Settings:
From within Winlink, Open Session VARA HF Winlink
From the Session window, select Settings menu, and choose the Radio Setup menu item
In that window:
Radio Model: Icom Amateur Radios
Icom Address: 5E? (This is the default from factory.? You can check this on the radio itself.? Refer to Icom 718 manual.)
Check USB bubble
Radio Control Port:? choose the serial port number that your computer has assigned.? You may need to check your Device Manager in Windows to confirm.
Baud: 9600
Check enable RTS and DTR? (technically you only need one of these, but it works with both checked)
PTT Port, Serial port to Use: External
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From the VARA HF window (if running it's in the Taskbar)
Choose VARA Setup in menu.??
Enter your callsign and reg key if you have one.? You don't need one.
Check "Allow VARA to check for updates via internet"
Check "Accept 500 Hz Connections"
All others unchecked.
Set retries:? Depends on the RMS's you use.? I set mine to 10, but a "good" RMS and signal path will usually connect in 3-4 tries.? RMS's that scan multiple bands may take longer to hear you.
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Windows Sounds and Sound Settings:
Sounds: select the signalink and ensure it is NOT the default audio device (you only want specific software to use it).? Feel free (recommended) to rename the device so it's easily recognizable in other software.? Can change the Icon too.? Ensure that no enhancements or special effects are set.
Sound Settings: With Winlink and VARA open (show in Taskbar), Go to Advanced Sound Settings.
There, choose the signalink for the speaker and microphone settings for VARA HF application.? Ensure it that signalink is NOT shown as default for any non ham radio application.? You can set initial sound levels here...
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More on sound levels.? You can set sound levels from Windows Sounds and Windows Sound Settings (they're additive),? You can then refine them in the VARA Soundcard setting (also additive)? AND you can set volume on the Signalink as well.? With all this said, you want the VU meter on the VARA HF window to be just past the halfway point in the green.? You don't want the audio too high.? When in doubt, turn it down.? If you have a power out meter in your transmit chain or on the radio, you should see about 1/2 to 3/4 scale output on your transmitter.? That's plenty for almost all use.
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Roy Dugger, KD6R
SMILEY kz4zk