Traffic Parameters 7. Compatible Programs Configuration Help
Tips and Tricks
Selective Packet Routing: For some of the AGWsoft client programs, such as AGWTerm or AGWDXCluster, the callsign and SSID you use in the program will be noted by AGWPE. If you use different SSIDs in each program, then AGWPE can route packets to the proper program.
As an example, let's say that you are running a BBS program with a callsign of SV2AGW-1 and a DX Cluster program with a callsign of SV2AGW-12. AGWPE will know that packets to SV2AGW-1 must be directed to the BBS program and packets to SV2AGW-12 must be directed to the DX Cluster program. Neither program gets packets intended for the other.
Auto Start Applications: Use AGWPE's auto start feature to automatically load application programs or utilities as soon as AGWPE is finished loading. For example, if you mostly use UI-View with AGWPE, you could add UI-View as an auto start client. Then when you start AGWPE, UI-View will launch immediately, too. The auto start feature is found on the AGWPE menu under Startup Programs. Configure the StartUp Programs window to start the applications you want.
Alternate Languages: AGWPE has language support for many languages other than English (the default). The alternate language files were created by other AGWPE users and they are included in the AGWPE zip file, e.g.
french.zip.
Note: Not all words in the menu and dialog box will translate. Also, if you want to create an alternate language file for your language, see the instructions in AGWPE's Help file ( Help > Index> Multilingual Support).
To use an existing alternate language file:
1. In the AGWPE folder, unzip the language file of your choice, e.g. French.zip, into the AGWPE folder. The three unzipped files of importance that will appear are files ending in " .lng", ".hlp"
and " .cnt" So if you unzip the French.zip file you will now see these new files: 1036.lng, agwpe_f.hlp, and agwpe_f.cnt (the first file has menu and dialog translations, the second is the
translation of the AGWPE 'Help" file and the third is the help file's table of contents).
2. Open the agwpe.ini file in the AGWPE folder. You should see a language code number line, e.g.
LANGUAGE=1033
This is the code for the default language you have selected in Windows (1032=Greek, 1003=English, 1044=Norwegian, etc.) and it is the .lng file AGWPE expects to find in the AGWPE folder. If it does not find that language code file, it uses English. (Note:
you can not permanently edit the LANGUAGE line in the agwpe.ini.)
3. Rename the " .lng" file you unzipped, e.g. 1036.lng, to match the language code specified in the agwpe.ini file. In our example, we would rename 1036.lng to be 1033.lng.
4. Rename the " .hlp" file you unzipped, e.g. agwpe_f.hlp, to agwpe.hlp
5. rename the " .cnt" file you unzipped, e.g. agwpe_f.cnt, to agwpe.cnt
The next time you restart AGWPE, it will use the replacement language files
Time Display: AGWPE can use either GMT or Local (Computer) time in reporting packets received. To change the time zone, you will need to edit the AGWPE.ini file: under the [TNC] section, add either GMT=1 for the GMT time stamp or GMT=0 (the default) for a local time stamp. If there is no entry, then it uses local time. Example of GMT time setting:
[TNC]
GMT=1
Different AGWPE Configurations: There may be times when you want to start AGWPE in a specific configuration, say for different TNCs or to auto start different programs. The easiest way to do this is to create duplicate AGWPE folders. Each folder will have the full program but different AGWPE configuration ".ini" files. Then use shortcuts that point to the AGWPE programs in the different folders. Use shortcut names that describe the configuration files, for example, "AGWPE PacLink" or
"AGWPE ICOM 706" or "AGWPE Loopback".
Traffic Parameters: Note that AGWPE automatically monitors frequency traffic and can adjust TNC timing parameters to match that traffic level.
You can override this feature from the TNC parameters screen, but
generally it would be to your advantage to use this feature, since it relieves you of the chore of determining and implementing the best timing
parameters.
Deciphering Packet Headers: If you really want to understand what is happening when you make a connection to another station, you need to be able to interpret the header information in the packets being exchanged.
AGWTerm and AGWMonitor and other programs let you see them. The Deciphering Packet Header page on this website will help you interpret and understand them.
LoopBack port: For off-air testing of two programs, create a LoopBack port. For instance, you could run both AGWTerminal and WinPack and use the LoopBack port to "connect" WinPack to AGWTerm.
To create a LoopBack port: from the AGWPE menu, select Properties, then New Port. In the new port's Properties for Portx screen, select a TNC Type of LoopBack Port. Connect both of your applications to that same AGWPE radio port and they can communicate with each other without going on the air.
Example: Say your LoopBack port is radio port #3. Start AGWTerm and WinPack; make sure they are using different callsigns. Then, on WinPack's command line enter this connection request: "C 3 XXXX" , where 3 is the LoopBack port and XXXX is the callsign you are using in the AGWTerm program. The two programs should now be connected to each other via the LoopBack port.
Watchdog Timer: Most TNCs have a timer that prevents continuous
transmission in the event of some TNC or software failure. Typically such a watchdog timer stops transmission that last more than 2 or 3 minutes.
With AGWPE's sound card, you don't have such a timer, so here is a page describing how to build a watchdog timer circuit for your PTT cable.
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Last Updated: 09/28/2004
Sound Card Packet
Introduction AGWPE Overview More about AGWPE 1. Interface
Getting Started Kits and Pre- assembled
Receive Audio Cable Transmit Audio Cable
PTT (TX Control) Cable
2 Radio Modification 2. AGWPE Set Up Download and Install Basic AGWPE Setup 2 Radio Setup 2 Card Setup 3. Sound Card Setup Basic Settings Additional Settings Tuning Aid
4. Windows™ Setup TCP/IP Settings Update Windows 5. Problems?
Program Behavior Receiving
Transmitting Connections 6. Using AGWPE AGWPE on a Network
Baud Rates & Modes Remote Control TCP/IP Over Radio Tips and Tricks Traffic Parameters 7. Compatible Programs
Configuration Help