Send Text Message via Winlink

Winlink provides a relatively simple way to send email over amateur radio. First, use Winlink Express to create a "Winlink Message" and post it to the "Outbox" in the software. Then, using your computer connected to a TNC (either a physical one or a software-based one) you simply log into a Winlink gateway over an RF path. Both VHF and HF gateways exist giving users a variety of options.

From there, the message is routed either to another callsign within the Winlink system to the Internet to be delivered to a standard email address. To send a text message, simply substitute the telephone number and carrier domain for the recipient.

Each carrier has a slightly different domain and possibly a different format. For example, to send a text message to a Verizon phone, simply address the email to the number@vtext.com. A sample address would be: 9035551234@vtext.com.

Other Carriers:

• AT&T - number@txt.att.net (SMS)
• Boost Mobile - number@smsmyboostmobile.com (SMS)
• Cricket - number@sms.cricketwireless.net (SMS)
• Sprint - number@messaging.sprintpcs.com (SMS)
• T-Mobile number@tmomail.net (SMS and MMS)
• U.S. Cellular - number@email.uscc.net (SMS)
• Verizon - number@vtext.com (SMS)
• Virgin Mobile - number@vmobl.com (SMS)

The Winlink system treats these messages like any other email. Remember, most carriers will truncate the message at 140 characters, so keep the subject and message short.