Packet Engine Pro Help

General Information
   
Introduction
   Features
   Supported TNCs
   
User Interface
   Registration
   Copyright
Program Setup

   Radio Port Mgr
    . Edit TNC/modem Port
    . Edit Sound Card Port
       - Tuning Aid
       - Volume Settings
    . Edit Parameters
    New Port Setup
    Network TCP/IP Settings
   Radioport Sharing
   
Auto Start Clients
   Other Settings
Views
   Program Status
   Port Activity Status
   Shared Radio Ports
   AX.25 Status (Stations)
   Connected Programs
   Heard Stations List 
   Monitor
Other Features
   TCP/IP Over Radio
     . Driver Install
     . PE Pro Settings
     . Windows Settings
   Registration
   HTTP Interface
   Live Update
   Launch IE Browser
   Go to AGWsoft web site
   Send Error Report
Tips, Tricks, & Trouble
   Tips and Tricks
   Problems?
   
Sound Card Use
     . Sound Card Interface
     . HF Operations
     . 9600 Operations
     . Receive Problems
     . Transmit Problems

 

Help Date: 21 June 2004

 

 

Sound Card Packet

You can configure Packet Engine Pro to use your sound card to simulate a dual port TNC.

Why use a sound card instead of a real TNC?

First of all, it is much cheaper. You only need to obtain a sound card interface, which is a set of cables to connect your sound card and computer to your radio. Interfaces can be made for a few dollars or purchased for as little as US$30-40. The cheapest external TNC costs at least US$100. And if you use the stereo qualities of the sound card to simulate two TNCs, so you could be saving the cost of two TNCs!  Another good reason to use the sound card is that the performance could be much better than a TNC.

How easy is it to setup?

That depends. There are several components that need to be configured correctly -- sound card drivers, sound card volume control settings, PE Pro radio port settings, the sound card-to-radio interface cables, and the radio's settings. But if you run into trouble, the Receive Problems and Transmit Problems  Help pages can probably help you find a solution.

Will any sound card work?

Most SoundBlaster© 16 (or later) compatible cards should work, but you are likely to have less problems with a newer PCI sound card.  You may encounter a problem on transmit with older ISA cards which only have one 16-bit and one 8-bit DMA channel although there is a workaround for this Full Duplex shortcoming. Regardless, it is important to have the most recent drivers installed for the sound card .

Can I use it with any packet program?

No. You can use it only with those programs that can link to PE Pro (or its sister program AGWPE), but there many such packets programs available -- APRS, DXCluster, terminal, etc.

How does PE Pro trigger the radio to transmit when you use a sound card?

One of the cables in your interface will be a PTT (Push To Transmit) control line. PE Pro can send a PTT signal to the radio by using voltage changes on one of two pins in your computer's serial (COM) or parallel (LPT) port. No available COM or LPT ports? You can  use a USB-to-serial adapter to get a USB port to simulate a serial port, and you can get special interfaces that have circuits that use detected transmit audio to trigger the PTT circuit.

How reliable is packet by sound card?

It can be much better than any external hardware modem. The 1200 baud sound card modem can decode even with 50% noise. And tests on HF show that PE Pro can decode packets that you can not hear in the noise.

What speeds are supported?
 

The sound card can simulate these baud rates:

  • 300 (HF maximum)

  • 1200

  • 2400  compatible with modified TCM3105 with 8Mhz crystal

  • 9600  G3RUH (but your radio must be 9600-capable)

If you configure the sound card for dual port use, each port can be configured to operate at a different speed.

Can I use a second sound card?

Yes! If you install a second sound card in your computer you can use your first sound card for Windows and other sound producing programs, and you can use your second sound card exclusively for packet. In fact, you could even install a third sound card (or more!) for more packet ports. Your only limitation will be card slots and PTT signaling ports (COM, LPT or USB).

Copyright 2004 SV2AGW George Rossopoulos . All rights reserved.