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VARA HF resetting Data mod on IC-7100 and IC-7300 10 #ic7100
Hi all, I've consistently been having an issue with VARA HF resetting my radio's (IC-7100) Data mod to ACC no matter how may times I set it to USB. I'm running Win 10 and VARA HF 4.8.7. A fellow club member has reported the same with his IC-7300. This issue persists across reinstalls of VARA, the radio USB drivers and the entire Winlink platform. Has anyone else had this issue? If yes, have you been able to fix it? TIA! VK4MPB (Praj)
Started by VK4MPB (Praj) @ · Most recent @
VARA-HF doesn't control IC-7610 on new laptop 9
I'm trying to set up a new laptop for remote emergency comms using Winlink with VARA HF. I've run the same configuration in Windows 10 on my home station laptop for several years, first with an IC 7300 and recently with an IC-7610. I've installed the latest versions of Winlink, VARA HF, WSJT-X, etc. on the new Win10 laptop and carefully checked that all xcvr and computer setings are the same. When I transfer the USB cable to the new computer, everything, including FT8 on WSJT-X, works as on the home station laptop EXCEPT - the VARA HF does not communicate with the 7610. The audio input does appear to come through ok on the VARA screen meters, but when I try to Open a Winlink VARA HF session, the transceiver does not change to the Winlink frequency and nothing happens when I try to Start the connection or change to a different channel. Since WSJT-X works ok, it appears that the VARA "Device in" and "Device out" settings - which are identical to those on the station computer - must not be working correctly. I tried using a different USB port on both machines, and the VARA Soundcard Setup "Device input" and "Device output" names change appropriately, but the new laptop still won't control the rig. I removed and re-installed VARA on the new laptop but, even after checking and re-entering all settings, VARA still won't communicate with the xcvr. I'll appreciate any suggestions about what to try next! 73 es Aloha, Tom AH6KW
Started by Tom Daniel @ · Most recent @
Optimizing VARA FM and an ID-4100 with a Digirig 4
After a few false starts, I got this setup working following instructions here: https://www.delcoares.org/blog/2023/03/setup-and-using-winlink-express-with-vara-fm-modem-on-icom-4100-go-kit-connected-with-digirig Make sure you read the part about PTT settings. I missed that part initially and couldn't get the ID-4100 to key with PTT set to VOX. Now I'm looking to optimize my throughput but I'm not quite sure how to do that. Below are some excerpts from my VARA log (both HF and FM - the HF part was for RX comparison): ============================================== 2025-03-20 16:38:52 Connecting to KG4MPU-10... 1/10 2025-03-20 16:38:54 Connected to KG4MPU-10 2025-03-20 16:39:23 KG4MPU-10 disconnected TX: 97 Bytes (Max: 566 bps) RX: 2764 Bytes (Max: 7087 bps) Session Time: 00:29 ============================================== 2025-03-21 09:34:39 Connecting to KG4MPU-10... 1/10 2025-03-21 09:34:42 Connected to KG4MPU-10 2025-03-21 09:35:44 KG4MPU-10 disconnected TX: 2858 Bytes (Max: 566 bps) RX: 120 Bytes (Max: 566 bps) ============================================== 2025-03-21 09:29:35 Connecting to K4HVF... 1/15 2025-03-21 09:29:46 Connected to K4HVF VARA HF v4.8.9 2025-03-21 09:32:42 K4HVF Average S/N: 1.3 dB 2025-03-21 09:32:42 Disconnected TX: 93 Bytes (Max: 41 bps) RX: 3068 Bytes (Max: 922 bps) Session Time: 02:56 Is it normal that VARA FM doesn't record S/N? We are literally across the street from each other so I am not sure if part of it is that we're saturating the other's front end or not. I do have at least one entry in the VARAHF log where HF Rx is 2682 bps. While that file doesn't record frequency, it does record S/N and 2682 bps was with an 8.2 dB S/N. So band conditions have to be just right to get 1/3 the throughput on HF that I get on VHF. It was probably also a SHARES HF frequency where there's just not a lot of noise. Is there anything I can do to optimize my VARA FM setup so I get a better throughput on my end? Regards, Joel, W4JBB
Started by Joel Black - W4JBB @ · Most recent @
Vara FM and Alinco DR-B185 45
Is the gateway you are trying VARA FM compatible? Are you trying VARA FM WIDE or NARROW?
Started by SMILEY kz4zk @ · Most recent @
Linux installation 17
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 Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
Started by Ne110 @ · Most recent @
VARA HF not connecting in excellent conditions 4
Hello, since about Wednesday I seem to be unable to connect to any winlink RMS using VARA HF. I can hear the initial "CQ" packet (connection request or whatever it is), swift response from the RMS, then a longer FSK packet sent from my VARA, then some relatively short response from RMS and starting from that moment I can see and hear only my station repeating REQ (it flashes in VARA panel when it is being transmitted) and after about 5 retries the connection fails on timeout. Is it possible to see in some debug mode what do actually the two stations talk about during the initial phase? Not knowing what is going on is frustrating. I have tried a number of RMS on 40 and 80 meters, both in the afternoon and in the evening. Their signal is strong without QSB and in the headphones it sounds "normal". Thank you, Jindra
Started by ok4rm @ · Most recent @
Error: "received data stream not correct format"
I have successfully (and consistently) been able to send Winlink messages via VARA HF now that my DX10 and new antenna are in place. But, once the message is sent, WinLink turns around and tries to receive a message but returns the aforementioned error. Ideas? Bill KJ7BIH Redmond ARES Extra/VE
Started by Bill Vaughn Kj7BIH @
Constellation Diagram? 8
Can anyone orient me to what I am actually looking at regarding the constellation diagram? I am wondering what it means when I have dots lining up along the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, versus when I have dots accumulating diagonal to each other within the screen. Thanks for your time and 73, Neil N4NAC Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
Started by Ne110 @ · Most recent @
TYT TH-9000D Plus Caution 7
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.
Started by Bob W0EG @ · Most recent @
IC-7300 VARA HF #7300 #ic7100
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
Started by Clayton -ke7ngo @
VARA HF commands when connected via a BPQ Switch
What commands are available that I can send to a VARA port I see BWXXXX is accepted but that about a freq change or anything else or does that need to be done outside of the vara connection While I am scanning through BPQ Rigcontol that is fine but I need to be able to do a forwarding and choose the frequency based on the time of day when I know propagation would be better on a know set of frequencies
Started by Robert Cartier @
Is there a way to add a tune command in VARA 6
I have a ic-7300 and would like to be able to send a tune command to the radio after a freq change I can do it on BPQ in the forwarding script but I dont see a way to do it using winlink Express and VARA. Thanks in advance
Started by Robert Cartier @ · Most recent @
Alinco DR-135 Mk III Spurs on key up issue 5
The Alinco DR-135 series are good radios for VARA RF Wide as it they have an analog unfiltered interface. I have a number of these. I was just made aware of a potential problem with the Mark 3 versions. Spurs on keyup (see attached article). I was able to duplicate the problem on two Mark 3 radios but I did not see the problem on two Mark 2 version radios, There is a potential fix that involves removing two components. I will try the fix when I have time.
Started by Bob W0EG @ · Most recent @
APRS-over-VARA "Operating Event"
Shortly, I will start doing a series of screen caps every half-hour of my 30 and 40 meters APRS-over-VARA maps. I will assemble these into an MP4 animated map showing propagation changes on these two bands over a 24-hour period. (And to show how 30M and 40m complement each other for continuous HF APRS day/night coverage in North America.) In turn these animations will become part of a presentation on VARA and APRS-over-VARA that I will be presenting in May at an APRS Zoom conference, and a week later in a presentation at the Dayton Hamvention. My plan is to do these captures over a two-day period spanning the equinox (20-21 March). If you want to be featured on these maps, as a demo of the DX potential of 30-meters and 40-meters APRS-over-VARA, get on APRS-over-VARA on 7.083.5 MHz USB or 10.148.2 MHzUSB during this time span. Anyone else in Europe, or on boats in the Atlantic or Caribbean, is also welcome to join in. Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com Skype: WA8LMF EchoLink: Node # 14400 [Think bottom of the 2-meter band] Home Page: http://wa8lmf.net 30 Meter APRS-over VARA Frequency Details Here: <http://WA8LMF.net/VARA/NewFrequency.htm> - APRS over VARA -- <http://wa8lmf.net/VARA/APRSoverVARA> "Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels <http://WA8LMF.net/Aliner> -
Started by WA8LMF @
VARA FM Winlink no connect - Stumped! 30
I had finally figured out how to use Winlink with VARA-FM and an AIOC into both a Baofeng and an Anytone 878. I also use the same hardware configuration for Direwolf/Outpost packet BBS operation. Today, I was able to connect to a Winlink node, with no issues, but when I tried again a few minutes later, I could not connect on either radio. I have an HT set up as a "monitor", and I can hear outgoing transmit audio, but never hear any return audio. There are three 2m systems near me, all on the same frequency, and none of them respond. However, if I start Direwolf and Outpost, I can connect to that BBS every time. I haven't changed any settings in my Winlink/VARA-FM setup, so I'm at a loss here. Is there any way to determine what my Winlink setup is actually sending out? As I said, I can hear the audio on my monitor HT, and it sounds (to me) the same as it always has.
Started by Dave Telling, KJ7WT @ · Most recent @
RMS Trimode Hybrid Gateway 7
Has anybody gotten their hybrid RMS gateway successfully configured? I¡¯m running relay, packet and trimode but I don¡¯t want to tie up my 705. I¡¯m using a g90 and ft-2980, is it possible to put both sound cards (xggcomms and DigiRig lite) on a single usb port with a hub? Antennas are a diamond x50 at ~37 ft above ground and a chelegance KC4
Started by Matt N2NFG @ · Most recent @
Was: VARA FM over KISS TNC? Is now: BTECH UV Pro, Vero N76 3
@Steven, @Don, Thanks for your replies re. Vara FM over Bluetooth KISS TNC. I continue to build an audio interface (600 Ohm transformers, optocoupler for PTT), so I should be able to proceed with the Vara anyway, This message has a second point of interest for me. You mentioned 2 models of the same handheld radio. Just today I returned mine (VR-N76) to the seller. Reason: the radio did not "pair" over Bluetooth with my iPhone. It did pair with Android phones, but refused to work with my Apple phone. We checked my phone with other Bluetooth devices, we checked 3 boxes of N76, the results are straightforward: this radio model does not work with this telephone. Visible symptom: in iPhone Settings => Bluetooth the radio is randomly either ignored completely, or found with proper name and then not paired. Does any of you use the iPhone and can verify my findings? The radio manufacturer states somewhere in a very fine print, that due to closed architecture of iPhone some features may be available on Android only. The problem is, that without paired Bluetooth connection no features are available (:-(). Cheers, Marek SP5ISZ
Started by Marek Kaminski @ · Most recent @
857 Vara fm digipeats but not direct on FM 2
There are two radio shacks at my home. Mine upstairs connects to the east side antennas. My spouse¡¯s shack connects to west side antennas. My Yaesu 857 connects to HF and Fm Winlink with no problem both Digipeater and local gateway. . The Yaesu 857 downstairs connects HF and can digipeat to my 857 upstairs but it can not do straight Connection to our local gateway. I turned off my 857 upstairs but the downstairs 857 still can not direct connect to our local gateway. It does respond to local repeaters so the antenna is connected properly. The 857 uses pkt to obtain access to Winlink 2 meter. Out of ideas. Any suggestions. Oh I use Digirig.
Started by Barb @ · Most recent @
New 40M APRS-over-VARA Antenna Up
After a freakish warmup here in central Michigan to 50 F / 10C for the last two days (it was -2 F / -19 C Sunday night), the snow and ice melted allowing me to get outside and do some antenna work. I have been using a 105' / 32 meter G5RV dipole in a sloper configuration for my 40-meters APRS-over-VARA monitoring and beaconing. As of 16:30 US Eastern (2100 UTC) 28 Feb 2025, I have now replaced this with a mini-dipole made from two 40M Hamstick-type mobile whips mouinted in an MFJ bracket. This antenna is only about 12 feet / 3.6 meters above the ground to favor daytime NVIS on 40M. Looking for reception reports when night-fall reaches North America and 40 meters lengthens out. See what I'm hearing on 30M and 40M APRS-over-VARA here on my APRS mapping webservers: <http://WA8LMF.net/map> Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com Skype: WA8LMF EchoLink: Node # 14400 [Think bottom of the 2-meter band] Home Page: http://wa8lmf.net 30 Meter APRS-over VARA Frequency Details Here: <http://WA8LMF.net/VARA/NewFrequency.htm> - APRS over VARA -- <http://wa8lmf.net/VARA/APRSoverVARA> "Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels <http://WA8LMF.net/Aliner> -
Started by WA8LMF @
Winlink RMS Packet with VARA FM and Soundmodem 33
Hello, Is anyone using Winlink RMS Packet gateway with VARA FM and Soundmodem? I have tried various recommended settings and have not had success. Winlink with the VARA FM option work greats but the packet option with Soundmodem does not work. I have tried using a Digirig mobile or Rigblaster Nomic sound card setup. The Window Device Manager shows the com port and the VARA FM and Soundmodem software settings requires a com port for the PTT control, but both can't use the same com port. Perhaps I am not using the correct settings. Here is one recommendation, and I have tried others. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.winlink.org/sites/default/files/RMSE_FORMS/rms_packet_dual_mode_single_radio_setup_0.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiGgMbgm9WLAxWDJzQIHbQ3KCwQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2A3yoFmfg1ImSqbwMloj42 Thank you George VY1GP
Started by George Privett @ · Most recent @
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