Configuration of Windows (98) to work as a terminal
All modes have been tested with Windows 98 and Windows 98SE (=Second Edition) and work perfectly ! I did not test them with other versions of Windows. You can find updates for Vista/Windows7 and other great stuff (some freeware, some shareware) on link at the Digimodes webpage.
Whatever digital mode you want to use, you must configure Windows to work as a terminal. The necessary adaptations are described in the following section.
Important notes before you continue
From my experience installing digital modes on several computers, i know that it sometimes looks as it just doesn't want to work at all ! So, before starting-off check be aware of the following remarks:
| 1. | Be sure your COM ports are enabled !! You can verify (or make them available) in the BIOS of your computer. |
| 2. | Check that the input lines of your soundcard are activated !! Click on the loudspeaker in the taskbar (next to the clock) and if you do not see 'microphone' and 'line in' go to 'Options' and check them. |
Windows settings
You will have to set some components in windows to make AGWPE work properly. AGWPE uses the TCP/IP protocol, so you will have to install it if this wasn't the case already.
You have to install the DialUp Adapter and TCP/IP protocol (is that was done already you can skip this and go to the next paragraph). Just follow the next steps and keep your Windows CD ROM at hand, it will be asked for :
DialUp Adapter installation
Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove programs - Windows Setup - Communications - Details - check mark DialUp Networking - OK - OK
TCP/IP protocol installation
Start - Settings - Control Panel - Network - Add - Protocol - Microsoft - TCP/IP - OK
Your Windows is now properly configured to be used with packet software.
Soundcard settings
Since you are using your soundcard as a TNC, it will be necessary to set your soundcard parameters according to the source and software you are going to use. You will also probably use your PC for other software, so it would be nice to be able to save all settings, corresponding to the particular use of the soundcard. Well, this can easily be done with a 260 kB freeware program QuickMix. I use it all the time and it has always been a great help to me, avoiding me to loose time in resetting all parameters of the soundcard. Just click on the link given below to get it !
download QuickMixIn.exe
Just install it by running the .exe file. Set your Windows Volume Controls as required for your application (see below) and click on 'Save'. All setttings are saved in a .qmx file. You can reinstate these settings all the time by running QuickMix and loading the appropriate .qmx file.
Choose the application you want to run and read on in that section of this webpage.
A free terminal program for Windows: AGWPE (which stand for SV2AGW Packet Engine)
AGWPE is a set of drivers, written by SV2AGW, George Rossopoulos, to use a baycom modem and soundcards under Windows 95 or 98.
download AGWPE.zip
So, first download AGWPE by clicking on the link above and unzip all files in a directory AGWPE. Now, first close all windows applications that use the soundcard or the serial port that you are going to access for interfacing. Next, just follow the steps as described here and it all will be running in little time and effort!
1. Run AGWPE Packet Engine.EXE: it puts an icon in your taskbar.
2. Click on this icon to bring up a menu and select 'Setup Interfaces'. Make sure you check the mark 'Enable Winsock TCP/IP Application Interface' is checked here. It might be unchecked by installation default!
3. Click on 'OK' twice (the second time it is the window telling you that changes will take effect immediately).
4. Click on the packet icon again to make the menu re-appear and select 'Properties'. Press the 'New Port' button on the right of the 'RadioPortSelection' window that opened. You will get the message 'A New TncPort Has Been Created'. Click on 'OK'.
5. In the resulting 'Properties for Port 1' window you select the port where you will attach the PTT cable. In SerialPort/Modem Baudrate select 1200 baud. The TNC type is of couse 'soundcard' and the TNC SubType is 'Kiss simple' mode. In TNC Radio Port Description you can type in whatever you want (e.g. : kenwood on 2 meter for aprs). All other selections are kept default (which goes also for the TNC Commands window), so do not alter them. Select 'OK'.
6. The program will tell you it is neccesary to restart AGWPE, so just restart it. It will not only be visible by the AGWPE icon in the taskbar, but a TNC icon will be put next to it, confirming you that all is going well :) Your system is ready to be used as a TNC now!