Setting up UI-View can be daunting for some, especially if you want to interface it with a radio.  In the interest of getting people up and running I have created a setup guide for my preferred configuration. I'm open to suggestions and corrections, as I want this to ultimately be a quick-start guide. These instructions assume you are installing at home with an internet connection and/or (optionally) a radio.

Installing the UI-View 32 software
First, you need to download the program and open/run it. This is actually the installer, so let it run and install with the default settings.

Install PA7RHM Map Server (Strongly Recommended)
PA7RHM is a map server that will allow UI-View to download maps of your location off the internet and also store maps for use while you are mobile.  You can download PA7RHM's updater and then, from his "updater" utility download and install the map server.  It does all the work for you!

Install AGWPE (optional)
If you intend to interface with a radio you will need a hardware or software "Terminal Node Controller" or TNC for short.  I use a free software TNC program named AGWPE, which can be downloaded.The AGWPE download is not an installer, it's a "zip" file.  So when you open it you'll need to extract it to a directory and run the setup program. Once complete you'll have a new icon by your clock on the start bar. Right-click and select "launch IBrowser". Login with the username LOGIN and the password as "password". A new menu will appear, click on "New Radio Port". Select "Sound Card" from the pull-down menu and click "Next".  Select 1200 from the pull-down menu and click Next.  Select "Single" and click Next.  Pick a name, but I used "APRS" and click Next.  Use "1200" for the on-air baud rate and click Finish. Close the browser.

 

Configure UI-View32/AGWPE
If you do not intend to interface your radio right now then skip this and move on to the next step. Open UI-View32.  Click on "Setup" and then "Comms Setup".

The first time you click on this, and most other menu options, an information screen appears to help you.  When this happens you'll have to repeat the step (in this case just click on "Setup" and then "Comms Setup" again. If you intend to interface your radio then select "AGWPE". I'm assuming we're only trying to receive packets and not be a digipeater or transmit your data (we'll cover that later) - so make sure "Receive Only" is checked and click OK.

Configure UI-View Station
Click on "Setup" and then "Station Setup". Put your callsign in the callsign box. Also put your longitude, latitude, and grid coordinates (location). Pick your "symbols" near the bottom of the window and click "Ok".

Configure UI-View APRS Server Setup
Click "Setup" and then "APRS Server Setup". Make sure the server "rotate.aprs2.net:1458". In the Extra Logon Text enter "Filter /n 125 -p/CW" (this limits the amount of data sent to UI-View over the internet to local information) and click "Ok". Click on "Action" and then "Connect to APRS Server".

Installation Complete
Assuming you have an internet connection you should see a map appear and various symbols representing APRS stations appear.  If not, try clicking on "Action" and "Connect to APRS Server".

If you setup AGWPE you can often connect the radio then I'd suggest you tune the radio to 144.39 and ensure you can hear weird screeching noises from time to time - this ensures you have local APRS stations to pick up. Connect the radio or scanner's audio output to your computer's Line-In or Microphone jack. You will need to setup your sound card properly though.  Double-Click on your volume icon near the clock, select Options and then Properties. Choose "Recording" and make sure Line-In and Microphone are checked.  Click Ok. Select either Mic or Line-In depending upon which jack on your computer you plugged the cable into. Set both Volume and the level for your input line at about 1/3 from the bottom.  Make sure you set your radio or scanner to 144.39, open the squelch, and set the volume to about 1/8 of maximum.  Wait a couple minutes to see if text appears in the white window at the bottom of the UI-View screen.  If nothing happens then try turning the volume up a little and keep repeating. In some cases you may need to put a resistor network between your radio/scanner output and the computer, but usually not - especially if you are using Line-In.


Coming soon: how to save maps from PA7RHM to your computer, setup your station to transmit, and connect a GPS so you can go mobile or act as an igate or digipeater.