Hamword uses the timestamp that comes with each incoming Winlink message. That timestamp is generated by Winlink Express (or another client) based on your computer’s time clock. Having your local time clock slightly ahead or behind the standard can cause unexpected results. So, if a message is received before the message timestamp, it is held until the next grading time to be processed in the correct position.

We have received messages with a timestamp as far as six months behind the server time. This means the user will play a game from that earlier time. To keep users playing in the current week, the server’s received time will be used to process the guess when a message timestamp is over a day off. Ensure your time clock is set to the standard time for best results.

Hamword is a Winlink-based game that mimics the popular five-letter word guessing game Wordle. The goal of this game is to give hams a way to practice their Winlink skills while having some fun.

The only thing you need to play the game is an amateur radio license and an operational Winlink account. You can learn more about setting up Winlink at http://ok.arrl.org/nts/ntsoksoftware/.