Digital messaging is a method of sending data (text, files, or photos, and more) using radio. Do not confuse digital messaging with 'Digital Voice' which encode speech into a data stream before transmitting it, like DMR, D-Star, System Fusion and others. (JaCo ARES prefers Fusion, for Digital Voice.)
Equipment	To send digital messages/files, you will need a radio transceiver, an external soundcard, a computer, and cables to connect the radio to the soundcard, and the soundcard to the computer. You will also need specialized software on the computer, most of which is free. Fldigi handles a lot of popular modes. Winlink delivers/receives E-mail of a radio. There is other software, for sending specialized messaging modes, like FT-8 and more. This web page will suggest various equipment and software, but realize there are a lot of alternatives out there. We just may not be able to help with them.
Sound Card	While there are many soundcards to interface between a radio and computer, a good one is the Tigertronics SignaLink USB Sound Card & Cables It may be purchased online, or locally at Associated Radio, with cables for your specific radio. The Internet can provide many suggestions on the actual interface wiring to your particular radio. Several HAMs use a mini-din connector that can be used for many Digital modes (Packet, Fldigi/PSK, WinLink, and others).
Fldigi & Flmsg	Fldigi is the main software that creates & sends digital data to the sound card, and then to the radio, and receives digital data from the sound card, and decodes it into text/files. Fldigi supports MANY modes: CW, DominoEX, Feld Hell, FMT, FSQ, IFKP, MT-63, Contestia, Olivia, PSK, TTY, Thor, Navtex, Wefax, and more. Flmsg is used to format text messages with various templates. Other software from the same source allows sending of files, spreadsheets, and more. Wiki for Fldigi & Flmsg SourceForge - Download Fldigi & More w1hkj.com - Fldigi, Flmsg, and other Digital software YouTube Video - Configure Fldigi & Flmsg
WinLink	WinLink is a network of amateur radio and authorized government stations that provide worldwide radio email using radio pathways where the internet is not present. The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed "Ham" volunteers. It supports email with attachments, position reporting, weather and information bulletins, and is well-known for its role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. WinLink Web Page Winlink Software
Telpac Node	A Telpac node is available for gerneral use sponsored by the Kansas City, Missouri R.A.C.E.S. group. Callsign is w0oem-10 Freq. 145.090 simplex 1200 baud packet Located at the Emergency Operations Center for the City of Kansas City, Mo. at Independence and Woodland. The node is welcome to all to use. Currently connect per the instructions on the winlink.org site
Hints	(Work in Progress) When using Winlink, set DELAY on SignaLink to zero. When using Fldigi on a repeater, use a pre-tone and/or DELAY to allow the repeater to change modes/set up transmission.
Training	Digital training net on the 146.820 repeater on Thursdays at 8:00  P. M. (146.82 MHZ '-' offset, tone 151.4) Help with Digital messaging is usually available after the Saturday morning FM and Fusion nets (which start at 9AM on the above repeater). Various MoKan Digital Training Nets
Equipment