Have you tried running an "Auto Tune", from the VARA FM "Settings -> SoundCard..." window?
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On your 'monitor' radio, you should hear all 10 signal bursts at increasing audio levels. Many radios stop transmitting if the audio level is too high.
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Make sure that you've entered the full call of the station you're trying to connect with, in the "Calibrate with:" field.
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Mark - AD7EF
Mark Davis