Using WaveLink and NetRadio with MMTTY and MMSSTV

I have received many requests for help in setting up WaveLink and NetRadio. In an attempt to make this easier for users, I have written the following based on my own experience.

The first thing you should understand about WaveLink and NetRadio is that they are provided for programmers as examples of options available for using MMTTY/MMSSTV by remote over TCP-IP. The server and client programs as samples, may not offer all the functions that you would like. WaveLink does a fine job of handling the audio transfers as well as the PTT through the soundcard interface. NetRadio serves the function of getting data from the radio through your interface. Other than showing you the radio frequency, the only thing it does is providing this information to the internal logging program. There is no provision for controlling the radio which limits the usability, when you are at a remote location. In my shack, I have more than one computer, all on an LAN. WaveLink and NetRadio make it easy to operate from which ever computer I want. For basic operation this works but you are limited to operating in a fixed frequency situation. Depending on network and ISP setups it could even be possible to operate over the internet. Are ready to experiment? Let's see what can be done? Read on and let the fun begin! .

What do these programs do?

WaveLink package - WLServer.exe and WLClient.mmw

The WaveLink package, programs transfer the audio between computers. It's function is to allow an external DLL to run the low-level soundcard processing on behalf of MMTTY/MMSSTV.

NetRadio package - RPServer.exe and RPClient.mmr

The NetRadio package, programs allows for the controlling of the rig using radio command provided in MMTTY/MMSSTV. 

The Basics

Note the following terms are used: 

Server PC = computer that is connected to your radio.

Client PC = remote computer connected by TCP-IP.

The information provide here is an attempt to explain to the average user how to setup and use MMTTY and/or MMSSTV on a remote computer connected via a network (TCP-IP) . There are two file packages here to be considered. Each package has two programs that must be used, a server and a client program. The servers reside on the computer that is connected to your radio while the client is in the remote computer. There are also several other files in each package that are meant for programmers and are not required for remote operation.

You DO NOT run MMTTY or MMSSTV on both computers! On the computer connected to you radio you only run the server(s). On the remote computer, you run MMTTY or MMSSTV. You do not need to run the NetRadio server and client if you do not want/need the radio data on the remote computer (or if you do not have a radio to computer interface).

Setup and Operating

For the initial setup, on the client PC (remote computer), copy WLClinet.mmw file to the folder that MMTTY or MMSSTV is installed. On the server PC (the one connected to your radio), copy WLServer.exe file to the folder in which the MMTTY or MMSSTV is installed.

WaveLink:

1) - On the server PC, run WLServer.exe. 

The soundcard settings should be the same as you are currently using on that computer. For the PTT control, specify the COM port and select the signal (RTS, DTR) that makes and breaks PTT. If the network band width is not high, you might have to increase the length of TxFIFO and RxFIFO. It should be noted, however, that increasing the length of TxFIFO also increases the delay of the sound getting out of the speaker. In the RTTY case, you would have time lag between the keyboard input and the sound output. For the Com port settings should be the same as you use when running MMTTY/MMSSTV alone. If your soundcard interface has provisions for PTT via a serial port, set the proper com port. You can use either DTR or RST (both), depending on your interface. The TX button can be used to test your settings.. When everything is set right you will have several items highlighted in Green (if they are Red you have problems). You will also be able to key your transmitter by pressing the TX button on and off.

2) - Start MMTTY or MMSSTY on the Client PC

3) - Change the settings on the remote computer (Client) - In MMTTY... Options > MMTTY (MMSSTV) Setup [Misc} tab... change the sound Device ID to WLClient. Click OK - the WaveLink client will start and pop up on your screen. In the box to the right of "To" type the IP address of the server PC, then click on "Connect" the Red Bar with "Disconnected" will change to Green with TCP: Connected to 000.000.000.000 (your server PC's IP address) If you use fixed IP addresses and plan to operate this way a lot, you may want to tick the Auto connect box, so the the client will automatically connect the the next time you start MMTTY or MMSSTV.

5) - The sound from the server PC will now be transferred to the Client PC in receive. When you click TX in MMTTY or MMSSTV, the sound from the Client PC will be transferred to the Server PC..

Now we have sound and TX working and are ready to play. If you have a radio to computer interface and want the frequency data transfer to MMTTY or MMSSTV on the remote computer read how to set up NetRadio. 

NetRadio:

1) - On the server PC, run RPServer.exe

2) - The NetRadio settings should be the same as you are currently using when you run MMTTY or MMSSTV on this computer. PTT control, is optional if you do not have another way of keying your radio. (this function is not supported on all radios) If you want to use PTT via the radio control port, select the signal (RTS, DTR) that makes and breaks PTT. You can also tick the "Monitor" box, to see the data that is being exchanged with your radio. When you have the settings correct "Port" should be highlighted in Green. If it is Red things are not right.

3) - Change the settings on the remote computer (Client) - In MMTTY... Options > MMTTY (MMSSTV) Setup [TX} tab... click on the "Radio command" button. Change the port to RPClient. In the commands section you also have to select the correct settings for your radio. This may take some experimenting to get things right. When done, Click OK then OK again - the NetRadio client will start and pop up on your screen. In the box to the right of "To" type the IP address of the server PC, then click on "Connect" the Red Bar with "Disconnected" will change to Green with TCP: Connected to 000.000.000.000 (your server PC's IP address) Again, if you use fixed IP addresses and plan to operate this way a lot, you may want to tick the Auto connect box, so the client will automatically connect the next time you start MMTTY/MMSSTV. If everything is working correct, your radio frequency will be displayed (next to "His RST" instead of just the band.

After some further experimenting, I found some other options that can be used to solve the problem of not being in control the radio. Using a free remote control program called VNC - http://www.uk.research.att.com/vnc you can have full control of your radio using one of the many rig control programs available. I have tried this combination with the new (free) Ham Radio Deluxe program by Simon Brown HB9DRV - www.hb9drv.ch . I will leave it to you to find what work best in your situation. How ever you get your remote setup working, there is lots of potential for having fun. Please feel free to discuss your experiences and setups in the Yahoo user groups. As always, if you have problems, questions or comments, use the Yahoo groups for support:

73 . . Ken - VE5KC