update draft post

content/posts/2024/65-my-windows-setup-for-winlink/index.md

@@ -62,12 +62,50 @@ A more precise note on how I established different connection types is
 written down in the article before]({{< ref "64-packet-radio-vara-mobilinkd-and-digirig-on-linux" >}}
 "Packet radio, VARA (FM+HF), Mobilinkd, Digirig and the SignaLink USB on Linux").
 
-## What I actually want to do
+## Using Winlink Express on a Windows computer
 
 I plan to use the Surface 2 Go tablet for Winlink and related tasks.
 
-## a
+![screenshot of an active VARA HF session](overview.png "This is my setup with Winlink Express and VARA HF in action.
+I like to have the sound control open to adjust volume levels.")
 
-![](overview.png)
+### ARDOP setup
 
+Following some screenshots showing my settings for ARDOP:
 
+![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)