email and IM

[dzzz]

I remain confused about protocols and methods for internet email and texting.
I understand APRS, which is can be very useful for our interests. And I conceptually understand IRLP, which interests me less.
But I remain confused about sending and receiving data to and from the internet that is routed as email or IM. Can someone educate me or point me towards a good resource? What are the pratical considerations of this technology, especially when using HF? Thanks.

[dzzz]

http://www.winlink.org/

now to figure out what a pactor III modem is.

adding APRSlink (http://www.activeham.com/pmwiki.php?n=Main.APRSLink)

Anyone use APRS link successfully via satellite? That might negate the need for HF during a remote emergency.

[PhulesAU]

would you carrying all the gear needed to work a sat. when in an emergency?
Emergency gear needs to be simple.

[xtatik]

That might negate the need for HF during a remote emergency.

Why would you want to do this and opt for the the others when HF is the most powerful and longest reaching form of communication afforded to an amateur operator? None of the other options you mention would render help faster, from further away, or more reliably than simply grabbing a mike and asking for help on HF.....and BTW, it's less expensive.
Winlink/AirMail can be of use for someone traveling in remote areas if you need to maintain an umbilical back to home. Most of it's regular users are cruisers (open ocean sailing vessels) that have more compelling reasons to have this mode IMO....one being weather fax services. Having access to both, most experienced mariners would reach for the mike and use HF SSB (Amateur HF or Marine HF) to hail help, rather than send a fax or e-mail in an emergency.

[dzzz]

Sounds like winlink is just software if a PC and HF are present. Or perhaps it still requires a data modem. If it's involved in sailing there's probably a high priced item in the system somewhere.

What extra equipment is need to broadcast to a satellite? I thought that just took a low power transmission (if the channel is clear).

Edit: Winmor (http://www.winlink.org/WINMOR) is a free piece of software that eliminates the need for a modem between the HF radio and the PC.

[PhulesAU]

Knowing where the SAT. is , antenna to track SAT. Hoping the Bird is overhead when you need it. Hoping you aren't the one hurt, so you can use the radio.