RF encouraged
Testing the RF side of your station remains a primary readiness goal.
Organized by Jay, N2NVY
Winlink Wednesday Advanced Operators Net
A weekly skill-building exercise that helps Winlink operators develop confidence, maintain station readiness, and practice moving useful information.
An added layer of practice
The Advanced Operators Net complements the original Winlink Wednesday exercise. Operators can complete the additional task while checking in on Wednesday or at another convenient time during the week.
The goal is repeatable practice—not a perfect response. Over time, familiar tasks build sound operating habits, confidence, and the ability to complete the procedure while verifying that your station remains operational.
Connection policy: Telnet is allowed for the Advanced Operators task only. The separate, standard Winlink Wednesday check-in requires RF, and its organizers will not count a Telnet check-in.
How the exercise works
- Receive the weekly brief. The task is distributed through the program's Winlink distribution.
- Review the scenario and instructions. Exercises follow the same core procedures used in the supporting training material.
- Complete the additional Advanced Operators task. RF is encouraged. Telnet is allowed for this task so operators can learn the system, evaluate returned information, and avoid unnecessary airtime while developing the skill.
- Verify your result. Confirm that the requested information or action was completed successfully.
- Report only when help is needed. You do not need to report task completion. Contact N2NVY if an instruction is unclear or you encounter a problem.
Advanced Operators task types
Additional to the standard check-in
These exercises are completed in addition to the standard Winlink Wednesday check-in. They provide a second layer of practice using practical Winlink capabilities and scenarios.
- Winlink to SMS Practice sending a short message from Winlink to a standard mobile phone.
- Position reports Send useful location information using coordinates, time, and scenario details.
- Weather and GRIB requests Request forecast information for a specified location or operating area.
- Catalog requests Locate and retrieve useful information from the Winlink catalog when this task returns to the rotation.
Exercises will provide variety while keeping the procedures repeatable. The same exercise should not normally repeat within eight weeks.
Operating principles
Telnet allowed
Telnet may be used for the Advanced Operators task. This permission does not extend to the standard Winlink Wednesday check-in.
No completion report
The value is in exercising your own equipment and process. Report only when assistance is needed.
Open to all operators
Work at your own pace and skill level. These exercises are intended to help operators learn.
Training-aligned tasks
Core task steps are aligned with the Winlink training provided through the Amateur Radio Community Wide Course system. Scenarios may change, but the knowledge and operating procedure should remain familiar.
Keep more of your digital station ready
The Advanced Operators Net is the primary exercise organized here. We also encourage operators to participate in other independently operated weekly nets that exercise Winlink, VarAC, and APRS capabilities.
Join the Advanced Operators distribution
Send a Winlink message to N2NVY and ask to be added to the distribution.
Questions and feedback are welcome. There is no separate requirement to report completion of the weekly tasks.