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  1. VARA-MODEM
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Vara hf and Icom 718

 

Does anyone have a setup guide for vara hf with an Icom 718 and signalink?
 

Have you had that 718/SL combo on ANY digital mode/client software so far? If so, it shouldn't be much of a stretch to make it work.
-K0ION
 

I have not....I discovered that I had the jumpers in the signalink incorrect but I think that is straight now. I do have the 718 working with n1mm logger.



On February 1, 2025, at 4:51 PM, "Glenn O'Connor via groups.io" <ka0lnr37@...> wrote:


Have you had that 718/SL combo on ANY digital mode/client software so far? If so, it shouldn't be much of a stretch to make it work.
-K0ION
 

Just select the Signal Link CODEC from the audio menus on VARA should be easy.? Set Delay on Signal link to OFF!
 

I use a different soundcard (ZLP), but theory is the same.? Shielded usb cable from computer to signalink.? May need more ferrites.? Signalink cable for 718.
Another USB to CI-V cable (add ferrites) for radio control.? The rest is software settings.? My 718 is at work so I don't have settings at the moment.? I did have issues with RF and and setting sound settings high enough to initiate transmit but not so high that it would stick on transmit.
--
Roy Dugger, KD6R
 

Settings:
From within Winlink, Open Session VARA HF Winlink
From the Session window, select Settings menu, and choose the Radio Setup menu item
In that window:
Radio Model: Icom Amateur Radios
Icom Address: 5E? (This is the default from factory.? You can check this on the radio itself.? Refer to Icom 718 manual.)
Check USB bubble
Radio Control Port:? choose the serial port number that your computer has assigned.? You may need to check your Device Manager in Windows to confirm.
Baud: 9600
Check enable RTS and DTR? (technically you only need one of these, but it works with both checked)
PTT Port, Serial port to Use: External
?
From the VARA HF window (if running it's in the Taskbar)
Choose VARA Setup in menu.??
Enter your callsign and reg key if you have one.? You don't need one.
Check "Allow VARA to check for updates via internet"
Check "Accept 500 Hz Connections"
All others unchecked.
Set retries:? Depends on the RMS's you use.? I set mine to 10, but a "good" RMS and signal path will usually connect in 3-4 tries.? RMS's that scan multiple bands may take longer to hear you.
?
Windows Sounds and Sound Settings:
Sounds: select the signalink and ensure it is NOT the default audio device (you only want specific software to use it).? Feel free (recommended) to rename the device so it's easily recognizable in other software.? Can change the Icon too.? Ensure that no enhancements or special effects are set.
Sound Settings: With Winlink and VARA open (show in Taskbar), Go to Advanced Sound Settings.
There, choose the signalink for the speaker and microphone settings for VARA HF application.? Ensure it that signalink is NOT shown as default for any non ham radio application.? You can set initial sound levels here...
?
More on sound levels.? You can set sound levels from Windows Sounds and Windows Sound Settings (they're additive),? You can then refine them in the VARA Soundcard setting (also additive)? AND you can set volume on the Signalink as well.? With all this said, you want the VU meter on the VARA HF window to be just past the halfway point in the green.? You don't want the audio too high.? When in doubt, turn it down.? If you have a power out meter in your transmit chain or on the radio, you should see about 1/2 to 3/4 scale output on your transmitter.? That's plenty for almost all use.
?
--
Roy Dugger, KD6R
 

Thank you so much.....I'll let you know how it goes.

?? 73

smiley - kz4zk

On Mon, Feb 3, 2025 at 15:09, Roy KD6R via groups.io
<rfdugger@...> wrote:
Settings:
From within Winlink, Open Session VARA HF Winlink
From the Session window, select Settings menu, and choose the Radio Setup menu item
In that window:
Radio Model: Icom Amateur Radios
Icom Address: 5E? (This is the default from factory.? You can check this on the radio itself.? Refer to Icom 718 manual.)
Check USB bubble
Radio Control Port:? choose the serial port number that your computer has assigned.? You may need to check your Device Manager in Windows to confirm.
Baud: 9600
Check enable RTS and DTR? (technically you only need one of these, but it works with both checked)
PTT Port, Serial port to Use: External
?
From the VARA HF window (if running it's in the Taskbar)
Choose VARA Setup in menu.??
Enter your callsign and reg key if you have one.? You don't need one.
Check "Allow VARA to check for updates via internet"
Check "Accept 500 Hz Connections"
All others unchecked.
Set retries:? Depends on the RMS's you use.? I set mine to 10, but a "good" RMS and signal path will usually connect in 3-4 tries.? RMS's that scan multiple bands may take longer to hear you.
?
Windows Sounds and Sound Settings:
Sounds: select the signalink and ensure it is NOT the default audio device (you only want specific software to use it).? Feel free (recommended) to rename the device so it's easily recognizable in other software.? Can change the Icon too.? Ensure that no enhancements or special effects are set.
Sound Settings: With Winlink and VARA open (show in Taskbar), Go to Advanced Sound Settings.
There, choose the signalink for the speaker and microphone settings for VARA HF application.? Ensure it that signalink is NOT shown as default for any non ham radio application.? You can set initial sound levels here...
?
More on sound levels.? You can set sound levels from Windows Sounds and Windows Sound Settings (they're additive),? You can then refine them in the VARA Soundcard setting (also additive)? AND you can set volume on the Signalink as well.? With all this said, you want the VU meter on the VARA HF window to be just past the halfway point in the green.? You don't want the audio too high.? When in doubt, turn it down.? If you have a power out meter in your transmit chain or on the radio, you should see about 1/2 to 3/4 scale output on your transmitter.? That's plenty for almost all use.
?
--
Roy Dugger, KD6R

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