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Audio Clients

Available Clients

There are two audio clients available for use on VATSIM:

Setting Up the Audio Client

  1. Install the chosen client and open the settings menu.
  2. Input your credentials and configure audio devices:
    • Enter your VATSIM CID and password.
    • Set your input (microphone) and output (headset/speakers) devices.
    • Audio for VATSIM:
      • Adjust the microphone volume to stay within the green band for optimal audio clarity.
    • Track Audio:
      • The microphone volume is set automatically. Radio hardware selection is user preference, with Schmid ED-137B recommended.
  3. Set a Push-to-Talk (PTT) key:
    • Choose a key that won't conflict with other activities.
    • Track Audio only: Disconnect any joysticks, as they may interfere with PTT functionality.
  4. Press OK to save your settings.
    • Important: Settings changes can only be made when disconnected from the client.
Audio for VATSIM: Settings
Audio for VATSIM: Settings
Track Audio: Settings
Track Audio: Settings

Using the Audio Client

Observer Mode

  • Audio for VATSIM:
    • Ensure you are connected to VATSIM via EuroScope.
    • Click Connect in the Audio for VATSIM client.
    • Your observer callsign (e.g., JK_OBS) and frequency 199.998 will appear.
    • To listen to a frequency:
      • Click the + button and type the position callsign (e.g., DOH_R1_APP).
      • Press RX on the frequency you added to start listening.
Audio for VATSIM Client: Connecting Online
Audio for VATSIM Client: Connecting Online
Audio for VATSIM Client: Adding a Position
Audio for VATSIM Client: Adding a Position
Audio for VATSIM Client: Receiving on a Frequency
Audio for VATSIM Client: Receiving on a Frequency
  • Track Audio:
    • Ensure you are connected to VATSIM via EuroScope.
    • Click Connect in the Track Audio client.
    • Your observer callsign (e.g., JK_OBS) will display at the top.
    • To listen to a frequency:
      • Enter the position callsign under Add a Station and press Add.
      • Press RX on the frequency to start listening.
Track Audio Client: Connecting Online
Track Audio Client: Connecting Online
Track Audio Client: Adding a Position
Track Audio Client: Adding a Position
Track Audio Client: Receiving on a Frequency
Track Audio Client: Receiving on a Frequency

Controller Mode

  • Log in to EuroScope and connect to your controlling position.
  • Open the audio client, which will automatically:
    • Detect your position.
    • Add relevant frequencies to your session.
  • Transmit and Receive:
    • Press TX to transmit and RX to receive on a frequency.
  • Cross-Coupling Frequencies:
    • Audio for VATSIM: Use the XC button.
    • Track Audio: Use the XCA button.
    • Cross-coupling ensures pilots in different areas of your airspace can hear each other, reducing blocked transmissions.
  • Audio Output Control:
    • Audio for VATSIM: Press the speaker icon to transfer output from headset to speakers.
    • Track Audio: Press SPK for the same functionality.
  • Additional Features (Track Audio Only):
    • RX/TX on UNICOM and GUARD frequencies. However, only TX on those frequencies when you have the intention to TX on them!