Sound Card Packet  with AGWPE

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Most recent AGWPE version is:  2013.415  15 Apr 2013

Introduction
Overview
Computer requirements
Packet Engine Pro

Configure AGWPE
Download and Install
Basic AGWPE Setup
2 Radio Setup
2 Card Setup

Sound Device Setup
Basic Device Settings
Rename Sound Device
Additional Settings
Using the Tuning Aid

Problems?
Program Behavior
Receiving
Transmitting
Connections
Firewalls

AGWPE Features
AGWPE on a Network
Baud Rates & Modes
Remote Control
TCP/IP Over Radio
Tips and Tricks
Traffic Parameters

Compatible Programs:
Setup Help

Radio Interface
Getting Started
Kits and Pre-assembled
USB SignaLink
Receive Audio Cable
Transmit Audio Cable
PTT (TX Control) Cable
2 Radio Modification

About Packet
Packet Overview
Exchange Modes
TNCs and AGWPE
What To Do with Packet
Common Frequencies
Frame Headers
Further Reading
 

Packet Engine Pro

In 2003, the AGWPE author, George SV2AGW, released a more advanced program, Packet Engine Pro, based on his original, freeware AGWPE program.

The Pro version:

  • runs more efficiently
  • has an improved interface
  • has a setup 'Wizard' that simplifies both new sound card and TNC configurations
  • has several new features, such as Radio Port Sharing and alternative KAM-style tones for HF packet

In addition, the following features will work in PE Pro on Windows XP (and older versions). They will not work in AGWPE on a Windows XP (or more recents version). They work OK in AGWPE on older Win95/98/ME systems:

  • PTT can be controlled with the parallel port in addition to the serial port
  • YAM modem control
  • BayCom/BayPac modems, but only if your computer has legacy serial ports, i.e. not ACPI compliant serial ports ( ACPI is a power management/saving protocol)
  • TCP/IP Over Radio, a rarely used feature that lets a station without internet access link to a station with internet access and use the second station for very low speed internet access

Note: any client packet program that works with AGWPE will also work with PE Pro, and vice versa.

The Pro version costs US$49  after a free 30 day trial period. I encourage you to consider the Pro version because:

  • it is easier to use and more powerful
  • it has features that are not found in AGWPE and may never be added to AGWPE
  • your fee supports SV2AGW's programming efforts

You can download the Pro version from http://www.sv2agw.com/downloads/

Feature comparison chart for PE Pro and AGWPE

Feature

AGWPE

PE Pro

Cost

Free

us $49 after 30 day trial period

Runs under All versions of Windows

Works with most TNCs and radio modems

Allows a packet program to connect to multiple TNCs

Allows a TNC to connect to multiple packet programs

Automatic adjustment of TNC settings such as MaxFrame, Retries, SlotTime/Persist.

Manual control of TNC settings such as MaxFrame, Retries, SlotTime/Persist.

Can automatically start client packet programs

Client programs can connect over LAN or internet

More efficient CPU usage

no

Embedded monitoring of received packets

no (must use AGWMonitor)

TNC/sound card configuration wizard

no

Share your packet station with others (Radio Port Sharing)

no

Improved visual interface and navigation

no

Optional Windows XP (and later) visual theme

no

More comprehensive 'Help' files

no

Program may be updated from time to time

not likely

Automatic update feature

no

TCP/IP over radio feature (for sending and receiving email by packet)

$28 option, but only for Windows XP and older operating systems

included, but only works in Windows XP and older operating systems

Support for other older devices:
* Baycom serial port dummy modem
* Picpar & BP96 9600b parallel port modem
* OE5DXL 9600b serial port modem
* DRSI ISA cards: all models
* USCC ISA cards: all models
* PetScc ISA card
* OSCC ISA card

For Win 98 or
Win ME only
(no XP or Vista)

For Win 98 or Win ME only
(no XP or Vista)

BayCom/BayPac modems in Windows XP (and later), but only if computer has legacy serial ports, i.e. non-ACPI  compliant serial ports

no

YAM modems in Windows XP and later

no

Sound Card Packet Features:

Sound card can be used to emulate one or two TNCs/modems

Works with most recent-vintage sound cards or integrated sound chips

Works with USB sound cards including SignaLink© USB

"On Air" baud rates of 300 (FSK), 1200 and 2400 (AFSK), and 9600 (FSK)

Works with supplemental sound cards, i.e. cards other than the default computer card/chip

300 baud: KAM-style (1600/1800) pair tones

300 baud: PK-232 (2110/2310) pair tones

no

Improved digital signal processing algorithm

no

Sound card PTT (transmit) control by serial port (COM)

Sound card PTT (transmit) control by printer port (LPT) in Windows 98/ME

Sound card PTT (transmit) control by printer port (LPT) in Windows XP and later

no

Sound card timing 'Equalization' adjustment for better sound card performance

no

Last Updated:
18Aug2015

 

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