Here is an overview of how-to setup Winlink Express with the Vara FM Modem on your computer and connect to your Go Kit ICOM 4100 (or 5100) radio using the Digirig.

Computer Setup

You only need to do this once.

Windows Updates

  • Go into Windows Updates to see if the computer needs any updates applied or must be rebooted.

Software Downloads

Verify Digirig Device Installation

  • Once completed with the installations and computer reboot, verify that the Audio Devices and COM Port for the Digirig are now available for use:
    • Search/Open “Computer Management”.  Click on “Device Manager”.
      • Under “Ports (COM & LPT)”, expand that and you should see something like “Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx)”.  Please note what “x” is, for most it will be COM3 (on Dave Ingram’s computer it is COM5).
        • If this is already expanded and there is a different icon next to this device, it is likely that the drivers are not installed properly.
      • Under “Sound, Video and game controllers”, expand that and you should see something like “USB PnP Sound Device”.

Setup Audio Devices

  • Inspect the properties of Digirig’s playback and recording devices renaming them to “Digirig” so they can later be easily recognized in the lists inside of the digital modes apps. You can also change the default icon to modem. Inside the level tabs set initial values at 20-50% and disable any custom features (AGC, Spatial sound etc.).

Setting Audio Levels

Radio Setup

  • Unplug the speaker/microphone from the front of the 4100.

Connect Radio to Computer using Digirig

  • Plug in the Digirig cable, the one side has 2 connections:
    • Plug the RJ45 connector into the front of the radio where you unplugged the mic from.
    • Plug the 3.5mm TRS speaker connector into the speaker output on the back of the radio.  There is also a smaller 2.5mm connection for data next to that, nothing is plugged in there.
    • Plug the other side of the cable into the “Audio” on the one side of the Digirig device.
    • Plug a USB-C cable (with either a USB-C or USB-A connector on the other side) into the USB on the other side of the Digirig device.
    • Plug the other side of the cable into a USB-C or USB-A port on your computer.




Volume Control

  • Make sure that the volume on the radio is set to about halfway to 50% or so.

Tune Frequency

  • On the bottom of the 4100 control screen, there is a button marked “V/M”.  Normally you are in “M” mode, which allows you to select the programmed channels on the radio with the names listed.   
    • Typically, you would press the “V/M” button to put the radio into VFO mode to select the frequency.  Most of the local Winlink RMS stations and digipeaters all operate on 145.67 MHz in this area, except the Montco EOC (AA3E-10) in Eagleville which is on 145.05.
    • The following Digipeaters, courtesy of Chester County ARES, are also available in our area:
      • Roxborough Super Digipeater (on/near large communications towers): W3EOC-3 (Wide)
        • This has excellent connection to W3CTK-10 in Villanova & K3FZT-10 in Mt. Airy, with very good coverage of Delco and surround area.
      • Charlestown Super Digipeater (PA Rt. 29 at PA Turnpike I-276): W3EOC-6 (Narrow)
      • West Chester EOC Digipeater: W3EOC-4 (Narrow)
    • I will add these frequencies to our standard channel list and update the Go Kits so you can use these easier without needing to switch V/M modes.

Winlink Express Setup & Use

  • Make sure to first register WInlink with your Callsign and details if you haven’t already.

  • Open up Winlink Express using the program icon, accept and download any program or form updates if prompted.

Open Vara FM Session

  • You should see your callsign and inbox.  There is a dropdown to the top right-hand side of the screen next to “Open Session:”, you can select “Vara FM Winlink” from here and click on “Open Session:”.


    • This should launch 2 new windows.  First a Winlink Session window. 


    • Secondly, it also will launch the Vara FM program, and the session window will connect to this.  You’ll get an error if Vara FM isn’t installed or cannot be found.


    • On the Vara FM Window, the “VU Audio Input” should be in the green area, showing audio it is receiving from the Digirig via the radio.
      • If this is in the yellow (like in my example above), you may need to check the Vara FM Setup (see below)

Select Winlink RMS Station

  • Now back to the Winlink Session Window.  From here, you can select connection (either Direct or Digipeater) and select the callsign of the Winlink RMS station you which to connect to (and optionally the callsigns of the Digipeaters to use to connect).  This will show the frequency to tune your radio to.
    • If you click on “Channel Selection”, you’ll get a window which shows the Vara FM capable Winlink RMS stations in the area, sorted by distance from you.  Use “Update Table Via Internet” button to get the latest list (or if your list is not there).


  • Once you click on “Start” on the Winlink Session screen, you should hear the radio key up and connect, along with status messages shown for the connection.

Vara FM Setup

General Settings

  • On the Vara FM window, you can “Settings” → “Vara Setup”.  Here you can set if you want to use narrow or wide mode, and enter in your Vara license for your callsign to enable full speed transfers:

SoundCard

  • Under “Settings” → “SoundCard”, this is where you select the Digirig USB Speaker and Microphone devices that were installed on your computer:

PTT

  • And under “Settings” → “PTT”, this is where you select the COM port that was installed for the Digirig device.

Helpful resources