I will be on again this afternoon/evening timeframe. About Greyline time. Look for me, I'm usually the only Alaska station on VarAC shown on the reporter. 73, Todd Hansen AL7PX

I get on 30 meters a lot. I've made some contacts, but not many with VarAC. For whatever reason people don't spend time on this great band the FCC gave to the digital amateurs. The FT8 guys are usually above 10.133.000 and hear them all the time, every evening. They know about 30 meters. I will usually call there during the greyline and a little past. I think if people you just try it and get more stations to use it they'll realize it's a very good band. See you on 30!! Todd AL7PX

I see you in upstate New York. It's 4:00pm local right now. 8:00pm your time. I am going on VarAC now. Saturday. Todd AL7PX

Thanks, got it Lutz. Todd AL7PX

Maybe someone can explain to me. I use a Icom 9100 for VarAC and the ini file is not working correctly. Modes don't work correctly especially "D" (data). Why is my ini file not have "CmdType=HEX" at the beginning and no hex commands? Here is my file taken from VarAC: [RIG_CONTROL] RigPTTControlType=CAT RigFreqControlType=CAT RigCatFreqRead=OFF RigCatFreqReadIntervalSeconds=2 SafetyPTTOffEveryMinute=OFF PTTDisableAfterFreqChangeSeconds=0 FrequencyOffsetHZ=0 ActiveAntennaTunerFreqChange=OFF ModeUSB_D= FrequencySchedule=OFF FrequencyScheduleCustomFilePath= FrequencyListCustomFilePath= LastFrequency=14.105.000 LastFrequencyLoadUponStartup=ON UsbMode=USB-D Thanks, Todd AL7PX

Make sure the mode is in digital mode. My 9100 required that to transmit in FM.

Developed in Spain by EA5HVK, "VARA" is a very sophisticated DSP data modem that runs on sound cards connected to radios with the typical "sound card interface". It comes in two versions: One adapted for HF over SSB transceivers, and a separate version adapted for the greater audio bandwidth of FM transceivers on VHF/UHF.  Both versions are adaptive - they will automatically adjust modulation formats & transmission speeds upward or downward depending on the quality of the radio path and radio bandwidths in use.  Says nothing about file size being a condition of transfer speed. Todd AL7PX

I tried sending a large file yesterday to a station in Japan just to see if the speed increased. It did not. The strength/quality (roughly -20dB) of the connection was ok for chat, but not for file transferring. Speed never changed. Took 3 minutes for 1 kB. Speed never went over 18 bps. many repeats. Shortly after that contact with no change in band or settings with radio or software I made a connection in Australia. Signals were roughly -10dB +- 5dB at times and speed was nothing less than 250 bps. Again, no change with anything from contact with Japan station. Just my observations. Todd AL7PX

Having used VaraHF with Winlink I believe the modem speed increases with good SNR and 100% copy ability. The less repeats the faster it tries to go. It can't go faster no matter the size if the SNR is poor.

Thanks Glitch: I believe I've seen that chart before, thanks. I have seen some pretty high speeds using the modem with Winlink. All high speed connections transfers were with very good signals. I haven't had too many contacts with VarAC yet to compare. Maybe somebody else has had some experience with 2300 Hz using VarAC. Thanks, Todd AL7PX

My question is about switching to 2300 Hz. What are the required conditions and how is transfer speeds affected? Todd AL7PX

I usually try and get on 30 meters after dinner (0400 UTC) most evenings. I am new to VarAC and haven't had any contact on 30 meters. I think having a central "Calling Frequency " is vidal to connecting up on the different bands. Operators changing this "Calling Frequency" just make it harder to find other operators for a QSO. I will use the default frequency of 10.133 as written in the program. Todd AL7PX

I thought the program asks you if you want to QSY back. Not 100% sure though. Very new operator with VarAC.

I will try and get on 30 meters most nights. I try and get on between 0200-0400 UTC. I've been trying to get operators on 30 meters with other modes too. Seems not many people want to operate on 30 for some reason. Maybe no antennas, not sure. I'm new at VarAC but getting familiar the last few days. I've been on 30 tonight about 1 hour and see nobody on pskreporter anywhere. Todd AL7PX

Ok, thank you.