Windows and SDR Utility Sofrware settings 

Statement

Everything on this page is tested only with SDR 40m transceiver Avala-01, and 20m/30m Genesis G3020 developed by Tasic Sinisa, YU1LM. This is true especially for GKGSDR and MixW setup. I did not try other SDR transceivers setup, so, do not ask me. Simply, when you make or buy some of YU1LM creations you will never need anything else! More info about Avala-01 and other YU1LM radios at http://yu1lm.qrpradio.com/index.htm or if you prefer KIT assembly visit GenesisRadio at http://www.genesisradio.com.au/ and check Genesis G40, improved Avala-01 SDR mono band transceiver or G3020 20m/30m band transceiver.

Windows settings

My idea was to make universal setup before install and setup other SDR software. In this way you will be in position to install and use any of SDR or digital mode software described on my pages without need to go backwards and reset or change anything in already installed software. In other words, when you setup Windows, utility, KGKSDR or PowerSDR first time, you can install any of additional digital mode software without change in basic setup of previously installed software.

Before installing any of SDR software it is necessary to change some settings in Windows OS. As primmer I will use sound card integrated into mother board. First you need to set audio mixer output and input (recording) parameters. Fastest way to setup mixer properties is to double click at speaker symbol in system tray. 

After double click you will get mixer setting similar to this picture. Mute every signal source except Master Volume and Wave.

Next step is to set input (recording) mixer. In same window go to Options and then Properties. As a mixer device choose audio input. Mixer console will change into Recording Control. Mute every signal source except Recording and Line Volume.

This settings will be valid for all SDR software !

Utility Software Setup

Virtual Audio Cabel (VAC) Setup

Virtual Audio Cable (VAC) is a third-party software program that allows the rerouting and the emulation of a sound card in software rather than having to use a second sound card for audio analysis or use with digital mode programs such as MixW and Dream. There are some significant advantages to using VAC over a second sound card.


  • The entire audio stream is maintained in the digital domain - there is no multiple conversions of the signal from digital to analog and from analog to digital.

  • There are no external cables to degrade the sound quality or possibly pick up RFI.

  • A computer PCI, Firewire or USB slot is not used.

Configuring VAC 4.0x

There are several steps involved in getting VAC installed and working properly with SDR transceiver software. Below is a summary of the steps required.


  1. Obtain and install VAC 4.0x on the same computer that is running SDR transceiver software
  2. Configure VAC "cables"


Step 1. Install VAC 4.0x as per the installation directions. If VAC was previously loaded, you must first uninstall all versions before installing a new version of VAC 4.0x


Step 2. Once installed, set up a pair of VAC audio "cables" for use with SDR transceiver software by opening the VAC Control Panel. 

By default only one audio cable is defined. You will need to create two cables by changing the driver parameters to 2 cables then click SET and Restart. Highlight the appropriate cable and change the values to match the figure above. In the "Ms per int" box enter a value between 1 and 20 ms. The lower the value, the smaller the VAC audio buffer. In the example above, 7 ms was selected. Depending on your computer setup you may have to adjust this value to prevent the audio from dropping out or "popping". 

NOTE: After completing all of the necessary changes, click on Set for each cable when completed.
NOTE: Repeat these changes for the second audio cable as well.
NOTE: Do NOT check the Volume Control box in the VAC control panel. This enables the Windows Mixer and can cause unpredictable results.

This settings will be valid for all SDR software !

N8VB vCOM Virtual Serial Ports Driver Setup

This driver creates a "Virtual Null Modem Cable" in Windows 2000 and XP by pairing virtual com ports.Dowload and install Phil Covington, N8VB driver from hes site.

Add two cables by connecting COM6 to COM16, COM7 to COM17. Picture is self explanatory.

This settings will be valid for all SDR software !