This list withholds information and download links to every VarAC version that was ever released. Including the one that is currently in development.
Latest:
In development:
Historical:
VarAC V2.7.2 Beta (11/12/2021)
VarAC V2.6.2 Beta (27/11/2021)
In development: VarAC V10.3
New features
Datastream scroll down indicator when new messages arrives.
QSL card generator!
Enhancements/Changes
Adding "Skip if active" option in Application launcher
Removing queued but yet to be transmitted broadcasts once a connection is established.
Adding a file explorer button next to each application in the application launcher for east exe selection.
Replying to an urgent VMail is automatically marked also as urgent.
New tag <FS> to send your own frequency scheduler plan.
Bug fixes
Not allowing manual insertion of values into the wait time in the application launcher.
When opening the Callsign lookup - it held a lock on the sqlite DB that prevented from other traffic to be written,.
in callsign history - not loading broadcasts that don't have a frequency.
VarAC V10.2.1 (2/11/2024)
Download: LINK
New features
Callsign dropdown mode: RECENT/POPULAR/CUSTOM. New setting - Select your desired mode for connect-to callsigns list.
Application launcher - Set startup application sequence prior to VarAC startup. Ideal for launching Rig control apps, loggers etc. Set wait time for each app and even if you want VarAC to first close an existing app instance.
Historical SNR data - VarAC now saves all SNR data during a QSO so you can see the SNR graph of previous QSOs. This will only apply to new QSOs made with this new version.
Automatic antenna switch upon band switch (for supported rigs with multiple antennas and antenna selector)
Mark VMail as urgent. In EmComm mode - a VMail is marked as urgent by default. This will also reflect through relay notifications that will now show also Urgent relay notifications both on the main screen and on the relay notification center.
VarAC backups - By default VarAC will backup its important files in a "backup" subdirectory or one of your choice. You can disable it or change the retention copies under the settings -> Misc. Also can access backups from Main screen top menu -> Logs -> Open backup directory.
EmComm features - features you can enable only under EmComm mode.
- Disable SNR report sending - save time and power while handling a crisis.
- Disable Caller ID sending- save time and power while handling a crisis (Require to check local regulations).
- Last connection peeking - see previous links of your fellow EmComm network members
- Automatic incoming file approval - always accept incoming files regardless to their size.
Enhancements/Changes
Applying suppress is typing in low SNR also if the other side signal is low.
Inquire - close upon inquiring. Now you can control if it will stay open for additional inquiries.
Adding countdown to large incoming file size alert and keeping it always on top.
Block callsign - directly from the main screen using the right click menu.
Adding Translate button to VMails.
When activating google translate - instruct it to auto-detect the source language
Adding 8m band as an option.
Adding explanation on how "Ask for SNR" in broadcast can also serve as a broadcast receipt confirmation.
Adding additional DXCC country prefixes: TM
On Callsign History - Auto Scroll on QSO table to show the recent QSOs
On Copy SNR chart to data - including also QSO time
Added tooltips on SNR graph - when hovering on a point, a tooltip with its values appear.
Adding to the Rig configuration tester also the activation of Antenna tuner and Antenna selector.
On Callsign history - showing single QSO contents per user selection from the QSO list.
When Auto QSY is rejected as it is out of allowed range, a new tag is sent "<QJO>" to signal the other side of the reason of declining QSY.
Upon VarAC exit - showing on screen the closing process tasks information
Bug fixes
Not allowing manual insert of values in dropdown menu items in the settings menus.
Closing the Inquire screen after clicking "parked VMail peeking".
Fixing translations for Settings menu "Load chat history upon connection"
When using old VARA FM/SAT version, VarAC tells you to upgrade your VARA HF.
VarAC V10.1.0 (27/9/2024)
New features
HamPlay - the hamradio game center. Play games over the radio using VarAC. First games to be release - Tic-Tac-Toe and Connect-Four.
New settings: Treat entire frequency list (dropdown) as CF (Calling frequencies). For groups (EmComm and Standard) who wish to set their own CFs and apply to it CF limitations (such as VMail forwarding).
DXCC country count - under the statistics section.
Parked VMail Peeking - Check if your parked VMails has been successfully forwarded their destination.
Enhancements/Changes
Added CQ option "PLAY" to indicate that you want to play a game.
Mailbox form is now resizable and individual columns can be resized too.
Adding "Closing VarAC" popup upon closing and performing a safe shutdown for improved data integrity.
Ask for - Consolidating buttons of data requests (such as SNR, INFO, LHP etc.) into a unified menu with additional options
Adding a few new DXCC new prefixes to the prefix-to-country decode list.
Added VOTA as a CQ option (for the VarAC On The Air parties). Added also CQ LH (Lighthouse)
Added the CQ type to the Narration so it will read outload the CQ purpose.
Select how you want to open images - with VarAC Image viewer or OS default viewer (New setting)
Adding support for GPS that sends GNGGA messages.
Bug fixes
Not able to delete a VMail relay notification.
Broadcast mouse hover message said that double click perform a broadcast reply. Message was removed.
After changing UI mode, the broadcast and datastream was placed on the top. fixed to scroll to bottom.
<HNAME> tag did not work.
In the VMailbox - "connect and relay now" did not work.
In Simple mode - the CLR log button was on top of the LOG button
QSY sniffers did not temporarily disable the PTT
Setting the relay notification screen always on top like all other windows
VarAC V9.2.3 (15/6/2024)
New features
Broadcast based SNR: Ask for SNR report using Broadcast
DCD bypass: Ignore VARA DCD (Busy indicator) - to bypass constant noise on the frequency that prevent transmitting.
Date/Time customization: Customize Date/Time Formats to Standard, European or US style.
Chat recall - When connected to a station, your previous correspondences will be automatically loaded into the data stream so you can continue the conversation where you left it.
Date splitters - Split your DataStream into date-based sections for easy navigation.
GPS integration
- Read GPS data from NMEA GPS device and automatically updates your Locator.
- Adding also new tag <GPSLOC> to share your exact Long/Lat.
- Showing live GPS base grid locator on the bottom status strip.
- Hovering on it, shows the exact Lat/Long.
- Provide warning if no GPS data was received in 5 minutes.
Enhancements/Changes
Tags now work in VMails. Easily incorporate data to VMails with <INFO>, <NAME>, <LOC>, <GPSLOC> etc...
Changing default dx cluster (VE7CC) port from 7373 to 23.
Reflecting "EmComm beacon" on the VARA command window when a beacon is fired in EmComm mode.
Showing alert when changing to EmComm mode while on a calling frequency.
EmComm beacons colors can be now customized under the appearance settings.
Adding a dropdown menu for recent callsign in the send broadcast dialogue.
Moving the beacons/CQ time diff selector to the settings section.
set a custom VarAC DB File path using new VarAC.ini parameter DBCustomFilePath= under the OTHER section.
Change in sending log to N3FJP log - sending an "ENTER" comment to trigger QSO uploads to external sources (QRZ.COM)
Double-clicking a broadcast message will open it on a larger viewer (similar to DataStream message double-click) now also allowing to pick Name/QTH/LOC for QSO logging.
<SNRR> was replaced with a shorter version <SR>
Changing the way in which VarAC logs to ACL N3FJP. Now it automatically logged and does not require manual approval.
Removing N1MM+ Logging using TCP. UDP method remains.
Upgrading callsign-history screen: New tabular view mode for chat history, applying appearance settings, Clicking enter to search callsign.
Bug fixes
Pings were marked as "Worked before" stations.
Fixing some color flickering when opening the frequency dropdown immediately after a frequency change.
Not sending "Is typing" event when selecting a canned message from the drop down.
After restart in EmComm mode - the beacon timer was reset to 15, in case it was lower.
Alert tags with < > signs did not work
Fixing some prefixes in DXCC country codes
VarAC V9.1.0 (10/4/2024)
New features
QSY Sniffer timer - showing a progress bar to encourage longer sniffing time before QSY/CQ
Automatic Log4OM Callsign lookup upon connection. (New settings under settings -> Logging)
Hamlib-Rigctld (TCP) support
Automatic settings of VARA audio level per band (For VARA licensed users only)\
New UI language support: Spanish (by EA3OG), French (by F1SKF)
Frequency hints - add a text to a frequency in the drop down frequency list.
Official 2m & 70cm calling frequencies
New EmComm mode:
- Special EmComm beacon for best visibility on receiving stations.
- EmComm VMail templates (Forms) - ICS style messages.
- Minimum 5 minutes beacon interval
- Slightly different main screen layout - removing non-EmComm related features/buttons
- Printing VMails
Enhancements/Changes
Added SA (South America) in the special CQ options
Disabled PTT is now more visible
VarAC screen can now downsized to 870 X 520 pixels to accommodate smaller screens.
Added tooltips on callsign in the broadcasts window including name, qth, country etc.
Storing and showing VMail receiving frequency
When replying a VMail reply - new button to load the full original message into the composing section.
Allowing the resize of the VMail form to compose large messages in EmComm mode.
Limiting pathfinders to one per minute to avoid spamming.
Bug fixes
Fixed types all around
Narration of path finder requests & replies did not work correctly
BeaconGraceTimeSeconds parameter did not affect frequency change made by the "frequency scheduler"
OmniRig tests under settings did not work.
Connecting old CQ, when choosing "no - connect on the CF" it still moved to the slot.
Change Profile screen showed the UI language file "VarAC_UI_languages.ini" as a VarAC profile
VarAC V8.6.2 (24/2/2024)
New features
Interface localization - multilingual UI support using a new configuration file (VarAC_UI_languages.ini) that comes with predefined languages while allowing personalization. Changing UI language under Settings --> Appearance and sounds.
New settings form - divided to tabs for best orientation.
Brand new broadcasts mechanism - sending broadcasts on lower VARA speed levels for optimal decoding at challenging SNR levels.
Special CQ! calling CQ POTA/QRP/NA/DX... and even your own custom CQ call. (Requires latest VARA modem version)
Including Locator in special CQs
Showing VMail relay notification in the beacons list
Enhancements/Changes
Removing the "datastream" & "broadcast" gray labels. Changing the table column names to reflect their content.
New VarAC.ini (only) parameters:
- BeaconGraceTimeSeconds : Wait time from when you switch frequency until the beacon is fired (default 10)
Show only pathfinders of myself (ignore all others) - new settings.
Supporting "Enter" command in Text based CAT commands using the string "[ENT]". Example : PTTOn=TX[ENT]
Alert center is now resizable
Suppressing VARA "encryption disabled" messages for better readability.
Random wait time after the busy indicators turned off. Reduce the likelihood for broadcasts and beacons collisions.
QSY popup remains always on-top until dismissed by the user. It is also more visible now.
QSY invitations are prioritized and placed on the top of the message queue.
When disconnecting and there is still AWAY/AWQ messages being transmitted, they will not be returned to the message queue to avoid duplicate tag transmission upon next connection.
Accessibility feature : ESC button takes to the DataStream (for the visual impaired users.)
Automatically unchecking the "I'm away" when calling CQ.
Bug fixes
Missing prefixes starting with "M" in the callsign to country name tooltip.
In VarAC statistics, the "Sent 73s" was always 0.
In alert settings - in alert 7 when clearing the alert text it does not hide the checkboxes
Fixing typos all around the software
Right click on VMail to check PSK-reporter, used the TO and not the FROM callsign
When performing Chat reply in VARA slow speed it can crash the link on the other side.
Resetting the "double QSY invitation" counter after disconnection.
VarAC V8.4.4 (10/11/2023)
New features
Datastream refactor - New Layout, New features!
Tabular view
Load chat history upon VarAC startup - Continue where you left it
Image viewer - Click an image thumbnail to view magnify
New "Name/QTH/Locator" selector from the datastream.
Check for VarAC updates - VarAC new version availability indicator
Showing the country name in the hover tooltip on CQ/Beacons
Copy text - copy a single message (Broadcast or Datastream) using the right click menu.
Load preexisting QSO log data upon connection (New setting. Default ON).
Unattended links supression - For those frequencies where local regulations does not allow unattended links to be made.
Enhancements/Changes
Show operator name in a Vmail.
Hide empty fields in a Vmail.
Adding VFO A/B control for omnirig users (new setting)
Applying PskReporter custom link also to other callsigns PSKreporter lookup
Filter Vmail time from last X days. To improve loading time for large Vmailboxes.
Extended the tooltip popup time from 12 to 20 seconds.
VarAC cluster new ini parameter: PTTLock. Enables/Disables the cluster PTT lock mechanism. For VarAC clusters with independent Rigs and antennas.
Logging every QSO by default to the internal VarAC DB regardless to the actual logging to the ADIF file/Logger application.
Bug fixes
Disconnecting the DTR/RTS ports when opening the settings screen to avoid "Com is busy messages" during PTT tests.
IF QSYing back to the CF, the "QSY from CF" alert may show negative seconds time.
When no freq read is possible, an error pop up on screen when clicking the "#" (free-form QSY)
Handling an error message that appears when updating the instance keepalive record in the Sqlite db when in cluster mode.
When someone connects you, send you a QSY invitation and disconnect before the QSY happens, you remain on the QSY freq and never go back to the CF.
VaraSAT bugs :
- TUNE button remained disabled after a CQ call
- QSY wizard to support also GHz (For Vara-Sat)
- VarAC tries to set to 500HZ upon startup
VarAC V8.2.0 (18/9/2023)
New features
Vmails now include the original compose time and 3rd party station that relayed it
Indication of what part of the message being sent was received already by the other side.
Hovering mouse on CQ/Beacons shows known name & QTH.
Callsign-history now allows contact details edits and adding comments.
VarAC cluster PTT coordinator - Locking PTT of other VarAC cluster instances if one of the cluster member is currently busy.
Ice Breaker - sharing age, profession and hobbies to spark a more personal and enjoyable chat.
Logger32 support
Suppressing "is typing" events under low SNR levels (New settings - default ON).
Enhancements/Changes
Adding "Path find" menu item to the right-click menu on Parked/Outbox section in the Vmail Mailbox to find paths for best Vmail relay.
Path finder response waits for a random of 5-50 seconds before sent to reduce the likelyhood of broadcast collisions by many responding stations.
Extending the wait time for a message to be sent after the last message was sent from 300ms to 1000ms to reduce collisions
Removing BW column from Last heard CQ/Beacon on Simple UI mode.
While QSY sniffing a freq during a QSO, disabling PTT.
Selected font size for datastream now also applies to "Currently sending" and "In queue" sections.
Disable/Enable Vara modems launch upon VarAC startup (new settings option).
When connected to a station that has Vmails waiting and a QSY is requierd to pull them, it will provide you with a notification (New <VW> tag)
Adding retries (up to 3) for frequency change attempts to overcome remporary lack of resources of RIG commands timeouts.
QSY back threshold in case of suspicioun for failed QSY, was changed from 25 to 35 seconds.
Added slot size (hz) manual ovveride under settings. VARA-SAT will automatically set it to 2550Hz and VARA-HF to 750Hz.
Bug fixes
If a relay notification failed, it did not reset its status and it blocked additional connection to be made
Even with PTT disabled, it seemd like a path find response was sent on the broadcast section while it was not really sent.
Moving between Advanced/Simple UI and also doing app Maximize, result in a messy screen layout.
Log entry and callsign history braodcast showed "//" instead of "<",">" signs.
Broadcasts, path finder responses and vmails showed Local times and not UTC time
Free-Form QSY ("#" button") by default selects Slot 1 and not CF.
If alert tag has a corrupted color sekected, VarAC crashes upon save.
Not relaying Vmails if the vmail was originally parked for a "complex callsign"
On Alert center, string that contains "<>" signs was messy.
VarAC will try to connect PSKReporter every minute if it failed to do so during VarAC startup.
Frequency scheduler changed frequency while trying to connect a station
Progress bar did not show correctly when sending multibyte (non-english) text.
VaraSAT related bugs :
- TUNE was missing.
- No test frequency for 2m/70cm
- Log BAND field was missing 13cm,23cm.
- Offset (hz) did not support large numbers (to support up-converters)
- Logging QSO with above 1GH frequencies does not support ADIF frequency format and fail when logging to external loggers
VarAC V8.0.6 (15/7/2023)
New features
Path finder - find who heared a station you are interested in. Great tool to find station to park your Vmails at for an unreachable destination.
Time estimation for image transfer
Offline image srhinker
Simple/Advance UI selector.
Bottom strip with real-time information and alerts
New UI layout for better user orientation.
UI Themes: Space, Heathkit, Red-Alert, Grass, Visual impaired (enlagred fonts with contrast) etc.
Enhancements/Changes
Vmail max size increased to 500 characters.
Callsign history - load 1 year of history into CQ/Beacon section
Customize Beacon/CQ font size for best visibility.
Added dozens of new colors for apperance customization.
Auto accept Verbose SNR (New setting)
Stop Verbose SNR on both side when one side cancels it.
Min file size to receive automatically was increased to 5K
In Verbose SNR mode, one side will be send report on the 00 sesconds mark and the other siude on 30 seconds mark to avoid collisions.
Beacon max time is now 72 hours (previously 48 hours)
Bug fixes
When migrating from old VarAC.db, not failing on primary key upon inserts into lookup tables.
File packets generated alerts (if had tags in them) while inserting the whole file packet to the alert table.
Changing lables in a few screens - "SNR" instead of "RST"
Changing row height of datagrids due to font size change (broadcasts) did not affect existing rows.
VarAC V7.3.0 (9/6/2023)
Download: LINK
New features
Alert center - one screen with all alerts. Great for daily use as well as Emcomm operations.
Logging QSOs to Winlog32 logger.
Custom Slot size - to establish your own slot-system gaps. (new ini parmeter SlotStepHz="
Loading QSO Partner log history to QSO log upon connection.
Image compression (for file send) including adding your/partner callsign and SNR reports.
Enhancements/Changes
Adding 4 more canned messages
Adding "Connect" and "Ping" to the right-click menu of the data-stream section.
When replying on Vmail, include vmail content preview in the reply.
VaraFM minimum beacon interval time is 5 minutes.
Added Telegram chat group shortcut at the Resources menu.
Custom configuration file path (for multi-Instances VarAC cluster)
- AlertTagsCustomFilePath=
- AutoQSYFrequencyListCustomFilePath=
- FrequencyScheduleCustomFilePath=
Bug fixes
"Connect and relay now" option on the mailbox dropdown menu did not work.
Checking illegal characters in the TO/VIA fields on broadcasts
QSY to the same frequency resulted in VMAIL forwards on the CF.
Forwarding Vmails to a station (ex 4Z1AC) even if the VMails TO field is a complex callsign (ex 4Z1AC/P)
If the frequency was busy when trying to connect, it kept showing a "." (dot) every second even after connected.
When disconnected, not re-queueing the tags <TL>, <QSYR>, <QSYJ>
If the VARA modem died during QSO for any reason (Crash/Corrupted packet) VarAC did not QSY back and remained stuck in "connected" state.
Dxcluster connectivity issue with some password protected clusters.
Not allowing to type manually info the frequency indicator
In settings, not resetting the psk checkboex if loading settings while "linux compatible mode" is ON.
VarAC V7.1.7 (7/5/2023)
Download: LINK
New features
Sending alert tags and canned messages in Broadcasts
Bug fixes
Critical bug fix: OmniRig frequency change/read sometimes did not reflect on the VarAC main screen
VarAC V7.1.4 (28/04/2023)
Download: LINK
New features
Auto QSY recovery - in case one of the sides failed to QSY both sides will return the me main frequency. This is done by new QSY accept / reject tags. Both sides need to be on the latest version for this to work.
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.
Enabling/Disabling alert tags per element (Beacon / CQ / Broadcast / DataStream)
Auto antenna tune upon frequency change. You can set to always or only during band skip. (works with CAT & FLrig with and only with supported rigs).
TCP based CAT control (For all those modern SDRs)
Frequency offset calibration - for all those rigs with a drifted VFO
VarAC Start CAT command. CAT file now has a new parameter you can customize "VarACStartCmd=". This CAT command will be executed upon VarAC startup incase you want to put your rig in a certain state prior to start using VarAC.
"In QSO with" now shows the name of your QSO partner if already had a QSO with him in the past.
For Developers - New SQLite tables (Find more info HERE)
- "qso" - all VarAC QSOs.
- "contact" - all callsigns you ever connected with.
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)
Enhancements/Changes
QSY Back now also prompt for user confirmation with Auto selection with a countdown timer.
Incoming ping is narrated as "Ping from..." Instead of "Connected to..."
Detecting misconfiguration where VarAC VARA modem type is not the same as the actual connected VARA modem.
Changing "DISCO" gesture to "RING!" which will create a long phone ring to drag an op attention.
"DING" gesture is now "DING!"
Keeping Broadcast windows always on top while open.
Forcing the use of VARA V4.7.3 or higher.
"Callsign block list" feature not also applied to incoming broadcasts.
"Callsign block list" now perform upper-case to all callsigns.
Reducing the max time for QSO on CF to 4 minutes (now with auto-QSY there is no need for CF Long links)
Disabled manual typing into the QSO-Log dropdowns RST-S, RST-R, BAND
Disabling VARA monitor for VARA-FM.
Bug fixes
Alert tag highlights of texts in the Data-Stream were mispositioned.
Closing "Leave a message" popup upon disconnection.
Rig clicking on a top row in mail box did not automatically selected that line for he drop down menu actions.
Rig clicking on vmail in parking/sent/inbox did not automatically selected that line for he drop down menu actions.
If leaving settings without a change (just closing it) VarAC stopped reading the frequency from the RIG.
Not populating Log data during incoming/outgoing pings.
Cleaning the queue in case of incoming/outgoing ping
Not queueing a report on an outgoing ping
If no "welcome message" is configured and you have incoming connection, your first SNR sent report is not recorded which may fail the logging of he entire QSO.
Blocking broadcast/re-broadcast if PTT is disabled
If incoming files directory is a network drive that starts with a \\ it failed the file transfer
Fresh install did not populate the default VARA monitor port number 8350
VarAC V7.0.8 (17/03/2023)
Download: LINK
New features
Rapid profile change - from the main screen
X4 faster ping cycle (No locator, No outgoing SNR)
X2 faster QSO handshake (Sending immediately upon connection the SNR of incoming connection request)
Automatic QSY. (Can be disabled under settings). Full control of your allowed auto-QSY frequency ranges and band skip.
In auto-QSY mode, Vmails will relay only after QSY and not on the CF.
Direct access to editing dropdown calling frequencies list through the Settings menu
Quick "mute all sounds" button on the main screen
Enhancements/Changes
Ping time limit on CF increased to 90 seconds.
Clicking a URL inside a broadcast now opens a browser
When setting text from the data stream to log name/qth/loc, trimming white spaces.
When sending an image file, it also shows in the data stream for the sender
relay notifications - Showing when and where a station was last seen
Changing datastream & broadcast section font to "Segoe UI Emoji" Under "Linux compatible mode" to allow Emojis with Linux.
Changed no "BUSY" time from 10 to 5 seconds before Beaconing or relay notifications.
Allowing self connect (connecting VarAC from another VarAC with the same callsign)
Quick send "ALL" button when writing a new broadcast.
When in 'away' status and receiving a Verbose SNR invitation, your VarAC will automatically reject it.
QSY will take place when the PTT is off as some rigs can not QSY during a TX.
Bug fixes
Broadcast popup blocked any engagement with the main VarAC app. Solved.
Added validation for dequeue operations, Checking if the queue is not empty.
"Broadcast reply" always sent to "ALL"
Deleting a relay notification always deleted the last line and not the selected line
When clicking a slot ID on the QSY invitation windows, the button is not marked as "checked" upon first click
Checking double QSY also on free-form QSY (QSY #)
Right click-> Connect on callsigns did not move to the slot like in double-clicking.
If CQ Slot selector is disabled under settings, ignoring the slot on the CQ/Beacons list
VarAC crashes when receiving CQ through 2 digipeaters.
VarAC V6.6.13 (28/1/2023)
Download: LINK
New features
Last heard Beacons/CQ time shown as absolute or time diff from UTC
FLRig support (Now you can also operate your Rig remotely with VarAC)
Multilingual broadcasts
Incoming Broadcasts SNRs (requires VARA 4.7.2)
PSKReporter uploads of Broadcasts (requires VARA 4.7.2)
Verbose SNR - send SNR during a QSO every 1 minutes for propagation tests.
Block <INFO> requests - if you don't want your data to be retrieved automatically
Limiting Ping time to 60 seconds on the CF
Enhancements/Changes
Right click a beacon --> connect
Last heard is now stored in the SQLite DB.
Ignoring received CQ calls without a Slot ID (unless "skip CQ slot selector" is enabled)
Clear indication on the VARA command box of CQFRAME that are Beacons (with SSID -9)
Narration queue - if there are many things to narrate, VarAC will narrate one by one and not together
5 additional frequency scheduler timers
Under SNR graph - copy SNR data to clipboard & adding QSO start time at the graph header
PSK Self reporting will only happen after 60 seconds from the last frequency dropdown change.
Right Click->Copy all, on all sections in the "callsign history" screen.
VarAC.ini file is now created upon first VarAC run. No INI file will be distributed from now on in install packages.
Detecting a VarAC.exe run directly from the ZIP package file and alerting the user.
Safety mechanism for stuck PTT: Auto turning PTT off every minute while in in active transmission
New <LOCR> tag - to pull your QSO partner grid locator
Bug fixes
Type in LHR tag in the gestures screen
Vmails times were not shown in UTC time.
VaraFM - connecting through digipeater removed spaces from the connect callsign textbox
VaraFM - Your own CQ echoed through a digipeater will not be decoded by you.
VaraFM - not decoding same broadcast over and over again is echoed through a digipeater
VaraFM - right click a callsign on last heard list & broadcast reply - did not populate well the digipeater
VaraFM - right click on beacon -> Ping - failed.
the "skip CQ slot selector" checkbox under settings was not loaded properly to screen showing always "checked"
Clean VARA buffer popup appear many times during a QSO when VarAC tries to clean the VARA buffer
Disabling narration under "Linux compatible mode" to avoid errors as narrations are not supported on Wine
Decoding now frequencies as bands 23cm and 13cm
When using multiple screens - sometimes VarAC does not reload on the last position it was at.
Removing maximize option from inbox screen
On VarAC cluster (Multi-instances) now also refreshing the relay notification counter.
VarAC V6.4.15 (23/12/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
Narration - VarAC will read you incoming messages, broadcasts, CQ, Beacons, alerts and notification. Great for the visual impaired but also for those that want vocal alerts. Male & Female voices are available and callsigns phonetic readouts. Its all under "settings --> Appearance and sounds"
VARA-FM Broadcasts through digipeaters - up to 2 digipeaters
Customize your alerts (sound) preferences- Enable/Disable various sound alerts under "settings --> Appearance and sounds"
Using remote VARA modem (defining host/IP). Used primarily for VARA FM.
VarAC Exit Cat command: When using VarAC direct CAT control, you can put Rig in a desired state upon VarAC shutdown. Set the "VarACExitCmd=" in your VarAC_cat_commands.ini file. Multiple commands can be provided with comma separation.
Alert tags - Setting keywords that will trigger an Alarm sound and will show on screen with customized colors (Unser settings -> Alert tags configuration). Great for EmComm - to set alarm and visual alert using a broadcasts
Enhancements/Changes
Broadcasts are now saved to DB. Loading last 24 hours on screen upon VarAC startup. (enable/disable this under settings)
Saving last broadcast splitter position between startup (broadcast section height)
Showing all decoded broadcasts. Making sound only for those who are for me (including ALL)
Re-broadcasting - right clicking previously sent broadcasts and re-broadcast them.
Broadcast without closing the "broadcast message" window. Sending many broadcasts now made easy.
"Enter to broadcast" on the broadcast popup.
Translate a broadcast (using right-click)
Adaptive broadcast row height based on selected font size (avoid cutting y/g/q...)
Showing historical broadcasts of a user in the "Callsign history" panel.
Double click on a broadcast opens a broadcast reply window.
Relay notifications are now persistent. Not losing them after restarts as they are now kept in the SQLite DB.
Changing order of things upon startup to improve connectivity stability with the VARA modem
Clicking checkbox text on the main screen also changes the checkbox state
Connect & relay now - right click Vmail in your outbox/parking folder and initiate a connect & relay.
Vmail size limit changes: VaraHF(500Hz): 350 / VaraHF(2300Hz):10,000 / VaraFM:1,000,000
Bug fixes
Broadcast popup had some visual issues with dark mode.
Right click a broadcast automatically select it
showing wrong QSO duration for over an hour QSO. Now showing QSO duration hours:minutes:seconds.
Resetting monitor kiss port to a different number other than 0 to avoid VARA Monitor crash
50Mhz frequencies were not shown as 6m band.
Stopping "QSY back to CF" after a CQ and QSY-to-Slot, upon incoming connection attempt on the slot.
Callsign history - typing callsign automatically makes it up-case with no spaces
Making "Callsign history" panel resizable
When clear "currently sending" button is clicked but is unable to complete, it hangs the VarAC and RIG control
When calling CQ and the BUSY indicator is ON, the CQ fails and still VarAC move to the slot.
Tools menu did not turn to dark under dark mode
If trying to connect while the frequency is Busy, VarAC will wait for the frequency to clear before starting the connect sequence.
VarAC V6.3.3 (24/11/2022)
Download: LINK
Enhancements/Changes
If VarAC fails to send commands to the VARA KISS port (for relay notifications / broadcast) it shows a message on screen.
Showing Queued broadcasts in the "in queue" section
Clearing "in queue" section now clears also broadcasts.
Changing the following parameter on the VARA Monitoring instance to avoid KISS port blockage : Enable KISS=0, KISS Port=0
160M official frequency
Bug fixes
After calling CQ, the "Click here to return to CF" did not work.
Fixing broadcast row height - cutting letters like g/q/y
Broadcasts were not sent if "relay notification" checkbox was disabled under settings.
right click Broadcast --> copy all, did not include the broadcast message
Changing KISS interface to work with new KISS header By Jose (192,1). Requries VARA HF 4.6.6 / FM 4.2.6
After VARA modem restarted (manually or automatically) the broadcast/relay notifs stop from going out
VarAC V6.2.4 (20/11/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
Linux compatible mode - Full support of VarAC on Linux/Raspberry using WINE.
Showing QSO summary data upon disconnection.
Translation - "right click -> Translate" in the data stream and it will show a google translate result.
Edit VMails that are in the outbox
SNR Live graph - see SNR reports of you and your QSO partner on a live graph.
VarAC profiles - easily switch between different VarAC configurations for different RIGs.
VarAC Cluster - running multiple VarACs with different rigs while sharing resources. Great for VMail relays across different bands.
VarAC Broadcasts - Sending an asynchronous message to a user or to ALL.
Clean VARA buffer - clear a message that is already in the VARA buffer but yet to be sent. Requires a VARA license (requires VARA 4.6.4 onwards)
Enhancements/Changes
Block parkings - Prevent your VarAC from receiving 3rd party VMails
Removing personalized away messages.
Reducing welcome message to 50 characters.
Reducing max Vmail message size to 300 characters.
Closing com ports upon VARA modem disconnect.
Reported ADIF Mode is not longer controlled by the user. It's now hard coded DYNAMIC.
Showing a warning if trying to start a connection on a busy frequency.
Showing warning if setting a callsign that is too long under "My information" screen.
Small arrows above the frequency indicator are now tied to the slot system and will move you between slots.
Change in 17m Calling frequency. Moved from 18.106 to 18.107.
Allowing the use of <LOC> tags in welcome messages.
Mailbox is now implemented using a SqLite DB (VarAC.db). This opens new opportunities for software integrations.
Not showing non-500Hz CQ/Beacons if intercepted on a calling frequency.
Disable VarAC <-> VARA KISS connection with VarAC.ini parameter: VarahfEnableKissInterface
Bug fixes
Locking field on the call-history screen for read-only.
VARA-FM - closing the modem screen upon VarAC Closing.
VARA-FM - changing the VARA ports automatically based on port numbers selected in the VarAC settings screen.
VARA-FM - Fixing the "WRONG" message on the VARA command log upon VarAC Startup
Mailbox rows where too tight. Extended their height for better viewability.
Added 500ms wait time before queueing up a new message to be sent to overcome some VARA modem dead locks.
Not sending relay notification with callsigns that are longer than 6 characters (AX25 protocol limit)
Using the mouse wheel on the slot selector slider now moves one slot at a time
When receiving a VMail with a full callsign (Like 4Z1AC/P) it ended up in parking and not in inbox.
Free form QSY ("#") did not allow a sniffing or QSY to a manually inserted frequency.
Pausing beacon while sniffing another non-CF frequency.
When a corrupted packet is received, performing a clean disconnection.
While invited to QSY, and when not using frequency control through cat (but manually) your VarAC kept showing you are on the CF and killed your link when CF time limit exceeded.
When the CF is busy, and trying to connect on a slot, VarAC didn't let you continue with the connect sequence.
When disabling Vmail relay notifications, VarAC still changed the VARA.ini kiss port number.
VarAC V6.0.8 (8/10/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
VMail relay notifications about parking messages waiting for you in other stations (Using new asynchronous message system). Requires VARA V4.6.4.
DX Cluster integration - Uploading spots to DX Cluster.
Showing bearing in additional to distance
Allow use to disabled logging for incoming/outgoing pings.
Official 60m calling frequency (5.355)
Setting and Logging your TX power
Add multiple recipients for a VMail (Using comma separation)
<VER> tag now returns also the VARA modem version (starting VARA 4.6.4)
Enhancements/Changes
Logging to ADIF the frequency upon the QSO started on (instead of current frequency)
Last heard lists can now be sorted by any column. New rows will still be added at the top of the list.
Adding a right-click -< Send Vmail option on the last heard lists.
Not allowing tags in welcome & away messages to reduce message size.
Adding band indication for CQ and beacons printouts.
Reducing the beacon wait time for non BUSY frequency from 30 to 20 seconds.
Right click a callsign on last heard lists and send vmail.
Not allowing to send files over the calling frequency.
Limiting QSOs on the Calling frequencies to 6 minutes (to make people QSY)
Bug fixes
60m band was not resolved correctly
Forcing upper case letter for destination callsign when composing vmails
Corrupted ADIF records threw exception. now skipping and writing to log file.
When disabling the slot system, after CQ it still moved to a slot.
Not allowing space in a VMail "TO" field.
When clicking OUTBOX/PARKING multiple times quickly, VarAC throws an exception.
HRD QSO logging was doubled
An exception is shown when the VarAC.ni parameter "LastFrequency" is corrupted
Pings exchange parked VMails. Fixed.
Right-click on VMail in outbox for relay picked the wrong VMail.
Sending the same VMail twice in case it was left in the queue after disconnection.
VarAC V5.3.1 (16/9/2022)
Download: LINK
New Features
Adding tools menu with quick access to tools such as mailbox, callsign history lookup etc.
New mailbox features:
Store & forward: leave a message in your/other mailbox and once the target station connects, they will receive the vmail.
Offline VMail compose.
New Inbox/Outbox/Sent/Parking mailbox folders
Clickable Mailbox counters on the main screen
Free form QSY (#) now support SLOT frequencies
Integration with UcxLog
Enhancements/Changes
In the callsign history screen you can now enter a callsign manually and perform a search. Also adding an access to the callsign history lookup in the main dropdown menus.
Adding extra space after each element in the ADIF record to comply with ADIF standard
File transfer statistics (time and average speed)
Self reporting to PSK Reporter. Upon frequency change, the PSK reporter map will show where you QRV.
DXKeeper logger - auto filter of previous QSOs with a station once login a QSO (requires DXkeeper 16.7.6)
Calling CQ now must include a Slot ID.
Bug fixes
Replacing emoji based buttons icons with ASCII for windows 7 users.
Removing the drop down menus in the callsign history screen.
PING disabled the slot selector and only way to recover was to restart VarAC
CAT change frequency for 2M and above frequencies (9 digits and above) changed not to the accurate frequency.
Free form QSY (using the # button) did not work if Ø (zero with slash) was enabled.
VarAC V5.1.8 (5/8/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
Slot slider - easily scan of all slots
Manual settings of QSO start & end times
QRZ lookup of your QSO partner
Time limit (5 min) for AWAY links on a calling frequency.
Replace "0" with "Ø" in the data stream (customize under appearance settings)
Show distance based on locators (Km/mi)
Additional gestures: FB! / COOL! / BYE! and 2 easter eggs sound based gestures I'll let you all find :)
Supporting Swisslog logger
Shortcut F-keys for canned messages (F1, F2, F3...)
CQ/Beacon through one or more digipeaters (for VARA-FM)
New tags to be used on canned messages. your partner (his/her) info : <HNAME> / <HQTH> / <HLOC>
Enhancements/Changes
When link is corrupted - providing a reason.
When trying to connect someone on a slot, if it fails, a QSY back popup will appear.
UTC Time more readable
Convenient ADIF directory selector
Increased send file size limit to 1M for 2300Hz bandwidth links
If frequencies list file does not exists, recreate with default frequencies
Adding antenna description to the user profile + <ANT> tag + reporting it to PSK Reporter.
Adding CB Calling frequency (27.195.000) to the hard-coded CF lists for the "QSY reminder" feature.
Faster loading of callsign history
Providing sound alert for incoming connection request.
Allow VARA-FM users to disable the Slot-based CQ mechanism.
Remove BW column from the last heard lists when using VaraFM/VaraSAT
Bug Fixes
Pinging 7 characters callsigns (mostly CBiers) will result with an extra T in the callsign.
When standing by on a slot and double clicking a CQ call without a slot, VarAC did not move to the CF.
QSY Reminder stopped working in 5.0.2. now fixed.
Double clicking a CQ/Beacon on a different band than where you are now, tried it connect it on the wrong band.
While on slot, if changing frequency from the drop down menu, it reset back to the slot frequency.
Frequency scheduler switch did not reset the slot parking.
On the mailbox, right clicking on email for qrz lookup - the FROM and TO were swapped.
VarAC V5.0.2 (20/7/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
New CQ Paradigm. Introducing: VarAC Slots! New QSY methodology - for better scale (conducting multiple parallel QSOs)
Support ADIF new Vara classification (Mode: DYNAMIC / SubMode: VARA HF / VARA SATTELITE / VARA FM 1200/9600)
Official support for Vara SAT modem
Frequency scheduler peeking - see what is the frequency schedule of your partner so you know where to hunt him.
Enhancements/Changes
Custom font size applies also to reading and writing vmails
"Leave a message" pop up will appear at the top of all windows.
Custom PSKReporter map - set it to your preferred layout.
Free form QSY now auto populates with the current frequency for faster QSY frequency settings
Auto QSO Log off reminder - Reminding you know the auto log is turned off once a QSO is over.
Shortening CQ calls to 2 cycles (instead of 3)
Every frequency change is now audible for better control.
Improved frequency change awareness: Every frequency change now highlights the frequency indicator.
Improved frequency change guidance for users with no RIG frequency control.
Bug fixes
TO and FROM columns misplaced on the mailbox mail list.
When editing a canned message (Away/Welcome) in the middle of it, the cursor keeps "jumping" to the end
Upon <INFO> request, not sending empty tags for undefined elements.
When selecting "NONE" for Freq control under settings, also unchecking the "read freq" checkbox.
VarAC V4.1.6 (24/06/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
Mailbox! You can now leave a message when the other side is away (and even if he's not)
Supporting "/" callsigns. W/4Z1AC , 4Z1AC/P, 4Z1AC/QRP etc...
Create CAT macros: Add to the rig file your commands using commas, like after changing setting mode to put your RIG in your desired configuration. example: ModeUSB_D=FEFE94E02600010102FD,FEFE94E02600010103FD
Allow incoming Pings - now you can chose whether you allow incoming pings
Edit queued messages: Want to edit things you already queued? Hit the new "EDIT" button.
New <INFO> tag : get your partners' name/qth/locator/rig
Callsign history - See your spots, chats and QSO logs with a certain station.
Enhancements/Changes
Forcing main VARA modem on non-monitor upon startup up.
Adding indication for incoming PING upon connection
If one side reaches the idle time limit, the other side will be notified about the reason of disconnecting.
New limitations on Welcome/Away messages: not allowing <SNRR> & <LHR> tage + limit message size.
Bug Fixes
When leaving the ADIF file settings empty, the settings screen crashes.
IF PTT timeout occurs while in TUNE, reset the TUNE button.
Not cleaning previous a previous failing QSO log information and reporting it as part of the upcoming QSO.
if in "I'm away", send Away message even if it is a repetitive connection from the same callsign
Corruption with multibyte texts (3 bytes or more like Japanese, Chinese)
When getting the same image twice (file trasnfer) - it didn't show in the data stream.
When reconnecting the same station and there are DISCONNECT tags in queue, the station disconnected upon connecting.
One could type in characters the data stream directly.
VarAC V3.8.8 (25/5/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
PSKreporter integration! Upload every beacon, CQ and QSO to PSKreporter. Quick access to PSKReoprter map
Multiple configuration files - Load VarAC with different config files to support various rigs or settings. Ex: "VarAC.exe MyVarAC.ini"
My information screen - manage your info (Name/QTH/Locator/Rig) in one place and use tags to send it to others easily
New Tags to easily incorporate your information in a QSO or canned messages: <CALL> <QTH> <NAME> <LOC> <RIG>
Enhancements/Changes
Disable the "Go to Last Frequency upon startup" feature. Keep your rig VFO where it is upon VarAC startup. Set it in VarAC.ini: LastFrequencyLoadUponStartup=OFF
PING now exchange locators (both sides)
Direct access to user manuals from the new "Resources" menu.
Opening the frequency scheduler editor if turning it on while no rules are configured.
Safety mechanism for PTT staying keyed for over 20 seconds. initiating PTT OFF.
Bug fixes
LHR sometimes does not work and may cause hangs on the other side.
I'm away kept turning off. Now fixed.
Frequency scheduler doesn't work with some European localications (storing frequency list in a format that is not readable by VarAC)
Suppressing the "Unable to open comport... retrying" message
Incoming file already exists - adding a random number to the incoming file name to avoid overwriting an existing file
Not killing a session due to idleness during file transfer
Preventing PINGing while already connected
When clicking "None" under the Frequency control menu, it disabled the CAT definition section even if PTT CAT was enabled.
When LHR (last hear request) is received and your list is empty, it did not send an LHE tag indicating to the other side that your list is empty.
If a corrupted frequency schedule entry exists and VarAC tries to move to it during a QSO, VarAC will try forever to QSY to it.
VarAC V3.7.9 (14/05/2022)
Download: LINK
New Features
TUNE button - set your ALC level directly in VarAC (requires VARA 4.6.2 and a VARA license)
<VER> tag - check VarAC version of your QSO partner
QSY sniffer - Easily check if your QSY Up/Down destination is free by right-clicking & Holding the QSYU/D button.
Read RIG freq using CAT commands: Turning your VFO knob now reflects on the VarAC console.
Frequency Schedule - Tell VarAC when and where you want to QRV. Great for day/night frequency changes.
Enhancements/Changes
CAT Frequency control for the remaining Yaesu rigs (FT-817,818,847,857,897)
Fix for Frequency control of rigs that has 10Hz resolution
Ignore double QSY invitation - when both sides send QSY invitations together.
Supporting frequencies of 2.4GHz (VARA-SAT QO100 Operations) in Cat Freq change/read, Frequency file, Free form QSY and others. (Note: OmniRig does not support above 2.1GHz)
Enabling "Debug mode" from the settings screen
Bug Fixes
With DTR/RTS PTT - showing an error "'PortName' cannot be set while the port is open"
Exceptions when trying to write to VarAC_traffic.lof file
Right clicking on an empty space in the LH lists generated an error.
VarAC V3.6.6 (28/04/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
Up/Down buttons to manually skip +-750Hz
Free form QSY - select any frequency for a QSY invitation
Disable PTT - keep your VarAC in listening mode only.
Setting default outgoing files directory
Block lists - prevent those callsigns you don't like from connecting you and away from your last heard lists.
Sending QSO records to loggers such as N3FJP, DXKeeper, N1MM, Log4OM, HRD Logbook, using TCP/UDP.
Set your preferred ADIF file directory and file name
Enhancements/Changes
Beacon on demand - Zero the beacon timer when restarting it.
Amateur radio callsign structure validations - to avoid non-ham connections.
Manually override the frequency busy indicator in case of false detection
Bug Fixes
Not showing PING callsigns "YOURCALL-T" on the "connect to" dropdown
Right click on last heard callsign does not select the row
Adaptive row height for the last heard lists
Messages that are left in the queue are sent to the next connecting station
VarAC V3.5 (08/04/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
Last heard color coding. Identify new callsign easily.
Last heard history loaded upon startup. No more loosing your Beacons/CQ list upon VarAC restart
Adding FM-D mode
Disabling/Enabling "incoming connection request alerts" (New Vara.ini only parameter (IncomingConnectionRequestAlert=OFF)
New sound alert for QSY invitation and QSY Back.
Enhancements/Changes
Allowing DTR/RTS PTT & CAT control on the same COM port
Blocking a CQ call if the frequency is busy
Different sound for new/existing stations calling CQ
Slimmer LH PEAKING data transfer
Suppressing welcome/away messages if reconnecting with the same station.
Zero beacon timer upon Beacon restart
Updated Cat RIG file.
Warning when switching to 2300Hz
Bug Fixes
Allowing space in the CONNECT TO drop down for FM digipeater
When opening the ADIF file from the LOGS menu, if no application is associated with it, VarAC will try to open using NOTEPAD
Allow space in the "CONNECT TO" only if modem type is VaraFM (for digipeaters connect strings)
Suppressing the "PortName cannot be empty" alert when no comports are available
VarAC V3.4 (27/3/2022)
Download: LINK
New Features
Frequency control using CAT commands.
Splitting PTT control from OmniRig. Example: You can KEY your PTT using CAT or RTS while managing frequency using OmniRig.
"QSY BACK": QSYed after connecting? VarAC will remind you to QSY back to the calling QRG when your QSO ends.
Enhancements/Changes
Set the color of info messages as you wish (under appearance)
Shorter PING cycle: Not sending Welcome/Away message.
Enhanced settings screen
QSY reminder is set to 5 min (previously 10 min)
Not sending anew SNR in verbose SNR is a previous SNR is already being sent (for slow connections)
Bug Fixes
Frequency revert back after a frequency change
Connecting to invalid callsign puts VarAC in unresponsive state that requires a modem reconnect.
Show "No luck" messages also in other situations except failing incoming connection requests.
Application is not restored from task bar when minimized
VarAC V3.3.1 (25/2/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
Last heard peeking - see the last heard beacons/CQ of others. Great for digipeating.
Idle connection timeout - Drop the link if no traffic is sent for a certain period of time.
PING - Connect only for the sake of getting a report followed by an auto disconnect.
Frequency BUSY indicator
SNR Request - you're in a QSO and want to know you current report? You now can.
Storing last heard CQ and Beacons into a log file. Access it from the Logs menu.
Canned message tags - add <SND> or <DISC> to your canned message to auto send them or auto disconnect.
Enhancements/Changes
Additional Calling QRGs for 80,30,17,12 & 6 meter bands.
25% Faster initial handshake & SNR exchange (3 data exchange cycles instead of 4)
FM mode - configure Omnirig to change your RIG mode to FM (for VaraFM)
Contentious SNR reporting - receive SNR reports contentiously from your partner. Not only upon connecting.
Adding 3 more canned messages
Last heard order - All last heard lists are now ordered from new to old.
Blocking 2300HZ calls on Calling QRGs
Adding "Clear" button to clear the new message text box.
Resize screen from all 4 edges.
Larger fonts for main elements and buttons for better visibility.
Tooltips for some less intuitive elements.
Low-resolution screens support - downsizing the VarAC application will eliminate some less-important elements so it could fit to your screen.
VarAC V3.2.1 (5/2/2022)
Download: LINK
New Features
Multilingual chat! no more "????" signs. PLEASE NOTE: Both sides must be with V3.2.1 for this to work.
QSY Reminder
Showing CQ/Beacon bandwidth
Showing CQ/Beacon SNR level requires VARAHF 4.5.7 and above)
Auto QSY - auto frequency change by accepting QSY invitation.
Display UTC Clock in the UI
You can now resize VarAC window and VarAC will remember it.
Supporting AUX callsigns (ex: 4Z1AC-2)
Incoming file size limit (set by the receiving side)
CAT PTT support for almost all RIGs
Cat HEX command support
Log menu - easy access to all VarAC logs (ADIF, Chat history...) from one place
Enhancements/Changes
Showing frequency (instead of N/A) even if not using OmniRig with frequency control.
Adding support for 2m & 70cm bands
Under settings, check that the incoming file dir exists and VarAC has WRITE permissions to it.
If Disconnecting during a file transfer, delete the temporary GZIP file.
Limit send file size to 100K with VaraHF (not suitable)
If Clearing messages queue while it has SendFile tags, perform SendFileAbort
Bug fixes
Remove the erroneous "upgrade to VaraHF 4.0.5+ message"
With multiple VarAC instances, closing one VarAC will only close the VARA modem that is attached to it.
VarAC V3.0.2 (8/1/2022)
Download: LINK
New features
File transfer
Inline chat Pictures
Full VARA FM support
Dark mode
DTR/RTS PTT support
VOX support
Auto pilot mode for "I'm away"
Enhancements/Changes
Clear log entry button
Bug fixes
Keyboard language keeps going back to EN
VarAC V2.7.2 Beta (11/12/2021)
Download: LINK
New features
QSO timer - showing the QSO duration
SNR (RST) support - show real-time SNR metrics of both sides
Fully automated SNR (RST) Exchange
Auto QSO log (upon disconnect)
Auto logging of NAME, QTH, LOCATOR using VarAC TAGs
Enhancements/Changes
Reset beacon timer when switching bands
Start VarAC on the last tuned QRG
Converting all times to UTC
Right-click -> Copy on Last heard CQ/Beacons
Place the cursor automatically on the new message dialog upon startup and when connection is established
Log QSO while still chatting - entering the current time as END TIME
Show Band for every record on the last heard CQ/BEACONS
VarAC V2.6.2 Beta (27/11/2021)
Download: LINK
New features
Log QSO to ADIF! (can be automatically loaded now to LOG4OM, QRZ.COM etc...)
Right click words on data stream and set as Name/QTH/Locator
Disable/Enable all application sounds under settings
Allowing to change dropdown frequency while connected
Callsign QRZ.com Lookup - mark a callsign on the data stream and right click it
Finally an official VarAC Logo and app icon.
CALL ID – Sending “DE YOURCALL” periodically.
Keeping your last state of “Is typing” and “I’m away” checkbox.
New sounds: Is typing, Incoming/Outgoing messages
VarAC displays the current VFO frequency (when using OmniRig)
Beacons appear in the data stream
QSY Gesture. Using QSYU and QSYD – to signal your partner to QSY +-750Hz.
Clearing Queue when connected to another station (avoid sending messages from previous QSOs)
Right click to copy text from the Data stream
Clearing “Beacon/CQ last heard” or “data stream” by right-clicking them.
Bug fixes
if screen position turns negative in VarAC.ini file, resetting it to default automatically
If AWAY/WELCOME messages has "Enters" (multiline message), it is sent and shown with "\\n" instead of newline. This does not affect other canned messages.
While using OmniRig, when opening the dropdown of the frequency selector, it always "jump" to top every second.
VarAC V2.5 Beta (17/11/2021)
Download: LINK
New features
Custom font size & background color - set to your own preferences.
Beacon countdown - so you know when the next Beacon will be fired.
Spell check as you type
VARA-HF auto PORT config - Change the port in VarAC and VarAC will change the port in VARA-HF accordingly.
VarAC Last position - remember VarAC last position on screen and launch it in that exact position.
Bug fix: Application cuts off on the edges in low-res screens
Bug fix: Beacon timer show 1,5,10 min values that are not usable
VarAC V2.4 Beta (8/11/2021)
Download: LINK
New features
Canned messages - for welcome/away messages and for in-QSO messages
VARA CQFRAME support - Call CQ. No Audio files required.
Recently CQ calls - see who was on frequency and called CQ
Message aggregation - combine multiple messages in queue to a single broadcast
IS TYPING ! Let the other side know you are composing a new message
BEACONS - send a beacon periodically letting everyone know you are on frequency
Last heard beacons - see who was ONLINE recently.
Back to Queue - lost precious message due to link timeout during a QSO? Not anymore! if you disconnect while sending a message, the message goes back into the queue.
VarAC V2.1 Beta (15/10/2021)
Download: LINK
New features
Canned messages - for welcome/away messages and for in-QSO messages
VARA CQFRAME support - Call CQ. No Audio files required.
Recently CQ calls - see who was on frequency and called CQ
Message aggregation - combine multiple messages in queue to a single broadcast
IS TYPING ! Let the other side know you are composing a new message
BEACONS - send a beacon periodically letting everyone know you are on frequency
Last heard beacons - see who was ONLINE recently.
Back to Queue - lost precious message due to link timeout during a QSO? Not anymore! if you disconnect while sending a message, the message goes back into the queue.
VarAC V1.9 Beta (8/10/2021)
Download: LINK
FIRST VERSION EVER TO BE RELEASED
I have created VarAC as I believe Digital HF Chat can be easy and fun. After working with almost every Digital mode out there, I have come to a conclusion that the VARA protocol is the perfect platform for a chatting application.
This version is the first version to be release for the public. This Beta version may experience some glitches so I kindly ask you to report any issue through the contact page.