Version 8.0.

13 Jul 2023

Read this information

This manual is not complete and may contain language errors and other errors. If you have such errors and other additional information, please
send a message to my email address that is on QRZ.com.
The use of this manual is for own personal responsibility. I am not responsible for any errors and operating errors and operation.

I am not responsible for any damage to you, your computer or transceiver. I am not liable for anything.

1 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Top
Content
Content ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
VarAC Basic Architecture ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Who is the author of VarAC? ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
What operating systems are supported by VarAC? ............................................................................................................................................. 9
What is VarAC ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
VarAC prerequisites ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Optional .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Installing the program: .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
VARA…...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
VARA-HF ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
VARA-SAT ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
VarAC ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
VARA-HF install .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
VARA Setup ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
VARA Monitoring ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Optional installation ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
OmniRig ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
OmniRig install ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
VarAC install.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
VarAC install ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Files ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Note: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Customize VarAC window .................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Simple Advanced mode .................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Advanced mode ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Main menu ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
VarAC settings ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
My Information .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
How complex Callsigns work? ............................................................................................................................................................................ 19
RIG Control and VARA Configurations ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
PTT Configuration ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
CAT PTT Configuration ................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
OmniRig Configuration..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
FLRig configuration .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
VOX/None ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
DTR/RTS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
CAT Configuration .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
CAT Port connecting ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
TCP connecting ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Slow BAUD rate transceivers .............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Frequency Control ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
CAT Frequency Control .................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Offset HZ ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Antenna tuner ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
OmniRig Frequency Control ............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
OmniRig Configuration ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

2 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 FLRig Configuration ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
DTR/RTS Configuration ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
VMail Relay ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Allow Parking ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Allow path finder .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Cat Test Error Log .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
I am having trouble with CAT control .............................................................................................................................................................. 24
Logging ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
DXKeeper logging ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
HRD_Logbook (UDP) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Log4OM (UDP) ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
N1MM (TCP) .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
N1MM (UDP) ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
N3FJP AC Log .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Swisslog (Logbook (TCP) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
UcxLog (UDP) .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Winlog32 (UDP) ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Mode - submode ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
PSKReporter ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Upload data to PSKReporter .............................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Self report .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Custom map .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
VARA Modem Configuration ............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
VARA-HF/FM monitor config ............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Remark .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
VARA-HF Monitor ON or OFF ........................................................................................................................................................................ 28
Monitor OFF ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 28
Monitor ON .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
QSO Configuration .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Call ID TX interval (min) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Allow last Heard peeking .................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Allow non ham Callsigns .................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Allow incoming pings ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Auto Disconnect ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Allow info request ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Callsigns block list ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Auto away ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
I’m Away message ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Auto QSY .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Load broadcasts history ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Auto accept verbose SNR.................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
File transfer .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Incoming file size limit (bytes).......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
DX Cluster uploads .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Beacons / CQs ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Beacon interval.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
CQ and beacons.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Calling CQ: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
What should I use? .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Tip ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
What are the limitations of using VarAC beacons? .................................................................................................................................................. 32
Digipeat ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Load last heard history ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
CQ Slot wait.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Skip CQ Slot ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

3 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Misc. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Linux compatible mode ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Linux using ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33
DOWNLOAD latest CAT command file ............................................................................................................................................................ 33
Save and Exit ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33
Appearance and Customization ................................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Appearance and Sounds settings......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Load Predefined themes .................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Narrator (Text-to-Speech) see Narrator ..................................................................................................................................................... 35
Narrator ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Check Spelling .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Canned (predefined) messages .................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Canned messages .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Shortcut F keys .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Tags ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Remark ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Welcome message ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Frequency schedule ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Edit Frequency Drop-down List ................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Auto-QSY Allowed Frequency Ranges ...................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Switch profile ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38
VarAC_FT-991A.ini ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
VarAC_Kenwood.ini............................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
Alert tags configuration ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Download Latest CAT Commands File ..................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Tools ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Mailbox ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Inbox ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Sent ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Outbox............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Parking .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Callsign history..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Alert center ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Image shrinker ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Offline Image shrinker ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Logs ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 47
Resources ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
About .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Bottom menu .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
VarAC main screen .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
VarAC Commands ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Calling Frequency (CF) (USB dial) .................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Slots ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 49
The problem ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
The Solution .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Band plan: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 50
QSO-workflow...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
500Hz of 2300Hz ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 51
4 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
CALL CQ.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
What are Slots? .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Log & VARA commands ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
In QSO with .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
See History ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 52
See QRZ.com ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 53
Last heard beacons............................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Time different view ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Legend of color ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54
Last heard CQ Calls ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 54
Time different view ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Legend of color ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Middle menu ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Graph .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Send Vmail ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 56
Broadcasts............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 56
Path Finder ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Logging QSO ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 59
Data stream........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Translate .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
HAM is typing ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 59
Log & messages .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Currently sending .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 60
In Queue ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 60
Callsign, Report,etc… ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Load a canned message ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 60
New message ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
QSY code of conduct .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 60
A quick QSY ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Maximum time on a Calling Frequency ............................................................................................................................................................. 61
QSY back to default frequency ........................................................................................................................................................................... 61
VarAC & VaraFM ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
VarAC configuration ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Digipeater connection .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
How do I contact someone? ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Reports and Regulations ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 62
Gestures – Tags - QSO protocol ................................................................................................................................................................................ 62
Tags & Gestures ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Emojis ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Sounds ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
My data tags ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
His/her data tags ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 63
Request data tags ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Trigger events.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Message Tags .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
QSYR and QSYJ ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Tags ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
QSO protocol ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 65
Tip ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
5 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
Canned messages and VarAC tags ............................................................................................................................................................................ 65
QSO ending ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 65
QSO ending and QSY ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 65
QRZ.COM uploaded............................................................................................................................................................................................ 65
VarAC Cluster (Multiple instances) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Step #1 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
Step #2 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
Step #3 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
Step #4 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Step #5 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Strange signals and noise. ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
VarAC.ini file ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
Logbook programs ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
AC Log (Amateur Contact Log) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 70
DXKeeper (DXLabSuite) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 70
Ham Radio Deluxe ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Settings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 71
Ham Radio Deluxe 6 setup ................................................................................................................................................................................ 72
OmniRig setup.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 72
VarAC setup ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Log4OM ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 73
N1MM ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
Swisslog ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 75
Linux Installation ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Install WineLink .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76
Download VarAC ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76
Launch VarAC ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Enable "Linux compatible mode" in VarAC settings ....................................................................................................................................... 76
EmComm with VarAC ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
The complete EmComm Tactical scenarios guide V.1.2 ................................................................................................................................... 77
Tactical EmComm scenarios covered in this guide ........................................................................................................................................... 77
Tactical need #1 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
EmComm operators' check-ins .......................................................................................................................................................................... 77
VarAC Features used: .............................................................................................................................................................................. 77
Beacons ...........................................................................................................................................................................77
Tactical need #2 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Sending an emergency alert to all EmComm operators. .................................................................................................................................... 77
VarAC Features used: ................................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Alert tags, Broadcast................................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Tactical need #3 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Send emergency VMail without direct link to your destination ........................................................................................................................ 77
VarAC Features used:................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
VMails, Parking, Relay notifications, Beacons ....................................................................................................................................... 77
Tactical need #4 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Sending a images of a missing Person............................................................................................................................................................... 78
VarAC Features used:................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Send file................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Tactical need #5 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Group chat/round-table/check-ins of all EmComm operators ........................................................................................................................... 78
VarAC Features used:................................................................................................................................................................................... 78

6 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Broadcasts ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Tactical need #6 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Live chat between stations with no direct link .................................................................................................................................................. 78
VarAC Features used:................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Chat, Digipeater ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Tactical need #7 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Find a VMail path to an unreachable station – Way #1 ..................................................................................................................................... 79
VarAC Features used:................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
VMail, Path finder ................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Tactical need #8 .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Find a VMail path to an unreachable station – Way #2 ..................................................................................................................................... 79
VarAC Features used:................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
VMail, Last Heard (LHR)........................................................................................................................................................................ 79
VarAC Tactical drills checklist ........................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Other informations..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
How to find other radio amateurs to chat with VarAC? .................................................................................................................................. 80
Which RIGs are supported by VarAC? ............................................................................................................................................................. 80
Are VarAC and Vara-Chat compatible? ........................................................................................................................................................... 80
My OmniRig has a delay in sending ................................................................................................................................................................... 80
What can I do if I encounter a bug in VarAC? .................................................................................................................................................. 80
Where can I find VarAC manuals? .................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Do you have any questions?................................................................................................................................................................................. 80
Annexes ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
CAT cable connected to the USB port ................................................................................................................................................................ 81
FT-991A with a USB cable ............................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Installing the Communication Ports (COM) ................................................................................................................................................. 81
FT-991A Setup for DATA-USB modus ....................................................................................................................................................... 81
FT-991A Setup for USB modus ................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Micro HAM-interfaces......................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
FT-991A with a micro KEYER II ..................................................................................................................................................................... 81
FT-991A Setup for DATA-USB mode ............................................................................................................................................................. 81
FT-991A Setup for USB mode .......................................................................................................................................................................... 81
VARA Soundcard settings ........................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Soundcard settings ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 82
FT-897 connected with the micro KEYER II and OmniRig ............................................................................................................................. 82
Micro Keyer settings .................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Omni-Rig & VARA-HF & Log4OM ........................................................................................................................................................... 83
FT-897 Menu setup ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Flex radio’s ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Flex 6400M ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 84
VarAC settings ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 84
SmartSDR +VARA Soundcard settings ....................................................................................................................................................... 84
Flex 6600........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Release updates .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Only for developers .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
VarAC Sqlite database structure (for developers) ..................................................................................................................................................... 87
broadcast............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
contact ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
cqframe ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 87
cqframe_type ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 88
parameter ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 88
qso.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 88
7 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
 vmail ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 88
vmail_folder .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 89
vmail_relay_notification ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 89

8 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

VarAC Basic Architecture

Top

Introduction
Who is the author of VarAC?
Irad Deutsch, 4Z1AC is the author of VarAC.
He has been an amateur radio operator since the age of 13 (30 years now).
He has always been fascinated by digital modes such as PACKET RADIO, AMTOR, PACTOR, GTOR, CLOVER, FT8/4, PSK and others... and
he likes to chat with these modes rather than just exchanging reports.

When VARA came into our lives, he adopted it because he believes it offers the protocol robustness of PACTOR coupled with the ability to handle
challenging SNR levels like FT8. So he decided to create a chat application with lots of cool features to chat with his fellow HAMs.

But he is not the only one. There is a great team of supporters and testers who play a huge role in this project. You can read more about them here.

He has contacted the creator of VARA (EA5HVK) about feature requests and bug fixes, but has no business relationship with them. He does this
purely for fun.

What operating systems are supported by VarAC?

VarAC is written in C#, which means it can only run on Windows for now. You can try using some C# emulators for Linux and if it works he will
be happy to know and provide the community with a help book.

What is VarAC

VarAC is a FREE, modern HF P2P real-time chatting application for the amateur radio operator that leverages the VARA protocol

VarAC prerequisites

VARA-HF 4.7.7 or higher.

YOU MUST UPGRADE your VARA modem to the latest version to enjoy new features in VarAC.

Optional

OmniRig V1.X (V2.0 is NOT supported at this time)

1280 X 800 screen resolution or higher
Windows 8.1 and above (some hams reported that Win7 also works. but officially it is not supported)

9 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

.NET framework 4.X or above
10MB of disk space.

Installing the program:

Two programs need to be installed, namely

VARA….

Make a choice from the different protocols:

VARA-HF
(High Performance HF Modem) what this manual is about..
Up to 1.543 bps at 500 Hz BW / 7.050 bps at 2300 Hz BW
VARA-FM
(for FM transceivers)
Like HF but with additional latency handling
VARA-SAT
(for QO-1410 Geostationary SAT)
Up to 12.750 bps Narrow / 25,210 bps Wide

VarAC
The chat program itself

VARA-HF install
Download and install the VARA-HF version which can be found at:
EA5HVK | Weak signals Software (wordpress.com)

Top

After these files are downloaded, they must be unblocked Click the Unblock button on the left mouse, and then click OK to
Select the file with the right mouse button unblock the file

Now with the left mouse button, click Properties

Select properties from the drop-down menu.

10 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 If a button marked with Unblock is visible on the General menu,
this file is blocked.

Unzip VARA-HF version

Twice click on the VARA setup (run as Administrator).exe

Click now on Next Select “I accept the agreement”

And click on Next

Click on Browse for select the folder who you will install Enable the “Create a desktop icon” if you want a icon for
VARA or use the default setting. VARA on your desktop.
Click Next. Click Next.

Click “Install” for install VARA The result

After VARA is installed successfully screen you will have This can be your result.
the next window. Press Finish to launch VARA

11 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

VARA Setup

Click Settings and then Click back on Settings

on VARA setup… and click on
Fill in the necessary Soundcard…
data in the screen on the
left and if you have a Now select your Device
Key for this program, Input
put your Callsign and and the
your Key in it, if you do Device Output of the
not have a key then sound card
leave these fields
empty. Close with click on the
Click Close “Close” button.

VARA Monitoring

VARA is an ARQ mode.

Which means that what you get is 100% accurate due to CRC correction, or you do not get it at all.
Very similar to Pactor and Packet.

Now, when 2 stations have a strong solid link between them (lets say +2 SNR for example) and they shift to HIGH SPEED (Level 5 for example)
and I receive them -10 SNR, sure you can't decode much of it as out of the many bytes sent, You will miss too many due to noise so the CRC can't
be used to correct the message.

Same with hearing a high speed Pactor 4 signal that may sound strong to your ear but too weak to decode the packet due to noise...

In NON ARQ modes like RTTY/PSK, if you missed a few letters you can still get the before and after of the message, with ARQ mode the whole
set of bytes in a packet (up to a certain threshold) has to be received to decode the packet correctly.
Otherwise it is dumped..

Therefore it is most likely you will decode more packets in low VARA speed then high... the fact that you hear a signal, (faint or not) doesn't mean
your modem was able to decode all the encodded bytes in it.

Here is an example of a monitor screen on the Calling frequency.

You can notice quite a few elements in it.

12 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Top

Optional installation

OmniRig

OmniRig install

Omni Rig-version 1.
Home page: http://www.dxatlas.com/omnirig
OmniRig can be downloaded from DX Atlas: Amateur Radio software
Download: http://www.dxatlas.com/OmniRig/Files/OmniRig.zip

Select and adjust this information as prescribed in your

manual.
This setting is for my Yaesu FT-991A

Rig Type: Select your Rig here.

Port: Select your COM port.
Baud rate: Select your baud rate
corresponding to that of your transceiver.
Data bits: Select your Data bits according to your
transceiver.
Parity: None, Odd, Even, Mark, Space (here on None).
Stop bits: 1, 1.5, 2 (here on 1).
RTS: High, Low, Handshake (here on High).
DTR: High, Low, (here on High).
Poll int. ms: is on here 500
Timeout, ms: is on here 100

Top

13 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

VarAC install
Download VarAC on https://www.varac-hamradio.com/download

After completing the form and answering the question, click Download to download VarAC.

VarAC install

After these files are downloaded, they must be unblocked Click the Click the Unblock checkbox, and then click OK
Select the file with the right mouse button to unblock the file

Now with the left mouse button, click Properties

Select properties from the drop-down menu.

If a button marked with Unblock is visible on the General
menu, this file is blocked.

Click on the VarAC_V8.0.6.exe or higher for install this version.

Click on Next Click on I Agree

Latest CAT control file: Deploy the latest CAT control file with rigs. Now choose the destination folder where you want to install VarAC.
IF you already personalized your CAT file, do not deploy this. The default folder is:
C:\Program Files (x86)\VarAC

14 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Start Menu Shortcuts: Create a shortcut links on the desktop and but you can also install VarAC in another folder.
start menu. I install VarAC in:
Download VARA modem: VarAC relies on the VARA modem to E:\HAM\VarAC\VarAC
operate. Redirecting you to the VARA modem author website. Now click Install.

After you click on OK the website of the VARA author will open, and
you can download and install the VARA modem.

For install the VARA modem see VARA

Click on Finish By the first start of VarAC you will see the next window.
Click on OK.

15 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Files

After extracting the zip file you will find the following files:

File Info
Licence.txt License info
PSKReporter.dll The PSKReporter dll file for the PSKReporter to function
Uninstall.exe Uninstall VarAC
VarAC.db Database for Broadcast, Vmail, Beacons and CQ messages
VarAC.exe The VarAC program
VarAC.ini The VarAC ini file
VarAC.log Program events log
VarAC.manifest The manifest is a file that is used only during the install. allowing windows to
set the right permissions on the VarAC.exe file to make it run as administrator
by default as not running as administrator can cause issues
VarAC_alert_tags.conf VarAC_alert_tags configuration
VarAC_auto_qsy_allowed_frequencies.conf See Auto_QSY_Allowed_Frequency_Ranges
VarAC_cat_commands.ini The VarAC CAT Commands
VarAC_frequencies.conf The VarAC preset frequency which one can also adjust
See Calling Freq.
VarAC_frequency_schedule.conf The schedule list

The following files are generated at the first start of the mailbox and traffic:

File Info
VarAC_mailbox.mbx The mailbox
VarAC_traffic.log The RX and TX traffic log

The following files are generated if you setup a separate ini file like in the example one for the Kenwood and the FT-991A:

File Info
VarAC-Kenwood Ini file for the Kenwood
VarAC-FT991A Ini file for the Yaesu FT-991A

With a new installation of VarAC and starting it up, the

following screen will appear where you can enter personal
information.
See My Information

When everything is filled in click on "SAVE AND EXIT"

and another info screen will appear. Click OK.
See second image

When overwriting an older version of VarAC, this screen

will no longer appear because this data already exists.

After the restart, a new notification screen will appear.

You have no RIG frequency control defined.

You will need to change frequencies manually until you set one
under SETTINGS.

Please tune your VFO now to: 14,105.000

This message will be automatically closed in 20 seconds.

Note:

If you didn’t install VarAC in the default folder, don’t forget to change this in the Menu – Settings – PTT and VARA Configurations by VARA-
HF/FM main config path the same for the VARA-HF/FM monitor config (Optional)

16 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Customize VarAC window

Simple Advanced mode

If everything is installed correctly

then start VarAC in the default
modus (Advanced mode not
enabled) and this is the next screen.

If for some reason you have resized

the VarAC window size then a red
warning will appear in the top right
corner to adjust this window to see
all elements

RESIZE TO SEE ALL

After adjusting to a larger size, the

RESIZE TO SEE ALL text
disappears

Advanced mode

17 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 If selected the Advanced mode the
next screen will this.

If for some reason you have resized

the VarAC window size then a red
warning will appear in the top right
corner to adjust this window to see
all elements

RESIZE TO SEE ALL

After adjusting to a larger size, the

RESIZE TO SEE ALL text
disappears

Main menu

VarAC settings

Start VarAC and fill in all the needed info in the “My Information” or go to the Settings/My Information menu

My Information

18 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Click the Settings menu
And then on "My Information" and fill in the fields used in the
"Canned messages".

The following tags can be used in canned messages:

<CALL> : this will automatically fill in your own callsign.

<QTH> : this will automatically fill in your QTH.
<NAME> : this will automatically fill in your name or nickname.
<LOC> : this will automatically fill in your locator.
<RIG> : this will automatically fill in your equipment.
<PWR>: this will automatically fill in your power.
<ANT>: this will automatically fill in your antenne infos.

Remark:
Click SAVE AND EXIT to Save your settings

How complex Callsigns work?

VARA modem supports only plain callsigns.

However, with VarAC you can define a complex callsign such as W/4Z1AC/QRP.

VarAC will use your plain callsign during the connect phase, and if a complex callsign is defined, it will be sent right after the connection is
established and will be reflectected on the other console.

PLEASE NOTE:
CQ and BEACONS will show your plain callsign only.

RIG Control and VARA Configurations

Click on the settings menu

RIG control and VARA Configurations
And a new window opens.

Top

19 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

PTT Configuration

CAT PTT Configuration

Click on CAT and select your transceiver.

Test PTT ON to test whether the transceiver is transmitting.

Test PTT OFF to stop transmitting.

OmniRig Configuration

To work with the OmniRig select OmniRig

FLRig configuration

20 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Start the Flrig and select FLRig as your PTT interface

Top
VOX/None

VOX is not recommended

DTR/RTS

Select DTR/RTS if you needed.

CAT Configuration

CAT Port connecting

COM Port: Connecting via the COM Port.

TCP: Connecting via TCP.

Port: Select your COM port.

Baud rate: Select your Baud rate.
Parity: Select your Parity
Data bits: Select your Data bits
Stop Bits: Select your Stop bits
DTR: Choice of L (LOW) and H (HIGH)
RTS: Choice of L (LOW) and H (HIGH)

TCP connecting

21 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 TCP: Connecting via TCP.
TCP based CAT control (For all those modern SDRs)

Host: 127.0.0.1
Port: 60000

Slow BAUD rate transceivers

There is a parameter in the VarAC.ini file to set the amount of time to wait for a CAT command to complete. default is 100ms. you can increase
where necessary in rare scenarios.
PortWaitTimeMs=100

Frequency Control

CAT Frequency Control

CAT: Select your transceiver

OmniRig: see OmniRig.
FLRig: Start the Flrig and select FLRig as your PTT interface
None: No setting
Load last freq.: Your last used Freq. will upon by startup
Offset Hz: see Offset Hz
Read Freq. Every xx sec
When selected, the frequency will be monitored at the set time
Antenna tuner: see Antenna tuner
Mode: Select the transmitter mode, for the FT-991A, the choice is
USB, USB-D (USB-DATA) or FM
Test: Select the frequency you want to test on.

Offset HZ

Some RIG’s VFO’s are not well calibrated and has a certain offset (drift) from the real frequency.
Set this offset in HZ (ex: 200 or -200) and every time VarAC will change your RIG frequency, it will adjust it according to your offset.
Set to “0” (zero) to disable this features.

Please note:
If you enable this feature, disable the “Read frequency” checkbox so VarAC will not read your RIG offset frequency, wich will mess with the
VarAC ability to perform its asks.

Antenna tuner

VarAC can activate your antenna tuner option on your RIG when you change frequencies.
This option is available only to users who control their RIG using direct CAT control or though FLRig. Omnirig does not provide with a tune
option.
If your RIG supports this option through CAT command but VarAC does not provide you with this option, you can manually edit the
“VarAC_Cat_commands.ini” and add a CAT command to the “Tune = “ parameter under your Rig section.
Please notify us through the support forum so we can add it to all users.

You have 3 options:

OFF: Auto tuner OFF.

ALWAYS: Tune every time you chance frequency.
BANDSKIP: Tune only if you change band.

OmniRig Frequency Control

22 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Select OmniRig
Also see OmniRig

Load last freq.: Your last used Freq. will upon by startup
Offset Hz: see Offset Hz

Mode: Select the desired mode.

Click on:
TEST and if everything is set correctly then the transceiver frequency will change

OmniRig Configuration

Select the right Rig see also info about the OmniRig

FLRig Configuration

Select FLRig if you use the Flrig as frequency interface

Load last freq.: Your last used Freq. will upon by startup
Offset Hz: see Offset Hz
Read Freq. Every xx sec
When selected, the frequency will be monitored at the set time
Antenna tuner: see Antenna tuner

The Flrig setup are:

Host: 127.0.0.1 or localhost
Port: 12345

DTR/RTS Configuration

Select DTR/RTS

Select your COM port

Select Type DTR or RTS

Vmail

Relay notification : See VMail Relay

Allow parking : See Allow parking

Allow path finder : See Allow path finder.

VMail Relay

23 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 When your VarAC hears a beacon of a
station, it checks if it has parking VMails
waiting for that station.

If there are, it will send a asynchronous

packet (broadcast) letting that station
know you hold VMails that waiting to be
collected.

Your VarAC also receives relay

notifications and show you in indication
for VMails that are waiting to be
collected.

You can enable or disabled these

incoming & outgoing notification using
this checkbox.

The following stations notified that they

have VMails waiting for you to collect.
Double click a Callsign to connect and
collect your Vmails. If required, your
RIG will QSY to the frequency where the
relay notifications received.

How does it work?

Every time your beacon is decoded by someone, if they have a Vmail to relay to you, they will send you a “Relay Notification” broadcast.
Those broadcasts are limited to once every 20 minutes per Callsign

Allow Parking

VarAC allows you to store and forward VMails for 3rd parties.

Users can connect you and leave VMails for 3rd parties.
Your VarAC notifies users about parked (waiting) VMails through the "Relay notification" mechanism, and forward the VMail, once the
destination station connects to you.

If you do not which users to park messages on your VarAC due to local regulations or other reasons, you can disable this feature here.

Allow path finder

If a station needs to send a VMail to another station but cannot establish a direct connection, it can initiate a ‘Path Find’ call to check if any other
stations have detected the target station and can serve as relay for the VMail.

By enabling this function ability, your VarAC will respond to ‘Path Find’ calls if it has detected the target station within the last 24 hours.

Cat Test Error Log

In normal circumstances if everything is configured

correctly this window will remain empty

If there are conflicts, they will be displayed in the

same window, see below.

I am having trouble with CAT control

VarAC direct CAT control is a fairly new feature and may still experience some instabilities.
As there are so many Rigs out there, it takes time to develop and validate against each and every one.

But no worries, if you cannot find your RIG here or if you fail to configure it with CAT control, you can always use OmniRig to control both of
your PTT and frequency.

Logging

VarAC can send your QSO record in real-time to an external logger such as DXKeeper, N3FJP etc… using both TCP & UDP protocol.
24 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
The default port number for your selected logger is automatically populated, however you can change it manually.

ADIF file path VarAC stores all your QSOs in an ADIF file.
You can configure the ADIF file path according to your preferences.
Send log: VarAC can send your records in real time to a remote logger such as using the TCP protocol
IP See your logging manual
Port See your logging manual
Mode See Mode - Submode
Submode See Mode - Submode

Top

DXKeeper logging

To use DXKeeper, select DXKeeper (TCP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

HRD_Logbook (UDP)

To use the HRD_Logbook, select HRD_Logbook

(UDP)
The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually.

Log4OM (UDP)

To use the Log4OM, select Log4OM (UDP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

N1MM (TCP)

To use the N1MM, select N1MM (TCP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

N1MM (UDP)

To use the N1MM, select N1MM (UDP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

25 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

N3FJP AC Log

To use the N3FJP AC Log, select N3FJC (TCP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

Top
Swisslog (Logbook (TCP)

To use the Swisslog, select Swisslog (TCP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

UcxLog (UDP)

To use the UcxLog, select UcxLog (UDP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

Winlog32 (UDP)

To use the Winlog32, select Winlog32 (UDP)

The IP address and Port number are filled in
automatically, but can be changed manually

Mode - submode

The ADIF committee has decided to classify VARA as a set of sub mode’s under a generic mode called "DYNAMIC".

The supported ADIF classifications are:

Mode: DYNAMIC
Submode: VARA HF
VARA SATELLITE
VARA FM 1200
VARA FM 9600

Most of the QSO logging programs comply with the ADIF guidelines so it is recommended to keep up with the ADIF standard.

PSKReporter

Upload See Upload to PSKReporter

Self report See Self report
Custom map See Custom map

Upload data to PSKReporter

26 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 If this function is checked, your data will be forwarded to the
PSKReporter.
Display Reception Reports (pskreporter.info)

Self report

Let people know that you are active on a frequency without being noticed by sending a beacon or a call.
Every time you change the frequency, a self-report is sent to the PSKReporter.

Custom map

PSKReporter offers a verity of options to customize the map.

The VarAC PSKReporter buttons is activating a link which is composed of two elements.

A static one:
Https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html?preset&callsign=YOURCALL&mode=VARAC

And dynamic one that is concatenated to the static one which contains the customization options.
The VarAC default dynamic element is:
&timerange=21600&showsnr=1&showlines=1

Change your PSKReporter map preferences but changing this link

so next time you click the button "PSKReporter MAP" it will open up the way you want it to.

To find it more about PSKReporter customization options, open the PSKReporter map, click "Display options" at the top right, and set your
preferences. Then click the "Permalink" to see the results.

Once you are happy, copy the website URL aside and paste only what comes after the Mode = VARAC to this settings field.

VARA Modem Configuration

VARA modem type: Choice between,

VaraHF or VaraFM and VaraSAT.
IP/host: IP address. Default: 127.0.0.1
Main Port: put the port number here.
KISS port: see VARA setup

VARA file path: select where the VARA.exe

is located.
VARA-Monitor PATH (Optional) see
Port: put the port number of the VARA
monitor here.

VARA-HF/FM monitor config

A VARA modem can be configured either in the Ready-To-Connect mode, or the Listening (Monitoring) mode.

If you wish to be ready for incoming connections and at the same time monitor the frequency for VARA traffic such as ongoing VARA QSO, then
you need to run a separate VARA modem instance in Monitor mode.

Simply duplicate your existing VARA modem directory into a new folder, set this path to the new VARA.exe file and VarAC will do the rest.
VarAC will configure the second VARA modem to Run in Monitoring mode upon startup.

If you do not wish you launch a Monitor VARA modem, simply leave this section empty.

Then you see the next:

27 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Remark
When selecting the VARA-HF/FM Main and the VARA-HF/FM Monitor (Optional) make sure not to select the VarAC.exe, otherwise the
program will go in looping loop. I had to experience this myself.

VARA-HF Monitor ON or OFF

In the VARA-HF you also have the option to monitor the signals and display the received signals in text in the monitor section.

Monitor OFF

When the transceiver receives the signals, we see in the VARA-HF When the transceiver sent the signals, we see in the VARA-HF
monitor a green bar that is an indication of the received DATA. monitor a red bar that is an indication of the sent DATA

Monitor ON

When the transceiver receives the signals, we see the

decoded data in text format in the Monitor screen of
VARA-HF..

QSO Configuration

28 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Call ID TX interval (min): see Call ID TX interval
Auto disconnect see Auto disconnect
Show distance in: show KM or MI (Kilometre or Miles)
Callsigns block list: see Callsigns block list
Auto away in: see I’m Away message minutes: set the time for the Auto away

Allow last heard peeking: see Allow last heard peeking

Allow non ham Callsigns : see Allow non Ham Callsigns
Allow incoming pings: see Allow incoming pings
Allow info request: see Allow info request
Auto QSY see Auto QSY and see Band skip
Band skip: see Band skip
Load broadcasts history: see Load broadcasts history
Auto accept verbose SNR : see Auto accept verbose SNR

Call ID TX interval (min)

As HAMs, we are required to identify ourselves every few minutes during a QSO. The number of minutes depends on YOUR local regulations.

It also enables other HAMs monitoring frequency to know who is chatting, and once the QSO is over, they can connect to any of the chat parties.

This parameter affects the interval in which a “DE MyCallsign” message is sent over the chat.

Allow last Heard peeking

You can allow the other party to retrieve your last heard beacons/CQ lists.
Allows your partner to see who sees you online.

Allow non ham Callsigns

You can tell VarAC to block specific callsigns you do not want to see or connect to.
Type calls separated by commas.
Those callsigns cannot connect you and will not appear on your last heard lists.

By default VarAC ignores beacons, CQ calls and connection attempts from stations that do not use a valid radio callsign.

We recommend that you leave this feature disabled to protect against attempts by non-amateur radio connections.

If you use VarAC for other purposes outside of the amateur radio bands with non-amateur callsigns, you must enable this feature.

Allow incoming pings

Pings are short QSO for the purpose of reports exchange only.
Pings are great to check the link between two stations.

Be default, your VarAC will accept ping requests.

You can disable it by unchecking this box.

Auto Disconnect

Set the time in minutes in which you want to end the inactive connection.

This is useful if you do not want someone to forward you and leave the link open for a long time without sending anything or if you forget that the
link is open.

Set this parameter to 0 (zero) if you want to disable this function

29 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Allow info request

VarAC allows your QSO partner to retrieve your info, (Name, QTH, Locator)
If you wish to disable this option, then uncheck this box.

Callsigns block list

You can tell VarAC to block specific callsigns you do not want to see or connect to.
Type these Callsigns separated by commas.
Those callsigns cannot connect you and will not appear on your last heard lists.

Auto away

The automatic away mode automatically puts VarAC in the “I'm away” state, if no operation has been performed in the VarAC application for a
certain number of minutes.

I’m Away message

When you connect to a station that is in "I'm away" status, the following messages appear:
In the first image you see a summary of the connection and in the second image a question appears if you still want to send a message.

15:35:49 - CONNECTED TO KN4PRE

15:35:58 - KN4PRE> <AWAY> Busy taming tigers...lv a msg?
de <FC:Z6/KN4PRE>
15:36:07 - ON2AD> de ON2AD <R+01>
15:36:16 - QSO SUMMARY: Frequency: 14.105.000 (20m)
Duration: 00:26
15:36:16 - DISCONNECTED FROM KN4PRE

The AWAY station will automatically send an "<AWAY>" message when it has enabled "Allow incoming pings" in the "Rig Control and VARA
configurations" menu in the "QSO Configuration" panel.

Auto QSY

When a QSY invitation is sent or received, VarAC will automatically QSY to the destination frequency.

To prevent an Auto-QSY from going out of range, VarAC provides a list of allowed frequencies for Auto-QSY.
You can open and edit the file via the VarAC Settings" menu "Auto-QSY allowed frequency ranges"

VarAC will also automatically return QSY to the calling frequency when the QSO ends.

Enabling "Band skip" means you approve the band change in automatic QSY.

Note: This feature is enabled only if you configured frequency control.

Load broadcasts history

VarAC keeps all incoming and outgoing broadcasts in its database.

You can ask VarAC to populate the broadcasts section upon startup from the database so if you restart VarAC for any reason, you will still see on
screen the previously captured broadcasts.

VarAC will load broadcasts from the past 24 hours.

Auto accept verbose SNR

Verbose SNR is a great tool to examine propagation during a QSO by sharing an SNR report every minute.

When your partner sends a verbose SNR invitation, your VarAC can automatically accept it.

This is useful if you want to allow stations to perform SNR tests while you are away.

File transfer

30 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Incoming file size limit (bytes): see
Incoming file directory: Set the folder for the files to
be received.
Outgoing files directory: Set the folder for the
outgoing files

Incoming file size limit (bytes)

You can configure the maximum file size (in bytes) that you want to receive automatically without explicit permission.

During the activity in QSO, if an incoming file transfer exceeds this limit, you will be prompted to approve or reject the file.

While you are away (status "I'm away"), if someone tries to send you a file that exceeds this limit, it will be automatically rejected.

DX Cluster uploads

Enable : Check this to use the DX Cluster

Host : Fill in the Hostname

Default setup: Host: ve7cc.net Port: 8000

Port : Fill in the Port number of the Host

Username : Fill in your username

Password : Most DX Clusters do not require a password.
Only a username that is your Callsign.
If no password is required – leave this field empty.

Beacons / CQs

Beacon interval (minutes): see Beacon interval

Digipeat via : See Digipeat

Load last heard history: see

CQ Slot wait (seconds): see CQ Slot wait

Skip CQ slot selector see Skip CQ slot

Top
Beacon interval

You can periodically set VarAC to send beacons to let other stations know you are on frequency.

If you check the "send beacons" box, a beacon with your callsign will be broadcast every 15
minutes based on your selection here.

A beacon will only be broadcast if the frequency is not occupied for at least 1 minute to avoid
disturbing active QSOs or beacons.
Once you activate beacons, they will be sent for a period of up to 24 hours and then
automatically turn off.

In the box NEXT BEACON: xx:xx min you can see when the next beacon will be broadcast.

To stop broadcasting the beacons just click:

NEXT BEACON: xx:xx:xx

Remark
xx:xx:xx indicates the duration

CQ and beacons
VarAC offers 2 different ways to let other VarAC users know that you are online.

31 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Calling CQ:
VarAC offers 2 different ways to let other VarAC users know that you are online..

What should I use?

• Looking for someone to chat with NOW? Press the CQ button.
Did not get an answer? try it a few more times.
• Want to leave your RIG open and accept incoming connections while you are with
other business - press the BEACON button.

Tip
Leaving your RIG on the QRG with VarAC open will intercept other users' beacons.
Right click a beacon to connect

What are the limitations of using VarAC beacons?

Beacons are great. But they can also become a nightmare for your fellow HAMs. Therefore, some limits are built in:
Beacons turn off automatically after 24 hours.
Minimum beacon period is 15 minutes.

Beacons will not activate if the frequency is identified as BUSY with a pending VARA QSO or other beacons/CQ calls. It waits 60 seconds from
the time the frequency is cleared before sending a beacon.

Beacons will not activate while in the middle of a QSO/CQ, even if it is enabled. In other words, you do not have to turn off beacons while
chatting or CQing. It stays lit once you end your CQ/Chat.

Digipeat

Applicable only for VARA-FM:

VaraFM allows you to digipeat your transmission through one or more parties.

If you wish to CQ/Beacon trough a digipeater, enter it is callsign here.

You can enter more than one callsign if you wish to relay your transmissions trough a chain of digipeaters.
Use SPACE as a delimiter. Ex; "4Z1DIG 4Z2DIG"

Load last heard history

VarAC keeps a log of both CQ calls heard and the last beacons heard.

You can ask VarAC to fill in the last heard list from that log, so if you restart VarAC for any reason you will see the previous CQ calls and
Beacons on the screen.

VarAC only looks back on the last 100 rows of the last heard log file.
Note that you may see fewer callsigns on the screen as VarAC only shows the latest event per callsign.

CQ Slot wait

When you Call CQ, you can wait for incoming connections on another frequency (Slot).

The amount of time VarAC will keep waiting for incoming connection on the Slot is determined by this parameter.

Skip CQ Slot

VarAC slot system allow you to call CQ on a shared calling frequency while encoding into the CQ call the frequency (slot) where you standing
will be for an incoming call.

This checkbox disables this CQ mechanism.

Disable the slot - based mechanism ONLY if you use VarAC with VARA-FM or if you wish to run your own VarAC net on another frequency
without slots.

Ignoring received CQ calls without a Slot ID (unless "skip CQ slot selector" is enabled)

IF YOU USE VarAC ON THE OFFICIAL HF CALLING FREQUENCIES, YOU MUST USE SLOTS
(Hence leave this checkbox un-checked)

Top

32 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Misc.

Debug mode: once this is enabled VarAC creates a new file with all the
information VarAC does etc…

Enable this ONLY when instructed by the developers of VarAC.

Linux compatible mode: see Linux compatible mode
Enabling this way may slow down VarAC significantly and may affect /
disable some of the VarAC functionalities as many log entries will be written
to “one” disk.

Linux compatible mode

VarAC can be used on Linux based platform such as WINE.

Some VarAC elements are managed differently on such a platform so check this checkbox in case you are running VarAC on Linux.

Please note: Linux compatibility mode disabled the speller feature.

Linux using

See Linux Installation

DOWNLOAD latest CAT command file

When click on DOWNLOAD latest CAT command file will open the RIG control file | VarAC (varac-
hamradio.com) website who you can download the latest CAT command file.

Save and Exit

Do not forget to save your settings

Appearance and Customization

Click on the Menu Settings and then on

Appearance and Customization and next screen is
visible.

Top
Appearance and Sounds settings

33 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Load Predefined themes

Default Dark mode Grass

Heathkit Red Alert Space

For the visually impaired

34 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Dark mode: Sounds (Enable to test)
If enabled then VarAC goes in dark mode.
If disabled then VarAC goes in default modus. When enabled then you will hear a lot of sounds for:

Data stream section: Incoming chat message Is Typing

Here you can change the Font size, Background color, My Font Outgoing chat message Frequency change
color, and His/her Font color and Info messages color. Incoming broadcast CQ Call
VMail relay notification QSY alerts
New messages section: Incoming connection request Gestures
Here you can change the Font size, Font color and the Background Connected to station Alert tags
color
Narrator (Text-to-Speech) see Narrator
When enabled you will hear:
Beacons/CQ section
Here you can change the Font size, Background color. Narrate incoming messages Narrate CQ’s
Narrate alerts and Narrate Broadcasts
VMails. Narrate beacons
Misc.
Here you can change the Font size of the VMails. Check spelling as you type a message (English only)
see Check spelling
Application main screen Replace”0” with “ø”
Here you can change the Font size, Background color.

Narrator

Allowing a broader selection of narration voices.

Narration queue - if there are many things to narrate, VarAC will narrate one by one and not together

Check Spelling

VarAC support speller in the English language only.

Please note: Speller is disabled under Linux compatibility mode.

Canned (predefined) messages

Click on the Menu Settings and then

Canned (predefined) messages and the
following screen will be displayed.

35 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Canned messages

Welcome message:
See

Canned message #1 till

#12:
Here you can write
your info’s

Note: If all your info’s

are right do not forget
to press the Save and
Close button

Shortcut F keys

The Canned messages can easily be called up by pressing a Shortcut key.

This is how the Shortcut key is:
F1 for the Canned message #1
F2 for the Canned message #2
Etc…

Tags

See Tags & Gestures

Remark

If you send the Canned message #1 as in the example above: ( <NAME> <QTH> <LOC> and <SND> ) to the other station, then this data will
automatically be entered in the other station's Log.
This way you no longer have to pass on or enter everything manually, on both sides

Welcome message

This message will be automatically sent to anyone who connects you while you are not in “I’m away” status
Leave it empty if you do not wish you send anything.
Please note: a ‘de YOURCALL” will assed at the end of your welcome message.

Frequency schedule

36 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 You can configure VarAC to QSY to different frequencies at specific
times.

This is useful when you want to QRV on different frequencies /

bands across the day.

(ex. 20 meter for daytime / 40 meter for night time)

In the column:

UTC time you set the UTC time as hours: minutes

Frequency (Hz) you enter the frequency as Hz.

Edit Frequency Drop-down List

This are the default frequencies for CQ Calling.

If needed, you can add some other frequencies

14.105.000
7.105.000
1.995.000
3.595.000
5.355.000
10.133.000
18.107.000
21.105.000
24.927.000
28.105.000
50.330.000

Auto-QSY Allowed Frequency Ranges

37 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Info From - To
This file contains ranges of frequencies that you allow to auto-QSY to without your 14.101.250 - 14.108.750
intervention. 7.101.250 - 7.108.750
When a QSY invitation is received, and you are in 'allow auto-qsy' mode, VarAC will make 1.991.250 - 1.998.000
sure the target QSY frequency is within the allowed range. Otherwise, the QSY invitation 3.591.250 - 3.598.000
will be rejected 10.129.250 - 10.136.750
18.103.250 - 18.110.750
These are 'Dial' frequencies. VARA will occupy an additional 1.75KHz from the dial freq.
21.101.250 - 21.108.750
24.923.250 - 24.930.750
It is your responsibility to know what your band limits are.
28.101.250 - 28.108.750
50.326.250 - 50.333.750

Switch profile

Select Switch profile to switch to another profile or setting

38 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 You can start VarAC with different configuration files
(profiles) to support multiple Rig/VARA modem
configurations and easily switch between them.

Simple duplicate the main VarAC.ini file under a

different name within the VarAC directory and it will
show up here. Once loaded, you can edit it through the
settings tab.

You can also duplicate your VARA modem directories

and point each VarAC profile to a different VARA
modem settings (ex: in case different sound cards are
used for different Rigs)

VarAC profile files format:

VarAC_XXX.ini
Ex:
VarAC_Kenwood.ini
VarAC.ini

VarAC_FT-991A.ini

VarAC_Kenwood.ini

39 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Shortcut for VarAC and specific transceiver

If you always want to start VarAC with the same configuration, you can change this in the shortcut

Normal shortcut FT-991A shortcut

Here's a normal shortcut To open VarAC with the FT-991A.ini setting, the same setting is used
as for a normal shortcut, but with the appendix of the FT-991A.ini
E:\HAM\VarAC\VarAC_V8.0.4\VarAC.exe file. See below

E:\HAM\VarAC\VarAC_ V8.0.4\VarAC.exe VarAC_FT-991A.ini

Alert tags configuration

40 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Alerts tags are strings that trigger alerts if received.

When an alert tag is detected in a beacon or during a chat, an alarm sound is fired
and the triggering message is highlighted in a color of your choice. You can
disable the alert tags alarm sound under the “Appearance and sounds” settings
menu.

Alert tags can used in various ways such as:

>EmComm -Broadcast an emergency with an alert tag that will trigger an alarm
and visual effect on all stations.
>Personalized notification – get notified about certain broadcast message as CQ or
WX update.

41 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 The Alert keyword has to be exactly sent as
to how it is setup. As this example here of
[ALERT] you must sent with the [ ] If
you set one up as say just Test it must
be sent as Test . Here are using the [
] just to highlight it a bit more and not
trigger a false alert. So must be exact
(which is a good thing to prevent falsing).

Alert tags now searched in all broadcasts

elements (FROM/TO/MSG), CQs and
Beacons.
You can now get alert for specific prefixes
calling CQ/Beacon, set a Broadcast alert
group etc.

In this example here to trigger the first alert

tag you must sent it exactly as typed
[ALERT] sending is as just ALERT will
not trigger it.

Alert tag #1 CQ will highlight a CQ broadcast.

Alert tag #2 [EMCOMM] will alert a EMCOMM
Alert tag #3 [ALERT] is a general alert.
Alert tag #4 when sending (or decoding) WX you will be alerted.
Alert tag #5 any time you decode a broadcast from NC3Z it will alert.
Alert tag #6 any time you decode a broadcast from 4Z1AC it will alert.
Alert tag #7 sending (or decoding) QSY will alert, if you did not enter it with [] you do not need to use them.

This screen will open after double clicking on the ALERT tag so you
can read the full message

Top
Download Latest CAT Commands File

When click on DOWNLOAD latest CAT command file will open the
RIG control file | VarAC (varac-hamradio.com) website who you can
download the latest CAT command file.

42 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Tools

MailBox: See Mailbox

Callsign history: See Call history

Alert center: See Alert center

Image shrinker: see Image shrinker

Mailbox

Inbox

Inbox: This contains the already received VMails.

Here you have the choice of:

Delete mail
Mark as NEW
Mark as READ
Sender QRZ.cm lookup (From)
Sender Callsign History (From)
Sender PSK Reporter (From)
Recipient QRZ.com lookup (To)

Sent

Sent: Here the VMails to be sent are set when sending the VMails

You have the choice of:

Delete mail
Sender QRZ.cm lookup (From)
Sender Callsign History (From)
Sender PSK Reporter (From)
Recipient QRZ.com lookup (To

Example:
Sent message to 4Z1AC

After sending a VMAIL, you will receive a confirmation that the

VMAIL has been delivered successfully.

Outbox

Outbox: The VMails to be sent are placed here, and they are only sent
when there is a connection with the counterpart station.

Here you have the choice of:

Delete the mail

Connect and relay now
Relay now through connected station
Sender QRZ.cm lookup (From)
Sender Callsign History (From)
Sender PSK Reporter (From)
Recipient QRZ.com lookup (To)

Parking

43 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Parking: This is where the VMails are parked

Whenever your station decodes a beacon, it will check if you are

holding VMails for that station (either VMails you have written or
VMails written by others that park in your mailbox).

Here you have the choice of:

Delete the mail

Connect and relay now
Relay now through connected station
Sender QRZ.cm lookup (From)
Sender Callsign History (From)
Sender PSK Reporter (From)
Recipient QRZ.com lookup (To)

Remark:

The VMAIL will not auto connect, only if you connect with the destination station (or vice versa) will your message relay.
Callsign history

Once you are connected to that counterpart

station, you can click on “See History” to
view the complete “Previous QSO’s” the
“Chat History” and the “Broadcast history”
with this counterpart station.

The menu bar is the same as the main

VarAC screen.

When clicking QRZ lookup a new

QRZ.com window opens

There is also an option to activate the PSK

Reporter by clicking on the PSK Reporter
Lookup.

Click on “Close” to close this window

Alert center

Clicking on the ALERT or on the

Alert center will open the Alert screen

44 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Incoming: This is where the
Incommings ALERTS are placed
See Alert tags configuration

Here you have the choice of:

Connect
Broadcast reply
Delete alert
Mark as NEW
Mark as READ
Sender QRZ.cm lookup (From)
Sender Callsign History (From)
Sender PSK Reporter (From)
Recipient QRZ.com lookup (To)

Setup Alerts: See Alert tags configuration Close: Close this window Archive: Archive this Alert
Archive All Alerts: Archive all the Alerts Mark All as Read: Mark all as read

Twice clicking on the Alert tag will open a new window

This screen open after twice clicking on the ALERT tag, so you can
read the full message

Sent: This is where the Sent

ALERTS are placed
See Alert tags configuration

Here you have the choice of:

Connect
Broadcast reply
Delete alert
Mark as NEW
Mark as READ
Sender QRZ.cm lookup (From)
Sender Callsign History (From)
Sender PSK Reporter (From)
Recipient QRZ.com lookup (To)

Setup Alerts: See Alert tags configuration Close: Close this window Archive: Archive this Alert
Archive All Alerts: Archive all the Alerts Mark All as Read: Mark all as read

Twice clicking on the Alert tag will open a new window

45 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 This screen open after twice clicking on the ALERT tag, so you can
read the full message

Archived: This is where the Archived

ALERTS are placed
See Alert tags configuration

Here you have the choice of:

Broadcast reply
Connect
Delete alert
Mark as NEW
Mark as READ
Sender QRZ.cm lookup (From)
Sender Callsign History (From)
Sender PSK Reporter (From)
Recipient QRZ.com lookup (To)

Setup Alerts: See Alert tags configuration Close: Close this window Archive: Archive this Alert
Archive All Alerts: Archive all the Alerts Mark All as Read: Mark all as read

Twice clicking on the Alert tag will open a new window

This screen open after twice clicking on the ALERT tag, so you can
read the full message

Image shrinker

Offline Image shrinker

46 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Let's delve into the realm of images.

It was a tedious process sending an image of 100,000, only to find out that it takes forever.
Plus, compressing an image can be a daunting task, especially if you're not well-versed in
graphics editing software.

But VarAC now offers a handy offline image compression tool with a unique twist.
Taking inspiration from SSTV (Slow Scan Television), you have the option to incorporate
your own callsign and SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) reports directly into the image.

Now it becomes easy to send large images by compressing them first.

In the example you see a file of 495,000 Bytes with a resolution of 2930 x 2084 that is
compressed to 19,725 Bytes and only has a resolution of 703 x 500.

This distinctive feature sets it apart, ensuring a personalized touch to your compressed
images.

Let's shift the focus from images and turn our attention to Alerts.

Alerts have become the cornerstone of VarAC EmComm operations, serving as a vital tool
for monitoring critical messages and stations on a daily basis.

However, the challenge lies in keeping track of alerts originating from various sources
such as Beacons, Broadcasts, and CQs.

Logs

Easy access to all VarAC logs like:

QSO log (ADIF): here are your log in ADIF format(xxx.adi).

Chat history: Your chat history.
VarAC Log: Here are the whole VarAC log (not the logbook).
Open log directory: This open the VarAC folder.

Top
Resources

Quick Start Guide: Opens the VarAC Quick Start Guide page.
User Manuals (EN): Opens the English manual page.
User Manuals (Non EN): Opens the manuals in the non-English language such as:
Dutch, German, Spanish etc…

VarAC Facebook Group: Opens the Facebook page of VarAC.

VarAC Telegram Chat group: Opens the Telegrams Chat group.
VarAC Forum: Opens the VarAC Forum page.

Troubleshooting: Opens the troubleshooting page.

FAQ: Opens the most Frequently Asked Questions page.

About

About: VarAC: with info about the version and Author of VarAC

Bottom menu

Receive modus
Transmit modus

47 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Idle Sent/Receive indicator
Sent indicator
Receive indicator
Your Callsign like setup in the Menu My Informations
ALERT center
No new mails
VMail_Relay
Outbox
Parking

Top
VarAC main screen

VarAC Commands

Increase or decrease the frequency by 750 Hz

Select a frequency with a drop-down button. See
Frequency BUSY indicator.
Here you see the SLOT number Slot slider
CALL Returns to the Call Frequency
Frequency
Connecting to the VARA modem

Disconnect the VARA modem

48 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Set the VARA modem ALC level and keys the PTT to test it.
Tune signal. Note: only works with the paid VARA version
Safety mechanism for stuck PTT: Auto turning PTT off every minute while in in
active transmission
Switching the PTT on and off

Calling Frequency (CF) (USB dial)

Band - Freq MHz

20M - 14.105 MHz Primary – day time
40M - 7.105 MHz Primary – night time
80M - 3.595 MHz
30M - 10.133 MHz
17M - 18.107 MHz
15M - 21.105 MHz
12M - 24.927 MHz
10M - 28.105 MHz
6M - 50.330 MHz

Slots

49 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

The problem

VarAC QRGs becomes highly busy. The QSY UP/DOWN frequencies are sometimes also in use simultaneously. This leaves no room for people
to CALL CQs or conduct long QSOs.

The Solution

Creating a SLOT-based mechanism. Here are the main principles of this model:

Band plan:

1. A single calling QRG (ex. 14.105.000) per band.

2. 10 slots around the main QRG with +-750Hz steps. Ex.:
a. Above QRG : 14.105.750, 14.106.500, 14.107.250, 14.108.000, 14.108.750
b. Below QRG: 14.104.250, 14.103.500, 14.102.750, 14.102.000, 14.101.250
3. Each slot will be given a number – AKA SLOT-ID: Ex. SLOT-ID 1,2,3…
QSO-workflow

4. User clicks "Call CQ"

5. User A chooses a SLOT
6. Checks that the SLOT is not occupied :
A SLOT SNIFFER button – this button will allow the user to temporarily QSY to the SLOT and listen if it is free.
Holding the button down will listen on the SLOT.
Releasing it will jump back to the calling QRG.
7. User A calls CQ on the main QRG with an SSID that points to the SLOT-ID that the user desires to have a QSO on.
Example: CQ DE 4Z1AC-4 which stands for: “I standby on Slot #4”
8. After the CQ, User A will automatically QSY to the relevant SLOT waiting for an incoming connection request.

50 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

9. The CQ call will appear on Last-Heard-CQ with the SLOT-ID indication for users that monitors the calling QRG.
10. User B double click User A callsign on the LH CQ list.
11. User B automatically QSY to the identified SLOT and makes a connection attempt.
12. User A and User B connect on the SLOT and conduct a QSO.
13. Once the QSO ends, Both users will remain on the slot. A “Back to Calling frequency”
button will be enabled to allow them an easy skip back.

New configurable parameters under settings

CQ SLOT WAIT TIME = from 60 till 3600 seconds (1 to 60 minutes): how much time a station will park on the SLOT for incoming calls
following a CQ call.

See Beacons / CQ’s

Additional notes

If a QSO takes place on the main QRG for any reason, CQ calls can still be decoded quite well by others so it will have some, yet minimal effect
on the model.

The model is relative. Meaning that SLOT ID frequencies will be calculated based on the parking QRG. Users can create their own SLOT plans on
other frequencies just be deciding on an agreed calling QRG.

The QSY UP/DOWN/# will remain as is. People can still move around in case of QRM.

500Hz of 2300Hz
Well, we want to be efficient. So by default all VarAC QSOs are made in 500Hz. if you want to test a wider bandwidth feel free to do so, but
choose another frequency not listed in the VarAC QRGs and try it out. Just be respectful to other HAMs on the band.

Note: On the VarAC CQ frequency, the 2300 Hz is locked

If “Disabled PTT” is enabled and you try to

connect, a window will appear reminding you to
disable it first

This is your selected Profile see Switch profile

See Frequency schedule
The selected bandwidth see
Make your connection

Connect only to get a report followed by a disconnect. Limiting Ping time to

80 seconds on the CF
Disconnect from…..

Abort

Click this button to send your CQ

Click this button to end the CQ call

send your beacon

Time for the next Beacon transmit

CALL CQ

See also Slots

What are Slots?

VarAC has a single calling QRG per band. However, there are multiple manual frequencies around that QRG that are 750 Hz apart. These
frequencies are called "SLOTS" while each slot has a unique ID.

51 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 When clicking the CALL CQ button, the following window will
appear.

Here you can choose from different “Slots”.

When you call CQ, VarAC encodes into the CQ call the slot ID
where you will be standing by incoming connections.

VarAC will automatically QSY to the slot once the CQ Call ends.
If you do not use CAT control, for automatic frequency change, you
will be asked QSY manually.

Please use the "SLOT SNIFFER" to make sure the slot is not
occupied or check manually if you have no CAT frequency control.

If no answer, your Rig will QSY back to the CF (Call Frequency)

Note: If you do not have CAT control or you wish to do a QSO on the call frequency then you must check the “Skip CQ slot selector” in the menu
“Settings/Rig Control and VARA Configurations”.
Please note this method is NOT recommended.

Log & VARA commands

Clock and the UTC time.

as YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss
VarAC Log:
Here you can see all the info like Connected to VARA modem.
That the band with is 500 Hz
That OmniRig change the frequency

That you Call CQ

Or the you call via the Beacon
That you are connected to station XXXXX etc…
VARA commands:
Vara OK or ….
Is Pending
Your PTT is ON or OFF
Frequency is busy
The SN is visible ect…

In QSO with

If you are connected to a counterpart station, the callsign of the counterpart station will be
displayed

See History

52 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Once you are connected to that counterpart
station, you can click on “See History” to
view the complete “History” with this
counterpart station.

The menu bar is the same as the main

VarAC screen.

When clicking QRZ lookup a new

QRZ.com window opens

There is also an option to activate the PSK

Reporter by clicking on the PSK Reporter
Lookup.

Click on “Close” to close this window

See QRZ.com

If you are connected to a counterpart station, the Callsign of the counterpart station will be
displayed

Clicking on the QRZ opens the QRZ.com page of

your chat partner

Last heard beacons

Here you find a list of stations that have access the beacon function.
When you hoover with your mouse in a green/orange/non-coloured line you will get a tooltip explaining the coloured lines.

Time different view

CQ time shown as time diff from UTC CQ time shown as absolute UTC.

53 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 By select a Call and press on the right mouse button on that Callsign a
new window open for the next info:
Clear: Select that Call and then left mouse click for clear this Callsign.

Copy all: Copy it all.

Connect: Connect this Callsign.

Ping (get report): Select that Call and then left mouse click for get
your report.

Send VMail now: Send your VMail.

Broadcast reply: Replay of a broadcast.

QRZ.COM lookup: Select that Call and then left mouse click for
lookup QRZ.com.

PSK Reporter Lookup: see their PSK Reporter spots.

DX Cluster spot: Spot that Callsign

Callsign history: Go to the Callsign history.

Move your mouse over a Callsign and you will see some info.
In this example you see that this is a New Callsign

See the Legend of color

Legend of color

Green - new callsign (you did not worked)

Orange - New band for existing worked callsign
No color - worked before

Last heard CQ Calls

Here you find a list of stations that have calling CQ.

By select a Call and press on the right mouse button on that Callsign a new
window open for the next info:

Clear: Select that Call and then left mouse click for clear this Callsign.

Copy all: Copy it all.

Connect: Connect to that Callsign.

Ping (get report): Select that Call and then left mouse click for get your
report.

Send VMail now: Send your VMail now.

Broadcast reply: Replay a broadcast to that Callsign.

ORZ.COM lookup: Select that Call and then left mouse click for lookup
QRZ.com.

PSK Reporter Lookup: see their PSK Reporter spots.

DX Cluster spot: Spot that callsign in the DX Cluster.

Callsign history :See that Callsign history.

54 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 QSY to slot: QSY to the slot of that Callsign.

When you hoover with your mouse in a green/orange/non-coloured line you will get a tooltip explaining the coloured lines.
See the Legend of colors

Time different view

CQ time shown as time diff from UTC CQ time shown as absolute UTC.

Legend of color

Green - new callsign (you did not worked)

Orange - New band for existing worked callsign
No color - worked before

Middle menu

see Graph SNR (dB):

Last: His signal in dB
Avg: signal in dB
Mine: My received signal in dB

Graph

Here you can track the SNR reports during the QSO.

There are more reports of your partner as VarAC tracks the SNR
every time a message is received while your SNR is reported by your
QSO partner only occasionally.

Use the SNR button on the main screen if you wish to get a an
updated SNR report.

Send is typing see send is typing

Mute all sounds see also Appearance and sounds settings

I’m away (auto) see Auto away
Verbose SNR see Verbose SNR

55 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 see QSY code of conduct

See Send VMail

See Broadcast
See PSK report map

Click this button and select the file you wish to send.

See Path Finder

You're in a QSO and want to know you current report? You now can.
Get your partners Name/QTH/Locator and RIG.
See the last heard beacons/CQ of others. Great for digipeating.
See what is the frequency schedule of your partner so you know where to hunt him.

Send Vmail

Broadcasts

56 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

VarAC broadcasts are async messages that are sent in AX25 protocol
(similar to APRS).

Broadcasts do not have a “delivery guaranteed” mechanism like a

VARA link and they may not be received (it depends on received
signal strength)

You can send a broadcast to a specific callsign or to all.

With VARA-FM you can also use digipeaters:

➢ Up to 2 digipeaters are allowed.
➢ Use SPACE between digipeater callsigns.
➢ SSID’s are not allowed for digipeater callsigns.
➢ Number of digipeaters affect the message size limit.

Right mouse click in the Broadcast screen open another

window with next info

57 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Path Finder

You now have the ability to send a

"Find Path To" query to the universe
using the broadcast engine.

If another VarAC user decodes your

query and has recently heard the target
station you are interested in, they will
respond with valuable information such
as the frequency, the time it was last
heard, and the SNR level.

This feature enables you to identify the

optimal station through which you can
relay your Vmail to reach your final
destination

(Please note: Path finder is avialable

under the advanced UI mode)

QSO is logged automatically when enabled

See Logging QSO
Clear the log input
Send your text by clicking Enter
Send your message
Clear the New message info’s

58 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Logging QSO

If Auto log QSO is not checked and you wish to save a QSO,
the following window will appear.

Where then all the data of the counterpart station is stored

and you are asked if you are sure to save this QSO

VarAC logs QSOs in an ADIF file in the VarAC installation directory under the name VarAC_qso_log.adi.

You can set VarAC to log your QSO automatically when disconnected, or you can log it manually by clicking the "LOG" button.

Data stream

In this window you will see all the send and received
communications you have done with a connected
station.
Also the incoming connection request

Your CQ Calling etc…

If you right click on a Callsign, name, QTH or

Locator, this window will open which explains itself

Translate

Select the text you will have translated and click on the right mouse I have selected:
button. Click on Translate and the Google translater will open. not sure why it said im not in (English) and I will translate it in the
This work also for the “Translate broadcast” function. Nederlands (Dutch) language.
Result: ik weet niet zeker waarom er stond dat ik er niet bij was

HAM is typing

This appears when the opposite station is typing

Log & messages

59 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

See Gestures/Tags

Currently sending

Messages in this window are sent. Messages that are not send will delete

In Queue

These are the messages that are in the waiting area, ready to go to the
“Message Currently being sent” to be sent

Messages that are not send will delete Edit the unsent text in the “Message currentle being sent” and put it in the “New
Message” window to edit your text.

Callsign, Report,etc…

In a normal QSO the fields like Callsign RST-s ect… will automatic filled with the received info from the other station.
But you can also fill manual enter some broken info in this fields.
Load a canned message

This is a drop down menu with some info’s to sent see

New message

By select a canned message you will see this message in this screen, press SEND, this message goes to Messages in queue and then to Message
currently being sent.
But you can also type manual some enter info in this New Message field.

QSY code of conduct

The collection frequencies are only used for finding QSO partners and for short QSOs.
If you enjoy your QSO and want to continue chatting with your partner, ask your partner for QSY after about 5-10 minutes.

You do this by clicking on the following in the chat:

QSY 750Hz down - Right mouse click and hold while connected for QSY sniffer

QSY 750Hz up - Right mouse click and hold while connected for QSY sniffer

By clicking here you can choose a frequency to

continue the QSO.
The following window will then open where you
can bet the frequency
When that has done press SEND QSY
INVITATION

These tags initiate a QSY request that instructs both parties to change the frequency while chatting.
There is no need to disconnect before or during QSY

60 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

A quick QSY

To make a quick QSY when using OmniRig CAT Control, pre-populate the VarAC_frequencies.conf file with +/- 750Hz frequencies and simply
select the desired QSY frequency from the frequency drop-down menu

An automatic message will appear to warn you to possibly

do a QSYD to keep the calling frequency free.

Maximum time on a Calling Frequency

The Connection on a Calling Frequency (CF) is limited to (36Ø Seconds (6 Minutes)) after this you will Disconnected from the CF.

QSY back to default frequency

When you have done a QSY and the QSO is done, you will
automatically be asked if you want to go back to the default
frequency

VarAC & VaraFM

To use VaraFM you must first download and install the VaraFM modem, which you can find at:
EA5HVK | Weak signals Software (wordpress.com)

VarAC configuration

Go to the menu Settings press Rig control and VARA configurations.

Set the VARA modem type to "VaraFM"

Set the VaraFM modem path and port number.
Click "SAVE AND EXIT"

Digipeater connection

You can connect through one or two digipeaters. Simply type the following in the
"CONNECT TO" field: DESTCALL VIA DIGICALL1 DIGICALL2

examples :
To connect to 4Z1AC through NC3Z type :
4Z1AC VIA NC3Z

To connect to 4Z1AC through NC3Z and W1IZZ type:

4Z1AC VIA NC3Z W1IZZ

How do I contact someone?

There are 3 easy ways to start a QSO:

1. Double click on a callsign in the section “Last heard CQ calls”.
61 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
2. Double click on a callsign in the section “Last heard beacons”.
3. Type the callsign you want to connect to in the text box “Connect to” and press on “Connect station”.

Reports and Regulations

What are all these lyrics and songs that I see when I am connected with someone?
At connections you see texts like "<R-10>" or "de YOURCALL"
• As in FT8, VarAC exchanges SNR reports with the other side so you know how you are being
listened to and also for logging purposes.
• VarAC periodically transmits your callsign to comply with "self-identification" regulations.

Gestures – Tags - QSO protocol

Click on the “Gestures/Tags” button and the VarAC Gestures Catalog will appear.

Tags are text codes that, when typed as part of your chat message, will trigger an event on the other side, such as:
More info on Canned Messages / Tags

Top

Tags & Gestures

With VarAC you can make your chat a more lively, funny and colourful experience with VarAC gestures.

Emojis

Tag Operation
HIHI! makes a smiley emoji

62 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 TU!
"Thank You "

LIKE! makes a thumbs up emoji

BYE!
COOL!
FB!

Sounds

Tag Operation
DING Play a “DING” sound.
RING Play 3 “RING” sounds.
HIHIW! Woman lauhing.
HIHIM! Man Laughing

My data tags

Tag Operation VarAC allows you to send your information in a way that will be automatically
<CALL> My Callsign logged by the other side. Make sure you enter your information in the "Settings"
<NAME> My name ==> "My Information" Menu
<QTH> My QTH You can also use those tags in your canned messages on manually type them in a
<LOC> My Locator QSO..
<RIG> My equipment
<ANT> Antenna info
<PWR> My TX Power

His/her data tags

Tag Operation
<HCALL> His/her Callsign
<HLOC> HLOC is a tag used to embed your partner QSO locator into a canned message
<LOCR> LOCR ask for the locator of your partner to be sent to you.
<HNAME> His/her Name
<HQTH> His/her QTH

Request data tags

Tag Operation
<FSP> Ask for the profile information (Name, QTH, Locator)
<FSR> Frequency schedule peeking – know where your partner parks along the day
<INFO> Ask for profile information (Name, QTH, Locator) this can be set to block <INFO> requests if you don't want
your data to be retrieved automatically.
See Rig Control and VARA Configurations
<INFOJ> Deny request for profile information (Name, QTH, Locator).
<LHP> Check your QSO partner's last heard list
<LHR> Last heard peeking request - List of stations your partner has recently seen on this tape
<LHE> Last heard peeking is empty
<LHJ> Last heard peeking is refuse
<QSYA> QSY automatically
<QSYJ> Signals that it has rejected. You will usually get this after a "QSY recovery" where your VarAC will wait for a
<QSYR> on the QSY frequency, it will not happen in 25 seconds so it will QSY back to the CF where it will be
given with a <QSYJ> from the other side. See QSYR and QSYJ
<QSYR> Signals the other side that you have accepted how QSY invitation. See QSYR and QSYJ
<QSYS> QSY lock
<QSYU> Invite your partner to QSY UP 750Hz
<QSYD> Invite your partner to QSY DOWN 750 Hz
<QSF>XXXXX</QSYF> Free form QSO invitation. Example: <QSF>14105000</QSYF>
</QSYF> See <QSF>XXXXX</QSYF>
<SNRR> Request SNR report
<TL> Shortcut for Test Link.
After a QSY, VarAC will try to send a test to see if the other side is there. If the test does not succeed in 25
seconds, it will assume the QSY failed and will QSY back to the original frequency.
<VER> Download the VarAC version from your QSO QSO partner

Trigger events

63 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Tag Operation
<AWAY> Triggers “send message” at your partners side.
<AWQ> If enabled Auto-QSY, when you are away a new tag will be sent :
<AWQ> This signals the other side that you are open for auto-QSY.
This will popup on their end a QSY frequency selector.
<DISC> Disconnect
<SND> Send the message automatically

Message Tags

Those tags are used "ONLY" for sending a message (Vmail) .

Tag Operation Info

<AE> Away time exceeded There is a limit to a connection to a station in the AWAIT state. The AWAY station will terminate
the link when this limit is reached and will indicate the reason to the other end by sending an <AE>
before disconnecting. This shows a message on the other end:
"Connection to a station in Away status on a Calling Frequency has reached to its time limit"..
<IE> Time exceeded Time exceeded
<SBJ> Send subject Send subject
<MSG> Message Message
<SM> Send Message Header of the message signaling the other VarAC that a message frame is coming next.
<SMP> Send Message Parking Send a parking message
<SMFP> Parking not allowed Parking not allowed
<SMR> Send message received It is the target VarAC that signals the sender that the Vmail message message has been successfully
decrypted
TO To This is part of the VMail package itself.
FRM From This is part of the VMail package itself.
SBJ Subject message This is part of the VMail package itself.
MSG Body message This is part of the VMail package itself.
<SF:xxx> SendFile The XXX contain the file name and checksum.
<SFRD> I'm ready to receive a Comes after receiving a <SF:....> tag with the incoming file info
file
<SFAB> Reject file When the other party rejects your send request (for example, if the file is too large)
<SFB> Send file packet Send the file package
<SFFA> Sending file failed Sending the file failed
<SFOK> Send file OK The file has been sent successfully
<VSI> Extended SNR Send a request for a comprehensive SNR
<VSIR> Accept extended SNR Accept extended SNR invite (sent after receiving <VSI>)
<VSIJ> Reject extended SNR Deny extended SNR invite (sent after receiving <VSI>)

QSYR and QSYJ

I tried to QSY VK3FBB to SLOT

12 on 17m and its the Slot where
a CW beacons are so his station
refused.

My station did a QSY recovery

and after it went back to the CF I
was given the QSYJ from him.

I then tried to shift to another freq

and it was ok with a <QSYR>

Tags

64 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

With VarAC you can send your information in a way that is automatically registered by the other side
You can set those tags in your template messages or type them manually while in QSO.
More info on Canned Messages / Tags

QSO protocol

An automatic message will appear to warn you to possibly

do a QSYD to keep the call frequency free.

Tip

Connected to someone, but they are not there?

Write "RING" to make some noise on their side to alert them of your call.

Canned messages and VarAC tags

Canned messages are predefined texts like your information, 73, greetings, ASCII art etc…
In most manuals for HAM's you will mainly find “Macro” messages as names instead of “Canned Messages”
You can configure your canned messages in the settings menu.

You can then add one to your message by selecting it from the 'Load a standard message' drop-down menu.

VarAC tags are used manually or in template messages to send information decoded by the other side and automatically populate the QSO log with
your name, QTH and locator.

you can read more about VarAC tags in this document.

QSO ending

Top

Be courteous, say 73's (or use one of the configurable

default messages) and press the "DISCONNECT" button.

Quick ejection? Press the "ABORT" button".

QSO ending and QSY

By end a normal QSO you will see the next window

Now you can press on:

QSY
Reject

QRZ.COM uploaded

You can have your QSO automatically uploaded to QRZ.COM and other logging systems. See Logbook programs

Multiple configuration files

65 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Load VarAC with different config files to support various rigs or settings.
Example: "VarAC.exe MyVarAC.ini"

VarAC Cluster (Multiple instances)

By NC3Z, Gary Mitchelson

VarAC will allow you to run multiple and separate instances of VarAC. Depending on your radio or radios you will be able to operate VarAC on
multiple bands at once using a single install of VarAC.

Running multiple VarAC in a cluster format allow all VarAC instances to share the same resource such as log files, ADIF file as well as ,mailbox.

This allows you for example to act as a cross-band mailbox while VMails that are parked on Band A will be forwarded on Band B.

To form a VarAC cluster, all that is required is:

• Separate .ini file for each instance in your one VarAC folder, each properly configured.
• Each .ini file will need to be configured with a unique “Instance Number”
• Separate VARA HF (modem) folders for each instance.

In the example below here are 4 instances running on the same PC. The radio is a Flex 6500 which can operate as 4 radios at once.
But you could easily be using any number of separate radios.

Multiple VarAC instances working as a cluster sharing the same VMail Mailbox

66 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Step #1

Separate VARA HF folders for each instance. Just

make copies of each VARA HF folder:

Step #2

Configure each
VARA HF
with its own unique ports
(COMMAND, DATA
and KISS)
that do not conflict

Step #3

67 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 Configure different VarAC.ini files
with different names.

Use a meaningful name - like your RIG

type you intend to use for each VarAC
instance

Each .ini file will need to be configured

with a unique “Instance Number”

[VMAIL]
SendRelayNotifications=ON
AllowParking=OFF

[VARAC_CLUSTER]
ClusterEnabled=ON
InstanceNumber=1
MailboxRefreshRateSec=60

[OTHER]
LinuxCompatibleMode=OFF

Step #4

For each VarAC settings, set the relevant VARA ports and path
If you use Monitor you will need to do the same and take the same precautions.

Step #5

Example of shortcut for one of the instances

Once all that is set, you will need to tell each

VarAC instance which .ini file to use.
That is simply done with a command line
switch in the shortcut.
68 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
 If you want to run instances from separate PC’s
you will need to do this using a “Shared” drive
for SQLite (main VarAC DB) to work properly
in s shared environment.

Strange signals and noise.

I use two 23 Inch IPS LED monitors from LG and on some frequencies I see a strange signal in the waterfall and I hear a
monotonous noise (sound) in my speakers.

Further research shows me that if I turn off the monitors, the noise is gone.

So open the advanced display settings in Windows or open the resolution settings of the graphics card and adjust the refresh
rate for 1 or more screens until the interference is gone.

Monitor interference signal Jamming signal free

VarAC.ini file

New VarAC.ini parameters (Only available by manually editing the file)

ShowNoCatQSYPopup Suppress QSY popups when no CAT control is available

FrequencyListCustomFilePath Set a custom frequency list file using a new VarAC.ini parameter
SafetyPTTOffEveryMinute enable/disable the safety mechanism of PTT OFF every minutes while idle
VarACLogFileRetentionDays How many days to keep entries in the VarAC.log file (default 30 days)
PTTDisableAfterFreqChangeSeconds Temporarily disable PTT for X seconds after frequency change (for those antennas that need a long
tune cycle before TX)
SlotStepHz Custom Slot size - to establish your own slot-system gaps
VarACStartCmd You can place any CAT commands (seperated by Comma if you want more than 2)
Like settings a specific filter,ACC,notch, NB....

Top
Logbook programs

69 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

AC Log (Amateur Contact Log)

Please note - Logging QSO to AC Log works only with AC Log version 7.0.5 and above.

AC Log provides with TCP support for external logging:

1. Go to Settings --> Application Program interface (API)

2. Enable the "TCP API Enabled (server)
3. If you change the port - make sure it is aligned with the port you have selected in VarAC.
4. Click DONE

DXKeeper (DXLabSuite)

1. Go to the panel Log QSOs click on Config

2. Select the "Defaults" panel
3. Under network service - set the Base port. Important - 52000 means that DXKeeper is listening on 52001.
4. If you change the port - make sure it is aligned with the port you have selected in VarAC.
5. Click "Restart"

70 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Ham Radio Deluxe

Settings

Ham Radio Deluxe 6 microHAM USB Device Router

71 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Ham Radio Deluxe 6 setup

1. Go to Tools -->
Configure --> QSO Forwarding
2. Enable the
"Receive QSO notifications using UDP from other applications (WSJT-X)
3. Selected the
desired target database.
4. If you change the
Port - make sure it is aligned with the Port you have selected in VarAC.
5. Click OK

OmniRig setup

72 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 With the micro KEYER II interface and the USB cable connected, both connected from the FT-991A to
the computer, the frequency in the main screen of VarAC and the frequency in Ham Radio Deluxe
(Logbook and DM-780) are adjusted along with it, when I adjust to the VFO turn.

Frequency in VarAC

Frequency in the HRD logbook

Frequency in DM-780

VarAC setup

Log4OM

Log4OM provides with UDP logging.

However Log4OM2 also provides with a unique Logging option - tapping directly to VarAC log ADIF file.
This options is preferred as Log4OM will never miss a log entry if it was not running at the time the QSO was logged.

Both options are show below:

This is how you set the UDP logging with Log4OM:

1. Go to Settings --> Program Configuration
2. On the left menu - select Software integration --> Connections
3. Click UDP and go to UDP INBOUND
4. Enter a port number (ex: 1200)
5. Give it a meaningful name (ex. VARAC_LOG)
6. Select Service Type: "ADIF_MESSAGE"
7. Click the "+" button
8. Make sure the new recorded is there and marked with a "V" sign
9. Click "Save and Apply"

73 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

This is how to configure LOG4OM2 to collect your VarAC QSOs automatically from the VarAC ADIF log file.

1. Open Log4OM 2 and click Settings --> Program configuration

2. On the left, Click ADIF Functions and click the folder icon to select a file
3. Go to the VarAC installation directory (or where you placed your ADIF file) and select the VarAC_qso_log.adi file
4. Now click the "+" icon to add the file for Realtime ADIF file monitoring
5. Make sure the VarAC ADIF file appears here and set as ENABLED and marked with a "V" sign
6. "Save and apply"

N1MM

N1MM provides with 2 options for Loggins. TCP or UDP. VarAC support both.

1. Go to Config --> Configure Ports, Mode control, Winkey etc...

2. Go to the WSJT/JTDX Setup
3. Enable either the UDP or TCP options as show on the screenshot below.
4. If you change the port - make sure it is aligned with the port & method (UDP/TCP) you have selected in VarAC.
5. Click OK

74 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Swisslog

Swisslog started to provide TCP logging support

from V5.104. Make sure you upgrade to this version
or later before trying to integrate with VarAC.

This is how you set the UDP logging with Log4OM:

Go to Options --> Digital modes interface -->

"WSJT-X / JTDX / MSHC / JS8Call UDP settings"

Under "Only Log QSO requests" locate the first line.

Check the "Active", "TCP" & "Auto start"

checkboxes

Set the IP address to 127.0.0.1 and Port to 52001.

Click OK

Linux Installation

This manual was based on the documentation of K7MHI @kellykeeton

This is how it looks...

I assume this will work on 32bit Debian (had a report of

no)
I do run in 64bit mode bullseye RPi4 fully updated to the
day of this post.
The very nice Build-A-Pi project is also used to load ham
software.

There are some nice tools for ham radio included in this
project.

https://github.com/km4ack/pi-build

75 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Install WineLink

WineLink deploys WINE with a full Winlink RMS version and VARA using this following project script. We only need the WINE and the VARA
modem part of it but this installer simplifies the installation.
https://github.com/WheezyE/Winelink

Download VarAC

Download, unzip and place the files in the ~/.wine/drive_c/VarAC directory

Launch VarAC

Using the following command. You can use in a menu.desktop object:

env WINEDEBUG=-all wine /home/pi/.wine/drive_c/VarAC/VarAC.exe

I had to launch a few times and get the settings saved and working but it did work with no major issues! using a IC-705.

Enable "Linux compatible mode" in VarAC settings

Go to Settings --> Rig control & Vara configuration

Check the "Linux compatible mode" checkbox:
Click Save & Exit

You can do it by directly editing the VarAC.ini file using the following command:

sed -i 's/LinuxCompatibleMode=OFF/LinuxCompatibleMode=ON/' ~/.wine/drive_c/VarAC/VarAC.ini

76 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

EmComm with VarAC
by Irad Deutsch, 4Z1AC
The complete EmComm Tactical scenarios guide V.1.2

Tactical EmComm scenarios covered in this guide

This guide provide examples to real-life EmComm tactical need and how VarAC can be leveraged to address them.
1. EmComm operators' “Check-ins”
2. Sending an emergency alert to all EmComm operators.
3. Send emergency VMail without direct link to your destination.
4. Sending an images of a missing person
5. Group chat/check-ins of all EmComm operators
6. Live chat between stations with no direct link (through digipeater)
7. Find a path to an unreachable station
* Please note: When showcasing digipeaters use cases – these are available with VaraFM only.

Tactical need #1
EmComm operators' check-ins
VarAC Features used:
Beacons

VarAC Beacons are a great tool to notify the your EmComm network that you are online and available for any type of communication.

How ?

1. All operates set a beacon to fire every X minutes on an agreed

calling frequency.
2. All Operators can see each other on the “Last heard beacons” with
the latest timestamp
3. Digipeaters can be used to extend reach

Tactical need #2
Sending an emergency alert to all EmComm operators.
VarAC Features used:
Alert tags, Broadcast

Broadcast can be used as s one-to-many transmission that can also propagate through VaraFM digipeaters. Coupled with a pre-defined alert tag, it
is a great way to quickly distribute a critical message through the entire EmComm network in seconds.

How ?
1. Define an alert tag and share among all your EmComm
networks. (Alert tags definition is stored in a file you can easily
distribute prior to the operation.)
2. If VaraFM digipeater is available, configure it under settings
3. Send a Broadcast to “ALL” with the alert tag as part of the text.
4. A visual and vocal alert will be triggered on all EmComm
stations

Tactical need #3
Send emergency VMail without direct link to your destination
VarAC Features used:
VMails, Parking, Relay notifications, Beacons

VarAC allows you to send VMail through 3rd parties. VMails can be temporarily parked at a 3rd party station. Once the destinations beacons, the
3rd party notifies it that there is a parked VMail waiting to be collected.

77 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 How ?
1. A connects B and leave a VMail for C
2. C Beacons
3. When B decodes the beacons, it send C a “relay notification alert”
4. C Connects B.
5. B relays the message to C

Tactical need #4
Sending a images of a missing Person
VarAC Features used:
Send file

VarAC provides lightening fast file transfer including images. Received images appear on screen in the conversation windows (Like in instant
messaging apps). The destination can set the file size under which files will be received without manual approval.

How ?
1. A connects B
2. A sends a “send file request”
3. B approves automatically/manually
4. A sends the image
5. Image appears on B screen
6. Digipeaters can be used

Tactical need #5
Group chat/round-table/check-ins of all EmComm operators
VarAC Features used:
Broadcasts

VarAC broadcasts allows multiple operators to conduct a round-table chats in a many-to-many fashion. Broadcasts can also be distributed through
digipeaters to reach a longer distance while allowing more operators to participate in the round-table.

How ?
1. All EmComm operators are tuned on the same frequency.
2. Each station send a broadcast to “ALL”
3. VaraFM Digipeaters can also be used.

Tactical need #6
Live chat between stations with no direct link
VarAC Features used:
Chat, Digipeater

Chatting with VarAC is possible either direct or through VaraFM digipeaters. Up to 2 digipeaters are allowed. This allows a live chatting over 2
hops.

How ?

78 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

 1. Set a digipeater under settings
2. Type in the destination callsign
3. Connect

Tactical need #7
Find a VMail path to an unreachable station – Way #1
VarAC Features used:
VMail, Path finder

VarAC provides you with ways to find a path for VMAIL relay to a station you can not access directly.

How ?
1. A send a “Path find to C” call.
2. B respond that it heard C
3. A connects B.
4. A leave a VMail to C at B.
5. B will notify C about a parking VMail
6. C connects B to collect the VMail

Tactical need #8
Find a VMail path to an unreachable station – Way #2
VarAC Features used:
VMail, Last Heard (LHR)

VarAC provides you with ways to find a path for VMAIL relay to a station you can not access directly.

How ?
1. A intercepted a beacon from B.
2. A Connect B and pull last heard stations
list using the LHR button.
3. If your destination station C is on that list,
A leave a Vmail to C at B.
4. B will notify C about a parking Vmail.
5. C connects B to collect the VMail.

VarAC Tactical drills checklist

# Tactical scenario Status Comments

1 EmComm operators' “Check-ins” □ Success
□ Fail □ Skip
2 Sending an emergency alert to all EmComm operators. □ Success
□ Fail □ Skip
3 Send emergency VMail without direct link to your destination. □ Success
□ Fail □ Skip
4 Sending an images of a missing person □ Success
□ Fail □ Skip
5 Group chat/check-ins of all EmComm operators □ Success
□ Fail □ Skip
6 Live chat between stations with no direct link (through □ Success
digipeater) □ Fail □ Skip
7 Find a path to an unreachable station (Way #1) □ Success
□ Fail □ Skip
8 Find a path to an unreachable station (Way #2) □ Success
□ Fail □ Skip

79 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Other informations

How to find other radio amateurs to chat with VarAC?

EASY :) our main QRG is 14.105.00 USB watch face. Simply tune your transceiver and press the "CALL CQ" button. If someone is watching the
frequency, they will see you on the screen and even hear a THING sound.

If you want to make yourself visible to others, you can also activate a beacon by clicking the "SEND BEACON" checkbox so that once someone
tunes in, they can see and connect with you.

You can also join our vibrant Facebook community and schedule a QSO by posting there. There are plenty of people willing to help you.

Which RIGs are supported by VarAC?

VarAC needs to manage your PTT.
Therefore, it requires some form of CAT checking (unless you choose to use VOX, which is not recommended).

So you can set up your own CAT control commands if you know them, but I've made your life easier by integrating with OmniRig, which covers
every transceiver. Therefore, it is recommended to install and configure the OmniRig before installing VarAC.

Top
Are VarAC and Vara-Chat compatible?
Yes, but up to a certain level.
VarAC can connect Vara-Chat and perform normal QSO. However, VarAC has some features of its own which cannot be decoded in Vara chat
like Emojis, Sounds, typing something etc...

My OmniRig has a delay in sending

In OmniRig - set the menu item "Timeout, ms" to "100" and you are good to go

What can I do if I encounter a bug in VarAC?

Yes, Bugs and crashes can occur. And they are willing to solve them quickly, but they need your help by providing the following details.

Just log in to the VarAC community and submit your bug here. Provide as much information as possible, including:

A bug description and how to reproduce

A screenshot

The VarAC.ini file

The VarAC.log file

The relevant section of the VarAC_traffic.log file

Where can I find VarAC manuals?

There are still no official manuals because everything is very new. But some VarAC users decided to invest their precious time and write tutorials.
You will find them all Here.

Top

Do you have any questions?

We are happy to help you. Ask your question on the forum on or Facebook-grouppage.

You do not wait long for an answer :)

Here you will also find more VarAC -manuals.

We wish you the best of luck in taking your first steps at VarAC and hope you enjoy it.

Annexes

Introduction

The purpose of these appendices is to provide a better insight into how certain settings are made and this with the different transceiver devices.
Also discussed are the CAT settings of some Interfaces and also the use of a CAT cable.
If you have a properly working VarAC with an Interface or transceiver not yet listed, please send it to us so that we can complete these manuals.
They are a great help to other HAMs.
80 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
CAT cable connected to the USB port
FT-991A with a USB cable
(by Pat, ON2AD)
Installing the Communication Ports (COM)
Go to Yaesu's website select the FT-991A click Files and
download the FT-991A / SCU-17 USB driver (virtual com port
driver)

After installing these drivers, two com ports are created

The Enhanced COM Port is used for CAT control.

The Standard COM Port is used for the TX

(the COM ports may be different from those in the example)

You can view the installed COM ports in device manager

FT-991A Setup for DATA-USB modus

If you are using DATA-USB instead of USB mode, set up your FT-991A with the next settings
Set menu
072 to USB
109 on DATA
FT-991A Setup for USB modus

If you are using USB instead of DATA USB mode, set up your FT-991A with the next settings
Set menu
072 on DATA
109 to USB

Micro HAM-interfaces
The microHAM interfaces use the Eltima Virtual Serial Port drivers, which are installed when installing the microHAM USB Device Router. To
do this, go to the Vertical Port menu and select the necessary COM ports that you think you will use. Personally, I have selected 13 COM ports.

FT-991A with a micro KEYER II

(By Pat, ON2AD)
Since I noticed when I used the FT-991A in DATA-USB the frequency was always 1 kHz higher than normal, I decided to always use the FT991A
in USB mode. A few settings had to be made for that in the Menu of the FT-991A

FT-991A Setup for DATA-USB mode

If you are using DATA-USB instead of USB mode, set up your FT-991A with the next settings
Set menu
072 to USB
109 on DATA
FT-991A Setup for USB mode

If you are using USB instead of DATA USB mode, set up your FT-991A with the next settings
Set menu
072 on DATA
109 to USB

VARA Soundcard settings

With use of the USB cable For use with the microHAM interface

81 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Soundcard settings

Speakers Speaker Features

Record Record properties

FT-897 connected with the micro KEYER II and OmniRig

Info ON6AT, Patrick

Micro Keyer settings

82 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Omni-Rig & VARA-HF & Log4OM

FT-897 Menu setup

Menu Mogelijkheid Instelling

019 CAT Rate 9600bps or select another, but change also the MKII baudrate
020 CAT/LIN/TUN CAT
037 DIG GAIN 10
038 DIG MODE USER-U or USER-L
039 DIG SHIFT 0 Hz
040 DIG VOX 0
83 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
Flex radio’s

Flex 6400M
Info from VarAC-Forum
VarAC settings

SmartSDR +VARA Soundcard settings

84 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Flex 6600
Tnx, K5CG, Danny

The Big C in the blue box indicates it is a CAT port

The Big P in the other indicates PTT use

85 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Release updates

You can find all the “New features”, “Enhancements/Changes” and “Bug fixes” at:

https://www.varac-hamradio.com/forum/manuals/varac-releases-list/

86 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Only for developers
VarAC Sqlite database structure (for developers)

Since VarAC V5, VarAC has a Sqlite database as its main data engine.
This allows developers to integrate in a super flexible, SQL based way to the VarAC traffic for various types of integrations.

Unlike APIs that are limited to a particular use case, accessing directly the VarAC database provides unlimited options for integrations.

To allow “track changes” data reading, each table has 2 identifiers for every row that you can use:
1. A sequential ID – which can be used as a high watermark
2. A unique UUID based identifier.

The VarAC Sqlite DB can be found in the VarAC directory under the name: VarAC.db

By design, the VarAC Sqlite database is not protected by a password or encryption to allow anyone to integrate with its content.

VarAC still does not store all its data in Sqlite. But future VarAC releases will introduce more data structure that will be stored and managed in the
VarAC database.

Here are the tables in the VarAC Sqlite database for version 6.6.13 (VarAC DB version 4)

broadcast

Description: storing all broadcasts (incoming & outgoing)

Columns:
• id (INTEGER) - Auto increment ID
• guid (TEXT) - unique row identifier
• broadcast_time (DATETIME) – in UTC
• frequency (INTEGER) – in Hz
• from_callsign (TEXT)
• to_callsign (TEXT)
• via_callsign (TEXT) – digipeater (one or more)
• broadcast_message (TEXT) – The actual broadcast message
• snr (INTEGER) – the SNR of received broadcasts.

contact

Description: All callsigns you made a QSO with or entered manually

Columns:
• id (NTEGER) - Auto increment ID
• guid (TEXT) - unique row identifier
• callsign (TEXT)
• name (TEXT)
• qth (TEXT)
• comments (TEXT) - additional comments made by you for that contact
• rig (TEXT)
• time_added (DATETIME) - When this contact was first added to the contacts list
• favorite (BOOLEAN) - if this contact is a favorite one
• is_deleted (BOOLEAN) - deletion status of this contact
Indexes: id, guid, starttime, callsign

cqframe

Description: Storing all received Beacons and CQ

Columns:
• id (INTEGER) - Auto increment ID
• guid (TEXT) - unique row identifier
• cqframe_time (DATETIME) – in UTC
• cqframe_type_id (INTEGER) – Reference to the table "cqframe_type"
• frequency (INTEGER) – in Hz
• bandwidth (TEXT) - 500 or 2300
• from_callsign (TEXT)
• snr (INTEGER) – the SNR of received cqframe.
• slot (INTEGER) – slot id where the cqframe was received

87 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023

Indexes: id, guid, cqframe_time, from_callsign

cqframe_type

Description: Lookup table of the "cqframe" table. identifying a cqframe as either CQ (1) or Beacon (2)
Columns:
• cqframe_type_id (INTEGER)
• cqframe_type (TEXT)
Indexes: cqframe_type_id

parameter

Description: Global VarAC parameters. currently hold only one parameter which is the sqlite structure version.
Columns:
• parameter_id (INTEGER)
• parameter_name (TEXT)
• parameter_value (TEXT)
Indexes: parameter_id

qso

Description: All Valid QSOs are stored here. It's a mirror of ADIF data plus additional information.
Columns:
• id (INTEGER) - Auto increment ID
• guid (TEXT) - unique row identifier
• vara_modem_type (TEXT) - What modem was used during the QSO (VARA HF/FM/SAT)
• mode (TEXT) - the ADIF mode that was reported (usually DYNAMIC)
• submode (TEXT) - the ADIF submode that was reported (VARA HF/FM/SAT)
• starttime (DATETIME) - QSO start time (date and time)
• endtime (DATETIME) - QSO end time (date and time)
• frequency (INTEGER) - in Hz
• band (TEXT) - band based on the frequency (ex. 20m, 40m...)
• bandwidth (TEXT) - 500 or 2300
• callsign (TEXT) - the callsign of the station you connected with
• my_callsign (TEXT) - your callsign at the time of the QSO
• digipeater (TEXT) - if a digipeater was used - it will be logged here
• snr_received (INTEGER) - received RST
• snr_sent (INTEGER) - sent RST
• name (TEXT) - operator name
• qth (TEXT) - operator QTH
• my_power (INTEGER) - based on the value at your profile at the time of the QSO
• my_rig (INTEGER) - based on the value at your profile at the time of the QSO
• my_antenna (INTEGER) - based on the value at your profile at the time of the QSO
• comments (TEXT) - additional comments
• varac_version (TEXT) - the VarAC version at the time of the QSO
• is_ping (BOOLEAN) - if this QSO was a ping (obsolete since V7 Pings are not listed as valid QSOs)
• is_deleted (BOOLEAN) - deletion status of this record.
• slot (TEXT) - slot number on which this QSO took place
Indexes: id, guid, starttime, (callsign,starttime)

vmail

Description: Store all Vmails (incoming / outgoing / sent / parking)

Columns:
• id (INTEGER) - Auto increment ID
• guid (TEXT) - unique row identifier
• creation_time (DATETIME) – in UTC
• sent_time (DATETIME) – in UTC
• received_time (DATETIME) – in UTC
• folder_id (INTEGER) - reference to the "vmail_folder" table. Says if it is an inbox/outbox/parked/sent vmail.
• vmail_to (TEXT) - the callsign of the vmail destination
• vmail_from (TEXT)- the callsign of the vmail source
• vmail_via (TEXT) - the callsign of the vmail intermediate station
88 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023
 • is_deleted (BOOLEAN) - if the vmail was deleted or not
Indexes: id, guid, (vmail_to,folder_id), (folder_id,read_status,is_deleted)

vmail_folder

Description: Lookup table for the "vmail" table

Columns:
• folder_id (INTEGER)
• folder (TEXT) - the folder name (Inbox/Sent/Outbox/Parking)
Indexes: folder_id

vmail_relay_notification

Description: Storing all relay notifications - which are indications received from other stations regarding parked Vmails that awaits for your
retrieval.
Columns:
• id (INTEGER) - Auto increment ID
• guid (TEXT) - unique row identifier
• relay_notification_time (DATETIME) – in UTC
• frequency (INTEGER) – in Hz
• from_callsign (TEXT)
• is_deleted (INTEGER) – A boolean (1/0) field - saying if you already deleted the notification or not.

Indexes: id, guid, from_callsign, is_deleted

Acknowledgment

Thanks to all those who have already written a manual in one language or another.

With name;
1. Irad Deutsch, 4Z1AC auteur van VarAC.
2. Ivan Valentin, K3IV
3. Gary Mitchelson, NC3Z
4. Rick Lanford, N8SDR
5. Roy Beiser 4X5BR
6. Pat, ON2AD (Dutch - English & German manuals)
7. And all those we forgot to mention

89 VarAC manual in English (by ON2AD Pat) 19 juli 2023