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| Winlink on a Surface 2 Go and a TX-500 | Mission: move all my hamradio stuff from the linux notebook to the Surface 2 Go (Windows 11). | 2024-05-11T23:53:55+02:00 |
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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).
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 plan to use the Surface 2 Go tablet for Winlink and related tasks.
ARDOP setup
Following some screenshots showing my settings for ARDOP:
Set the desired drive level within these settings. I usually have to set it to 87-88.
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.
VARA HF setup
What you have to look for
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. 
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. 
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.
(The ALC meter on the TX-500 does not move a bit on my setup)