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2m channel. The two bands function as two independent single-band radios unless the radio is
set up for crossband operation.
Set the Com Port Speed to 9600 – Menu Mode, Menu 929.
Winlink VHF Operation — Laptop Setup (Windows)
F.
We are currently operating in the BYOL (bring your own laptop) mode. We are working on
having a computer set up at the hospital with the software installed and configured.
Even if we are successful, you might want to have the software installed on your Windows
laptop (or tablet) computer as a backup.
To use the Winlink VHF mode, you will need to download and install the latest version of the
Winlink Express program on your laptop. Here's where to get it.
https://winlink.org/WinlinkExpress
While you are there, set up a user account at Winlink.org. Be sure to create a password and
record it in a safe place. The software is under active development, with frequent upgrades, so
please run the Winlink program frequently to keep it up to date.
Another potential stumbling block is figuring out what COM port was assigned to your serial
port by Windows. You will need this information to configure the Winlink Express software.
Plugging the same USB-to-serial converter into different USB ports on your laptop causes
Windows to assign a different COM port number, so don't assume that it will always be the
same. You can install a simple utility called TWCOMDetect that lists all of the active COM
ports on your computer. It's a lot easier to use than the Windows Device Manager. You can get it
here (or Google it):
http://timewave.com/support/utilities/
G. Winlink Express Operation
There are lots of guides to using Winlink Express on the Internet. So, I'll just share a few helpful
tips here that are specific to our installation.
The first time you run Winlink Express, you will have to configure some settings. Start the
program and choose Settings...Winlink Express Setup from the menu. Enter your callsign
(with no suffix) and the password you created when you registered at Winlink.org.
Auxiliary Callsigns and Tactical Addresses. MCACS will use Tactical Addresses for hospital
operations. Tactical addresses are created from the RMS Express Setup screen. In the tactical
address box, click "Add entry." Type in your hospital's tactical address. Everyone needs to use
the same password – "MCACSMD" (see attached image). Don't substitute a different password.
(Just trust me on this – the reason why was explained during the training.) The addresses we are
using are:
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