VarAC

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KF4OD
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2022 10:09 am

VarAC

Post by KF4OD »

Has anyone tried or is anyone using the VarAC utility?

https://www.varac-hamradio.com/

This could be a potential trial to do with our partner club.
KC3BLF
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2023 5:15 am

Re: VarAC

Post by KC3BLF »

Not a member of your club but I've used it a bunch of times. First, on HF you really do not need to pay the 70 buck fee to get the high speed version of VARA. In my experience, HF speeds are generally lower than the free version. If you like to actually chat (via typing) as opposed to merely making a log contact (FT8), this is an option. It has more features and options than FLDigi, error correction, pretty decent speed, pretty decent weak signal (and low power) capabilities. It's a fun mode. The VARA modem (and OFDM in general---FLDigi now has it) seem to be a solution for digital on HF with the exception that it is wider bandwidth. VarAC is 500Hz. Not wide, but not really narrow, either. You can use 2300HZ mode but pretty much nobody does. Maybe in an emergency for pictures or something you could.
I also use JS8Call.....VarAC is pretty similar but MUCH faster and can do more stuff. JS8 Call can do a QSO but is S L O W.
KK4OPI
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2022 1:53 pm
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
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Re: VarAC

Post by KK4OPI »

I’ve not tried VarAC as I’m usually on a Mac for digital modes. If I can get it running under wine on a raspberry pi I might try it. I got VaraHF working on a converted Chromebook running Linux under wine once but that was not a great experience
KF4OD
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2022 10:09 am

Re: VarAC

Post by KF4OD »

Interesting I note that the gal in the video intro of the VarAC home page into is using a Mac.
I need to check if it will work with a RPi Win IoT build - that might be make a good companion with my KX3. Now I'm using a Mele PC stick
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