...Auto beacon/frequency scheduler start and much more!
Hello VarACiers! This is, without a doubt, our biggest release ever! How big? MASSIVE! Normally, we roll out one or two major update with some improvements—but this time, we’re bringing you a whole slew of new features. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride!
Introducing: VarAC Email Gateway
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 other provider. To keep things separate, consider creating a dedicated account just for SMTP forwarding. [See this guide for setup instructions.]
Choose whether to limit access by callsign or allow all users.
Decide if you want to announce your gateway via your beacon or keep it private.
Configuring an Email gateway
When your gateway relays a message, it will appear under the "SENT" tab with the VIA field showing your own email address.
And this is how your email gateway announcements will appear to others in your beacon:
For Email gateway users:
If you want to send a VMail to Email, here’s what you need to know:
In the email composing section, you’ll see a new "Send to Email" button—just tick it!
A new, user-friendly dropdown will show your recently contacted Emails/Callsigns for quick access.
Under Settings, you can enable automatic email sending whenever VarAC connects to an Email gateway station.
Now, onto another BIG feature—one that’s actually connected to the previous updates. You’ve been asking us to include Grid Locators in beacons, and we always said "No."
Well, it’s time for a BIG YES!
Introducing: Advanced Beacon
You now have the option to choose between a STANDARD or ADVANCED beacon. What is an ADVANCED beacon?
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). Includes your Grid Locator. Carries additional data such as Email Gateway Announcements, EmComm station status, and more exciting features in the future.
Important: Only users who upgrade will be able to decode ADVANCED beacons.
Speaking of beacons... 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—good news! You finally have a solution.
Introducing: One-Time Beacon
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.
Now, Let’s Talk About QSOs!
You’re already familiar with the Callsign History tool—it just got a bit of a facelift. But we always felt like something was missing... A central place where you can: See all your VarAC QSOs in one view Filter & sort your contacts easily Generate QSLs on the spot
Well, that missing piece has finally been found!
Introducing: The VarAC QSO Log
Well, this is one of those situations where words aren’t needed—a picture says it all!
Introducing: Received files/images gallery
Over time, you’ve received countless files and images during your QSOs… so why not access them all in one place?
Now you can!
Simply navigate to Tools → Received Files/Images, and you’ll enter the File & Image Gallery, where all your incoming files are neatly organized with: File Name, Callsign of the sender and Received Date.
Click on any file to open it instantly—or, if it’s an image, enlarge it for a better view!
Now, let’s revisit a fantastic feature from the previous version: QSLs!
The new QSL generator was a hit, wasn’t it? But we know many of you wanted quicker access—especially during a QSO or right after it ends—without having to dig through the Callsign History.
Well, we heard you! Now, sending a QSL card for your last QSO is faster and easier than ever.
Introducing: Quick Access to QSL Generator
On the main screen, you’ll now find a brand-new "QSL" button in the bottom right corner.
During a QSO → Clicking it will open the QSL generator preloaded with your current QSO data. After disconnecting → It will automatically load details from your most recent QSO, ready for you to generate and send your QSL instantly.
Now, for a blitz of additional features… Here we go:
Introducing: Link speed indicator
On the bottom left side of your screen, you’ll now find a new speed indicator—giving you real-time insight into your current TX/RW speed!
IMPORTANT: Important: You must redownload VARA HF 4.8.9, as this version includes the necessary data to support this feature. Please note that the modem author did not update the version number, so you cannot verify if you're on the latest version based on the version string alone. To ensure compatibility, you must update the modem manually.
Let me know if you'd like a more casual or more technical version as well!
Introducing: Auto beacon/frequency scheduler start
You can now set VarAC to automatically start beaconing right after startup—no manual activation needed! The same goes for the frequency scheduler—just set it up, and VarAC will handle the rest!
Introducing: Inquire GPS location
You can now request the exact GPS location of your QSO partner using the Inquire module!
Introducing: Custom frequency file
If you manage multiple VarAC profiles, you can now have a separate frequency file (Frequency dropdown list) for each profile!
Simply update this parameter in your VarAC.ini profile file:
FrequenciesCustomFilePath=
Introducing: Cross band last hear peeking
You can now configure VarAC to display last-heard stations across all bands, making it especially useful in multi-band VarAC Cluster mode.
Bonus Update: The "Last Heard Peeking" format has been improved! And it now shows the last 10 callsigns heard, CQs and Beacons together and covers only the past 24 hours for a cleaner view.
But that’s not all—there’s even more! Check out these additional enhancements in V11:
Enhancements/Changes:
QSL file name now includes sender's callsign.
Changed "MODE" to "2 WAY" on QSL card for award validity.
Users must select a slot for CQ or QSY invites (no default Slot 1).
No extra "RE:" when replying to an already replied VMail.
Parked VMail peeking (<VRP>) filters last 10 VMails from 30 days.
Stations reply with SNR if a pathfinder attempts to locate them.
Closing VarAC during activity prompts for confirmation.
Double-click a callsign in Callsign History to open its DataStream.
Broadcast delays frequency change if a scheduler event occurs.
Right-click menu added to print DataStream/Broadcast messages.
Last Heard Broadcasts/CQs tooltip shows date, time, frequency.
"CONNECTED TO..." in DataStream now includes frequency.
Broadcast tooltips now show all relevant data, including time/freq.
"Freq Schedule" button tooltip shows times and frequencies.
Beacon message now includes frequency in DataStream.
No duplicate QSY invite if auto QSY (<AWQ>) is pending.
Right-click menu in Callsign History to copy selected rows.
VMailbox columns are now resizable.
VMail compose form now has a dropdown for recent recipients.
Updated DXCC prefixes for callsign-to-country conversion.
Invalid frequency selection reverts to the last chosen one.
Widened settings window for future expansion.
To upgrade from an existing VarAC version:
Download the VarAC Installer and run it.
Select the current folder where your VarAC resides.
The installer will keep your existing settings and history.
Just reminding you all that we are always there for you on our Forum, our Facebook group, and also on our Telegram group.
Our esteemed team member Pat ON2AD, is delighted to present the V11 user manual. You can access it by clicking HERE.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Beta team and translators for their outstanding efforts.
73, Irad 4Z1AC & the VarAC team.
Download VarAC V11 Windows installer
Alternatively - Download this version as a ZIP package
(for windows/Mac/Linux/Pi)
Bug Fixes:
Image Shrinker: Fixed error when clicking "Save to Disk" with no files.
Inquire module: "Callsign" button text was cut off.
Windows 10: "Emcomm Only" checkbox was cut off.
Exiting EmComm mode didn't re-enable SNR/Call ID sending.
Clicking URLs in DataStream could crash; now handled in Message Viewer.
Parked VMail could be sent on CF without a QSY request.
Blocked data transmission during active pings.
Same VMail could be relayed twice.
Clearing DataStream while scrolled up left scroll-down indicator visible.
Last Heard Beacons/CQ older than 24h showed "00:00."
DX cluster spot test text shortened from "Configuration Test" to "Test."
Clicking links in incoming files caused crashes.
Replying to a chat while another was queued didn’t appear correctly.
Right-clicking empty broadcast and selecting "Copy Selected" caused an exception.
Copying all ADIF records in Callsign History also copied internal IDs.
I set up a simple mailbox in my Namecheap hosting account to use radio@kc1jmh.us, but am getting this in the logs with encryption disabled: 05/04/2025 23:49:10 - Error sending email to radio@kc1jmh.us through Email gateway: Mailbox unavailable. The server response was: Access denied - Invalid HELO name (See RFC2821 4.1.1.1)
...and this with encryption enabled (after the whole application freezes and Windows indicates it's not responding):
05/04/2025 23:57:08 - Error sending email to radio@kc1jmh.us through Email gateway: The operation has timed out.
I have confirmed with my address, password, hostname and port. Given the first error, is VARAC sending the email address as my username? That is what Namecheap is looking for. Otherwise, I'm not sure what's up. I'm generally pretty savvy with this stuff, I work in IT.