WinDV is free Hotspot software from DUTCH*Star, maker of DV Modems, the DUTCH*Star firmware that runs them, and many free software programs.  It was written by Fred van Kempen, PA4YBR. It's easy to install and has wide-ranging functionality, including linking support for DPlus (REF) reflectors, DExtra (XRF) reflectors and DCS reflectors.  It allows you to configure an ircDDB gateway, supports DTMF commands, provides optional audio announcements, and has a terrific graphical user interface.  It runs on Windows (from XP to the latest version of Windows).

Here's how to install and configure it:

Install WinDV

• Download the latest version of WinDV from http://www.dutch-star.eu/software/ to a known folder (you must be logged on)
• To install, find that folder and double-click on the WinDV file you just downloaded
• Click Run or OK if you see a security warning. Click Next, then click Typical. Your version of Windows may ask you to approve installing (User Account Control)

Configure WinDV

• Click Tools→Options
  • The first line starts with Callsign and the module letter for your hotspot. If you want to link to DPlus reflectors (those named REFxxxn), then the combination of the two must be a registered terminal The normal convention is to use initial or module letter B if on 70cm, or C if on 2 meters
  • For AuthCall, use a registered callsign/module terminal, normally one with a blank initial, or with an N (for simplex node) or R (for Repeater). Check the D-Star Info Query to be sure your terminals are set up
  • For Callsign Server, select Free*Star VE3TNK (this option seems to be up the most up to date)
  • For RF Device, choose Node Adapter
  • Full Duplex should not be checked
  • RSSI Reporting should be checked, unless you have an older GMSK Modem
  • Click Close

    

• Click Tools→Settings
  • General tab: click Send ACK message (if you want a confirmation after each transmission -- totally optional)
  • Linking tab: click Allow LINK/UNLINK
  • RF Access tab: I recommend you not check "Check for valid RPT1" and RPT2 check boxes. If you do, you will need to set up your D-Star radio to transmit those values, which normally doesn't happen in simplex mode.
  • Later, you may want to fill in the ircDDB tab, but for now, skip that.
  • Click Close.

    
    
     

Test WinDV

• Close and restart WinDV
• Under RF Device, you should see the connected device, such as the GMSK Modem.
• Try linking to a reflector:
  • At bottom of window, click Gateway
  • Select a reflector, for example REF001 and Band Module C
  • DPlus should have automatically be selected
    Click Save (this only saves it temporarily, see below for a permanent save)
  • Click Connect

Set up QuickTune buttons

• Configure QuickTune buttons. Click Tools→Edit QuickTunes
• On QT01, click Configure
  Do the same as the step above for as many QT buttons you want to configure, selecting a gateway and band module for each, then click Save
• Do this for all your favorite reflectors and/or repeaters
• Click SAVE

Use QuickTune buttons

• On the main WinDV window, click one of the QuickTune buttons, then click Connect. It's that easy to link to your desired reflector
• If you believe you have found a bug in WinDV, or want to submit an idea to enhance WinDV, click Help→Report a Problem or Idea.

Reflectors Lists (optional detail)

• When you click on Configure, you are shown lists of known reflectors. These come from files that are installed when you install WinDV. They are:
  • For DPlus REF reflectors, dphosts.txt
  • For DExtra XRF reflectors, dxhosts.txt
  • For DCS reflectors, dcshosts.txt
• These files are installed where the WinDV.exe file is, for example c:/Program Files/MicroWalt Corporation/WinDV
• The ar-dns.net website provides the latest information for all 3 files:
  • Right-click here and select Save As or equivalent for your browser.  Save to directory where WinDV is loaded with name dphosts.txt, for example, c:/Program Files/MicroWalt Corporation/WinDV/dphosts.txt
  • Right-click here and select Save As or equivalent for your browser.  Save to directory where WinDV is loaded with name dphosts.txt, for example, c:/Program Files/MicroWalt Corporation/WinDV/dxhosts.txt
  • Right-click here and select Save As or equivalent for your browser.  Save to directory where WinDV is loaded with name dphosts.txt, for example, c:/Program Files/MicroWalt Corporation/WinDV/dcshosts.txt

Linking by using RF commands from your D-Star radio

• These are the same commands you can use with an ICOM repeater that has DPlus installed
• Check out http://www.k6jm.com/dstarlinking.htm .
• The one difference is that for your Hotspot, unless you checked the Check for valid RPT1 and RPT2 checkboxes (on WinDV's RF Access tab), you do not need to program the values for RPT1 and RPT2

More Features

We've covered the most important features, but as you get familiar with WinDV, you may want to explore other useful features:

• DTMF commands
• ircDDBGateway.  Check out our FAQ at http://www.gmskdvnode.info/#Callsign_Routing for more information

That's it!  Enjoy your hotspot.

D-Star® is a registered trademark used for communication equipment (repeaters and transceivers) for amateur radio communications, and owned by Icom Incorporated.