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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
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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
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.
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.
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
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