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Introduction
AGWPE Overview
More about AGWPE
1. Interface
Getting Started
Kits and Pre-assembled
Receive Audio Cable
Transmit Audio Cable
PTT (TX Control) Cable
2 Radio Modification
2. AGWPE Set Up
Download and Install
Basic AGWPE Setup
2 Radio Setup
2 Card Setup
3. Sound Card Setup
Basic Settings
Additional Settings
Tuning Aid
4. Windows™ Setup
TCP/IP Settings
Update Windows
5. Problems?
Program Behavior
Receiving
Transmitting
Connections
6. Using AGWPE
AGWPE on a Network
Baud Rates & Modes
Remote Control
TCP/IP Over Radio
Tips and Tricks
Traffic Parameters
7. Compatible Programs:
Setup Help
UI-View
WinAPRS
Winpack
Others
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Interface (Computer-to-Radio Cables)
Getting Started
To connect your radio to the sound card, you'll need
an interface consisting of three (3) cables, one each to handle the RX
(receiver audio),
TX (transmit audio), and PTT (transmit) functions. If you want to use your sound card with
2 radios, you'll need a more complicated interface. See
cable2radio.htm
The basic AGWPE radio-to-computer interface is the same as
one as would be used for other
sound card digital programs such as PSK31
or Slow Scan TV. So, if you already have such an interface, you probably can just
use that for AGWPE. (Note: This may not
always be true. For example, the standard RASCAL interface for a Kenwood
TS-2000 will work for the Main band but not the Sub Band. That's because
there are different RX pins for each band on the radio's ACC jack.)
You can either build your own
interface or you can also purchase kits and
pre-assembled interfaces.
Note for 9600 baud
operations: kits or pre-assembled interfaces usually have isolation transformers
on the TX and
RX audio lines that do not have the correct frequency response range
for 9600 baud FSK operations.
Actually, I know of no isolation transformers that will
work. So for 9600 baud operations, you may be better
building your own interface and omit the isolation
transformers, understanding the risk involved in directly
coupling two devices that may be at different voltage
potentials, i.e. ground loop noise and conceivably damage to
your radio or computer. |
If you build your own:
- Make sure you build the interface long enough to
reach from your radio to your computer sound card jacks, especially
for fixed position radios and computers! .. yet as short as possible
to reduce the chance of picking up stray RF (radio frequencies ) or
EMI ( Electro Magnetic Interference ).
- Be sure to use cables with a shield in
them to help prevent stray RF from entering the
cables.
- Use isolation transformers in the Receive
(RX) and Transmit (TX) Audio cables (except for 9600 baud
packet ) and an opto-coupler/photo-transistor
in the PTT cable to break the ground path between the radio and computer.
- At least two of the cables will need small circuits. You'll find other variations at WM2U's PSK31
site. Circuit components should
be readily available at local electronics store or online. For
example, you'll find some very attractive prices for components at
Buck's
online store.
Going beyond my simple circuits, you'll find
instructions for home-brewing the "Cadillac of sound card interfaces" in
the March 2002 QST, p 31. Bob Lewis describes how to build an
interface for ICOM HF rigs with many deluxe features.
Also, take a look at Skip KH6YT's TX
audio-triggered (VOX) PTT interface which was featured in a QST article
in June 2009 (p.30):
http://home.comcast.net/~kh6ty/interface/ The beauty of Skip's
design is that you won't need a serial, parallel or USB port for
triggering the radio's PTT circuit; the TX audio will trigger it.
| Special Tip:
If you want the flexibility of easily switching your
interface between different radios, you might be interested in this
cable construction trick. |
Kits and Pre-Assembled
Interfaces
RX (Receive) Audio Cable
TX (Transmit) Audio Cable
PTT (Push to Talk/Transmit) Cable
Cables to Interface with Two Radios |
Sound Card
Packet