Will there ever be a native Linux version of VarAC?

I get this question quite often, and the short answer is:

Never say never, but realistically, no.

Here’s why:

1. 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.

   
   

2. 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-pi-5/

   
   

3. Massive codebase & maintenance – VarAC's code is huge. Rewriting it for Linux would take an enormous effort, and maintaining two codebases for a relatively small Linux user base (~15%) isn't practical.

   
   

Bottom line

Considering all three points—especially #1 and #2—creating a native Linux version simply doesn’t make sense. Maybe that will change someday if VARA offers a linux version or when I have more time and fewer tasks on my to-do list, but for now, the cost-to-benefit ratio just isn’t there.

73s

Irad Deutsch

4Z1AC