#8345

Totally new to this mode so please go easy on me. It took me 3 days to get here!?

I’ve installed VARA Modem and WINLINK Express.

When I go to Soundcard and press TEST it stays RED and I get the message:

“To use the Tune button you have to link VARA with RMS Express, Trimode, BPQ32….etc”

?

I downloaded RMS Link test, ran it and everything passed ok.

I’m very new at this (2 days old) so anything to get this going will be a blessing.

Thanks de Keith VO1AE

?

The sound card in the IC-7300 is ok because I’m using WSJT-X with FT8 etc., no problem.

The COMM Port for WSJT-X is COM5. That’s the only one showing. Is it possible this could be a COM port problem?

?

AND: In VARA Setup, I notice that at the top the number is 192.168.2.100

Is this correct...seems I saw it elsewhere beginning with 127

?

#8348

Morning Keith.

?

I guess the obvious question is do you have Winlink configured for Vara? If not, that may be your kink in the line. As I recall, Winlink has pretty thorough instructions on how to do so.

?

If you are already using packet with a soft modem the set up will be very similar.

?

Greg

#8349

开云体育

I’m using the IC 7300 sound card and bought the VARA-Modem software. Thanks for your reply.

Show quoted text

On Nov 13, 2024, at 09:47, Greg Ramsdell via groups.io <kd2micqrp@...> wrote:

?
Morning Keith.

?

I guess the obvious question is do you have Winlink configured for Vara? If not, that may be your kink in the line. As I recall, Winlink has pretty thorough instructions on how to do so.

?

If you are already using packet with a soft modem the set up will be very similar.

?

Greg

#8350

开云体育

A friend uses a similar setup. Same rig and software. We started comparing settings but it was almost too much at once.

We didn’t have time get into more detail as he was leaving for a few weeks in New Zealand.

I’ll bet the problem is something stupid. (Wouldn’t be the first time ?).

Show quoted text

On Nov 13, 2024, at 10:02, KeithP via groups.io <salmo@...> wrote:

?I’m using the IC 7300 sound card and bought the VARA-Modem software. Thanks for your reply.

On Nov 13, 2024, at 09:47, Greg Ramsdell via groups.io <kd2micqrp@...> wrote:

?
Morning Keith.

?

I guess the obvious question is do you have Winlink configured for Vara? If not, that may be your kink in the line. As I recall, Winlink has pretty thorough instructions on how to do so.

?

If you are already using packet with a soft modem the set up will be very similar.

?

Greg

#8354

But do you have Winlink configured for Vara?

The settings are pretty easy and there's probably less than a dozen.

?

Do a search for the set up instructions and you'll find them.

#8356

开云体育

I do have Winlink installed. That said, your suggestion to review the setup video was a good idea. I found settings that were different. Still not working, so will review it again. The one thing that stands out is in “VARA settings” - ?The numbers 192.168.2.100

I’ve seen 127.0.0.1 and wondering what shows on your PC or Laptop when you select VARA Settings??

De Keith VO1AE

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Greg Ramsdell via groups.io
Sent: November 14, 2024 9:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf

?

But do you have Winlink configured for Vara?

The settings are pretty easy and there's probably less than a dozen.

?

Do a search for the set up instructions and you'll find them.

#8363

All of my settings are either using localhost or 127.0.0.1. That needs to be in Vara AND Winlink, otherwise they will not talk to each other.

#8364

开云体育

Thank you!? Getting close ?

Next, I need to find where I can change that??

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Greg Ramsdell via groups.io
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 9:48 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf

?

All of my settings are either using localhost or 127.0.0.1. That needs to be in Vara AND Winlink, otherwise they will not talk to each other.

#8365

开云体育

One Vara needed changing as per a tipi from Jose. Still didn’t work. Something is still off and Bara/Winlink aren’t shaking hands.

Show quoted text

On Nov 15, 2024, at 09:51, KeithP via groups.io <salmo@...> wrote:

?
Thank you!? Getting close ?
Next, I need to find where I can change that??
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Greg Ramsdell via groups.io
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 9:48 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
All of my settings are either using localhost or 127.0.0.1. That needs to be in Vara AND Winlink, otherwise they will not talk to each other.

#8368

You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.

?

73

John Denison

KD5YOU

#8369

开云体育

Before I go any further, do I need to purchase Winlink or Winlink Express??

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Denison via groups.io
Sent: November 15, 2024 6:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf

?

You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.

?

73

John Denison

KD5YOU

#8370

Winlink Express is free (recommended).

Show quoted text

On Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:43?PM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:

Before I go any further, do I need to purchase Winlink or Winlink Express??
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Denison via
Sent: November 15, 2024 6:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU

#8371

开云体育

Tnx!

Found a video on setting up the IC-7300 and VARA/Winlink. FINALLY got things running, with one glitch.

When I run the Test in Vara Setup I still get the red box.

Other than that, the laptop is communicating with the rig so if I change frequency in Winlink Express the freq. follows on the rig.?

Back to the drawing board tomorrow.

Getting there….getting there.

Show quoted text

On Nov 15, 2024, at 23:58, Bob W0EG via groups.io <morrisnc7@...> wrote:

?
Winlink Express is free (recommended).

On Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:43?PM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:
Before I go any further, do I need to purchase Winlink or Winlink Express??
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Denison via
Sent: November 15, 2024 6:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU

#8373

开云体育

Another advancement:

In VARA HF WinLink Settings I changed the “PTT Serial Port To Use” from CI-V to ICOM7300

Next, I need to figure out how to get the message in my outbox to its destination. Wonder why it doesn’t call for the internal sound card?

Totally new at this, so seeing just about everything for the first time.

De Keith

The link to that Video I mentioned (for setting up VARA and IC-7300) is:

(might be an ad at the beginning before it starts.

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of KeithP via groups.io
Sent: November 16, 2024 12:55 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf

?

Tnx!

Found a video on setting up the IC-7300 and VARA/Winlink. FINALLY got things running, with one glitch.

When I run the Test in Vara Setup I still get the red box.

Other than that, the laptop is communicating with the rig so if I change frequency in Winlink Express the freq. follows on the rig.?

Back to the drawing board tomorrow.

Getting there….getting there.

On Nov 15, 2024, at 23:58, Bob W0EG via groups.io <morrisnc7@...> wrote:

?
Winlink Express is free (recommended).
?
On Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:43?PM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:
Before I go any further, do I need to purchase Winlink or Winlink Express??
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Denison via
Sent: November 15, 2024 6:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU

#8374

Have you tried ticking 'Use Internal Sound Card'?

--

Kevin

k5vp

#8376

开云体育

Yes….then it wouldn’t do anything. Deselected it and back on it came.?

Show quoted text

On Nov 16, 2024, at 14:40, Kevin k5vp via groups.io <k5vp.qrv@...> wrote:

?
Have you tried ticking 'Use Internal Sound Card'?

--
Kevin
k5vp

#8377

Keith

You forgot to add the CIV. 94 is the number unless it is changed in the set>connector CIV settings

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

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Show quoted text

On Sat, Nov 16, 2024 at 9:33?AM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:

Another advancement:
In VARA HF WinLink Settings I changed the “PTT Serial Port To Use” from CI-V to ICOM7300
Next, I need to figure out how to get the message in my outbox to its destination. Wonder why it doesn’t call for the internal sound card?
Totally new at this, so seeing just about everything for the first time.
De Keith
The link to that Video I mentioned (for setting up VARA and IC-7300) is:
(might be an ad at the beginning before it starts.
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of KeithP via
Sent: November 16, 2024 12:55 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
Tnx!
Found a video on setting up the IC-7300 and VARA/Winlink. FINALLY got things running, with one glitch.
When I run the Test in Vara Setup I still get the red box.
Other than that, the laptop is communicating with the rig so if I change frequency in Winlink Express the freq. follows on the rig.?
Back to the drawing board tomorrow.
Getting there….getting there.

On Nov 15, 2024, at 23:58, Bob W0EG via <morrisnc7@...> wrote:
?
Winlink Express is free (recommended).
?
On Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:43?PM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:
Before I go any further, do I need to purchase Winlink or Winlink Express??
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Denison via
Sent: November 15, 2024 6:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU

#8380

开云体育

Thanks Don. Didn’t notice that 94 was omitted. Done now. Will work on it again tomorrow.

Learning a lot!

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Don Poaps via groups.io
Sent: November 16, 2024 6:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf

?

Keith

?

You forgot to add the CIV. 94 is the number unless it is changed in the set>connector CIV settings

?

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 Sat, Nov 16, 2024 at 9:33?AM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:

Another advancement:
In VARA HF WinLink Settings I changed the “PTT Serial Port To Use” from CI-V to ICOM7300
Next, I need to figure out how to get the message in my outbox to its destination. Wonder why it doesn’t call for the internal sound card?
Totally new at this, so seeing just about everything for the first time.
De Keith
The link to that Video I mentioned (for setting up VARA and IC-7300) is:
(might be an ad at the beginning before it starts.
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of KeithP via
Sent: November 16, 2024 12:55 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
Tnx!
Found a video on setting up the IC-7300 and VARA/Winlink. FINALLY got things running, with one glitch.
When I run the Test in Vara Setup I still get the red box.
Other than that, the laptop is communicating with the rig so if I change frequency in Winlink Express the freq. follows on the rig.?
Back to the drawing board tomorrow.
Getting there….getting there.
?
On Nov 15, 2024, at 23:58, Bob W0EG via <morrisnc7@...> wrote:
?
Winlink Express is free (recommended).
?
On Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:43?PM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:
Before I go any further, do I need to purchase Winlink or Winlink Express??
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Denison via
Sent: November 15, 2024 6:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU

#8386

开云体育

Looks like I finally have WinLink working…HOWEVER….despite trying several times and switching to other contacts I have yet to find one that’s not busy. Is that a common experience!?

Looking forward to hearing those little “burbles” coming back. ?

Show quoted text

On Nov 16, 2024, at 22:04, KeithP via groups.io <salmo@...> wrote:

?
Thanks Don. Didn’t notice that 94 was omitted. Done now. Will work on it again tomorrow.
Learning a lot!
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Don Poaps via groups.io
Sent: November 16, 2024 6:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
Keith
?
You forgot to add the CIV. 94 is the number unless it is changed in the set>connector CIV settings
?
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 Sat, Nov 16, 2024 at 9:33?AM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:
Another advancement:
In VARA HF WinLink Settings I changed the “PTT Serial Port To Use” from CI-V to ICOM7300
Next, I need to figure out how to get the message in my outbox to its destination. Wonder why it doesn’t call for the internal sound card?
Totally new at this, so seeing just about everything for the first time.
De Keith
The link to that Video I mentioned (for setting up VARA and IC-7300) is:
(might be an ad at the beginning before it starts.
?
<image001.png>
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of KeithP via
Sent: November 16, 2024 12:55 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
Tnx!
Found a video on setting up the IC-7300 and VARA/Winlink. FINALLY got things running, with one glitch.
When I run the Test in Vara Setup I still get the red box.
Other than that, the laptop is communicating with the rig so if I change frequency in Winlink Express the freq. follows on the rig.?
Back to the drawing board tomorrow.
Getting there….getting there.
?
On Nov 15, 2024, at 23:58, Bob W0EG via <morrisnc7@...> wrote:
?
Winlink Express is free (recommended).
?
On Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:43?PM KeithP via <salmo=[email protected]> wrote:
Before I go any further, do I need to purchase Winlink or Winlink Express??
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Denison via
Sent: November 15, 2024 6:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [VARA-MODEM] Problems - Vara Modem and Winlink Express #icom #newuser #varahf
?
You would need to make sure the TCP or Virtual Command Port is the same for VARA HF and in the Winlink Express VARA TNC setup. Mine is 8300 but 8310 should work as well.
?
73
John Denison
KD5YOU

#8388

The Winlink Express in a VARA HF session mode has an Auto-connect feature that is great for finding a workable frequency.? ? ?Within the VARA HF session window Settings, you can modify the Auto-Connect Settings to tailor it to your wants.? ?I usually try for stations in the 17 meter to 10 meter frequencies as they usually aren't as busy.? To ensure a good connection limit the Maximum VARA SNR to -9.? Make sure you also have a minimum bandwidth for VARA at 500.? There are other parameters such as minimum distance if you wish for a station further away, though that may limit you success.??

?

Expect to find HF frequencies busy.? FCC rules and regulations pertaining to amateur radio, Part 97, limits the HF operations of automatically controlled Stations? (a station that can transmit with no human intervention) to a small subset of the digital frequencies.? This only applies to automatically controlled stations that have a bandwidth > 500 Hz.

?

Band	Start Freq	End Freq
80	3.585000	3.600000
40	7.100000	7.105000
30	10.140000	10.150000
20	14.095000	14.099500
20	14.100500	14.112000
17	18.105000	18.110000
15	21.090000	21.100000
12	24.925000	24.930000
10	28.120000	28.189000

?

Considering that the standard bandwidth of a VARA transmission is 2300 Hz and on 40 meters the whole allowed bandwidth is 5000 Hz, only two connections in propagation distance to each other can operate.? If a 2750 bandwidth Vara session is chosen, only one can operate if one was trying not to impact another connection.? Fortunately VARA HF also has a narrow mode (500 Hz) that can operate most anywhere digital modes can operate.?

Since there are many other digital modes that have standard locations or watering holes that like transmissions can be found, so prior to? attempting a connection.? ?WSJTX modes all have a short period of quiescence within their timed signal periods or other modes may be communicating with a station you can't hear, so listen for a period before attempting a connection on what at first listening sounds like an open band.?

?

While a VARA 500 connection is a bit slower,? I find the time waiting for a clear frequency for those using wider modes usually take way more time and usually use VARA 500 for most of my contacts.? ?Also on some digital contest weekends, you may find it is best to use Winlink on the WARC bands or VARA FM on UHF/VHF FM gateways.? I am often surprised how well a connection I can get with a some of the gateways on the higher frequencies and will use them during busy periods.?

?

Brian - W7OWO?