Is there an optimal setup for success ? (full install including Vara)?
Which Pi model ? Pi-4 or Pi5 or maybe Wo-We??
Which OS ? Bullseye, Bookworm??
Which Architecture? 32bit? or 64bit??
How much Ram??

I don't mind purchasing the recommended gear but I figured a Pi-4 with 8gb and Bullseye 32bit would be a good way to go but I cannot seem to get Vara installed.?

VARA is a bit of a challenge but Kelly has a great write up on how to get it going. /g/KM4ACK-Pi/message/12128

I prefer inexpensive laptops these days for full blown field computers. I save the Pi for specific tasks like a digi or gateway.

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I’ve had it running on an older HP EliteBook 840 running Linux Mint for over a year. Kept it fully updated, just did a system update to Bookworm. Everything still works.

?Okay so if I wanted to run a full 73 install including Vara, would an X86 mini-pc running Mint be a good candidate?
Is there another preferred OS ??

I run a Lenovo M73tff i5 with Debian 11 64bit-XFCE4/16GB/1TB (bought for $100) and a Lenovo IdeaPad 3 13itl05 bought for under $150 and upgraded to 36GB/1TB running Debian 12 XFCE4 and both run 73Linux without issues.
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? Kevin? --? KD9EFV

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I‘m using a mini pc with Linux mint actual version, everything runs fine, only wine is making problems with VARA and VarAC, depending on which version of wine I‘m using vara or varac functions but never both

I did finally get VARA installed on my Pi4B.? But I agree with you.? A cheap, decent laptop is much better.? A Pi is simply too slow.? I have an old Lenovo laptop, not the fastet car in the garage, that I use in my remote shack.? I used a buck converter to connect it directly to the DC output of my PV system.? It keeps the laptop's battery charged.? I have another laptop with Ubuntu Linux and have the usual suspect radio programs installed.? I even got VARA up and running thanks to your tutorial a while back.?

For my shack computer I did want to try out a Windows installation to compare and contrast.? I must say that all the stuff was much easier to install on the Windows machine.? I had everything up and running in a fraction of the time I have spent with my linux pc's and Raspi's.? Major plus there.

Although Pat Winlink does work, I have to admit that Winlink Expresss with all its features, and VARAC, cause me to more likely boot up that laptop in my shack.

I am rather snobby that I really only use Linux.? Considering the amount of time and often frustration at getting stuff to work with Linux, I was not getting out and doing radio, which is what I want to do and not be a "configuration masochist."

The Raspi was a good experiment.? It has its place and uses.? But for a real-time shack computer or something to take into the field I agree with you that a good, used laptop is the better choice.?

I see that you are preferring the Icom IC-705. Icom did it right.? One USB cable for CAT and data, built-in sound interface.? I run an Icom IC_7200 in my shack, also with one USB cable and built-in sound interface.? That radio is supposed to be portable, but it weighs a ton, even though it has compact dimensions.? If you don't have to carry it far, it is "portable."

I also have a Yaesu FT-891.? I think Yaesu really missed the boat by not including a sound interface in the radio.? With an external sound interface and all the cables, the radio is no fun for doing "digital" modes in the field.? Too much "cable salad" (Kabelsalat).

Now, I will put my Pi's aside and use them for some speciall chores, like you are doing.? That's my feedback on this.? Vy 73 de David SV0SGS and DM3BC