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
8. Packet Reference
    Overview
    Exchange Modes
    Frame Headers
    TNCs and AGWPE
    What to do with Packet
    Common Frequencies
    Sound Card Mechanics
    Further Reading     
  
   

AGWPE and the SignaLink USB

The Tigertronics SignaLink USB interface (http://www.tigertronics.com/slusbmain.htm) has many interesting features of value to AGWPE users:

•  includes a built-in "sound card" chip so AGWPE doesn't need to use your computer's sound card
•  uses the TX audio (VOX) to trigger your radio's PTT circuit -- doesn't need a serial or parallel port on your computer for PTT control
•  has only a single USB cable from the SignaLink to the computer -- audio cables to sound card jacks are not needed
•  Powered by the USB connection - no external power or battery needed

1. Configuring the SignaLink USB for AGWPE

Be sure to read the SignaLink USB (SLU) documentation, especially the part about configuring the jumper wires inside the SLU to match your radio's pin-outs .

To create an AGWPE radio port for the SLU, first plug in the SLU's USB cable to your computer. Your computer should recognize a new USB device. (In my XP computer,  Windows "connection" tones can be heard when this happens.)

Then follow the basic AGWPE setup to create an AGWPE radio port but with these exceptions:

1. In the Properties for Port1 window, for the Select Port field, select a non-existent LPT (parallel) port. Since the SLU does not require either a COM or LPT port for PTT control, there is no need for AGWPE to tie up a COM or LPT port on your computer.

2. At the bottom of the SoundCard Modem/TNC Setup window (found by pressing the Options button in the middle of the  Properties for Port1 window), you will find the SoundCard Selection field. If necessary, use the scroll arrow to reveal and select the SLU's sound card, which is called USB Audio CODEC (on some computers it may be called USB Audio Device.

<-- click on this image for a larger image of the SoundCard Modem/TNC Setup window.

Then press OK to close all the AGWPE windows and restart AGWPE. The SignaLink USB should now be set to work with AGWPE.

2. Troubleshooting AGWPE - SignaLink USB (SLU) Problems

The SignaLink USB Installation and Operation Guide contains detailed information about recommended SLU settings and troubleshooting.  There is also a website which has troubleshooting information http://www.tigertronics.com/slusbts.htm

Here are just a few key things to check if you have difficulties:

a. Received Audio - The RX audio dial on the front of the SLU is the only way to increase or decrease the RX audio levels (unless you are getting the RX audio from the speaker of your radio, in which case your radio volume control dial will also have an effect on the RX audio level). I've had good success with the SLU's RX audio dial set to the 9 o'clock position.

[You may have experience with other sound cards which use the Windows Volume Control Recording sliders to adjust RX volume levels. There is no such control with the SLU; likewise the RX control sliders on AGWPE's Sound Card Tuning Aid screen have no effect on the SLU's RX Audio levels.]

Also, set the DLY (Delay) dial on the front of the SLU to the 7 o'clock position (fully counterclockwise). This minimizes the time the SLU keeps your radio in transmit mode. If you increase the delay, the packet station which you are communicating with may begin to transmit before the SLU and your radio return to "receive" mode and you will not receive the first packet from the distant station.

b. TX Audio -

•  Use the Windows Volume Control program to control the SLU's TX audio levels. Follow the instructions on the Sound Card settings page of this web site, but set the Speaker slider for the USB Audio CODEC to maximum (up) and set the Wave slider to 50%.
   
•  Set the TX audio dial on the face of the SLU to the 9 o'clock position.

c. PTT Transmit fails:

• If the SignaLink USB's PTT LED turns ON but the radio doesn't switch to transmit, then you have most likely incorrectly installed the PTT jumper wires inside the SLU. Double check the wiring there and also make sure that the cable to your radio is going to the correct PTT pin (in some radios, the PTT pin for FM packet is different from the one used for SSB modes such as PSK-31, RTTY and SSTV; if this is the case, you will need a different cable for packet).
   
• If the SignaLink USB's PTT LED does NOT turn ON: Verify that the SignaLink USB’s PWR LED is ON. If it is not, then make sure that the SignaLink USB's PWR switch is pressed in and the USB cable is securely connected to the computer and the SignaLink.

  Make sure AGWPE is configured to use the SignaLink USB’s built-in sound card. The program should have “USB Audio CODEC” selected (or it may be called USB Audio Device in some computers).

  Try increasing the Wave slider in the Windows Volume Control program for the USB Audio Codec (the main Volume Control should already be up fully).  There is also a special jumper setting inside the SLU to further increase TX audio levels; see the SLU Installation and Operation Guide.

  If the SignaLink is plugged into a USB hub, verify that the hub is a powered hub. Non-powered hubs may not supply enough power for the SignaLink to operate properly (Receive will work, but Transmit may not).