RMS Express WINMOR Peer-To-Peer Sound Card Setup
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RMS Express WINMOR Peer-to-Peer Sound Card Setup RMS EXPRESS P2P provides fast, reliable, error free ARQ messaging directly between two stations, bypassing the Winlink system’s infrastructure. Operation is fully automatic in both directions once a connection (handshake) is achieved. This method permits discrete, error free local message transfer with attachments (ICS-213, Flmsg files, etc.) even if the Internet has failed or long-range RMS HF stations are unavailable due to poor propagation. Further, the receiving station need not be manned as long as it is listening for a connection on an agreed upon frequency. If not already installed, download the RMS Express sound card program at, www.winlink.org/ClientSoftware and follow their instructions for installation and initial setup. These P2P Quick-start instructions assume the use of a Signalink USB sound card interface, so setup and adjustment procedures may vary slightly for other interfaces. After coordinating a Peer- to- Peer session with another station, follow these instructions: 1. Open RMS Express. Choose Winmor P2P in the Open Session drop-down box. 2. Click on either New Message button to open a blank form. Check that the Peer-To-Peer Message button is selected. Only one call sign may be entered in the To box when using P2P. Click on Post to Outbox after composing message. 3. Click on Open Session (Fig. 4) and then on Setup (Fig. 5) in the session window that opens. Select Winmor TNC Setup from the drop-down setup menu. (Observe that the WINMOR Sound Card TNC window also opened on your screen) Just as with Fldigi, select USB Audio CODEC for both the capture and playback device. Select 1600 for your inbound session bandwidth. Click on the Update button. (If you have a different sound card interface, this selection may vary.) 4. Go back to the Setup drop-down box and click on Radio Set-up. Select Manual or a specific radio from the drop-down menu, then USB, USB Digital, or FM as appropriate. Select the appropriate USB Radio Control Port if in use or None, and the PTT Port to External if needed. Click Update, then Close. (Look up the USB port number in your computer’s Hardware Profile screen.) 5. Return to the Setup drop-down box and perform Transmit Level Tests with the Peer Station. Adjust your Signalink TX settings based on the ALC indicator on your radio and the Peer Station’s signal reports. (Turn up the mic gain until the ALC meter indicates, then back it off just until it disappears.) Adjust the Winmor TNC Rcv Level by tuning the RX knob of your Signalink while the peer station performs his transmit level test. Levels should be in the green region. 6. Enter the other station’s Call Sign, the Center Freq and Dial Freq. The center frequency must be set exactly 1500 Hz above the dial frequency. 7. Click the Start button. Observe the Rcv Level and adjust your Signalink until a “handshake” is achieved and the two stations begin interacting automatically. 8. Check your Inbox and Outbox. Look for attachments. Make note of your settings for future sessions. Winmor is an HF digital sound-card mode designed primarily for use with the Winlink 2000 radio- email network. Winmor provides an alternative to expensive PACTOR hardware modems at speeds between Pactor 1 and 2. Winmor, the Winmor software modem, and the RMS Express application were developed by Rick Muething, KN6KB and Vic Poor, W5SMM. The Winmor modem includes innovative features such as a “busy frequency” detector to reduce potential interference. While the software itself is free, a registration donation supports ongoing development by the non- profit Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, operator of the Winlink 2000 system. Registration also removes the initial start-up reminder and permits automatic software updates via the Internet. Hawaii ARES would like to express its gratitude for the preceding article, which was contributed by Eric Lougee (KB1OKX) and edited by Dave Colter WA1ZCN for NH-ARES. .