CA-ARES Fldigi Setup

Fldigi (ver. 4.1.14) Checklists

1. Check for most up-to-date (current quarter) versions of NBEMS program suite
   1. “N1GB Resource Page” on N1GB website
   2. “Digital” webpage on GM-ARES website
2. Set up computer, radio, and interface
   
   1. If radio is battery-powered, make sure batteries are charged.
   2. Turn off computer, radio, and interface if it has separate power supply
   3. Connect all interface cables to radio and computer
   4. Turn on computer
   5. Wait 1 to 2 minutes to give computer time to install all drivers
   6. Turn on radio and interface
   7. Set all audio controls (including mic inputs) on computer and interface o 25-50%
   8. Start Fldigi, which will open the Fldigi main window

   NB. When starting to use the Fldigi suite, (assuming you have already done steps 1–5 above) do the following in order:

   1. Turn on radio
   2. Turn on interface
   3. Start Fldigi, which will open the Fldigi main window
3. In Fldigi main window, click “Configure”, then click “Config Dialog”, which will open “Fldigi configuration” window.  Configure as follows.
   
   1. IDs
      
      • RsID
        
        • Enable “Searches passband” (in VHF/UHF FM only – do not use for HF)
        • Enable “Mark prev freq/mode”
        • Enable “Retain tx freq lock”
        • Set “Allow errors” to ‘Medium’
        • Set “Squelch open (sec)” to ‘0’
        • Set “Pre-Signal Tone” to ‘1.0’ second(s)
   2. Modem
      
      • MT-63
        
        • Enable “8-bit extended characters (UTF-8)”
        • Enable “Long receive integration”
        • Set “Tone Duration (secs)” to ‘1’
        • Enable “Manual tuning”
   3. Misc
      
      • Autostart
        
        • “flamp:” – enter path to flamp.exe; Enable; Test
        • “Prog 1:” – enter path to flmsg.exe; Enable; Test
      • NBEMS interface
        
        • Enable “NBEMS data file interface”
        • Enable “Open message folder”
        • Enable “Open with flmsg”
        • Enable “Open in browser”
        • “flmsg:” – enter path to flmsg.exe
        • Set “Timeout (secs)” to ‘2.0’ seconds
   4. Operator-Station
      
      • Enter all sections; “Antenna:” optional
   5. Soundcard
      
      • Devices
        
        • Enable “PortAudio”
        • Select “Capture:” device –
          
          • for Signalink, choose ‘USB Audio CODEC’;
          • for other interfaces, choose line-in or USB input
        • Select “Playback:” – for Signalink, ‘USB Audio CODEC’
        • Disable “Device supports full duplex”
        • Be sure Soundcard is calibrated (CheckSR.exe or WWV)
      • Settings
        
        • Sample rate
          
          • Set “Capture” to ‘Native’
          • Set “Playback” to ‘Native’
   6. UI
      
      • Macro buttons
        
        • Enable “Two Scheme 8”
        • Enable “Load last used macro file at start”
        • Enable “Display macro filename at start”
        • Enable “Prompt to save macro file”
4. In Fldigi main window
   
   • In upper right-hand corner
     
     • Click “RxID” to dark color
     • Click “TxID” to Green
   • In lower right-hand corner
     
     • Click “AFC” to clear, white color
     • Click “SQL” to Green
     • Adjust vertical slider above “SQL” to appropriate level
   • Click “Configure”, then click “Save Config”
5. Set transmitter power level
   
   • For HTs in classroom, use lowest power level
   • For base-station radios, use lowest power level that can be heard, usually 5 to 15 watts is enough