Tag Archives: Winlink Apple

How To Setup RMS Express on OS X (Apple)

Hello and thanks for taking a moment to stop by! In this post, I will show you how I setup my MacBook Pro to use RMS Express which is WinLink software to function properly using CrossOver software. It may seem a little complex and honestly there is not a lot of great information on the web to demonstrate and walk you through the steps of setting this up, so I thought I would take a stab at it. If you have any issues or hiccups, click the Contact tab from the Menu above and I will do my best to give you some help. the purpose of this thread is to help others setup RMS Express on OS X and as always, to promote the friendliness of amateur radio.

Below is the software I have setup on my MacBook Pro
– OS X Version 10.9.5
– CrossOver for Mac Version 13.0
– RMS Express for Windows Version 1.2.32.0
– VOACAP for Windows Version 12.0722W

Links to download needed software
CrossOver for Mac
RMS Express for Windows
VOACAP for Windows

Hardware Used
– MacBook Pro
– SignaLink USB
SignaLink USB may be purchased at amateur radio supply stores, or at Ham Radio Outlet for about $100

Go ahead and download the needed software before you go any farther into this installation. Doing so will make it easier for the install.

Be sure before you begin this installistion that you correctly setup your SignaLink USB to properly send and receive. Also be sure to turn the delay to the lowest setting.

First Is To Install RMS Express Into CrossOver

Step One
Create a new WinXP bottle:
– Configure > Manage Bottles > + (Add New Bottle)
– Name the bottle and follow instructions

Step Two
One you have created the bottle, you need to install specific software into your bottle.
– Under Manage Bottles, click Applications tab > Install Software
– In the list of available applications scroll to Service Pack and Upgrades
– Select Microsoft .NET Franework 3.5 Service Pack 1
– Click Install

Once you click Install it will prompt you to install a lot of software so you will have to keep a watchful eye on it. When it ask you to Restart, click Restart Now.

Step Three
Install RMS Express
– Under Manage Bottles, click Applications tab > Install Software
– Under Select An Application To Install, croll to the bottom of the list of applications
– Select Unsupported Applications > Other Application
– Click the Select An Installer tab > Choose Installer File
– Chose the previously downloaded RMS Express software
– Click Use This Installer
– Click Install

Step Four
Install VOACAP
VOACAP is used to plot propagation reports to better provide stations you can connect to easier
– Under Manage Bottles, click Applications tab > Install Software
– Under Select An Application To Install, croll to the bottom of the list of applications
– Select Unsupported Applications > Other Application
– Click the Select An Installer tab > Choose Installer File
– Chose the previously downloaded VOACAP software
This software should have a name that looks like itshfbc_120722.exe
– Click Use This Installer
– Click Install
– Follow the instructions (clicking Next and Agree To Terms and Conditions)
– Once you are prompted to install to a certain location, install to c:\itshfbc
– Click Install
– Once completed click Finish
– Once installation is complete click Done

Step Five
Setup RMS Express in Command Menu for easier access
– Click Programs > Run Command
– Use bottle
This is the bottle where the RMS Software and VOACAP Software is installed
– Command > Click Browse
– Select Program Files > RMS > RMS Express.exe
– Click Save Command To Programs Menu
You may now click Programs and choose RMS Express to more easily access and run this software

Step Six
Setup RMS Express preferences
– Run RMS Express Software
– Select Files > RMS Express Setup
– Complete necessary information
– Under Path To Propagation Forecast Program
– Enter C:\itshfbc\
– Once completed with the setup click Update
– Click the drop down menu under Open Session
– If you are setting up this software to use with SgnaLink USB, select Winmor WL2K
– Once selecting Winmor WL2K click the Open Session button
– Click Setup > WINMOR TNC Setup
– WINMOR Capture Device > select USB Audio Codec
– WINMOR Playback Device > select USB Audio Codec
– Click Update

Step Seven
Use RMS Express
– Still under the Open Session section select Channel Selection
– Click Path Quality Estimate
This will start with the highest numbers then scroll to the lowest estimates
– Select the station you wish to contact
– Tune your radio to the Dial Freq (kHz)
– Once ready to transmit and receive, click Start

Connecting to another station will send / receive any messages you have.

I hope this helps you setup RMS and properly use it! If you have any questions, comments, or updates to this thread, please let me know.