--- title: Winlink on a Windows computer and a TX-500 summary: > 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 categories: - amateur-radio tags: - winlink - digirig - mobilinkd - packet radio - vara fm - vara hf - draft_post # showBreadcrumbs: true # showDate: false # showReadingTime: false # showWordCount: false # showPagination: false # feed_exclude: true # site_exclude: true # some help # # highlighting with highlights # # use table, as inline creates a padding around # and it pushes the text more to the right side (end of screen) # # ~~~html {linenos=table,hl_lines="3-6"} # ~~~html {linenos=inline,hl_lines="1,3-6"} draft: true --- First let us start with what I used until now for any Winlink session that I made (either at home or portable in the field/forest/mountain). ## The old setup (on a linux box) I use a Lenovo X1 Carbon as my daily driver. It is quick enough and compact and I used it for a while now for hamradio stuff too. I never did FT8 or similar "messengers" on it though. In particular I did some winlink sessions using [Pat] in combination with [rigctld], [direwolf], the [AX.25 tools], [VARA] (HF and FM) and [ARDOPCF] (never got one connection from home). [Pat]: https://getpat.io/ [rigctld]: https://hamlib.github.io/ [direwolf]: https://github.com/wb2osz/direwolf [AX.25 tools]: https://packet-radio.net/ax-25/ [VARA]: https://rosmodem.wordpress.com/ [ARDOPCF]: https://github.com/Dinsmoor/ardopcf A more precise note on how I established different connection types is [already 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"). ## Using Winlink Express on a Windows computer 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.") I like to have the sound control open to adjust volume levels. ## 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") Set the desired drive level within these settings. I usually have to set it to 87-88. ![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). I also use a Digirig and I can therefore use the COM port to trigger the PTT function. ![screenshot of the ARDOP settings](ardop-tnc.png "And finally the ARDOP settings") {{< video "ardop-session-web" "An ARDOP session" >}} ## VARA HF setup ![screenshot of the VARA HF settings](vara-tnc-settings.png "Settings within a Winlink VARA HF session") ![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 I usually take care of. ### Time synchronisation Most digital modes rely on accurate time settings, so you may synchronise with a timeserver or use the GPS mouse. ### RX signal 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. ![screenshot of VARA HF signal level meter](vara-signal.png) You can achieve this with different methods. - Change the microphone level within Windows. I try to leave this setting to 80% but I sometimes have to adjust it a bit. It is good at 80% for VARA FM, but for ARDOP I often have to increase it to 100%. - Change the REF level on your radio. On the TX-500 I usually maintain a REF level of -19. ### 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. ![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 New › → Link and enter `devmgmt.msc`. Hit Enter or click Next, name the new link appropriate and you're done with this one. Sound control : Right click on the desktop, select New › → Link and enter `mmsys.cpl sounds`. Hit Enter or click Next, 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 Properties and click on the button Other symbol.... In the next dialog I choose another file (click the button Search... 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 OK and that's it!