I must be dense... does checking the "unattended links" checkbox PERMIT or PROHIBIT unattended links? I've read the paragraph over several times, and am just not sure how this option works.

Right click on the word with a red line under it, then click on the correctly spelled word

VarAC uses the VARA protocol, created by EA7HVK, by using his software modem...VARA HF or VARA FM for VHF comms. The mode is a one-to-one ARQ system, and only two stations can be in s QSO at a time. VarAC adds many features, including the ability for a roundtable or net using broadcasts.

I don't know if it's possible, but to me, a better solution would be to supress the message alltogether.

All that you say is true, but in my case, all I have room for is a vertical, and no means to support wire antennas. I've got a line isolator at the antenna, and am thinking of getting another one to use just before the antenna input on the rig. The one I installed DID seem to make a slight difference in noise, and also really helped with RFI too.

In my case, I have a nearly constant S6 noise level on 20, and worse reception on 30. I think it's astounding that the VARA-HF software modem works as well as it does! Thanks for the well thought out post, Gary.

After connecting, and choosing a slot (or custom freq) select "send file". At that point, you'll see a folder with your files and pictures (the path has to be set in the "rig control and configurations" screen in "Settings". Select the picture or file you want to send, then adjust the sliders for resolution and quality, while also watching the resulting file size, to get the best compromise for file size and quality. On HF, smaller is better, unless you have a REALLY GOOD path.

The "incoming connection request " means that the call has not been decoded. Just sit tight till it appears, or the link fails.

Perhaps I'm stating the obvious, but it you type in the callsign to the right of CONNECT "box", then you must also click on the bluer CONNECT BUTTON, below the "frequency schedule" box to initiate the calling sequence. Your station will try to connect to the callsign you typed in.

The broadcast is sent on the slot you are on. The only way to (occasionally) see traffic is by using a 2nd copy of vara-hf in monitor mode, as explained in the docs. Since VarAC limits traffic on the calling freq to 3 minutes, you may have been experiencing qrm from WINLINK stations which are also on or near that freq, often with WIDE signals, caused by the fact that they use faster transfer rates.

I must admit that there seems to be a LOT more VarAC activity "over there" thsn here in the Pacific North West. Yes, there are days when 20, sometimes 10 are filled with CQ calls and beacons, but not often !

THANKS, Irad.

Hi Orin. Tried you earlier on VarAC. Use the mapping in TQSL before uploading to LoTW to replace dynamic (or whatever your saving VarAC contacts now as) with DATA, and everything will be uploaded fine.

Bill, there is a counter already displayed at the bottom of the text box. It's in very small text at the bottom.

Thanks for the info, Lyn. I think I'll wait a bit, till I can find out more on what the upgrade contains. 73, Joe

You're right. The grey line usually works well in the evening too. I've had luck working South America, Africa (once) and several European countries. This DX was often made doing FT4/FT8, and occasionally JS8 with JS8CALL. My biggest problem is that I'm retired, and seldom are in the shack before 9 AM PDT, which is past grey line (GRIN).

Thanks for the comment. I use an IC-7300, which has no limitation on power (as long as the rig is looking at a good match). I keep an eye on the temperature indicator, and it never gets above the letter "L" in the word COOL.

The calling QRG on 17 was moved to 18.107 quite some time ago. This WILL interfere with Bouvet on just about any slot.