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[–] Jspelts@lemmy.world 17 points 12 hours ago (2 children)

I do ham radio. Probably the coolest thing I've "made" is a setup where I can send email without the need for an internet connection on my end. I use a small laptop connected to a transceiver to send out high-frequency sounds (VARA) on very low power (5-10 watts) to towers around the world that will decode the signals, convert it to a regular email, and send it to the recipient (bob@overthere.com). Then reverse the process when I check for a reply. The whole setup fits in a small backpack and I can use a piece of speaker wire for the antenna. It's about as fast as dial-up used to be, but it works!

[–] urushitan@kakera.kintsugi.moe 4 points 6 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago) (1 children)

Do the towers have a spec that allows outgoing email to anyone? And does the email always come from the same address? If not are you authenticating through smtp? This is so interesting, thanks for sharing!

[–] Jspelts@lemmy.world 3 points 5 hours ago (1 children)

Look into WInlink. You have to have an amateur radio license, and you'll have to choose between different software (ie: radio modem), and you'll need an HF transceiver. Once licensed you can create a Winlink account (via radio, no web signups!), which gives you access to smtp through their gateways (which are actually owned by other hobbyists). Different towers/repeaters have different specs/protocols (PACTOR, Packet, I use VARA) but all of them allow you to send email to any domain or recipient, just like regular email. Hardest part is configuring your laptop (or even phone) to control your transceiver to send the signals out. The email you'd have is your_callsign@winlink.org and with HF frequencies you can hit just about any gateway listed here https://winlink.org/content/gateway_locations

[–] CapuccinoCoretto@lemmy.world 2 points 11 hours ago

Damn. That's cool.