📡 Winlink RMS map: a complete guide for radio amateurs 2025
The Winlink RMS map is an interactive map that every radio amateur using Winlink should know. This propagation map shows worldwide HF connections between stations and RMS gateways in real time. Find out how to use the Winlink RMS map to optimise your radio email, identify the best frequencies and plan your QSOs efficiently.
📡 What is the Winlink RMS map?
The Winlink RMS map (Radio Message Server map) is a visualisation tool developed by Lee Inman of the Winlink team. This interactive propagation map shows the HF connections made between radio amateurs and RMS gateway stations around the world.
For any radio amateur using the Winlink system to send email by radio, the RMS map quickly becomes an essential tool. It shows at a glance which HF bands are working and which RMS gateways are active, so you can make your connection attempts count.
💡 Winlink in brief: Winlink Global Radio Email is a worldwide radio email system run entirely by volunteer radio amateurs. More than 1,000 RMS gateways allow radio amateurs all over the world to send and receive email over HF, VHF or UHF radio.
See current HF conditions for radio amateurs
Identify available RMS stations instantly
Choose the best frequencies and stations
A completely free service for all radio amateurs
Information refreshed continuously
An intuitive interface for all radio amateurs
🔗 Accessing the Winlink RMS map
The Winlink RMS map is available directly online, with no registration required. The Winlink system offers several interactive maps, each providing specific information to help optimise your amateur radio communications.
🔗 Official links to the Winlink RMS map
- 📍 Main QSO propagation map: winlink.org/content/propagation_aid_qso_map
The essential RMS map: see HF connection paths in real time - 🗺️ RMS gateway map: winlink.org/content/gateway_locations
Locations of all active RMS stations with status indicators - 📡 Full RMS channels page: winlink.org/RMSChannels
Overview with Winlink statistics and technical information - 🌐 Main Winlink website: winlink.org
The official portal with all the resources for radio amateurs
Winlink Global Radio Email - worldwide radio email system for radio amateurs
Types of RMS map available
📍 RMS propagation map
The main RMS map for radio amateurs: it shows the connection lines between stations and gateways. Each line on the RMS map represents a recent QSO and indicates current propagation.
Use: analysing HF propagation conditions in real time
🗺️ RMS gateway map
A geographical view of all the RMS gateways with colour-coded status. Quickly identify the RMS stations available in your area.
Use: locating reachable RMS stations
🔵 Telnet connections
A map of Internet (telnet) connections in real time. Blue dots for client stations, red dots for RMS gateways connected via the Internet.
Use: overall activity on the Winlink network
📊 RMS overview
A comprehensive page combining several RMS maps with detailed statistics, frequency lists and technical information for radio amateurs.
Use: in-depth analysis of the whole system
🎨 Understanding the Winlink architecture
To use the Winlink RMS map effectively, it is essential to understand how the Winlink network works. This will help you interpret the information shown on the propagation map correctly.
🏗️ The three-tier Winlink architecture
1. CMS - Common Message Server
The central Winlink server, hosted on AWS. It stores all messages, handles intelligent routing and synchronises the worldwide network visible on the RMS map.
2. RMS - Radio Message Server
The RMS gateways shown on the map are volunteer amateur radio stations that link radio and the Internet.
- RMS Trimode (HF): Pactor, VARA HF, ARDOP, WINMOR
- RMS Packet (VHF/UHF): AX.25 packet and VARA FM
- RMS Hybrid: RF relay without the Internet ('H' marker on the map)
3. Amateur radio client stations
The radio amateurs using Winlink Express to connect to the RMS gateways visible on the Winlink map.
💡 How you appear on the RMS map: when a radio amateur connects to an RMS gateway by radio, the connection is shown on the Winlink RMS map as a line joining the two stations. The map thus shows actual propagation conditions.
📖 Reading the Winlink RMS map
Knowing how to read the Winlink RMS map correctly is crucial for optimising your amateur radio communications. The map uses a system of colours and symbols to get information across quickly.
RMS map legend
| RMS map symbol | Meaning | What it means for radio amateurs |
|---|---|---|
| ● Blue dots | RMS gateway markers | Location of the active RMS stations on the map |
| ━ Connection lines | Recent QSO paths | HF connections between radio amateurs and RMS |
| ● Green | RMS active | RMS station active within the last 2 hours |
| ● Yellow | RMS recently inactive | More than 2 hours without a report on the RMS map |
| ● Red | RMS probably out of service | More than 4 hours without visible activity on the RMS map |
| H marker | Hybrid Network station | Can relay over RF without the Internet - crucial for EMCOMM |
⚠️ Important for radio amateurs: RMS gateways disappear from the Winlink map after 6 hours without a report. A station missing from the RMS map is not necessarily out of service: it may simply have had no recent traffic.
Interactive features of the RMS map
- Hovering over lines on the RMS map: place your mouse over a connection line to display the full QSO details: callsigns, frequency, mode used, connection time and distance between the stations.
- Hovering over RMS markers: move over a blue dot on the RMS map to see the gateway's callsign, the supported modes (Pactor, VARA HF, ARDOP), the available frequencies and the current status.
- Navigating the map: use the + / - controls to zoom in on a specific region of the Winlink RMS map. Click and drag to move the map. Double-click to centre quickly.
- Filtering by service code: on the RMS gateway map, filter by PUBLIC (open access for radio amateurs), EMCOMM (emergencies) or private codes (specific groups).
💡 Tip for Swiss radio amateurs: to find Swiss RMS stations on the Winlink map, look for HB9 or HB0 callsigns. Zoom in on Switzerland on the RMS map and hover over the markers to identify local gateways reachable from your QTH.
🎯 Using the RMS map to optimise your communications
The Winlink RMS map becomes a strategic tool for optimising your communications. Here is how to make effective use of this propagation map as a radio amateur.
Analysing propagation conditions with the RMS map
📊 Active HF bands
The RMS map shows at a glance which bands are working. Lots of lines on 20m? The band is open for radio amateurs. Activity on 40m in the evening? A normal propagation pattern.
🌍 Propagation directions
Spot the active propagation paths on the RMS map. Europe-USA connections visible on 20m? Transatlantic propagation is working for radio amateurs.
⏰ Time-of-day patterns
Check the Winlink RMS map at different times of day to identify patterns. 20m opens towards Europe in the morning, and 40m is excellent in the evening for European radio amateurs.
🎯 Reachable RMS stations
Spot nearby RMS gateways showing recent connections on the Winlink map. An RMS station with recent activity visible on the RMS map is more likely to be reachable.
RMS connection strategy for radio amateurs
- Check the RMS map before transmitting: take 2-3 minutes to look at the Winlink propagation map. Identify 2-3 potential RMS stations on different bands.
- Choose the band that is active on the map: if the RMS map shows a lot of activity on 40m and little on 20m, start with 40m. The map gives a more reliable real-time indication than forecasts.
- Avoid busy RMS gateways: an HF RMS gateway can only handle one connection at a time. If the RMS map shows a very active station, it may be busy. Choose an alternative visible on the RMS map.
- Plan RMS alternatives: always note 2-3 back-up stations identified on the Winlink RMS map. If your first attempt fails, you have fallback options.
- Adapt to the distance: for local contacts (Switzerland, France), favour 40m or 80m depending on the activity visible on the RMS map. For long-haul DX, check the activity on 20m, 17m and 15m on the RMS map.
✅ A practical example with the RMS map
Situation: you are a radio amateur in Switzerland (Vaud) and want to send a Winlink message in the afternoon.
Using the RMS map:
- Open the Winlink RMS map: lots of activity visible on 20m in Europe
- Identify on the RMS map: a local HB9 station, a French F station and a German DL station
- All of them show recent connections on 14.095 MHz (VARA HF) on the RMS map
- Launch Winlink Express, VARA HF mode on 20m
- Try connecting to the HB9 station (closest first)
- If that fails, try the F or DL stations identified on the RMS map
Result: successful connection in 2-3 minutes thanks to the Winlink RMS map!
⚙️ Setting up to appear on the RMS map
For your connections to appear on the Winlink RMS map and contribute to the amateur radio community, configure Winlink Express correctly. This lets other radio amateurs see your activity on the propagation map.
📋 Configuring Winlink Express for the RMS map
- Open the settings: in Winlink Express, click Settings → Winlink Express Setup to reach the configuration that will make you appear on the RMS map.
- Set your position for the RMS map: in the “Position” tab, enter your gridsquare (Maidenhead locator). For Swiss radio amateurs: Lausanne = JN36, Geneva = JN36, Zurich = JN47. Enable “Report position to gateway”.
- Update the RMS channels: regularly use Settings → Update Channel List. This downloads the latest list of RMS gateways available on the Winlink map.
- Check that you appear on the RMS map: after a successful connection, wait 10-15 minutes and then look at the Winlink RMS map. Your connection should appear as a line between your gridsquare and the RMS station you connected to.
⚠️ Important note: BPQ gateway programs generally do not report positions. If you use BPQ as a client, your connections may not appear on the RMS map even though they work perfectly.
Swiss amateur radio gridsquares for the RMS map
| Swiss region / town | Gridsquare | Canton |
|---|---|---|
| Lausanne | JN36ho | Vaud |
| Geneva | JN36be | Geneva |
| Bern | JN36rw | Bern |
| Zurich | JN47gj | Zurich |
| Basel | JN37tn | Basel-Stadt |
| Lugano | JN46la | Ticino |
| St. Gallen | JN47qk | St. Gallen |
| Sion | JN36qf | Valais |
🚨 The RMS map in EMCOMM emergencies
The Winlink RMS map really comes into its own during EMCOMM (Emergency Communications) activations. Radio amateurs can use the propagation map to quickly identify the resources available in a critical situation.
Service codes on the RMS map
| RMS service code | Use | Access for radio amateurs |
|---|---|---|
| PUBLIC | General amateur radio use | Open to all licensed radio amateurs |
| EMCOMM | Emergency communications | Open during a declared emergency |
| Private codes | Groups, clubs, organisations | By invitation only |
Tactical use of the RMS map in EMCOMM
🔍 Quick RMS assessment
In an emergency, the RMS map lets you instantly assess which RMS gateways are operational. Critical when every minute counts for EMCOMM radio amateurs.
🏥 Hybrid (H) stations on the map
Stations marked 'H' on the Winlink RMS map can relay over RF without the Internet. They take priority during a widespread outage. Note their positions on the RMS map before any activation.
🔄 Alternative RMS paths
Identify several possible communication paths on the RMS map. If an RMS gateway goes down, you have planned alternatives thanks to the Winlink map.
📊 Load balancing
The RMS map shows which gateway is already heavily used. Avoid overloading the same RMS stations. Spread emergency traffic intelligently using the propagation map.
⚠️ EMCOMM preparation: don't discover the Winlink RMS map in the middle of an emergency! Get to know the propagation map in normal times. Identify now the 5-10 most reachable RMS stations on the RMS map from your location and note their frequencies.
🛠️ Tools that complement the RMS map
Winlink propagation forecasts
Winlink Express includes forecasting tools that perfectly complement the Winlink RMS map for radio amateurs. Combined with the real-time propagation map, these forecasts help you optimise your RMS connections.
📡 Features that complement the RMS map
- RMS forecasts by band: based on your gridsquare and ionospheric conditions, they complement the real-time RMS map
- Connection quality indicator: expected quality for each RMS visible on the Winlink map
- Automatic updates: data refreshed from the Winlink servers, in sync with the RMS map
- Smart station sorting: the best RMS stations rise to the top automatically, in line with activity on the RMS map
To update the forecasts that complement the RMS map in Winlink Express: Settings → Update Channel List. Recommended before every important session to optimise your choice of RMS gateways.
💡 Advanced RMS tip: KF7HYO Linus Sweers has developed a method for calculating P2P propagation by modifying the RMS Channels file. It lets you predict the best frequencies for direct radio amateur-to-radio amateur contacts. A perfect complement to the Winlink RMS map. More information: 007qbranch.wordpress.com
Winlink API for amateur radio developers
The data shown on the Winlink RMS map is available through the Winlink API. If you are a radio amateur and a developer, you can create your own tools based on the propagation map:
- RMS map mobile apps for checking the Winlink map in the field
- Custom dashboards showing RMS map data for your amateur radio club
- Statistical analysis tools for propagation conditions using RMS map data
- Automatic alerts when specific RMS stations become available on the RMS map
To access the Winlink RMS map API, contact the Winlink team with a detailed description of your project and its value to the amateur radio community.
⚠️ RMS map limitations and good practice
Technical limitations of the RMS map
⚠️ Things to watch on the RMS map
- Missing positions on the map: stations that do not report a gridsquare do not appear on the RMS map, even if they are working
- RMS map display delay: a slight lag (a few minutes) between the actual connection and its display on the propagation map
- Indicative data: the Winlink RMS map gives a general indication, not an exact count of amateur radio traffic
- Automatic removal: stations that have not reported for 6 hours disappear from the RMS map, which does not necessarily mean they are out of service
- Software versions: stations listed in red on the RMS map may be incompatible with recent versions
Good practice with the Winlink RMS map
✅ Essential RMS map recommendations
- Check the RMS map before transmitting: take 2-3 minutes to study the propagation map before each session
- Group your messages: send several messages in one session rather than making multiple connections to the RMS
- Respect RMS limits: most RMS gateways allow 2 hours per 24 hours, so respect these quotas shown on the map
- Update the RMS list: refresh the RMS channel list at least once a week for an accurate RMS map
- Thank the RMS sysops: send a thank-you message to RMSCALLSIGN@winlink.org from time to time
- Large files: avoid sending large files over HF via RMS, use telnet/Internet instead if available
- Efficient modes on RMS: VARA HF and Pactor 4 are faster, so use modern modes with RMS gateways
🇨🇭 The RMS map for Swiss radio amateurs
RMS gateways in Switzerland on the map
Switzerland has several active RMS gateways visible on the Winlink RMS map, run by volunteer radio amateurs. To identify the Swiss RMS stations on the propagation map:
🇨🇭 Swiss RMS stations on the RMS map
- HB9xxx callsigns: Swiss amateur radio RMS stations visible on the Winlink map across the country
- HB0xxx callsigns: Liechtenstein RMS stations on the RMS map, excellent Alpine coverage
- RMS modes available: most offer VARA HF, Pactor and ARDOP, as shown on the map
- Preferred bands: mainly 40m and 20m for Swiss RMS stations on the Winlink RMS map
💡 Tip: zoom in on Switzerland on the RMS map and hover over the blue markers. Note the active HB9/HB0 callsigns and their frequencies in your logbook for quick reference next time you check the RMS map.
Swiss amateur radio organisations
🔗 Swiss amateur radio resources
- 🏛️ USKA (Union of Swiss Shortwave Amateurs): www.uska.ch
Umbrella organisation for Swiss radio amateurs: resources, training, help with the RMS map - 📻 HB9V (Radio Amateurs of Canton Vaud): hb9v.ch
Vaud cantonal club: technical articles on the Winlink RMS map, events, local support - 🏢 OFCOM (Swiss Federal Office of Communications): www.bakom.admin.ch
Regulator: official amateur radio licences in Switzerland - 🗺️ Interactive map of Swiss repeaters: complements the RMS map for VHF/UHF
- 📡 OCF dipole construction guide: optimise your antenna for better RMS connections
✅ Conclusion: mastering the Winlink RMS map
The Winlink RMS map is an extraordinary tool that transforms the way radio amateurs plan their radio email communications. This interactive propagation map removes the guesswork by showing actual HF conditions and the status of RMS gateways in real time.
🎯 Key RMS map points to remember
- The RMS map shows real-time HF connections, the best propagation indicator for radio amateurs
- Always check the propagation map before transmitting to identify active RMS stations
- Set your gridsquare in Winlink Express to appear on the Winlink RMS map
- Stations marked 'H' on the RMS map take priority in an emergency (Hybrid Network)
- Follow good practice: group messages, respect time limits, use efficient modes with RMS gateways
- Thank the RMS sysops, the volunteers who make the RMS map possible
Whether you are a beginner radio amateur discovering the Winlink RMS map or an experienced operator, mastering this propagation map will significantly improve your results. Explore the RMS map regularly, identify the patterns from your QTH, and you will develop a valuable intuition for your HF communications.
📡 For radio amateurs in Switzerland: feel free to contact HB9V (Radio Amateurs of Canton Vaud) for personal advice on using the Winlink RMS map and optimising your station. The Swiss amateur radio community is welcoming and happy to share its experience with the propagation map!
Never forget that the RMS map and the Winlink system are volunteer, collaborative projects. Every radio amateur who uses the system respectfully helps keep it going. If the Winlink RMS map is useful to you, consider supporting the project with a donation or by becoming an RMS sysop.
