Setup for VARA on ICOM M-803 Marine SSB?
I ?am trying to setup for VARA HF on my ICOM M803 and have read through an earlier thread on the M802. I would still like CAT control of the radio and I am fine adding a sound card modem to my setup. I currently have a Pactor via Bluetooth working fine but want to move to VARA HF. I see there is a Digirig and SignaLink option for sound card modems, but maybe only the Digirig will allow serial control of the radio operation and SignaLink is only the data/PTT? I am not accomplished at making my own cable and would like to buy the appropriate cables to make this work on an M803, which may be slightly different than the older 802. I wonder if any of the cables I have for the Pactor would work with the Digirig??
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No output probably means you have not selected digital. It should say USB-D1 or USB-D2.?
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Vara:HF and VaraFM hang on connect with Wrong Command
System info: Pi5, x64, x11 (Wayland disabled).?
varaHF and varaFM installed and previously working in wine.
Rig control via FLrig.?
Radio: 991a
VaraHF ver 4.8.9
VaraFM ver 4.3.8 ?
Current condition:
VaraHF will transmit and receive audio in tuning mode,? both applications will ptt the radio (settings>soundcard>Tune).
?
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Problem:
VaraHF hangs on connect, log indicates "Wrong command:? CONNECT KM4PVB KN4CCQ"
VaraFM hangs on connect, log indicates "Wrong command: CONNECT KM4PVB WC4EOC-8"
Can confirm audio in and out, and radio control working fine in both applications within wine.
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Additional information:
In VaraFM, while attempting to use "AutoTune", entering WC4EOC-8 returns "bad callsign" when attempting to autotune.
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removing the ssid will cause the radio to transmit the test packets, but the remote station will not answer without the ssid.
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I am a registered VARA user, and it does not seem to matter if my registration info is in or not.
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Steps taken:
I have tried a total re-image of the pi and reinstall, and yielded the same results. I have tested my other computer with the radio, and it functions.
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See log below- running Vara in debug mode:
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VARA_DEBUG=1 pat http
2024/11/20 21:11:18 my-rig ready. Dial frequency is 7.100.00 MHz.
2024/11/20 21:11:18 Starting HTTP service (http://127.0.0.1:8080)...
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.642550 vara.go:192: Connecting command
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.643000 vara.go:192: Connecting data
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.644548 vara.go:110: writing cmd: PUBLIC ON
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.644670 vara.go:115: writing cmd: CWID ON
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.644704 vara.go:120: writing cmd: COMPRESSION TEXT
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.644722 vara.go:124: writing cmd: MYCALL KM4PVB
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.644736 vara.go:128: writing cmd: LISTEN OFF
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.644778 vara.go:350: writing cmd: VERSION
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.674091 vara.go:259: got cmd: BUSY ON
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805785 vara.go:259: got cmd: BUSY OFF
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805854 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805873 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805878 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805883 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805886 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805891 vara.go:259: got cmd: VERSION VARA HF v4.8.9
2024/11/20 21:12:31 VARA modem (VARA HF v4.8.9) initialized
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.805965 transport.go:132: writing cmd: BW2300
2024/11/20 21:12:31 QSY varahf: 7100
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:31.904291 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
2024/11/20 21:12:35 Connecting to KN4CCQ (varahf)...
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:35.044685 transport.go:132: writing cmd: BW2750
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:35.044745 transport.go:51: writing cmd: WINLINK SESSION
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:35.044772 transport.go:61: writing cmd: CONNECT KM4PVB KN4CCQ
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:35.155423 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:35.155651 vara.go:259: got cmd: OK
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:12:35.155700 vara.go:259: got cmd: WRONG
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:13:00.041332 vara.go:259: got cmd: BUSY ON
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:13:01.001281 vara.go:259: got cmd: IAMALIVE
[VARA] 2024/11/20 21:13:01.456418 vara.go:259: got cmd: BUSY OFF
?
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Re: VARAHF: "Wrong Command" error when attempting to connect to gateway.
I am also having this exact same issue. I have been able to do some more digging and have discovered in varafm that initiating an autotune will yield the error "bad callsign" if there is an ssid on the callsign. also removing the ssid will successfully initiate the autotune process but the station will not answer (because of the missing ssid).
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Have tried a complete reinstall twice on a pi5 (x64) with the same result.
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anything further on this?
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I waited until 2:20 our time, then had to leave to help move some furniture with my son. If there’s another time available, please let me know. Thanks de Keith VO1AE ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Thomas KF7RSF via groups.io
Sent: November 23, 2024 1:11 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] VARA HF Anything obvious?? #newuser #varahf? I am a member of the Winlink Development Team, specifically tasked with Tech Support. I have helped MANY operators get all this up and cooperating. I also have a 7300 (easiest radio ever to support) Our challenge is whether we can get our lives, and time zones, in alignment. You are 3.5 hours ahead of me . Can't get any farther west of me without a boat. I can call you just after 10am my Pacific time if that works for you. That would be just after lunch your time in NL. I have your number from your Winlink account registration. You may not see this until you rise Saturday! Let me know if that works for you.
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Well, thank you. I’d appreciate any help to solve the problem. And yes, that 7300 is an amazing radio.
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On Nov 23, 2024, at 01:10, Thomas KF7RSF via groups.io <tnoel@...> wrote:
? Keith,
?
I am a member of the Winlink Development Team, specifically tasked with Tech Support. I have helped MANY operators get all this up and cooperating. I also have a 7300 (easiest radio ever to support)
Our challenge is whether we can get our lives, and time zones, in alignment. You are 3.5 hours ahead of me . Can't get any farther west of me without a boat.
I can call you just after 10am my Pacific time if that works for you. That would be just after lunch your time in NL. I have your number from your Winlink account registration. You may not see this until you rise Saturday! Let me know if that works for you.
?
Thomas? /WDT
KF7RSF/NNA0WL
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Keith,
?
I am a member of the Winlink Development Team, specifically tasked with Tech Support. I have helped MANY operators get all this up and cooperating. I also have a 7300 (easiest radio ever to support)
Our challenge is whether we can get our lives, and time zones, in alignment. You are 3.5 hours ahead of me . Can't get any farther west of me without a boat.
I can call you just after 10am my Pacific time if that works for you. That would be just after lunch your time in NL. I have your number from your Winlink account registration. You may not see this until you rise Saturday! Let me know if that works for you.
?
Thomas? /WDT
KF7RSF/NNA0WL
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You were correct Thomas. The NB and NR were on. I did get to make a few tries at a couple of stations but couldn’t connect. I noticed there was no power output. Perhaps something else needs adjusting. Also, when I shut down WinLink and go back to FT8 there’s no power output and I have to use the SD card to load the settings again. De VO1AE
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Thomas KF7RSF via groups.io
Sent: November 22, 2024 5:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] VARA HF Anything obvious?? #newuser #varahf? You appear to have NR and /or Notch filter engaged. There must be nothing affecting the linearity of the waterfall.
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Thank you….I’ll check that out. A case of “How could I know if I didn’t know!” ?
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On Nov 22, 2024, at 17:36, Thomas KF7RSF via groups.io <tnoel@...> wrote:
? Keith,
?
You appear to have NR and /or Notch filter engaged. There must be nothing affecting the linearity of the waterfall.
Should look like this:
<Screenshot 2024-11-22 at 1.03.32?PM.png>
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Keith,
?
You appear to have NR and /or Notch filter engaged. There must be nothing affecting the linearity of the waterfall.
Should look like this:
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Ok…Coming to the group shortly. Tnx. KP ? 
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Thomas KF7RSF via groups.io
Sent: November 22, 2024 5:09 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] VARA HF Anything obvious?? #newuser #varahf? Post a screenshot of the VARA HF TNC waterfall when this occurs. A common reason for this "Channel busy" error is having the Filter 1 set to too narrow a bandwidth. It needs to be set to 3.0K. Received bandwidth in the waterfall must reach the two vertical red lines, minimum.
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Here it is….Not sure why two grabs showed up. Both are the same anyways. De Keith VO1AE 
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Thomas KF7RSF via groups.io
Sent: November 22, 2024 5:09 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] VARA HF Anything obvious?? #newuser #varahf? Post a screenshot of the VARA HF TNC waterfall when this occurs. A common reason for this "Channel busy" error is having the Filter 1 set to too narrow a bandwidth. It needs to be set to 3.0K. Received bandwidth in the waterfall must reach the two vertical red lines, minimum.
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Keith,
?
Post a screenshot of the VARA HF TNC waterfall when this occurs. A common reason for this "Channel busy" error is having the Filter 1 set to too narrow a bandwidth. It needs to be set to 3.0K. Received bandwidth in the waterfall must reach the two vertical red lines, minimum.
?
Thomas
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Further to Below….Twice when I went from WinLink to FT8 I had to use the SD card to revive the settings, because I couldn’t transmit. For anyone that hasn’t made an SD backup…DO IT!!!!! Best thing you thing will ever do given the ease it gets your rig on track. De Keith VO1AE ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of KeithP via groups.io
Sent: November 22, 2024 1:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [VARA-MODEM] VARA HF Anything obvious?? #newuser #varahf? Here’s a screen grab of WinLink Express this morning. In a nutshell: I: ?I heard the cute little sounds from VO1GNP 2: In Channel Select I chose Start and the script? showed VARA TNC was launched and connected 3: Momentarily, First when it comes on, I get a chance to connect - as it shows Channel Free 4: Immediately before getting a chance to send, it switches to Channel Busy and stays there. 5: Is there anything obvious in what you see that I may be doing wrong?? De Keith VO1AE ? (The “favorites” contact, VE1YZ, was recommended to me by VO1OK as he has found it to be a good place to connect. Since I’m not using it in this case it doesn’t matter) ? ? ?
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Here’s a screen grab of WinLink Express this morning. In a nutshell:
I: ?I heard the cute little sounds from VO1GNP
2: In Channel Select I chose Start and the script? showed VARA TNC was launched and connected
3: Momentarily, First when it comes on, I get a chance to connect - as it shows Channel Free
4: Immediately before getting a chance to send, it switches to Channel Busy and stays there.
5: Is there anything obvious in what you see that I may be doing wrong??
De Keith VO1AE
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(The “favorites” contact, VE1YZ, was recommended to me by VO1OK as he has found it to be a good place to connect.
Since I’m not using it in this case it doesn’t matter)
?
?
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Jean,
I am in the process of setting a link on the W6RAY-4 BBS in central California. I have it all set up, but working some minor issues still to be worked out. I plan to attempt connecting with KQ6UP, and any others. I know of no others on the west coast, except one I saw mentioned in Oregon.
Can you please send me a private email regarding our AX25 link issue?
73 de Ray Quinn W6RAY
Any typos caused by fat fingers on a tiny keyboard.
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On Nov 20, 2024, at 15:51, Jean Létourneau via groups.io <ve2pkt@...> wrote:
?Good day all,
I hope I am at the right place for those 2 questions:
1) is VARA HF in LSB or USB?
2) Is there on HF a Packet BBS supporting VARA?
short and sweet.
--
73 de Jean,
VA2OM / VE2PKT
Sysop de: VE2PKT (BBS), VE2PKT-2 (BPQNode), VE2PKT-4 (XRPI)
: VE2PKT-5 (Jnos), VE2PKT-9 (DXCluster)
RF: 145.05 Mhz (1.2K Bps) Packet, 147.435 Mhz, VARA
Internet:
Telnet: ve2pkt.dyndns.org port 2323 (Xrpi Node) - VE2PKT-4
Telnet: ve2pkt.ampr.org port 9000 (DXCluster) - VE2PKT-9
E-Mail:
packet: va2om@ve2pkt.#qbc.qc.can.noam
ampr net: va2om@...
Inet: ve2pkt@...
Hamshack Hotline: 5500000866
Membre Createur du groupe [email protected]
/g/PacketQuebec
Carte des Station RF au Quebec
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Hello, I am at work so it's a very quck reply 1) USB on all bands 2) Most of the winlink gateway are supporting vara you can get the list here
73 de Olivier HB9TOB
Le?jeu. 21 nov. 2024 à?00:51, Jean Létourneau via <ve2pkt= [email protected]> a écrit?: Good day all,
?????? I hope I am at the right place for those 2 questions:
1) is VARA HF in LSB or USB?
2) Is there on HF a Packet BBS supporting VARA?
short and sweet.
--
73 de Jean,
VA2OM / VE2PKT
Sysop de: VE2PKT (BBS), VE2PKT-2 (BPQNode), VE2PKT-4 (XRPI)
? ? ? ? ?: VE2PKT-5 (Jnos), VE2PKT-9 (DXCluster)
RF: 145.05 Mhz (1.2K Bps) Packet, 147.435 Mhz, VARA
Internet:
Telnet: port 2323 (Xrpi Node) - VE2PKT-4
Telnet: port 9000 (DXCluster) - VE2PKT-9
E-Mail:
packet:? ?va2om@ve2pkt.#qbc.qc.can.noam
ampr net: va2om@...
Inet:? ? ?ve2pkt@...
? Hamshack Hotline: 5500000866
Membre Createur du groupe [email protected]
/g/PacketQuebec
Carte des Station RF au Quebec
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Re: How to monitor another convesation
It sounds like you have the idea. Be sure that the same input to the modem is selected under Settings ->Soundcard.
73
Danny, K5CG
HH 550-0609
SKCC 14257
From: "Dave W4EIP via groups.io" <fw1guy@...> To: "VARA-MODEM" < [email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 4:33:19 PM Subject: [VARA-MODEM] How to monitor another convesation
Hello,
Can anyone tell me how to monitor a VARAC conversation?
I have set up another instance of VARA HF to run in monitor mode and have selected Monitor on the Monitor pull down.
I can here the traffic and I can see the signal ICOM 7610 scope screen and on HDSDR.
I set the VARAC frequency to correspond to the frequency of the traffic I see on the Spetrum scope i.e. 14.107.250
But I cannot see any text on the VARA HF monitor window that goes along with what I am hearing.
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What am I doing wrong?? How can i get monitor a chat to work?
?
Thanks,
Dave W4EIP.
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Thanks Lee,
???? I have not seen that.? Will try tomorrow.
Jean
On 2024-11-20 21:09, Lee Bengston via
groups.io wrote:
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On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at
9:00?PM Jean Létourneau via <ve2pkt= [email protected]>
wrote:
Hi Lee,
the? TPRFN group (
). will tell me the band but not the frequency.
unless I did not look at the right place.
Jean
Hi again,
Below is the info from the site. I just realized the SSID
is incorrect for my BBS - should be K5DAT-1.
73,
Lee K5DAT
_._,_7._,_
_._,_._,_
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On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 9:00?PM Jean Létourneau via <ve2pkt= [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Lee,
the? TPRFN group (
). will tell me the band but not the frequency.
unless I did not look at the right place.
Jean Hi again,
Below is the info from the site. I just realized the SSID is incorrect for my BBS - should be K5DAT-1.
73, Lee K5DAT
_._,_7._,_
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Mike - VE6MM
KeithP
Thomas KF7RSF
Danny K5CG