![screenshot of the ARDOP GUI](ardop.png "The classic Windows ARDOP program.")
![screenshot of the Winlink TNC settings](ardop-tnc-settings.png "Settings within a ARDOP Winlink session")
![screenshot of the Winlink Radio settings](ardop-winlink-settings.png "Radio settings within a ARDOP Winlink session -- I use a Lab599 Discovery TX-500 (with Lab599 as the CAT option)")
![screenshot of the ARDOP settings](ardop-tnc.png "And finally the ARDOP settings -- I usually set the Drive Level to something like 87-88 but it never gets saved...")
### VARA HF setup
![](vara-tnc-settings.png "Settings within a Winlink VARA HF session")
![](vara-soundcard.png "Choosing the right soundcard and the drive level to fit the optimum ALC of the radio")
### What you have to look for
#### RX signal
In ARDOP try to get your receiving signal withing the green bar. ![](ardop-signal.png)
The top blue bar will then change to green aswell.
In VARA HF make sure the left indicator is near the needle as in this screenshot. ![](vara-signal.png)
You can achieve this with different methods.
- Change the microphone level within Windows.
I try to leave this setting to <kbd>100%</kbd> but I sometimes have to adjust it a bit.
- Change the REF level on your radio.
On the TX-500 I usually maintain a REF level of <kbd>-19</kbd>.
#### TX signal
You may need to look into your radios manual to get the optimum value of the signal.
On the TX-500 I look at the DIG meter. Get the bar nearly full and you are good to go.
![](tx500-dig.png)
(The ALC meter on the TX-500 does not move a bit on my setup)