Winlink RMS Express Sound Card Interface Implementation Guide. Windows Vista. Version

Transcription

1 Winlink RMS Express Sound Card Interface Implementation Guide Windows Vista Version

2 Index Overview Solution Set Solution Validation AGW Express Setup AGW Express Configuration optional software component setup and configuration HW Group Virtual Serial Port (freeware) SV2AGW AGW Packet Engine or Packet Engine Pro or UZ7HO Sound Modem or Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS Winlink 2000 RMS Express RMS Express 'Packet WL2K' sound card device session RMS Express 'Packet P2P' sound card device session Appendix 'A Related Internet Links Related Internet Forums Appendix 'B' What could go wrong? Appendix 'C' Soundcard COM Port Relationships Appendix 'D' Using AGWPE Over The Internet

3 Overview Ocean County, New Jersey ARES has been using the Winlink 2000 Airmail client in support of local emergency communications. In an ongoing effort to explore newer solutions, Winlink RMS Express was evaluated. One element of the test plan was the use of a sound card device in place of a TNC. At the conclusion of these tests it was determined that there was no viable interface available to successfully send or receive RMS Express messages via a sound card device nor supporting components running on 64 bit PC operating systems or Windows operating systems requiring signed device drivers. After researching all the components and communication protocols involved, no explanation of the root cause or possible resolution were found. Extensive searches of online resources using numerous websites and related forums produced no positive results. But, a primary driver was the use a sound card device would provide a hardware alternative to TNC's and increase the RMS Express user population. This possibility warranted further investigation into a solution rather then walking away from the problem. A root cause analysis pointed to the interface between RMS Express and the AGW Packet Engine. Several programs were written to analyze the KISS packets from RMS Express, AGW Packet Engine TCPIP frames and finally the AX.25 packets generated by The AGW Packet Engine and the RMS Gateway. All of this research provided the technical basis to write a new interface. The resulting application, 'AGW Express Interface' has resolved the RMS Express 'B2 Format Error' encountered when sending or receiving messages. The solution will run on any Windows 32 bit or 64 bit platform supported by the Microsoft.Net Framework. The signed driver issue was satisfied by using the HW group Virtual Serial Port (freeware). This software is also 32bit and 64 bit compliant. The remainder of this document describes the solution, software installation/configuration and use of RMS Express through a sound card device. None of this would be possible without the AGW Packet Engine developed and provided to the amateur radio community by George Rossopoulos, SV2AGW, the UZ7HO Sound Modem from Andrei Kopanchuk, UZ7HO and Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS from John Langner, WB2OSZ. Thanks also to Ralph Milnes, NM5RM SoundCardPacket.org, for supporting the sound card community through his website.

4 Solution Set Objective: Provide a capability for RMS Express to use a sound card device in place of a TNC. Four components are required to meet this objective. Winlink RMS Express RMS Express communications is a complex series of handshakes to pass data from RMS Express between the sound card. Since RMS Express can only use an existing COM port, a virtual serial port is required. HW group - Virtual Serial Port (freeware) Configures a 'virtual' serial port to pass data between RMS Express and AGW Express Interface. At start-up, HW VSP will create a virtual serial port (default COM73) and connects to TCPIP port (4500). AGW Express Interface Communications manager that, at start-up, checks the status of RMS Express, HW VSP and AGW Packet Engine to insure that they are running and using the correct configuration. During an RMS Express Packet WL2K session, the interface handles the communications protocol exchanges between RMS Express and the AGW Packet Engine. AGWPE (AGW Packet Engine and Packet Engine Pro) Communicates with AGW Express Interface, handles all AX.25 packet functions and interacts with the sound card device. OR UZ7HO (UZ7HO Sound Modem) Communicates with AGW Express Interface, handles all AX.25 packet functions and interacts with the sound card device. OR Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS Communicates with AGW Express Interface, handles all AX.25 packet functions and interacts with the sound card device.

5 Requirements Internet connection PC Operating System Windows and 64 Bit Windows 8 and and 64 Bit Windows 7 32 and 64 Bit Windows Vista 32 and 64 Bit Windows XP 32 and 64 Bit Note: Windows XP PCs - Since there are four software components on your PC plus the RMS Packet Gateway, communication timeout issues between RMS Express and the RMS Gateway increase with older slower PC's. Potentially, this could preclude using the solution on a given PC configuration. Factors other than base PC performance can play a big part; such as 'Free Avast Anti-Virus' software. Replacing this software with free 'AVG AntiVirus' may resolve the issue. 'Microsoft Security Essentials' is no longer supported by Microsoft for Windows XP. Beta Test Team The beta test team has tested numerous configurations for PC's going back to There is a performance floor where it is impossible to run this solution set. It can't be stated in absolute terms since it is a combination of processor speed, available RAM memory, operating system and other resident software competing for PC resources. Special thanks to the beta team for executing hundreds of RMS Express sessions during the beta test phase. Please use the 'Contact' page on the website to report any related issues or suggestions. Team Members Erik Nelson, KE5ZBG Ron Nelson, NR5ON Ralph Milnes, NM5RM Bob Murdock, WX2NJ Jim Li Muli, W2YG

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7 Windows Vista Installation Start your Internet browser and navigate to Select the 'Downloads' tab Download the Implementation Guide for the required operating system(s) Either view or download the 'How To' video Installation Of All Solution Components to familiarize yourself with the setup process.

8 When you are ready to install, select 'AGW Express Interface' from the Application section on the 'Download page. Select [Run] Select [Yes] RMS Express and the AGW Express Interface require Microsoft.Net Framework 3.5 SP1 or higher. If it is not installed on your PC, the following windows displays. If it is installed, this section is bypassed. Select <Install> to download and install the software.

9 After Microsoft.Net Framework 3.5 SP1 is installed, the AGW Express Interface Setup begins. If Microsoft.Net Framework 3.5 SP1 is already installed on your PC, you will start at this window. Select 'Next >'

10 Read the license agreement and accept the terms of the license agreement. Select [Next >] This is the 'Default' installation location. Select [Change...] if you want to install to another folder on your PC. Otherwise, select [Next] to use the default location

11 Select [Install] Installation in progress...

12 Select [Finish] AGW Express Interface is installed. The configuration application will launch immediately...

13 Configuration Process The configuration application (AGW Config) will optionally install the following software and dynamically configure all the components of the RMS Express Sound card solution. Note: While you have the option to Cancel this process for future executions, you MUST complete the configuration process initially before starting AGW Express.. The 'Configuration' application is available in the Start menu folder AGW Express and can be run anytime to install/reinstall the other software components and configure them. Select [Next >]

14 Note: an 'Information' icon is available to display important items related to this step. Move the cursor over this icon to display. Select [OK] to install. The setup process will launch...

15 HW group Virtual Serial Port A check will be made to see if software is already installed at the default location in the PC. If so, the following window will display. Select [Yes] to reinstall the HW group Virtual Serial Port software. OR Select [No] to keep the current installation and move to the next step. Select [Next >]

16 Read the license agreement and accept the terms of the license agreement. Select [Next] Select [Next]

17 This is the 'Default' installation location. Select [Browse] if you want to install to another folder on your PC. Otherwise, select [Next] to use the default location. If you selected [Next], skip the following change folder procedure. Select your installation folder e.g. Ham Software. Select [OK]

18 Select [Next] Select Standalone Application The virtual serial port is accessed from your PC only and not available through a network connection.

19 Select [Next] Select [Next]

20 Select [Next] Installation in progress...

21 During the installation phase, the following Message Box will display Note: This is a 'standalone' installation of the virtual serial port, but the application still needs to be added to the list of firewall exceptions. If you select [No], AGW Express will be blocked from accessing TCP port 4500 and no communications with RMS Express will be possible. Select [Yes] Select [Finish]

22 After HW VSP setup is completed or canceled: After the HW group Virtual Serial Port software is installed, you can optionally select a COM port other then the 'default' COM73. This is useful if you intend to use the interface for other KISS protocol COM applications whose COM port options are limited to a smaller range. Use the drop-down list to select the COM port and then Select [OK] to continue. Or Select [OK] to use the 'default' Com port COM73.

23 When HW VSP is successfully installed, the HW VSP configuration file is created AGE Express Interface configuration is update with the path and port information. However, if HW VSP setup was canceled, the following message displays: Select [OK] Select [Cancel] Rerun the Configuration Utility for install HW VSP before proceeding with the configuration process. Note: Do not use the interface until the Configuration process has been completed since all configuration setting must be set first.

24 Preferred Packet Engine Selection Note: an 'Information' icon is available to display important items related to this step. Move the cursor over this icon to display. The solution set supports three packet engine choices. Select your default choice of either 'AGW Packet Engine' or 'Packet Engine Pro' or 'UZ7HO Sound Modem' or ''Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS'.

25 'AGW Packet Engine', 'UZ7HO Sound Modem' and 'Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS' applications will be installed into the root folder that was selected when 'AGW Express Interface' was installed (e.g. C:\Ham Software\AGW Express Interface folders \AGWPE, \UZ7HO and \DIREWOLF). Select [OK] Note: ONLY if you selected 'Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS' as the 'default'packet engine, will the following window will display: Select the appropriate TX baud rate Select [OK] to complete the Dire Wolf configuration. Packet engine installation will proceed with AGW Packet Engine and UZ7HO Sound Modem. If 'AGW Packet Engine' installation is not currently installed,, you are required read and accept the license agreement. There is no license agreement for 'UZ7HO Sound Modem' and Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS uses a GNU (General Public License).

26 Read the license agreement and select [I Agree] to install AGW Packet Engine or [I Don't Agree] to exit the installation of AGW Packet Engine. Note: There may be other installations of AGWPE in different folder(s) on the PC, configured for other applications. You can run only one instance of 'AGW Packet Engine' on the PC at a time. While, you can have multiple sets of configurations, it's cleaner to install and run from the 'AGW Express Interface' sub-folder to insure that the correct configuration is used. UZ7HO Sound Modem and 'Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS' are 'silent' installs and will use the COM associated with the selected soundcard device(s). For SignaLink devices and KH6TY/homebews, the 'unused' COM port will be assigned to 'LPT3:' since it is unlikely that three serial printers are connect to the PC. 'AGW Express Interface' will save the PID (Process ID) when either UZ7HO or Dire Wolf is launched so the correct instance will be closed at application 'Exit'. Again, that is why it is installed and run from the 'AGW Express Interface' subfolder to insure that the correct configuration is used.

27 Note: If you access AGWPE over the Internet, see Appendix 'E' after completing the configuration process. AGW Packet Engine and UZ7HO Sound Modem installation in progress

28 Note: an 'Information' icon is available to display important items related to this step. Move the cursor over this icon to display. Make sure that the soundcard device(s) are connected to the PC. Select [OK]

29 Note: an 'Information' icon is available to display important items related to this step. Move the cursor over this icon to display. Select the appropriate 'default' Recording and Playback audio devices for this soundcard. Select [OK] to continue Note: This window will display for each selected soundcard device.

30 After packet engines AGWPE, UZ7HO and Dire Wolf are installed: Select [OK] Note: an 'Information' icon is available to display important items related to this step. Move the cursor over this icon to display.

31 Select [OK] The configuration application will check common locations to see if RMS Express is already installed on the PC. If not located, the following message displays: Select [Yes] to select the location for RMS Express currently installed on your PC. Select [No] to install RMS Express

32 If it was located at one of the common locations, a warning message will display with the option to bypass the installation step. Select [OK] Winlink RMS Express Software Installation The configuration utility will obtain the current version available at the Winlink 2000 website and display the result: Select [OK] to install this version of RMS Express.

33 OR Select [Cancel] to cancel the RMS Express software installation. Note: If you select [Cancel], you can install RMS Express at another time by rerunning the Configuration Utility. But, Do not run AGW Express until RMS Express is installed and configured on your PC. RMS Express Setup starts as soon as the download is completed. Select [Next >]

34 This is the 'Default' installation location. Select [Browse] if you want to install to another folder on your PC. Otherwise, select [Next] to use the default location (skip Change Folder procedure) Change Folder Procedure Select your installation folder e.g. Ham Software\AGW Express Interface.

35 In the 'Folder' text box, append the installation sub-folder e.g RMS Express Select [Next] to install at this location. **** End of Folder Change Procedure **** Select [Next >]

36 Installation in progress... Select [Close]

37 Note: After the RMS Express software is installed, a verification of the RMS Express application occurs using common folders. If it is not located, you will be asked to provides the install folder. The installation process continues to the RMS configuration step. Later, when you run RMS Express, you may be required to provide additional personal information in the setup process. This process is not automated in the Configuration utility because W2YG Software will not collect personal information as per its privacy policy.

38 RMS Express Configuration Enter your Callsign, Grid Square and optional RMS Gateway node, but if you know it, then enter it now.. If you are not sure of your Grid Square, select the link to look it up. Enter your Callsign and select [Submit] If two grid squares display, use either the Maidenhead or QRZ.

39 Select [OK] Note: If you use RMS Express with a TNC for other modes, you will want to set the RMS Express 'Serial Port Baud Rate' to match the baud rate used by your TNC. Since AGW Express uses a virtual serial port, this setting is not used because there is no hardware USART chip involved. The data moves at the internal PC speed regardless of the setting. Select [No] to bypass this step and use the 'default' setting of Select [Yes] to match the setting with your TNC.

40 Using the drop-down list, select the setting used by your TNC. This example the TNC uses a baud rate of Select [Yes] to set the RMS 'Serial Port Baud Rate' to this value. The RMS Express basic setup and 'Packet WL2K' mode configurations will be created automatically. Select [OK]

41 Select [Next >] skip to Finish window. Select [Finish]

42 Verify Your PC's Sound Card Settings Right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray and select 'Adjust Audio Properties'. Verify that the correct playback and recording default device are selected. Note: for a SignaLink device, it must be the 'USB Audio CODEC'. Right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray and select 'Open Volume Control'. Make sure the 'Speaker' volume slider is set to maximum (100%)

43 RMS Express 'Packet WL2K' Sound Card Session The AGW Express Interface installation process will create two methods to run the application. Desktop Icon: AGW Express Interface Start Menu selection: At start-up, AGW Express checks to see if the HW group VSP com port is available and the 'default' packet engine is running. If not, it will attempt to start them. This example uses the AGW Packet Engine. HW group VSP window displays and minimizes quickly. The application waits for about 10 seconds to allow time for the HW Virtual Serial Port software to create the configured COM port.

44 HW group VSP window displays and minimizes quickly. The application waits for about 10 seconds to allow time for the HW Virtual Serial Port software to create port COM73. AGW Packet Engine will display this Window for about 10 seconds before fading out. Next, it examines the configurations for RMS Express, HW group VSP and the packet engine to make sure that they are all in synch. A status window will display for a few seconds before fading out.

45 When using 'AGW Packet Engine': Finally, a window will display to 'optionally' start RMS Express. Select [Yes] to start RMS Express or Select [No] to manually start it later.

46 There are six options available via the AGW Express icon in the system tray Right-Click on the AGW Express Interface Icon Settings - Displays the Start-up status. When using 'AGW Pack Engine':

47 Change Packet Engine Optionally change the 'default' packet engine. Packet Engine Pro' is enable only if it is installed on the PC. Select one of the other available packet engine choices. Note: Packet Engine Pro will be enabled only if it is installed on the PC. Select [OK] Select [OK] The AGW Express Interface solution will terminate. Restart AGW Express Interface.

48 Note: If a packet engine change is made to Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS, you will be prompted to select the baud rate used by the target RMS Gateway: Select the baud rate and then [OK]

49 Select [OK] The AGW Express Interface will terminate. Restart AGW Express Interface to begin using Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS as the default packet engine. Change Soundcard Device Optionally change the 'default' soundcard device. All devices identified using the configuration utility are listed. Select one of the other available soundcard device choices. Select [OK]

50 Select [OK] Complete above steps 1 and 2. The AGW Express Interface solution will terminate. Restart AGW Express Interface. Change Virtual COM Port Optionally change the COM port used by HW VSP, RMS Express or potentially other KISS protocol COM based applications. Note: The current Virtual COM port displays in the COM port drop-down box.

51 Select the new COM port from the drop-down list e.g. COM3. Select [OK] to change the Virtual COM Port. The configurations for AGWE, HW VSP and RMS Express will be updated to reflect the new Virtual COM Port. When completed, the following message will display:

52 About - Standard application information. Exit - Closes the AGW Express Interface, HW VSP and the packet engine ( AGW Packet Engine, Packet Engine Pro or UZ7HO Sound Modem or Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS).

53 RMS Express 'Packet WL2K' Session Start RMS Express from the Desktop Icon RMS Express Select Open Session [Packet WL2K] Select Start to connect with the specified RMS Gateway.

54 RMS Express Packet Peer-to-Peer Messaging In order to use the RMA Express Packet Peer-to-Peer Messaging function, you must conform to the P2P message addressing convention. Select Peer-to-Peer Message To: single callsign only - no Internet addressing format. When done, Post to Outbox

55 Initiate RMS Express Packet P2P session Set Session Mode to [Packet P2P] Select Open Session Select Start to connect with target peer.

56 Sample Peer-to-Peer session Message sent during above session

57 Appendix 'A' Links ARRL Website: ARRL.org Ocean County, New Jersey ARES ECOM Manager: Bob, Murdock, WX2NJ Website: Ocean County ARES Santa Fe, New Mexico ARES (SFARES) EC: Donald Hinsman, N4VIP Website: SFARES Sound Card Packet Website: Ralph Milnes, NM5RM soundcardpacket.org Winlink 2000 RMS Express Website: Winlink.Org AGW Packet Engine Website: George Rossopoulos, SV2AGW SV2AGW. com - Ham Section UZ7HO Sound Modem Andrei Kopanchuk, UZ7HO Website: Dire Wolf Soundcard TNC for APRS John Langner, WB2OSZ Website: HW Group Website: Virtual Serial Port (freeware) HW Group.com Tigertronics Website: SignaLink USB Tigertronics microham USB Website: microham USB II & III West Mountain Radio RIGblaster line Website:

58 Appendix 'B' What Could Go Wrong? No transmit, receive audio or both. Check your audio settings and speaker/microphone volumes. Check your audio settings and speaker/microphone volumes.

59 Appendix 'B' No TX or RX with SignaLink Given that the audio settings are correct, this condition can exist if the USB cable was disconnected while the AGW Packet Engine was running. Plugging it back in will not resolve the problem. Solution: Logoff and Logon to allow Vista to reset the USB port. Restart AGW Express Interface. Started RMS Express before AGW Express Interface Since the HW Virtual Serial has not created the configured COM port, the Com Port field in the session 'Setup' will be blank. Communications with the sound card is not possible. Solution: Exit RMS Express and start the AGW Express Interface. The interface application will detect the RMS Express configuration error and auto-correct it. The COM port will be created and no changes are required to RMS Express. Connected to RMS Gateway or Peer-to-Peer, but cannot exchange messages. In some cases you may be able to get a connection, but no messages are exchanged and the session appears to hang. Solution: Check the Audio or Sound settings for the PC. Make sure the 'Audio Playback (Speakers) and Recording (Mic) volume settings are at 100%.

60 Appendix 'B' Started RMS Express before AGW Express Interface Since the HW Virtual Serial has not created the configured COM port, the Com Port field in the session 'Setup' will be blank. Communications with the sound card is not possible. Solution: Exit RMS Express and start the AGW Express Interface. The interface application will detect the RMS Express configuration error and auto-correct it. COM port will be created and no changes are required to RMS Express. Connected to RMS Gateway or Peer-to-Peer, but cannot exchange messages. In some cases you may be able to get a connection, but no messages are exchanged and the session appears to hang. Solution: Check the Audio or Sound settings for the PC. Make sure the 'Audio Playback (Speakers) and Recording (Mic) volume settings are at 100%. Inadvertently exited HW VSP after AGW Express Interface was started. AGW Express Interface does check for the existence of the configured COM port before fading out and minimizing to the system tray. But, if HW VSP is terminated after that, it has no way of knowing. As you have seen, the following scenario plays out: When HW VSP is not running and you try to start a RMS Express session, the following message displays in the RMS Express session window: *** Opening serial port COM73; 9600 baud; TNC-X *** Unable to open COM73 *** Serial port COM73 is not a valid port name *** The packet TNC failed to open - see the Exceptions log

61 Appendix 'B' At this point AGW Express Interface is unaware that HW VSP is not running. It is just in 'wait' mode pending a connect request KISS frame from RMS Express via HW VSP. RMS Express is configured to use this COM port, but it doesn't exist when HW VSP is not running. Solution: Restarting HW VSP from the desktop icon will not resolve the problem since the AGW Express Interface is holding the other end of the loop-back in an active state and you cannot recreate the port. 'Exit' AGW Express Interface and restart it to automatically initiate HW VSP and AGWPE. USB Headset with microphone audio driver blocks SignaLink device USB Codec. If you have a USB headset with microphone plugged in at the same time you have a SignaLink device also plugged in, the solution set will start all components, but RMS Express may NOT be able to communicate with the SignaLink device. Solution: Unplug the USB Headset from the USB port. Exit AGW Express Interface and restart.

62 Appendix 'C' Soundcard COM Port Relationships

63 Appendix 'C' Soundcard COM Port Relationships

64 Appendix 'C' Soundcard COM Port Relationships

65 Appendix 'D' Using AGWPE Over The Internet If your instance of AGWPE is accessed over the Internet, you will have to make the following configuration change after installing and configuring AGW Express Interface. Start AGW Express Interface. From the system tray, Right-Click on the AGWPE icon. Select 'Setup Interfaces' Check the box titled 'Enable Winsock TCP/IP Application Interface'

66 Select the 'Winsock Interface Security' Tab Enable/Disable Select the appropriate access level Optional 'Keep a log for all Connections coming from the Internet' Optional User Setup If you require individual User Logins, create the Login ID and Password now for each user. Select [New User] Select [OK]

67 Select [OK] AGWPE can be accessed using the Internet. Note: A more detailed description at soundcardpacket.org: