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.
@ -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
{{<video"vara-session-web""AVARAHFsession">}}
## 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. 
In ARDOP try to get your receiving signal withing the green bar. 
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. 
In VARA HF make sure the left indicator is near the needle as in this screenshot. 
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.
(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!
