I'm not familiar with 73 Linux; is that what you are using? On Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 12:28:09 AM EDT, Ne110 via groups.io <ne110@...> wrote:
Thanks, that's great to hear. Really appreciate that. Hey, I was looking up 73 Linux. Does that install some of the Wine applications as part of the script?
Thanks again for your time
On Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 10:01 PM, Jeff KP3FT via groups.io <kp3ft@...> wrote:
I need to slow down, lol.? You will need to install winetricks also, and then use winetricks to install the VB6RUN from winetricks' "Install a DLL component" section.? And, if you don't see Wine in your Linux start menu and you want it in the menu, you'll need to install wine-desktop to get it in the menu.? That's all what worked for my Linux Mint machines.? There's other ways of installing all that, but it's what worked for me. ? 1. Install Wine 9.0 or newer from whatever online walk-thru you can find on Google. 2. Install Winetricks 3. Install VB6RUN using Winetricks 4. Install wine-desktop if WINE doesn't show in your start menu 5. Install VARA ? Also, I just saw where VarAC does indeed run in WINE.? Here's their page on it:
|
Thanks, that's great to hear. Really appreciate that. Hey, I was looking up 73 Linux. Does that install some of the Wine applications as part of the script?
Thanks again for your time
On Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 10:01 PM, Jeff KP3FT via groups.io <kp3ft@...> wrote:
I need to slow down, lol.? You will need to install winetricks also, and then use winetricks to install the VB6RUN from winetricks' "Install a DLL component" section.? And, if you don't see Wine in your Linux start menu and you want it in the menu, you'll need to install wine-desktop to get it in the menu.? That's all what worked for my Linux Mint machines.? There's other ways of installing all that, but it's what worked for me.
?
1. Install Wine 9.0 or newer from whatever online walk-thru you can find on Google.
2. Install Winetricks
3. Install VB6RUN using Winetricks
4. Install wine-desktop if WINE doesn't show in your start menu
5. Install VARA
?
Also, I just saw where VarAC does indeed run in WINE.? Here's their page on it:
|
I need to slow down, lol.? You will need to install winetricks also, and then use winetricks to install the VB6RUN from winetricks' "Install a DLL component" section.? And, if you don't see Wine in your Linux start menu and you want it in the menu, you'll need to install wine-desktop to get it in the menu.? That's all what worked for my Linux Mint machines.? There's other ways of installing all that, but it's what worked for me.
?
1. Install Wine 9.0 or newer from whatever online walk-thru you can find on Google.
2. Install Winetricks
3. Install VB6RUN using Winetricks
4. Install wine-desktop if WINE doesn't show in your start menu
5. Install VARA
?
Also, I just saw where VarAC does indeed run in WINE.? Here's their page on it:
|
Re: TYT TH-9000D Plus Caution
Bob,
I recommend you look at the Yaesu FTM-6000 as an alternative
choice, considering currently available radios.? This radio has a
dedicated data port and is 100% VARA FM Wide capable and when
paired with the appropriate DRA and cable, you can work any normal
Winlink mode as fast as it gets.? Considering this is a dual-band
radio, the value is on par with the Alinco DR-X35 series radios,
which are commonly selling for $250 + on the used market.? It also
doesn't have the spurious emission issue that you reported on with
later MKIII Alinco's.
Many of the Yaesu FTM radios require a proprietary Mini-DIN-10
cable or CT-164 adapter to connect the sound card interface to
their data port.? I have a custom pre-made MD10 male to MD6 male
cable that works on any Mini-DIN-10 equipped FTM Series mobile
radio.? It's called the .?
The FTM-6000 radio pairs well with a DRA-50 or DRA-50M, and
provides for the fastest possible VARA FM Wide speeds.
I have no affiliation with Yaesu - I'm simply a satisfied
customer.
Kevin W3KKC
Masters Communications
On 3/10/2025 8:51 PM, Bob W0EG via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Kevin,?
Thanks for the clarification.? For now, I¡¯ll keep
looking for used Alinco DR-135 series radios for Winlink VARA FM
WIDE.? Hopefully more manufacturers will recognize the need and
began to offer radios with a proper audio data connection.
Bob,
Stephen is correct.? There are several companies,
including Masters Communications, that makes an for the TYT TH-9000D
radio.? However - unlike the Alinco DR-X35, the TYT
TH-9000D is NOT wide band capable.? It only has filtered
audio available at the plug on the motherboard - IE
"1200 Baud" type of audio.
I additionally sell .?
This allows an to be used between the radio and
MD6 equipped radio interface like a DRA-36M.? Because
the TYT TH-9000 is only narrow band capable - all baud
rate jumpers need to be set to the "1200" position, as
9600 is not a valid choice.
So regardless of the radio interface you choose - your
throughput is going to be narrow.
Kevin W3KKC
Owner
Masters Communications.
On 3/10/2025 5:53 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
The case is identical to the Alinco
DR-135 and has the cut out for the DB9 on the back.?
Repeater Builder sells a DB9 cable assembly ?that
plugs into a connector on the motherboard providing
unfiltered audio.? Others have written about using
this for 9600 baud.? So far, I found that the receive
audio is a bit too low for the RIM Alinco 9600
adapter. ? I may try a Master Comm adapter as it has
adjustable gain.
On 3/10/2025 5:02 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
I have been
investigating the TYT TH-9000D Plus as a
possible low-cost alternative to the now
obsolete Alinco DR-135 series for Winlink
VARA FM WIDE.??
Regardless of spurs, this radio will NEVER
work on VARA-FM WIDE.? It lacks the "data
port" (actually wide-band audio audio from the
receiver discriminator on RX and direct access
to the transmitter modulator on TX.?? (You
can't use mic/speaker connections on VARA-FM
WIDE.)
The lack of the data port (usually a 6-pin
minid-DIN jack)? is a chronic "missing
feature" on Chinese radios, except for those
made by HYS.
Stephen H. Smith???
wa8lmf (at)
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the
2-meter band]
Home Page:?????????
30 Meter?? APRS-over VARA? Frequency?? Details
Here:
????
- APRS over VARA? --
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-
?
|
Yep, install WINE, but don't install it using your Linux' software manager or synaptic, unless they offer WINE version 9.0 or newer.? For 9.0, you'll need to follow the walk-through on WineHQ.? Installing WINE is actually the most hassle, but worth it since it will allow running many other programs.? I don't know if VarAC will run in WINE also, or maybe there's a Linux-native version of VarAC?
|
For context, I am trying to run VarAC on my linux machine, so I can run it 24/7. Wasn't sure if it was possible/
Thanks and 73, Neil? N4NAC
On Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 9:24 PM, Jeff KP3FT via groups.io <kp3ft@...> wrote:
It's still Windows-only, however it works great in Linux using WINE.? If you install a WINE version that's 9.0 or newer, then nothing extra needs to be done to get VARA to run; just download VARA and install it like normal.?? I'm very happy with it; been using it for quite a while 24/7 on my Linux machine as a packet node port.? The only thing that doesn't work when using it in WINE is VARA's CPU usage meter, but it's not necessary anyway.
|
You just install Wine and then install Vara separately?
On Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 9:24 PM, Jeff KP3FT via groups.io <kp3ft@...> wrote:
It's still Windows-only, however it works great in Linux using WINE.? If you install a WINE version that's 9.0 or newer, then nothing extra needs to be done to get VARA to run; just download VARA and install it like normal.?? I'm very happy with it; been using it for quite a while 24/7 on my Linux machine as a packet node port.? The only thing that doesn't work when using it in WINE is VARA's CPU usage meter, but it's not necessary anyway.
|
It's still Windows-only, however it works great in Linux using WINE.? If you install a WINE version that's 9.0 or newer, then nothing extra needs to be done to get VARA to run; just download VARA and install it like normal.?? I'm very happy with it; been using it for quite a while 24/7 on my Linux machine as a packet node port.? The only thing that doesn't work when using it in WINE is VARA's CPU usage meter, but it's not necessary anyway.
|
I think it¡¯s Window only for now.? Perhaps send an email to the owner.
Hi, I was wondering about the status of Vara for Linux usage. Is it available for Linux at this time, and if so, can you direct me to install instructions?
Thanks for your time, Neil N4NAC
|
Hi, I was wondering about the status of Vara for Linux usage. Is it available for Linux at this time, and if so, can you direct me to install instructions?
Thanks for your time, Neil N4NAC
|
A few days ago, I was unable to send messages from WNLK and VarAC. While diagnosing the issue, I configured the output to be USB instead of USB-D. I turned on the monitor and determined that no audio was being sent to my radio. I can run other digital software without using the VARA modem without any issues. Do you have any recommendations?
?
?
--
Clayton
KE7NGO
?
|
Re: TYT TH-9000D Plus Caution
Kevin,?
Thanks for the clarification.? For now, I¡¯ll keep looking for used Alinco DR-135 series radios for Winlink VARA FM WIDE.? Hopefully more manufacturers will recognize the need and began to offer radios with a proper audio data connection.
Bob,
Stephen is correct.? There are several companies, including
Masters Communications, that makes an for the TYT TH-9000D radio.?
However - unlike the Alinco DR-X35, the TYT TH-9000D is NOT wide
band capable.? It only has filtered audio available at the plug on
the motherboard - IE "1200 Baud" type of audio.
I additionally sell .?
This allows an to be used between the radio and MD6 equipped
radio interface like a DRA-36M.? Because the TYT TH-9000 is only
narrow band capable - all baud rate jumpers need to be set to the
"1200" position, as 9600 is not a valid choice.
So regardless of the radio interface you choose - your throughput
is going to be narrow.
Kevin W3KKC
Owner
Masters Communications.
On 3/10/2025 5:53 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
The case is identical to the Alinco DR-135 and has
the cut out for the DB9 on the back.? Repeater Builder sells a
DB9 cable assembly ?that plugs into a connector on the
motherboard providing unfiltered audio.? Others have written
about using this for 9600 baud.? So far, I found that the
receive audio is a bit too low for the RIM Alinco 9600 adapter.
? I may try a Master Comm adapter as it has adjustable gain.
On 3/10/2025 5:02 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
I have been investigating the
TYT TH-9000D Plus as a possible low-cost alternative
to the now obsolete Alinco DR-135 series for Winlink
VARA FM WIDE.??
Regardless of spurs, this radio will NEVER work on
VARA-FM WIDE.? It lacks the "data port" (actually
wide-band audio audio from the receiver discriminator on
RX and direct access to the transmitter modulator on
TX.?? (You can't use mic/speaker connections on VARA-FM
WIDE.)
The lack of the data port (usually a 6-pin minid-DIN
jack)? is a chronic "missing feature" on Chinese radios,
except for those made by HYS.
Stephen H. Smith??? wa8lmf (at)
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the 2-meter
band]
Home Page:?????????
30 Meter?? APRS-over VARA? Frequency?? Details Here:
????
- APRS over VARA? --
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-
?
|
Re: TYT TH-9000D Plus Caution
Bob,
Stephen is correct.? There are several companies, including
Masters Communications, that makes an for the TYT TH-9000D radio.?
However - unlike the Alinco DR-X35, the TYT TH-9000D is NOT wide
band capable.? It only has filtered audio available at the plug on
the motherboard - IE "1200 Baud" type of audio.
I additionally sell .?
This allows an to be used between the radio and MD6 equipped
radio interface like a DRA-36M.? Because the TYT TH-9000 is only
narrow band capable - all baud rate jumpers need to be set to the
"1200" position, as 9600 is not a valid choice.
So regardless of the radio interface you choose - your throughput
is going to be narrow.
Kevin W3KKC
Owner
Masters Communications.
On 3/10/2025 5:53 PM, Bob W0EG via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
The case is identical to the Alinco DR-135 and has
the cut out for the DB9 on the back.? Repeater Builder sells a
DB9 cable assembly ?that plugs into a connector on the
motherboard providing unfiltered audio.? Others have written
about using this for 9600 baud.? So far, I found that the
receive audio is a bit too low for the RIM Alinco 9600 adapter.
? I may try a Master Comm adapter as it has adjustable gain.
On 3/10/2025 5:02 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
I have been investigating the
TYT TH-9000D Plus as a possible low-cost alternative
to the now obsolete Alinco DR-135 series for Winlink
VARA FM WIDE.??
Regardless of spurs, this radio will NEVER work on
VARA-FM WIDE.? It lacks the "data port" (actually
wide-band audio audio from the receiver discriminator on
RX and direct access to the transmitter modulator on
TX.?? (You can't use mic/speaker connections on VARA-FM
WIDE.)
The lack of the data port (usually a 6-pin minid-DIN
jack)? is a chronic "missing feature" on Chinese radios,
except for those made by HYS.
Stephen H. Smith??? wa8lmf (at)
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the 2-meter
band]
Home Page:?????????
30 Meter?? APRS-over VARA? Frequency?? Details Here:
????
- APRS over VARA? --
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-
?
|
Re: Constellation Diagram?
Must be some experts here who can offer a better explanation or correct any of my mistakes.
Diagonally is likely BPSK ( bi phase shift keying). If it splits in an X pattern then QPSK. Rgr, thanks. Great information. What does it signify when the screen is split diagonally then? Does that indicate QPSK?
Thanks
On Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 4:16 PM, Bob W0EG via <morrisnc7= [email protected]> wrote:
The VARA Modem adapts to the signal path by changing the modulation scheme depending on conditions. Data is sent as a series of symbols, and each symbol can transmit on or more bits. The constellation diagram is an average of the states of a series of symbols. For BPSK, carries changes phase 180 degrees so you have two possible states in a symbol, i.e. one bit. This shows up as two dots 180 degrees apart. A faster display would show a thin line between the dots as the phase transitions between symbols. QPSK has four states, one in each quadrant (90 deg apart), thus two bits per symbol. 16QAM changes both amplitude and phase to map four possible states in each quadrant, 16 states total, or four bits per symbol. The data is coded so that all possible states show up nearly evenly over time. This helps keep the signal evenly spread over the available bandwidth.
This is similar to the LTE used in 4G cellular.
|
Re: Constellation Diagram?
Diagonally is likely BPSK ( bi phase shift keying). If it splits in an X pattern then QPSK.
Rgr, thanks. Great information. What does it signify when the screen is split diagonally then? Does that indicate QPSK?
Thanks
On Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 4:16 PM, Bob W0EG via <morrisnc7= [email protected]> wrote:
The VARA Modem adapts to the signal path by changing the modulation scheme depending on conditions. Data is sent as a series of symbols, and each symbol can transmit on or more bits. The constellation diagram is an average of the states of a series of symbols. For BPSK, carries changes phase 180 degrees so you have two possible states in a symbol, i.e. one bit. This shows up as two dots 180 degrees apart. A faster display would show a thin line between the dots as the phase transitions between symbols. QPSK has four states, one in each quadrant (90 deg apart), thus two bits per symbol. 16QAM changes both amplitude and phase to map four possible states in each quadrant, 16 states total, or four bits per symbol. The data is coded so that all possible states show up nearly evenly over time. This helps keep the signal evenly spread over the available bandwidth.
This is similar to the LTE used in 4G cellular.
|
Re: Constellation Diagram?
Rgr, thanks. Great information. What does it signify when the screen is split diagonally then? Does that indicate QPSK?
Thanks
On Monday, March 10th, 2025 at 4:16 PM, Bob W0EG via groups.io <morrisnc7@...> wrote:
The VARA Modem adapts to the signal path by changing the modulation scheme depending on conditions. Data is sent as a series of symbols, and each symbol can transmit on or more bits. The constellation diagram is an average of the states of a series of symbols. For BPSK, carries changes phase 180 degrees so you have two possible states in a symbol, i.e. one bit. This shows up as two dots 180 degrees apart. A faster display would show a thin line between the dots as the phase transitions between symbols. QPSK has four states, one in each quadrant (90 deg apart), thus two bits per symbol. 16QAM changes both amplitude and phase to map four possible states in each quadrant, 16 states total, or four bits per symbol. The data is coded so that all possible states show up nearly evenly over time. This helps keep the signal evenly spread over the available bandwidth.
This is similar to the LTE used in 4G cellular.
|
Re: TYT TH-9000D Plus Caution
The case is identical to the Alinco DR-135 and has the cut out for the DB9 on the back.? Repeater Builder sells a DB9 cable assembly ?that plugs into a connector on the motherboard providing unfiltered audio.? Others have written about using this for 9600 baud.? So far, I found that the receive audio is a bit too low for the RIM Alinco 9600 adapter. ? I may try a Master Comm adapter as it has adjustable gain.
On 3/10/2025 5:02 PM, Bob W0EG via
wrote:
I have been
investigating the TYT TH-9000D Plus as a possible low-cost
alternative to the now obsolete Alinco DR-135 series for
Winlink VARA FM WIDE.??
Regardless of spurs, this radio will NEVER work on VARA-FM WIDE.?
It lacks the "data port" (actually wide-band audio audio from the
receiver discriminator on RX and direct access to the transmitter
modulator on TX.?? (You can't use mic/speaker connections on
VARA-FM WIDE.)
The lack of the data port (usually a 6-pin minid-DIN jack)? is a
chronic "missing feature" on Chinese radios, except for those made
by HYS.
Stephen H. Smith??? wa8lmf (at)
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the 2-meter band]
Home Page:?????????
30 Meter?? APRS-over VARA? Frequency?? Details Here:
????
- APRS over VARA? --
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-
?
|
Re: TYT TH-9000D Plus Caution
On 3/10/2025 5:02 PM, Bob W0EG via
groups.io wrote:
I have been
investigating the TYT TH-9000D Plus as a possible low-cost
alternative to the now obsolete Alinco DR-135 series for
Winlink VARA FM WIDE.??
Regardless of spurs, this radio will NEVER work on VARA-FM WIDE.?
It lacks the "data port" (actually wide-band audio audio from the
receiver discriminator on RX and direct access to the transmitter
modulator on TX.?? (You can't use mic/speaker connections on
VARA-FM WIDE.)
The lack of the data port (usually a 6-pin minid-DIN jack)? is a
chronic "missing feature" on Chinese radios, except for those made
by HYS.
Stephen H. Smith??? wa8lmf (at) aol.com
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the 2-meter band]
Home Page:?????????
30 Meter?? APRS-over VARA? Frequency?? Details Here:
????
- APRS over VARA? --
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-
?
|
Re: Constellation Diagram?
The VARA Modem adapts to the signal path by changing the modulation scheme depending on conditions.? Data is sent as a series of symbols, and each symbol can transmit on or more bits.? The constellation diagram is an average of the states of a series of symbols. For BPSK, carries changes phase 180 degrees so you have two possible states in a symbol, i.e. one bit. This shows up as two dots 180 degrees apart.? A faster display would show a thin line between the dots as the phase transitions between symbols. QPSK has four states, one in each quadrant (90 deg apart), thus two bits per symbol. 16QAM changes both amplitude and phase to map four possible states in each quadrant, 16 states total, or four bits per symbol.? The data is coded so that all possible states show up nearly evenly over time.? This helps keep the signal evenly spread over the available bandwidth. ??
?
This is similar to the LTE used in 4G cellular.
|
TYT TH-9000D Plus Caution
I have been investigating the TYT TH-9000D Plus as a possible low-cost alternative to the now obsolete Alinco DR-135 series for Winlink VARA FM WIDE.? While checking the output spectrum for an anomaly found in the Alinco Mark 3 versions, I discovered that two of my three TYT TH-9000D Plus radio have a serious defect in the transmitter.? See the attached spectrum analyzer captures of a mike key down with no modulation.? Strong side bands covering the 2m band and extending outside the band.?
?
These radios were bought on Amazon and the first is okay, but the next two arrived with the defect.? This is an insidious failure because the radio still receives and transmits and can still make contacts. ?The failure is only evident on a spectrum display (or if you cause interference and it is reported to you).? This issue shous up at high (65W) and mid (25W) power bit they look good at low power.? I think 65 Watts is pushing it for the PA module used so I plan to only operate my good radio at mid, 25 Watt power.
|
Jeff KP3FT
Kevin Custer
Clayton -ke7ngo
