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I get this question quite often, and the short answer is: Never say never, but realistically, no. Here’s why: The VARA Modem itself is Windows-based  – Even if VarAC were ported to Linux, you’d still need a Windows machine to run the VARA modem. That defeats the purpose. Linux compatibility via WINE  – You can already run VarAC and VARA on Linux using WINE, even on a Raspberry Pi. Here's just one example: https://dl1gkk.com/winlink-express-varac-and-vara-modem-on-a-raspberry-

A VARA modem can operate in either Ready-To-Connect  mode or Listening (Monitoring)  mode. If you want to stay available for incoming connections while also monitoring the frequency for ongoing VARA activity (such as active VARA QSOs), you’ll need to run a separate VARA modem instance in Monitor  mode. Want to know how? Open the VarAC Settings , go to the “VARA”  tab, and under “VARA Monitor Path” , click the small (?)  icon for more information. I’ve heard some operators say

So you’re out in the field — no internet, and suddenly you’re facing a challenge. Maybe it’s a broken engine or a survival situation, and you realize you don’t have the skills you need. You can’t help but wish you had access to the internet — the one thing that could give you the information to save the day. However, browsing the web over radio communication can be extremely slow—and often impossible. Even a simple HTML page can weigh tens of kilobytes, making it unsuitable f

By @NC3Z Gary You can set an Alert that will trigger and Audible and Visual Alert when certain keywords are decoded in either a Broadcast or Data Stream. These are set in the Alert Tags configuration setting. These are all case sensitive. As an example, when the word ALERT is decoded your VarAC will make a sound and highlight the transmission containing the keyword in the colors you chose in the configuration. We can use this feature to highlight Weather events, EMCOMM, ect b

Here are some tips for the VarAC users that works with VaraFM modem. To configure your VarAC to work with VaraFM: Go to SETTINGS --> PTT & VARA CONFIGURATION Set the VARA MODEM TYPE  to "VaraFM" Set the VaraFM modem path and port number. Click " SAVE AND EXIT" To connect through a digipeater   You can connect through one or two digipeaters. Simply type the following in the "CONNECT TO" field: DESTCALL VIA DIGICALL1 DIGICALL2 examples : To connect to 4Z1AC through NC3Z type :

There are numerous tutorials for installing VarAC (and VARA) on a Linux/Pi or even Mac. As some installtions can be different than others, we have brought to you 3 tutorials from our VarAC community member. VIDEO  (by KM4ACK)   Installation kit ( By K7MHI @kellykeeton)   Follow these instructions on this github page: https://github.com/SpudGunMan/bapi/blob/main/data/VARA.md MANUAL ( By K7MHI @kellykeeton)   This is how it looks... I assume this will work on 32bitDebian (had a

Since VarAC V5, VarAC has a Sqlite database as its main data engine. This allows developers to integrate in a super flexible, SQL based way to the VarAC traffic for various types of integrations. Unlike APIs that are limited to a particular use case, accessing directly the VarAC database provides unlimited options for integrations. To allow “track changes” data reading, each table has 2 identifiers for every row that you can use: A sequential ID – which can be used as a high

Written by @NC3Z Gary  - Gary Mitchelson. Last revision: Auh 5th, 2023 VarAC will allow you to run multiple and separate instances of VarAC. Depending on your radio or radios you will be able to operate VarAC on multiple bands at once using a single install of VarAC. Running multiple VarACs in a cluster format allow all VarAC instances to share the same resource such as log files, ADIF file as well as ,mailbox. This allows you for example to act as a cross-band mailbox while

VarAC has its own logging system as all QSOs are logged into an ADIF file (with manually or automatically). Starting VarAC 3.6.5, you can also ask VarAC to forward any new QSO log entry to another logger. Currently, these are the supported QSO logging applications: N1MM   HRD (Ham Radio Delux) Logbook   DXKeeper AC Log (Amateur contact Log) by N3FJP Log4OM Swisslog   Ucxlog   Winlog32 Logger32 GridTracker LOTW Cloudlog To activate this feature, you have to configure it on bot

Download the latest CAT command version VarAC offers direct CAT command support for various RIGs. You can download the most updated CAT commands file here. ​ If you found a mistake in this file or want to contribute a set of CAT commands that is not listed here, please submit your request as a comment on this post. Download link - Latest file version:   VarAC_Cat_command.zip   After downloading, unzip the file and place it in your VarAC installation directory   Customizing Va

Note: The VarAC team has only tested it with Gmail. We were unable to get it working with the Microsoft ( outlook.com ) email service. It may work with other SMTP/IMAP email services. Congratulations on joining the VarAC Email Gateway world! Before you begin, we recommend creating a dedicated Gmail account for relaying gateway emails instead of using your personal account. This helps keep things organized and separate.   Now lets get started:   Preparations: Go to :...

Traducido por Luis A. del Molino EA3OG basado en: https://www.varac-hamradio.com/post/varac-quick-start-guide Antes de empezar   Genial, has descargado con éxito VarAC, ¿Y ahora qué? Esta guía te ayudará a dar tus primeros pasos en el mundo VarAC y a conseguir tu primer QSO con éxito usando VarAC, mientras te explicará bien todas las funciones que son "indispensables". VarAC no es sólo una aplicación. Es una comunidad viva con: Frecuencias acordadas de llamada CQ (QRGs) en to

Please note: Many of these manuals were created by dedicated VarAC users who generously contributed their time to help the community. While some may be slightly outdated, they remain incredibly helpful resources. A heartfelt thank you to all the VarAC users who took the time to put these manuals together! Here is a summary of the manuals available on this page (click to scroll to the relevant section): The complete end-to-end VarAC manual Quick start guides VarAC high level o

For non-english versions of this manual: Español Before you start   Great! you have successfully downloaded VarAC, now what? This short guide will help to make your first steps in the VarAC world and conduct your first successful QSO using VarAC while highlighting the "must-know" features. VarAC is not just an application. It's a vibrant community with: Agreed calling (gathering) QRGs all across the spectrum live forum , Super active Facebook group page   We welcome you to jo

If you’re not the type who likes constant beaconing but still want to send a one-time beacon to let everyone know you’re around, simply RIGHT-CLICK the Beacon button, and VarAC will fire a single beacon instantly! You can use this feature whether your beaconing is turned off or even between beacon cycles when it's on.

In VarAC, there are two types of beacons: Standard  and Advanced . A Standard Beacon  is a basic signal that announces your presence and includes minimal information, making it highly robust—even at very weak signal levels (down to -22 dB). An Advanced Beacon , on the other hand : Uses the AX25-KISS protocol (similar to broadcasts) Operates at SL2 (Speed Level 2), allowing more data to be sent. Can still be decoded at -18/-19 dB (compared to -22 dB for standard beacons). Incl

Imagine this: Your internet is down, but you need to send a critical email. No problem! You hop on the CF and—BAM!—you spot multiple stations broadcasting in their beacon that they operate an email gateway. You compose a VMail, connect, relay, and receive a confirmation that your email has been delivered. This is how it works: For Email gateway operator: If you want to run a VMail gateway, here’s what you’ll need to do: Set up an SMTP email account. You can use Gmail or any o

Since VarAC V10, you can invite your QSO partner to play a game. We have introduced with two games, with more to come: Tic Tac Toe Connect Four Once you've connected with someone and moved off the calling frequency, you can send your QSO partner a HamPlay invitation. They can choose to accept or decline, and if accepted, the fun begins! VarAC will guide you through the game, complete with real-time updates and cool sound effects. Not into games on the radio? No problem! You c

ZL3GAV Gavin will be operating as E6SP in Niue 16 April 2024 to 28 April 2024. For more information see THIS QRZ.com page

I am excited to announce a new feature that Jose (EA5JVK) and myself have been diligently working on to enhance your experience: VARA...