports sending and receiving messages with tactical addresses or secondary accounts, seamlessly addressing both Winlink and internet recipients.

Conclusion

RadioMail stands out as a comprehensive and user-friendly Winlink client for iOS, catering to the needs of amateur radio operators and emergency communicators. Its range of features, from station directories and digipeaters to camera integration and flexible addressing, makes it an essential tool for modern radio communication.