VARAC CHAT CLIENT FOR VARA HF - BETTER THAN FT8!

Here we take a look at the popular VarAC software that is the next step towards text chatting using RF Transceivers.

00:00 Intro
01:52 Software Setup
03:14 Software Explanation
04:21 Making a CQ Call & QSO
04:55 QSO Demonstration
06:30 Summary and thoughts

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#TechMinds #SDR #HamRadio

[frankhovis]

If this was Open Source, it has the potential to be the next FT8. As it stands its a nice novelty. Its also NAGWARE that'll frustrate you within a few minutes of using it with its never ending nag screens, and I'd be wary of the way it uses MEGA as file distribution.

[Nick_GIZR]

VarAC is great, I use it every day on 10m and no longer use FT8. You get the best of both worlds, a quick connection for the log using the Ping function where it exchanges signal report and location, or you can have a proper chat by calling or answering a CQ call. If you nip out, someone can leave you a message in your mailbox and likewise, if you see someone on and connect to them, you can leave them a message if they don't answer. And one of the best features (particularly on 10m) is the beacon function where stations will leave their beacon running once every 15 mins, so you can see exactly what the propagation is doing as well as who is online. Its still quite new, so give it a go and be an early(ish) adopter!

[maxpi]

This was so very easy to get set up. A Win11 reinstall and upgrade made FT8 difficult so I went qrt for awhile but this looks like a lot more fun

[denniswofford]

This is similar to, but a little more sophisticated looking than JS8Call, which uses the same mode as FT8, but in a chat form.

[zsoltacs]

I totaly agree, I prefer to use Varac and Js8call instead FT8/FT4, because they have more excellent features to play in the air 🙂

[TobotronPrime]

This is absolutely awesome! decentralised MSN messenger with emojis!! Thanks, Matt! This weekend is now assigned to VARAC! 😅

[tiggydorset]

Not tried this one yet. Looks great. I'm digging the file transfer feature. It will be interesting to see how this compares to JS8call.

[jackKFIT]

I've used VARA HF and VARA FM for a couple of years and they work great. Even tried the older VARA Chat but it didn't have a lot of use for my needs (mostly emcomm). Just discovered VarAC and have it installed and configured and will start checking it out right away. Looks very promising. Thanks for the informative video.

[TRIPPLEJAY]

I absolutely love coms like this, just wish we could have more love on 11m with projects like this. Who knows I may try it. Just concentrating on my multi platform emergency comms.

[gliderrider]

I downloaded it a few days ago. Seems a bit overwhelming but maybe it’s not to bad once you get into it. I have been a ham for 33 years but only used psk31 for the 1st time in an event a couple days ago on winter field day. So far my favorite digital mode has been the oldest one, (with the exception of cw), is Feld Hellscheiber.

[tristanmills]

We just need an open source version of a Vara like mode. It's the author's right to keep it closed, but it does feel against the spirit of ham radio experimentation.
Of course it also needs someone to do that and it's not me. Maybe there's an ARDC grant in it though.

[garrykraemer]

Your videos always contain awesome content. This looks very interesting. I might invest some time studying the software instructions. Keep up the great work! Best Ragards!

[toddxhadandl]

Got it installed and running the other night. Impressive. I gave up on JS8CALL years ago. Nobody QSO's anymore. Been using Olivia on/off.

[malgkpm]

Just installed. Was easy to setup. Had a nice long qso straight away. Chat away freely. Bit like messenger or Whats app. So much more freedom than FT8.

[BosssyBear]

Pretty cool! Made a QSO in 10 minutes after installation.

[Rockn-UV]

It's a great mode. You gave a very good explanation. They've been doing some nice upgrades to VarAC in the past 6 months.

As stated in other comments, it's comparable to JS8Call which is another well written QSO type program with lots of features.

[robertjordan]

This would be perfect for RACES/ARES type of emergency communications traffic. For instance, being able to make a long winded report back to a governmental location to another ham station, to pass info.

[rpgiuliani]

VarAC is for not just contacts but for QSOs at length. I have used PSK31 and FT8 FT4 . The FT8 and FT4 left unimpressed as they are limited to a quick in and out contact with getting to know the op on the other end. VarAC on the other hand is afford itself to full QSOs. Once contacted, the error correction makes sure what is send is what is received. I enjoy QSO's and not just a hit n run unless it's a contest.

[DR]

Used this a few times on ham and 11m good bit of software, and as you said better then the 5.9 reports in ft8, i also use js8 very similar and you can chat by message on there as well.

[shambahri]

Excellent Tech, thank you again for sharing. Might give it a go especially for Emergency comms QSO !! ta