Vanguard radio setup — Windows

You need a headset and microphone. You do not need DCS or a DCS account.

1. **Download and install.**

   Install [Microsoft .NET 10 Desktop Runtime for Windows x64](https://builds.dotnet.microsoft.com/dotnet/WindowsDesktop/10.0.12/windowsdesktop-runtime-10.0.12-win-x64.exe).
   Then download [SRS 2.4.1.0](https://github.com/ciribob/DCS-SimpleRadioStandalone/releases/download/2.4.1.0/DCS-SimpleRadioStandalone-2.4.1.0.zip).
   Right-click the ZIP → **Extract All**. Open the extracted folder and run **Installer.exe**.
   Leave the installation location at its default, **untick Install DCS Client Scripts**, and click **Install / Update DCS-SRS**.

2. **Open the client and choose your headset.**

   Open **SRS Client** from the Start menu. If you cannot find it, open **SR-ClientRadio.exe** inside the installed SRS **Client** folder.
   On **General**, choose your microphone under **Microphone** and your headphones under **Speakers**.
   Click **Preview**, speak, then click **Stop Preview**. Keep microphone passthrough off for normal use.

3. **Connect to Vanguard.**

   Enter **vng.one:5002** in **Server**, then click **Connect**. Do not add `https://`.
   Expand **External AWACS Mode (EAM)**. Enter the password provided by your squad leader under **EAM coalition password**, and your player name under **EAM name**.
   Click **Connect External AWACS Mode (EAM)**. You need both connections: the server connection and the EAM login.

4. **Choose your squad.**

   Click **Toggle AWACS Overlay**. Find the first **UHF Guard** radio (**Radio 1**).
   Open its **Ch.** tab and select your assigned squad from the preset list.

   | Channel | Frequency |
   | --- | --- |
   | Command | 250.000 MHz AM |
   | Alpha Squad | 251.000 MHz AM |
   | Bravo Squad | 252.000 MHz AM |
   | Charlie Squad | 253.000 MHz AM |
   | Delta Squad | 254.000 MHz AM |

   If the names are missing, set **Settings → Channel Presets Configuration** to a choice that uses server presets, then reconnect. You can also enter the matching frequency manually on the radio's **Radio** tab. Keep it on **AM**.

5. **Set one button for talking.**

   Under **Controls**, assign **Radio 1** to a convenient key or mouse button that your game does not use.
   Under **Settings**, turn on **Radio Switch works as Push To Talk (PTT)**.
   Hold your assigned button while speaking; release it to listen. This selects Radio 1 and transmits on it together.

6. **Check it with a teammate, then play.**

   Both players must complete EAM login and choose the same channel. Hold your talk button and say “Radio check.” Have your teammate answer.
   Keep SRS running while you play. For FPS use, the **Game** indicator can remain disconnected; **Server** and **VOIP** should be connected.

If it does not work: stop Preview, check your headset's physical mute switch, confirm the EAM password with your squad leader (it is case-sensitive), and check that both radios show the same frequency and **AM**. Hearing yourself in Preview only tests your audio locally; it does not prove you are connected to teammates.

Next time: open SRS → Connect → EAM login → choose your squad → hold your talk button.

References: [official release](https://github.com/ciribob/DCS-SimpleRadioStandalone/releases/tag/2.4.1.0), [SRS presets](https://github.com/ciribob/DCS-SimpleRadioStandalone/wiki/Presets).