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When evaluating certain things (like fine wine or new radios), it is common practice to conduct side-by-side "taste tests" or comparisons. This methodology tends to help focus the testing and serves to highlight any differences that might otherwise be overlooked. In conjunction with providing ham radio support for a recent major public service event, I coincidentally had the opportunity to make such an evaluation of the VHF Packet Client that is part of the Winlink Airmail package.

Airmail is a free (for ham radio use) software application that runs under the Windows operating system (Win95 to XP; Vista TBD). While Airmail's primary intended use is for HF Pactor, the VHF Packet Client is a full-featured application in its own right. Compared to most traditional packet software, Airmail has a more "user friendly" interface. If you are familiar with Microsoft's email clients, Outlook or Outlook Express, you will immediately note the similarities in appearance and functionality in Airmail. [In fact, Outlook can be configured to serve as the "front end" for Airmail.] Menus, buttons, and mouse clicks replace the sometimes confusing and hard to remember keyboard commands normally associated with classic packet or what I affectionately refer to as "POP" -- plain old packet.

Speaking of plain old packet, it is a common misperception that Airmail isn't compatible with POP. Not so! Connecticut has a very robust RF packet network - and you can use Airmail to access packet bulletin boards, route NTS traffic via FlexNet, or just chat keyboard-to-keyboard. In fact, you can pretty much do anything with Airmail that you would do with WinPack or any other conventional packet software.

Airmail does require the use of a "real" hardware TNC (terminal node controller) like the Kantronics KPC-3 Plus. Although I love my Kenwood TM-D700A dualband radio with built-in Tasco TNC for running UI-View for APRS, it has too many limitations to work properly with Airmail. Soundcards are not supported yet, either. The computer requirements to run Airmail are modest - processor speeds of 350 MHz (or better) are more than adequate. A serial (COM) port is needed. USB-serial adaptors work on newer computers which may have only USB connections. My personal packet "Go-Box" contains a Kenwood TM-271A VHF radio, a KPC-3 Plus, power supply, and sealed lead acid back-up batteries. Just add a laptop and you're ready to roll!

One particularly useful Airmail feature is its ability to send attachments of reasonable size. Although I have sent an 80 KB jpeg of an APRS screenshot over the air, it took about 20 minutes at 1200 baud. On the other hand, small text file attachments are sent very quickly and conveniently. This capability has obvious benefits for ARES emergency operations, NTS messaging, and public service events.

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