Re: "new" TM-271- HOW TO CONNECT
I found that by using VARA Narrow, the radio will pass around 9 to 11,000? on transmit and about 7,000 on receive.? So I also tried my other radio on Narrow and found that? some times it is faster than wide.
?
--
KA9CAR
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
You can download it without putting it in the cart and therefore without paying anything. It will run in a limited mode where it does not save the settings after a reboot/restart. It will prompt to upgrade from time to time.
Lee K5DAT
Are you sure about the HHD being free for non-commercial use?? Maybe I missed it but it looks like either $90 or $150 to me.
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
Are you sure about the HHD being free for non-commercial use?? Maybe I missed it but it looks like either $90 or $150 to me.
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Re: Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A
Hi Grant,
Following the suggestions of the others, get your COM port drivers loaded from Yaesu, and Winklink loaded.
Once you get those COM ports working, and the software running, use the attached EXCEL file to make the menu settings for VARA HF.
Here is the Excel file that I use to record the menu settings for various operating modes with my FT991A.
Take a look at it, and let me know if? you have any questions.
Since I have multiple antennas, I make sure I am connected to the right one for the band I intend to use.
I also use these settings that I change from the screen menu:
Set MODE to USB Set RF PWR to 25
To run Winlink/VARA HF session:
Open Winlink, click on MESSAGE, then NEW MESSAGE.
Compose e-mail message and post to outbox.
Select VARA HF/Winlink, then open session.
Click on CHANNEL SELECTION and pick best option. Click on CHANNEL SELECT.
Click START.
OK, let's see how close all this gets you to up and running.
Get back to me with results or questions and I will do whatever I can to get ya going.
Cheers,
Howard KO6ATE
Hi All,
?
I spent 45 minutes looking for a website that sells VARA HF and can't find it.? I don't know who wrote the software, or if there is documentation, or if there is a book.
?
Actually I don't even know what it is beyond a communication protocol.
?
Does anyone know?
?
73
Grant Rostig
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
On Thu, Sep 19, 2024 at 3:58?PM W0NKY via <W0NKY= [email protected]> wrote: I'm using the toolkit at to split the PTT port on an FTdx10. It's free for non-commercial use. I'm looking into com0com / hub4com for a solution that can be restarted automatically after a reboot, but in the meantime the toolkit works fine for splitting a serial port. The settings in the free version of the toolkit don't survive a reboot.
Can't you just add it to the startup folder or one of the other methods to have programs run on start-up?
Starting up the progam automatically upon reboot isn't the issue. After a reboot you have to re-split the port manually.
?
_._,_._,_
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
I'm using the toolkit at https://hhdsoftware.com/virtual-serial-port-tools to split the PTT port on an FTdx10. It's free for non-commercial use. I'm looking into com0com / hub4com for a solution that can be restarted automatically after a reboot, but in the meantime the toolkit works fine for splitting a serial port. The settings in the free version of the toolkit don't survive a reboot.
Can't you just add it to the startup folder or one of the other methods to have programs run on start-up?
?
?
?
?
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
Thanks for the APRS links.? This is something I'm researching with interest.? ?It would be of great benefit here.
Is it possible for one instance of VSPE running to have two different splitters running?? ie.? ?com3 --> com8 and? com5 --> com10
When I tried this it reports the second one can't be created.
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
While I've had success using VSPD (similar to VSPE) for creating a pair of null modem ports (HRD to SRDuno), I've removed the VSPD software from my computer. ?I reverted to using a quad serial port adapter with a null modem adpater between Com3 and Com4. ?It's 100% reliable for me. ?The quad serial port adapter that I use is Gearmo 4 Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter FTDI Chipset, found on Amazon.
?
73, NY6E
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
On 9/19/2024 7:11 AM, B. Smith via
groups.io wrote:
Off subject: I have tried using VSPE Splitter with various
serial port setups, and have had some limited success, even to
the point that I bought a license for it, but the reliability of
the virtual ports is far from 100%. Too much fiddling and too
many reboots to make it work. I have given up on VSPE for Ham
applications. I looked into com0com, but it was beyond my
comprehension and didn't have convincing writeups. I suppose
that some developers have made it work, but wouldn't be
surprised if it has the same sort of reliability issues as VSPE.
Just my thoughts.
73, Bill N3XL
_._,_._,_
?
That's odd.?? I've found VSPE to be rock solid -- one of the most
stable drivers/utilities I have ever used.?? I have it running in
various configurations on Windows XP, Windows 7, Win 10 and 11.???
I have two laptops in "Studio B" (my radio trailer).?
On one (a Lenovo IdeaPad low-end laptop running Windows Tiny 11),
I have a GPS receiver plugged into a USB port -- the GPS appears
on a virtual COM4 port.? VSPE splits this to a virtual COM 5.? In
turn FIVE GPS-using applications are connected to "COM 5" at the
same time:? UIview, PinPoint APRS, Delorme Topo North America
10.0, Microsoft MapPoint 2011, and a serial-to-TCPIP-server link
that goes from COM 5 to IP.? The COM-to-IP connection distributes
GPS data over my WiFi LAN to the other laptop.?? All this stuff is
running in only 4GB RAM on the Tiny 11 setup.??
["Tiny 11" is an unofficial distribution of Windows 11 that has
ONE-THIRD the installed footprint of the "official" Windows 11.?
It will run on all sorts of older lesser hardware that Microsoft
claims can't run Windows 11.]
The other laptop?? (an Acer "netbook" 11.8" mini laptop running
Win7-64) ? also has a stack of VSPE components.?? The VSPE??
TCPIP-client-to-serial component? converts the GPS stream over IP
on the LAN to a virtual COM 5 on the second machine. Again,
several GPS-using applications are using the virtual "COM5"
created by VSPE at the same time.? Additionally, a second instance
of the VSPE? IP-to-serial? client allows the IP-based KISS
interface of VARA to link to the classic KISS-over-serial
interface of the UIview APRS program. ?
On the Panasonic Toughbook CF-51 laptop in my car running
Windows7-32 , VSPE does the same COM4-to-multiple-COM5 split to
share a GPS with multiple APRS and mapping applications at the
same time.???? VSPE also allows VARA-HF or VARA-FM IP ports to
link to the classic serial ports of UIview and APRSpoint.??? About
a month ago, I replaced the 32-bit Toughbook CF-51 with it's
descendant (the quad-core 64-bit CF-53 version). The VSPE setups
made the move from one to the other with no difficulties at all.
At home, on my multiple APRS igate/mapping webservers running on
another Acer netbook, VSPE links, via IP,? multiple instances of
VARA-HF running on a Win7-64 host to multiple copies of UIview
running in four "Win XP Lite" VMware virtual machines. ?? These
all run for MONTHS at a time with no problems - the only reboots
are for updates to VSPE or the "Tight VNC" remote control app I
use to monitor the VMs.?
?
Finally, I have used the VSPE serial-to-multiple-serial splitter
"backwards" to allow two different sound card apps to use the SAME
COM port for classic RTS/CTS push-to-talk keying at the same
time.? (This allows me to run "dual mode" APRS igates using VARA
for APRS-over-VARA,? and the UZ7HO Soundmodem for classic packet
APRS, ? on the same sound card at the same time.)
Stephen H. Smith??? wa8lmf (at) aol.com
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the 2-meter band]
Home Page:?????????
APRS-over-VARA igates now operating on 30 & 60 meters
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-- APRS over VARA? --
??
?
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
Interesting I use VSPE with a Pair and a Splitter daily for MARS and Ham and have been for years with no issues works as it is setup!? For those considering com0com all I can say is sorry. IMO?
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
I've been battling trying to get this working for a while, hoping someone can give some advice.
Using a FT-991/Win10 and Winlink VARA FM p2p works fine.? The problem is when I throw Win4Yaesu into the mix with com0com v.2.2.2.? The virtual com ports appear in my device manager (com8<-->com9) but they do not appear in the VARA com port setup.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
_._,_._,_
?I'm using the toolkit at to split the PTT port on an FTdx10. It's free for non-commercial use. I'm looking into com0com / hub4com for a solution that can be restarted automatically after a reboot, but in the meantime the toolkit works fine for splitting a serial port. The settings in the free version of the toolkit don't survive a reboot.
73, Lee K5DAT
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
The developer va2fsq of win4.. is very responsive to issues. Email him.?
?
Brian VE3GMZ?
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
Off subject: I have tried using VSPE Splitter with various serial port setups, and have had some limited success, even to the point that I bought a license for it, but the reliability of the virtual ports is far from 100%. Too much fiddling and too many reboots to make it work. I have given up on VSPE for Ham applications. I looked into com0com, but it was beyond my comprehension and didn't have convincing writeups. I suppose that some developers have made it work, but wouldn't be surprised if it has the same sort of reliability issues as VSPE. Just my thoughts.
73, Bill N3XL
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Re: Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A
Yes, download Vara products from the Winlink site. They download freaky fast. 5 clicks. Also D/L VaraC from another site.?
73,
Paul Tuttle
amateur call KD7ISA
"luck is the point where preparation meets opportunity." - various authors
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 09:09 AM, Steve Fiala wrote:
Have you tried VSPE for your virtual pair?
Yes, same thing basically.? VSPE took some fumbling since there is no documentation.? ?I followed a couple videos for configuration.? With VSPE nothing appears in device manager.
?
Update, I found out it works even though it doesn't appear in device manager.? I've not found a way to have 2 different physical ports configured at the same time, to different virtual ports.? Maybe 2 separate instances running concurrently??
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Re: VARA on virtual com port??
Have you tried VSPE for your virtual pair?
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VARA on virtual com port??
I've been battling trying to get this working for a while, hoping someone can give some advice.
Using a FT-991/Win10 and Winlink VARA FM p2p works fine.? The problem is when I throw Win4Yaesu into the mix with com0com v.2.2.2.? The virtual com ports appear in my device manager (com8<-->com9) but they do not appear in the VARA com port setup.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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Re: Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A
On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 07:03 PM, Marvin Penepent wrote: (regarding using the built-in FT-991(A) built-in USB rig-interface system)
And you will not notice the difference in any speed.
Marvin -
?
That's true for all HF digital modes, including VARA HF.?
?
It's probably also true for VARA FM operation, on VHF/UHF bands, on typical radio circuits in good to very good conditions.
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However, Stephen WA8LMF has it right... the transmit audio bandwidth of the built-in USB rig-interface system on FT-991(A) isn't sufficient for full-throughput VARA FM WIDE operation.
?
If you want to be able to achieve 22kbps or better throughput on registered (licensed) VARA FM WIDE sessions over optimum links, using the FT-991(A), this is only possible with an external rig-interface device, through the mini-DIN6 connector on the back of the radio.
?
Suitable external rig-interface devices include the Masters Communications DRA- series devices, a SignaLink USB device (new model, with black transformers), or a digiRig Mobile device.
?
Mark - AD7EF
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Re: Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A
On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 02:46 PM, Grant Rostig KI5VLA wrote:
I spent 45 minutes looking for a website that sells VARA HF and can't find it.? I don't know who wrote the software, or if there is documentation, or if there is a book.
?
Actually I don't even know what it is beyond a communication protocol.
?
Does anyone know?
?
I want to start out by saying you don't have to buy the VARA HF (software radio-modem) program. A fully-functional (but moderately speed-limited) copy of VARA HF can be downloaded and used, for free, from the developer, Jose Nieto Ros, at . The latest version of the VARA HF program is also available from the download page on the Winlink website, at .?
?
What is it?... VARA HF is a Windows program that works in conjunction with "rig-interface device" (USB sound-card, and PTT) hardware, to implement a software radio-modem that can be used for digital communications between similarly-equipped HF radio stations. Many popular HF transceivers have built-in "rig-interface device" functionality. If the transceiver doesn't have this functionality, an external rig-interface device, such as the Tigertronics "SignaLink USB", a "digiRig Mobile" device, or a Masters Communications DRA- series device, can meet this need.
?
The VARA HF radio-modem program is optimized for the operation using SSB modulation, and compensating for the signal-quality "impairments" that result from the propagation effects and distances inherent in HF operation. A separate "VARA FM" version is optimized for Frequency Modulation, and the signal-quality characteristics common to FM operation on VHF/UHF bands.
?
VARA HF software, when used with a rig-interface device, is functionally equivalent to having a (very expensive) stand-alone PACTOR modem. VARA FM, used with a rig-interface device, is functionally equivalent to (but much faster than) using a standalone "Packet" TNC (Terminal Node Controller)
?
Once you've installed the VARA HF and/or VARA FM program, you have the option of paying for a software registration key. One registration key will apply to multiple installations of either (or both) programs. Applying the registration key will approximately double the maximum possible throughput for either VARA HF or VARA FM, and enables a few additional features on the VARA FM program.
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With a registration key (i.e licensed), VARA HF can achieve throughputs comparable to what's possible with a PACTOR 3 radio modem. New PACTOR modems (available only from the German manufacturer SCS) cost more than $1000. Unregistered VARA HF offers half that speed, which is much higher than offered with any other HF "software radio-modem" technology supported by the Winlink Express radio-email client program.
?
Maximum throughput for unregistered (unlicensed) VARA FM, in 'WIDE' mode under optimum conditions, is about 11kbps. This is more than 30 times faster than the best throughput achievable using "Packet" technology. And, VARA FM continues to offer high throughputs under conditions where packet is unusable. Under optimum conditions, registered VARA FM has approximately double the maximum throughput of unregistered VARA FM.
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Mark - AD7EF
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Re: Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A
And you will not notice the difference in any speed. ? ? Marvin KF5MLP ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Howard Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 8:54 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A ? And as Marvin said, from the USB port on my laptop to the data connector on the back of the FT-991A. No extra equipment needed. No special cable.? Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8+, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone -------- Original message -------- Date: 9/17/24 16:43 (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A As Bob said, I use Winlink with good results Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8+, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone -------- Original message -------- Date: 9/17/24 14:46 (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Windows USB Drivers for VARA and DRA-50 on Yaesu FT-991A I spent 45 minutes looking for a website that sells VARA HF and can't find it.? I don't know who wrote the software, or if there is documentation, or if there is a book. Actually I don't even know what it is beyond a communication protocol. -- Marvin L. Penepent
KF5MLP
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W?NKY
Howard
NY6E
Paul Tuttle KD7ISA
Mark Davis