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Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

RICHARD PLOTKIN
 

开云体育

This is all very interesting. ?I am operating with the Yaesu FTdx10. ?When on FT8 with WSJT X, I am able to adjust the ALC to wherever I wish it tore. ?Generally, I keep it below half but above 1/3 and that seems to be the best area. ?On the other hand, with vara HF I am not able to adjust the ALC very well. ?It just remains around 3/4 give or take no matter what I do. Hmmm!
Richard
KZ4JV

On Dec 10, 2024, at 07:12, Steve K5CFE via groups.io <cyberpi@...> wrote:

I agree with Dave. My ft991a yaesu has never run digital (varaHF, FT8 etc) well at low alc. My sweet spot for stable PO has always been around 7 adjusted with digital gain! Using that for years. Anything less not optimal for this rig.
?
Steve K5CFE

Richard A. Plotkin
6565 The Masters Ave
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34202
Cell: ? ? 401-862-4809
KZ4JV


Re: VARA HF Disconnects Before Messages Are Sent

 

Hi Chris,
Indeed, the ham radio hobby can be quite overwhelming.? I work for a living in a non electronics business, and so it has taken years in some cases for me to actually getting around to understand something.? Trying to do something is the best, if not most frustrating, way of developing understanding.? This takes time.
YouTube can be your friend.? I'd recommend Wavetalkers channel.
Also, do a search through the groups.io channels.? There are many cases where folks have done very good explanations of various radios, interfaces, settings, etc.
For immediate gratification, I'd recommend a local Elmer or three who can assist.
--
Roy Dugger, KD6R


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 

I agree with Dave. My ft991a yaesu has never run digital (varaHF, FT8 etc) well at low alc. My sweet spot for stable PO has always been around 7 adjusted with digital gain! Using that for years. Anything less not optimal for this rig.
?
Steve K5CFE


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 

开云体育

The recommended ALC level for digital modes will vary by radio manufacturer and possibly by model.? The manual that comes with the radio should be your 'bible' for setting ALC levels for digital modes on that radio.

For example, for Elecraft radios, the recommended ALC level for digital modes is a solid 4 bars, with the 5th bar flickering.? Anything much less than that will cause the radio to 'power seek' (wander up and down).

Again, please ignore anyone that tells you what the 'correct' ALC level is and ALWAYS refer to your radio manual for the proper level.

73,

-- Dave, N8SBE, Hamshack Hotline 590-0971, HamsOverIP 101018, AmateurWire 1348

On 2024-12-09 17:01, John Denison via groups.io wrote:

For what its worth... I don't know why Jose recommends 1/3 ALC when using VARA HF. I have mine set to 0 ALC while still driving enough audio to achieve the 30 watts the radio is set to, and it works great. I would think that driving the ALC high or too high would be bad for the radio.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU
?


Re: VARA HF Disconnects Before Messages Are Sent

 

开云体育

Ken,

?

Once you learn how to use it, and how to interpret the info, it can be very useful!”

?

I checked the link and it is overwhelming. Do you know of a good beginner resource that one could use in conjunction with it to understand the information it is providing and some context into how that information can be pressed into useful service?

?

73 and thanks in advance!

Chris, KD6OUB

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Kenneth G. Gordon via groups.io
Sent: Friday, December 6, 2024 7:48 AM
To: Rick Muething via groups.io <rickmuething@...>; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] VARA HF Disconnects Before Messages Are Sent

?

For propagation information, I highly recommend

?

Once you learn how to use it, and how to interpret the info, it can be very useful!

?

I use it regularly for point-to-point comms.

?

Ken W7EKB

?

?

?

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone

?

?

-------- Original message --------

From: "Rick Muething via groups.io" <rickmuething@...>

Date: 12/6/24 07:10 (GMT-08:00)

Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] VARA HF Disconnects Before Messages Are Sent

?

Patricia,

Its all antennas, distortion,? and propagation.? Vara (and all protocols for that matter) have mechanisms for measuring the S:N and frame success rate (How many SUCCESSFUL bytes transmitted per minute.? If that number falls below a certain threshold the protocol?killls?the link rather than taking many minutes of airtime up with low probability?of passing a complete message.? What can help?? Several things:

1) Pick a frequency band and distance which have better propagation.? e.g.? Some bands are better at night or day.? Generally longer distances are weak....but not always.?

2) Short messages of course transfer faster ....avoid big attachments.

3) Check and optimise your antenna. Height, SWR etc.

4) Make sure your radio drive is set to optimum.? Too much audio drive can result in distortion (due to ALC)? ?For the 7300 you want the ALC no more than about 1/4 scale.? Almost all protocols work best with minimal distortion and near optimum power settings.?

5) Select stations and bands based on propagation (history and propagation maps)? ?Also make sure the stations are running (e.g 24/7 etc)?

?

Good Luck


Rick Muething, KN6KB? Winlink Development Team

?

On Fri, Dec 6, 2024 at 9:27?AM Patricia Dominguez via <WA4WSZ=[email protected]> wrote:

I am new to VARA HF and to the group.? Last week I set up my W11 computer and IC-7300 radio. I was able to start sending messages using Vara HF.? I didn't use Winlink for a couple of days.? When I tried to send a message a few days ago I could not connect to any station. I checked every sound setting I could find on my computer and reduced my transmit power. I don't know what changed.? Yesterday I connected to two different stations, but both dropped the connection after more than 5 minutes into transmitting the message. The send rate was extremely low.? I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.

?

Patricia

WA4WSZ

?


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 

For what its worth... I don't know why Jose recommends 1/3 ALC when using VARA HF. I have mine set to 0 ALC while still driving enough audio to achieve the 30 watts the radio is set to, and it works great. I would think that driving the ALC high or too high would be bad for the radio.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 

开云体育

On 12/9/2024 11:56 AM, RICHARD PLOTKIN via groups.io wrote:
HI Doug,

My Windows 11 didn’t allow me to go into a sound slider for vara hf. ?There is a sound slider in the sound card settings in vara hf, but moving it doesn't have much effect. ?When using FT8 on WSJT X, I have no problem adjusting the sound with the slider in the program. ?

Richard
KZ4JV

?

Because those programs initialize the sound system as soon as they start.?? VARA doesn't initialize the sound card (and produce indications of it's presence in Windows) until the first transmission.



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 Change
Coming 1 Jan 2025.?? Details Here:
???? <

- APRS over VARA? --
??

"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??

-
?



Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

RICHARD PLOTKIN
 

开云体育

HI Doug,

My Windows 11 didn’t allow me to go into a sound slider for vara hf. ?There is a sound slider in the sound card settings in vara hf, but moving it doesn't have much effect. ?When using FT8 on WSJT X, I have no problem adjusting the sound with the slider in the program. ?

Richard
KZ4JV

On Dec 9, 2024, at 10:18, N3JXB (Douglas) via groups.io <n3jxb@...> wrote:

In Windows go to Settings / Sound. Do this AFTER you have VARA HF open and used it at least once. Look for VARA HF in the applications and adjust the volume slider there. The reason I mention making sure VARA HF is open and have already been used is some apps don't open the audio out device until the first usage. I got burned on this. Once it opens the audio out channel you can then adjust just that app's audio drive. This actually comes in handy with all the digital apps as nearly every one of them has a different drive level. Adjusting this should bring your ALC right into the sweet spot.
?
There is also the legacy Windows 10 sound control panel applet still in Windows 11. Some people find that easier to use. Both accomplish the same task.
?
73
Doug / N3JXB
?

Richard A. Plotkin
6565 The Masters Ave
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34202
Cell: ? ? 401-862-4809
KZ4JV


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 



On Mon, Dec 9, 2024, 10:03 AM Jim Ebner via <n8je=[email protected]> wrote:
Does that radio have a soundcard interface built in?

Yes, it does. It's hard to tell from the manual whether it does or not, but it does.

73,
Lee K5DAT

_._,_._,_


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 

开云体育

Does that radio have a soundcard interface built in?



Thanks and 73,
Jim, N8JE?



-------- Original message --------
From: "RICHARD PLOTKIN via groups.io" <raplotkin@...>
Date: 12/9/24 6:20 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Issue with aLC on vara hf

Jim,
I have a Yaesu FTdx10 and using a PC on Windows 11 with a USB cable to the radio
Richard

On Dec 9, 2024, at 6:18 AM, Jim Ebner via <n8je@...> wrote:

What are you using for a radio and interface?



Thanks and 73,
Jim, N8JE?



-------- Original message --------
From: "RICHARD PLOTKIN via " <raplotkin@...>
Date: 12/9/24 5:26 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [VARA-MODEM] Issue with aLC on vara hf

I finally got vara HF running on Winlink express. However, I dan't get the ALC to the recommended 1/3. ?It hovers around 3/4 on the scale. What might cause this?

Richard A. Plotkin
6565 The Masters Ave
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34202
Cell: ? ? 401-862-4809
KZ4JV


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 

In Windows go to Settings / Sound. Do this AFTER you have VARA HF open and used it at least once. Look for VARA HF in the applications and adjust the volume slider there. The reason I mention making sure VARA HF is open and have already been used is some apps don't open the audio out device until the first usage. I got burned on this. Once it opens the audio out channel you can then adjust just that app's audio drive. This actually comes in handy with all the digital apps as nearly every one of them has a different drive level. Adjusting this should bring your ALC right into the sweet spot.
?
There is also the legacy Windows 10 sound control panel applet still in Windows 11. Some people find that easier to use. Both accomplish the same task.
?
73
Doug / N3JXB
?


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

RICHARD PLOTKIN
 

开云体育

Jim,
I have a Yaesu FTdx10 and using a PC on Windows 11 with a USB cable to the radio
Richard

On Dec 9, 2024, at 6:18 AM, Jim Ebner via <n8je@...> wrote:

What are you using for a radio and interface?



Thanks and 73,
Jim, N8JE?



-------- Original message --------
From: "RICHARD PLOTKIN via " <raplotkin@...>
Date: 12/9/24 5:26 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [VARA-MODEM] Issue with aLC on vara hf

I finally got vara HF running on Winlink express. However, I dan't get the ALC to the recommended 1/3. ?It hovers around 3/4 on the scale. What might cause this?

Richard A. Plotkin
6565 The Masters Ave
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34202
Cell: ? ? 401-862-4809
KZ4JV


Re: Issue with aLC on vara hf

 

开云体育

What are you using for a radio and interface?



Thanks and 73,
Jim, N8JE?



-------- Original message --------
From: "RICHARD PLOTKIN via groups.io" <raplotkin@...>
Date: 12/9/24 5:26 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [VARA-MODEM] Issue with aLC on vara hf

I finally got vara HF running on Winlink express. However, I dan't get the ALC to the recommended 1/3. ?It hovers around 3/4 on the scale. What might cause this?


Issue with aLC on vara hf

RICHARD PLOTKIN
 

I finally got vara HF running on Winlink express. However, I dan't get the ALC to the recommended 1/3. ?It hovers around 3/4 on the scale. What might cause this?


Re: Password

 

Pierre?

? You need to contact the Winlink Google Group for help. I see many Linux and Android (WOAD) users asking?for help.?


73

Don Poaps
New Westminster, BC
VA7DGP DATA
VA7QU ? VOICE


Winlink:?va7dgp@...
Subject://wl2k ? ? ? ? ?

ALLSTAR ?530780
Hamshack Hotline
5971
Mid-Island Phone Mesh
2210
2232

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?


On Sun, Dec 8, 2024 at 1:04?PM pierre.boisvert via <pierre.boisvert=[email protected]> wrote:
Hello?
new with winlink and vara
im able to connect to RMS station but alway disconnected with this message?
?

The password you specified for VA2PZ on the Site Properties screen does not match what the Winlink system expects

?

any tip to resolve that

?

Pierre?

va2pz

?


Re: Password

 

开云体育

Any prob to log to winlink account and mail server?

Le 8 déc. 2024 à 18:05, Chris Doutre - KC9AD via groups.io <c.doutre@...> a écrit?:

?

Are you able to use the same password and callsign to log in to your winlink.org account? It is my understanding that they must match. Bonne chance. 73.

?

Chris KC9AD

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Pierre Boisvert via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2024 2:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Password

?

yes?

And noting change , ?



Le 8 déc. 2024 à 16:17, Kevin k5vp via groups.io <k5vp.qrv@...> a écrit?:

?

Have you attempted to reset your password in the Winlink Express setup?

?

On Sun, Dec 8, 2024 at 3:04?PM pierre.boisvert via <pierre.boisvert=[email protected]> wrote:

Hello?

new with winlink and vara

im able to connect to RMS station but alway disconnected with this message?

?

The password you specified for VA2PZ on the Site Properties screen does not match what the Winlink system expects

?

any tip to resolve that

?

Pierre?

va2pz

?


?

--

Kevin

k5vp


Re: Password

 

开云体育

On further research, I found this:

/g/Winmor/topic/password_does_not_match/88609805

?

This forum topic implies that it’s a gateway issue.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Pierre Boisvert via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2024 2:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Password

?

yes?

And noting change , ?



Le 8 déc. 2024 à 16:17, Kevin k5vp via groups.io <k5vp.qrv@...> a écrit?:

?

Have you attempted to reset your password in the Winlink Express setup?

?

On Sun, Dec 8, 2024 at 3:04?PM pierre.boisvert via <pierre.boisvert=[email protected]> wrote:

Hello?

new with winlink and vara

im able to connect to RMS station but alway disconnected with this message?

?

The password you specified for VA2PZ on the Site Properties screen does not match what the Winlink system expects

?

any tip to resolve that

?

Pierre?

va2pz

?


?

--

Kevin

k5vp


Re: Password

 

Contact the Winlink development team at:?



On Sun, Dec 8, 2024 at 3:54?PM Pierre Boisvert via <pierre.boisvert=[email protected]> wrote:
yes?
And noting change , ?

Le 8 déc. 2024 à 16:17, Kevin k5vp via <k5vp.qrv=[email protected]> a écrit?:

?
Have you attempted to reset your password in the Winlink Express setup?

On Sun, Dec 8, 2024 at 3:04?PM pierre.boisvert via <pierre.boisvert=[email protected]> wrote:
Hello?
new with winlink and vara
im able to connect to RMS station but alway disconnected with this message?
?

The password you specified for VA2PZ on the Site Properties screen does not match what the Winlink system expects

?

any tip to resolve that

?

Pierre?

va2pz

?



--
Kevin
k5vp



--
Kevin
k5vp


Re: Password

 

开云体育

Are you able to use the same password and callsign to log in to your winlink.org account? It is my understanding that they must match. Bonne chance. 73.

?

Chris KC9AD

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Pierre Boisvert via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2024 2:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Password

?

yes?

And noting change , ?



Le 8 déc. 2024 à 16:17, Kevin k5vp via groups.io <k5vp.qrv@...> a écrit?:

?

Have you attempted to reset your password in the Winlink Express setup?

?

On Sun, Dec 8, 2024 at 3:04?PM pierre.boisvert via <pierre.boisvert=[email protected]> wrote:

Hello?

new with winlink and vara

im able to connect to RMS station but alway disconnected with this message?

?

The password you specified for VA2PZ on the Site Properties screen does not match what the Winlink system expects

?

any tip to resolve that

?

Pierre?

va2pz

?


?

--

Kevin

k5vp


Re: Password

 

开云体育

yes?
And noting change , ?

Le 8 déc. 2024 à 16:17, Kevin k5vp via groups.io <k5vp.qrv@...> a écrit?:

?
Have you attempted to reset your password in the Winlink Express setup?

On Sun, Dec 8, 2024 at 3:04?PM pierre.boisvert via <pierre.boisvert=[email protected]> wrote:
Hello?
new with winlink and vara
im able to connect to RMS station but alway disconnected with this message?
?

The password you specified for VA2PZ on the Site Properties screen does not match what the Winlink system expects

?

any tip to resolve that

?

Pierre?

va2pz

?



--
Kevin
k5vp