rename draft post

content/posts/2024/65-winlink-on-a-windows-computer-and-a-tx500/index.md

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 ---
-title: Winlink on a Surface 2 Go and a TX-500
+title: Winlink on a Windows computer and a TX-500
 summary: >
-  Mission: move all my hamradio stuff from the linux notebook to
-  the Surface 2 Go (Windows 11).
+  Mission: move all my Winlink stuff from the linux notebook to
+  a Windows laptop...
 date: 2024-05-11T23:53:55+02:00
 # lastmod: 
 coverCaption: Winlink Express
@@ -65,7 +65,12 @@ written down in the article before]({{< ref "64-packet-radio-vara-mobilinkd-and-
 
 ## Using Winlink Express on a Windows computer
 
-I plan to use the Surface 2 Go tablet for Winlink and related tasks.
+I planned to use the Surface 2 Go tablet for Winlink and related tasks -- but while I
+wrote down my notes in this article I finally realized that I want to user a more
+powerful device than the Surface 2 Go. I ordered a used HP Elitebook 830 for this
+and I finished the main setup already.
+
+Most screenshots are still from the Surface tablet.
 
 ![screenshot of an active VARA HF session](overview.png "This is my setup with Winlink Express and VARA HF in action.")
 
@@ -93,12 +98,16 @@ I also use a Digirig and I can therefore use the COM port to trigger the PTT fun
 
 ## VARA HF setup
 
-![](vara-tnc-settings.png "Settings within a Winlink VARA HF session")
+![screenshot of the VARA HF settings](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")
+![screenshot of the VARA HF soundcard settings](vara-soundcard.png "Choosing the right soundcard and the drive level to fit the optimum ALC of the radio")
 
 {{< video "vara-session-web" "A VARA HF session" >}}
 
+## VARA FM setup
+
+## Packet radio setup
+
 ## What you have to look for
 
 There are probably more things to keep an eye on, but those are the few ones that
@@ -111,10 +120,10 @@ the GPS mouse.
 
 ### RX signal
 
-In ARDOP try to get your receiving signal withing the green bar. ![](ardop-signal.png)
+In ARDOP try to get your receiving signal withing the green bar. ![screenshot of ARDOP signal level meter](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)
+In VARA HF make sure the left indicator is near the needle as in this screenshot. ![screenshot of VARA HF signal level meter](vara-signal.png)
 
 You can achieve this with different methods.
 
@@ -128,6 +137,33 @@ You can achieve this with different methods.
 
 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)
+![picture of the TX500 DIG meter](tx500-dig.png)
 (The ALC meter on the TX-500 does not move a bit on my setup)
 
+## Some nice shortcut commands for the desktop
+
+I catch myself often doing quick looks into the device manager to verify
+the actual COM ports are still what they are used to be and I am also adjusting
+sound volumes (USB speaker & mic) very often.
+
+I created two links on my desktop that open the device manager and the
+extended sound options just with a double-click for me.
+
+Device Manager
+: Right click on the desktop, select <kbd>New ›</kbd> → <kbd>Link</kbd>
+and enter `devmgmt.msc`. Hit <kbd>Enter</kbd> or click <kbd>Next</kbd>,
+name the new link appropriate and you're done with this one.
+
+Sound control
+: Right click on the desktop, select <kbd>New ›</kbd> → <kbd>Link</kbd>
+and enter `mmsys.cpl sounds`. Hit <kbd>Enter</kbd> or click <kbd>Next</kbd>,
+name the new link appropriate and you're also done with that one.
+
+The sound control shortcut may have a non-ideal symbol, to change it right click
+onto the new shortcut, select <kbd>Properties</kbd> and click on the button
+<kbd>Other symbol...</kbd>. In the next dialog I choose another file
+(click the button <kbd>Search...</kbd> next to the textfield). I use the
+symbol from `C:\Windows\System32\SndVol.exe` -- open that file and you can
+choose between three simple symbols for this new shortcut on your desktop.
+Close all dialogs by clicking on <kbd>OK</kbd> and that's it!
+