Hello, VarACiers!
Introducing VarAC V8, a source of great pride for us. Just like the powerful V8 Engine, VarAC V8 delivers an unmatched level of horsepower to enhance your VarAC experience.
In recent years, we have incorporated an extensive array of features and buttons into the main screen. While experienced VarAC users found it intuitive, for others, particularly newcomers, it proved overwhelming, presenting an excessive number of features to comprehend.
📢 Introducing: Simple/Advanced UI modes
VarAC now provides two user interface (UI) modes: a Simple mode featuring only the essential features and buttons, and an Advanced mode that includes all UI elements.
Upon installation or upgrade, the default UI mode is set to the simplified mode. However, you have the flexibility to switch between modes by toggling the checkbox located on the top right side of the app.
Simple UI mode
Now, let's discuss Vmails, specifically those you desire to send but cannot due to a lack of direct connection with your intended destination station.
📢 Introducing: Path finder
With VarAC V8, you now have the ability to send a "Find Path To" query to the universe using the broadcast engine. If another VarAC user decodes your query and has recently heard the target station you are interested in, they will respond with valuable information such as the frequency, the time it was last heard, and the SNR level. This feature enables you to identify the optimal station through which you can relay your Vmail to reach your final destination.
(Please note: Path finder is avialable under the advanced UI mode)
Path Finder
Experience the enhanced UI design of VarAC V8, featuring a newly introduced bottom strip that conveniently displays all crucial metrics, along with a revamped buttons layout.
It also includes a delightful addition of UI themes and expanded customization options. With a wide range of new colors and additional font sizes, you have the freedom to personalize your VarAC experience.
Explore various themes (under appearance settings) such as the futuristic "Space" theme, the nostalgic "HeathKit" skin, or even the vibrant "Red-Alert" theme to match your mood and style.
If you have created a unique theme that you're proud of, we encourage you to share it with us. If we find it appealing, we'll gladly include it in upcoming versions of VarAC.
VarAC New UI with "HeathKit" theme
But wait, there's more! Here's a comprehensive list of all the exciting new features and updates in VarAC V8:
New features
Path finder - find who heared a station you are interested in. Great tool to find station to park your Vmails at for an unreachable destination.
Time estimation for image transfer
Offline image srhinker
Simple/Advance UI selector.
Bottom strip with real-time information and alerts
New UI layout for better user orientation.
UI Themes: Space, Heathkit, Red-Alert, Grass, Visual impaired (enlagred fonts with contrast) etc.
Enhancements/Changes
Vmail max size was increased to 500 characters.
Callsign history - loads 1 year of history into CQ/Beacon section
Customize Beacon/CQ font size for best visibility.
Added dozens of new colors for apperance customization.
Auto accept Verbose SNR (New settings)
Stop Verbose SNR on both sides when one side cancels it.
Minimum file size to receive automatically was increased to 5Kb
In Verbose SNR mode, one side sends a report on the 00 sesconds mark and the other side on 30 seconds mark to avoid collisions.
Beacon max time is now 72 hours (previously 48 hours)
Now, let's delve into the installation/upgrade process for VarAC. Bid farewell to the days of unpacking ZIP files.
With VarAC V8, we introduce an installer that simplifies the entire process. Moving forward, new versions will support easy upgrades through a user-friendly Next-Next-Next methodology.
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.
If you prefer the traditional method, we've got you covered. You can still opt for the good old-fashioned way by accessing the ZIP package (see link below the download button)
Don't forget - we are always there for you on our Forum, our Facebook group, and also on our Telegram group.
A big thank you to our amazing Beta team for ensuring a smooth experience with VarAC V8.
73,
Irad 4Z1AC & the VarAC team.
Download the VarAC V8 Window Installer
Alternativly - Download a VarAC V8 ZIP package
(for windows/Mac/Linux/Pi)
Bug fixes
When migrating from old VarAC.db, not failing on primary key upon inserts into lookup tables.
File packets generated alerts (if had tags in them) while inserting the whole file packet to the alert table.
Changing lables in a few screens - "SNR" instead of "RST"
Changing row height of datagrids due to font size change (broadcasts) did not affect existing rows.