Sound Card Packet  with AGWPE

Translations and PDF of this site
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
 

Computer Requirements for Running AGWPE

Operating System
Processor/CPU
Sound Card 

Generally speaking, AGWPE will run on nearly any post-2005 computer. It does not need special hardware and works on most Windows operating systems

Operating System

The latest version of AGWPE runs reliably in Windows XP. (See Running AGWPE on Older Computers page if you have an older version of windows.)

AGWPE also runs well in more recent versions of Windows (Vista/7/8.0/8.1), but with these exceptions: (not yet tested on Windows 10)

  • You must install AGWPE in a folder that is not in the C:\Program Files folder. That is because newer versions of Windows prevent changes to files in the Program Files folder, and AGWPE needs to be able to write changes to the configuration files in its folder.
  • You probably need to rename your sound device in Windows: AGWPE was written assuming that Windows would automatically use the same sound device for both RX (recording) and TX (playback). That worked in Windows XP (and older versions), but not for Windows Vista (and newer versions). Those newer versions of Windows require you to specify one RX device and one TX device. AGWPE can't do that; it can only specify the RX device. So AGWPE will only run correctly if you are are OK with Windows using the "default" sound devices for TX. If you don't want to use the default TX sound device, say you want to use a second sound card or an external USB sound card, then you need to Rename Your Sound Device in Windows.
  • AGWPE's special TCPIP Over Radio or "TOR" feature no longer works in versions after XP. Note that most users do not use or need this feature. Those that do want to use it on a newer operating system will need to get PE Pro instead.

Note that some client packet programs that work with AGWPE may themselves not work in 64-bit versions of Windows. One example is WinPack.

Some users running Vista said they had to use compatibility mode to run AGWPE. I didn't have this problem with Windows 8.1. But this is what they said to do:

If AGWPE doesn't run at first, go into the installation folder for AGWPE (and perhaps any of its client programs). Right click on the main program executable, e.g. AGW Packet Engine.exe. Then select the Properties option and then the Compatibility tab. Set the programs to run on Windows XP (Service Pack 2) mode and also check the Privilege Level option to Run this program as an administrator. By modifying the executable, you don't have to modify any shortcuts on the desktop or start menu for this to work.

Processor/CPU

Generally, any processor from 2005 or later will work just fine with AGWPE. For advice on  older computers and processors, see Running AGWPE on Older Computers.

Sound Device

AGWPE' s sound card packet mode should work with most 8-bit or higher sound cards and integrated main board sound chips (generally anything from 2005 and later). Earlier cards may not work; see Running AGWPE on Older Computers. Note that most internal computer sound cards are inexpensive components that are prone to sampling rate errors and electro-magnetic noise from other computer components. This may render them unsatisfactory for AGWPE use. Regardless of its age, you should have the most up-to-date drivers for your sound card.

If you seem to have problems with your sound card/chip, consider a USB external sound card device (see the Kits and Pre-assembled Interface page). If your computer does not have a USB port but has a serial port, then perhaps a USB to Serial Adapter (do a Google search) will let you run a USB device.

A good program to check your sound card's speed/sampling rate is:

 CheckSR.exe found at  http://www.pa-sitrep.com/checksr/CheckSR.exe and other sites (do a Google search). It can be used to gauge the accuracy of your sound card's sampling rate. Check it for "22050 kHz" (the sampling rate used for 1200 baud packet.) Run the program for about 60 seconds and then hit "stop" to see the card's actual sampling rate.

Note that AGWPE does have a way to adjust the sound card's sampling rate, but unfortunately, there are no instructions about how to pick the proper adjustment. The program author says to use trial and error to see if an adjustment helps with packet receiving accuracy .

Want to know more about the basics of sound cards? Try these sites:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/sound-card.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_card
http://www.epanorama.net/links/pc_sound.html

Last Updated:
18Aug2015

 

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