Install and Configure AGWPE (free version)
There
are two ways we can go with this lesson. The first is the installation and
configuration of AGWPE for use with a terminal node controller (TNC); the second
way is to configure AGWPE for use with a computer sound card. The configuration for the sound card is best
handled by a web site that handles the subject in depth. That website is at: http://www.soundcardpacket.org
recommend you use the sound card website for the guidance and instructions
needed to properly configure AGWPE for use with a sound card.
However,
for both options you should have the free version of AGWPE on hand.
We
will use Winpack, which we installed earlier, as the test vehicle for AGWPE for
either option.
1)
Connect your TNC to the computer’s serial port and leave it turned off.
2)
Open Winpack and click on Options/Comms Setup
3)
In the Comms Setup window, set the baud rate to that of the serial port as in
the Control Panel, set Data Bits to 8,
Stop Bits to 1, and the Comm Port number for that of the computer. If
you need a comm. port greater than four, then click on the words “Comm 4” and
the option will cycle through Comm 8 and back to Comm 1.
4)
In the bottom right corner, using the dropdown box, set Host mode to None.
5)
Click on Ok to return to the main Winpack window.
6)
Now turn on your TNC, you should see the TNC’s sign-on message. If you use
Winpack’s lower window, you should be able to communicate with the TNC.
7)
Type mycall <return> If you
loaded YOUR callsign in Winpack when we configured it in a previous lesson, it
should display:
mycall
MYcall W8AAA
8)
Now go back to Options/Comms Setup and change the Host mode window in the lower right corner to read: AGW
9)
Click Ok and you will be told AGWPE is not running.
10)
Click Ok and return to the main Winpack window. Close (shutdown) Winpack
1)
Create a folder on your computer named AGWPE. Move agwpe.zip to this folder.
2)
Double click AGWPE.zip and unzip all files to the AGWPE folder.
3)
Create a shortcut on the Desktop. Double click the twin towers icon for AGWPE,
agree to the license agreement and then look for a twin towers icon in the
lower right corner of the Desktop screen.
4)
AGWPE is running and needs to be configured. Right click on the icon in the
lower right corner. At the bottom of
the menu that appears, click Exit. The icon will disappear meaning the AGWPE
program is closed.
5)
Restart AGWPE by double clicking the icon on the Desktop.Two windows will pop
up and eventually go away. You can minimize them after reading.
6)
Click the twin towers icon in the lower right corner of the Desktop. The menu
will open. Select the first option
Properties. The RadioPort Selection window will open empty. Click New Port. A
message will appear indicating a new port has been created.
Click Ok.
7) Using the drop-down arrows set the Serial
Port number, and set the Serial Port Baud Rate the same as set in Winpack..
Select TNC type from the drop-down list. Leave the TNC Sub Type, TNC Control
Commands, and number of ports as defaulted .
Make sure that ExitKiss on Exit is
checked. This is ABSOLUTELY necessary.
8) Load the TNC RadioPort / Port Description
with your description of the port, e.g Port1 144.99 Mhz 1200baud ICOM 208H
9)
Click TNC Commands tab. Click on Let me
Control Parameters and fill in all fields with the following data:
Persist
160
Slottime
30
Maxframe
7
Retries
10
TXDelay
30
TxTail
4
If
this TNC has DCD state machine (e.g. PK-232MBX), CD soft, etc. click on
SoftDcd. Leave 64 as the default.
Frack
2
RespTime
5
Check
Every 120
DAMA
Slave, EAX25 Decoding FullDuplex (none checked)
10)
Click Ok. Shut down AGWPE. Restart
AGWPE.
11)
Once you restart AGWPE, start Winpack.
12)
In Winpack’s thin window at the bottom of the screen, enter PORTS
<return> The name of the AGW PE radio port you just configured above
should be displayed as the name of the AGW PE radio port you just configured
should be displayed as Winpack Port 1.
Test AGW PE with
Winpack. No radio is needed.
1) In the thin window type a connect request to
any station. Example:
C
W8UL
<return>
2)
Watch the PTT LED on the TNC. It should
blink on and off as it switches the radio from transmit to receive. If there is no answer from the station being
called, you will see ten retries and a disconnect.
3) The AGW Packet Engine is now installed and working.