and much more...
Hello, fellow VarAC users!
We’ve been hard at work preparing an exciting new version, packed with features and enhancements just for you! Since V10, we haven't stopped to make this release possible. So, take a deep breath—let’s dive in!
We’ll start with a long-requested feature: the ability to customize the callsign dropdown list.
📢 Introducing: Callsigns dropdown customization
In Settings, under the QSO tab, you’ll find a new option called “Callsign Dropdown.” Here, you can choose from three different settings:
RECENT: Displays the callsigns you’ve recently connected with (excluding Pings), just like before.
POPULAR: VarAC will populate the list with the callsigns you’ve linked with most frequently over the past 60 days—perfect for reconnecting with your regular contacts.
CUSTOM: Allows you to set a fixed callsign list. This is ideal if you want quick access just to friends or, for EmComm teams, just your team’s callsigns for streamlined communication.
Callsign dropdown customization
Tired of having to open multiple applications before launching VarAC, like your rig control software (Hamlib? FLrig?) or logging tools? Say goodbye to the hassle!
📢 Introducing: Application launcher
With V10.2, we’re bringing you an intuitive tool to manage all your additional apps. For each application, you can decide when it should start, set a delay before VarAC launches the next app, choose whether to restart it if it’s already running, and even specify if it should close when VarAC exits.
Just go to Settings -> Application Launcher for detailed instructions on setting it up.
Application launcher
VMails are a core feature in VarAC, allowing us to stay connected and communicate asynchronously with friends. Some VMails, however, may carry extra importance, especially during a crisis or when handling critical information.
📢 Introducing: Urgent VMails
With V10.2, you can now mark a VMail as "Urgent" when composing. Here’s what happens:
A relay notification will appear as "Urgent" on the recipient’s end, marked with a small red icon in both the Relay Center and Beacon list.
In the Mailbox, Urgent VMails will also be flagged with a red symbol for visibility.
By default, any VMails composed while in EmComm mode will automatically be marked as Urgent, unless the operator chooses otherwise.
Note: Urgent relay notifications work only if both users are on V10.2.
Urgent VMails
Your VarAC stores a significant amount of data: QSO logs, chat history, SNR readings, beacons, CQs, and more. Losing this information due to a malfunction can be both frustrating and costly.
📢 Introducing: VarAC Backups
While you may have backed up data manually before, VarAC now takes care of this automatically!
With V10.2, VarAC will automatically create a backup to a folder of your choice every time you close the application. By default, it keeps up to 10 copies in this folder.
You can adjust these settings by navigating to Settings -> RIG & VARA Configuration -> Misc. -> Backup.
Backups are saved as ZIP files to conserve space.
To restore VarAC on your current or a new PC, simply unpack the backup file, and you’re set.
Note: As your database grows, backups may take a few seconds. You’ll see a clear notification on your screen once the backup is complete.
VarAC Backups
Let’s focus on EmComm for a moment. In emergency communications, certain standard VarAC functions can slow things down, and every second counts.
📢 Introducing: EmComm configuration center
With V10.2, you can set specific behaviors tailored for EmComm operations. Head to Settings -> RIG & VARA Configuration -> EmComm to enable or disable features suited for emergency use, such as:
Disabling Call-IDs
Skipping SNR reports
Automatically approving incoming files (regardless of size)
Please ensure you comply with local regulations when adjusting any of these settings.
Additionally, there’s a new "Last Connection Peeking" feature for EmComm mode. When enabled, this allows your EmComm team members to view your last five connections through the INQUIRE module.
EmComm Configuration Center
What if your rig has multiple antennas, and you want to use a different antenna for each band? VarAC has you covered!
📢 Introducing: Automatic antenna selector
With V10.2, you can now send specific CAT commands per band to switch your rig to the appropriate antenna automatically.
Go to Settings -> RIG & VARA Configuration -> RIG, where you’ll find this new feature.
Click the helper button "(?)" for more details.
Automatic antenna selector
But that’s not all—there’s even more! Take a look at these additional enhancements you’ll find in V10.2:
Enhancements/Changes:
Suppressing 'Is Typing': Now activates in low SNR conditions, even when the other station’s signal is weak.
Inquire Window Control: Option to close the Inquire window after each inquiry or keep it open for additional inquiries.
Countdown Timer for Large File Alerts: Alerts for large incoming files now include a countdown timer and stay on top of other windows.
Block Callsign: Right-click on a callsign in the main screen to block it instantly.
Translate Button in VMails: Added a translation button to VMails, now with automatic source language detection.
New 8m Band Option: Added the 8m band as a selectable option.
SNR Broadcast Receipt Confirmation: Updated instructions on how "Ask for SNR" broadcasts can serve as a receipt confirmation.
Updating the DXCC Prefix: Added the "TM" prefix to the DXCC country list.
Auto Scroll on Callsign History: The QSO table now auto-scrolls to display recent QSOs.
Enhanced SNR data Copy: The copied SNR data from the SNR chart now includes QSO time information.
SNR Graph Tooltips: Hovering over points on the SNR graph now shows tooltips with data values.
Antenna Tuner and Selector in Rig Tester: The Rig Configuration Tester now also activates the antenna tuner and antenna selector.
Single QSO Display: In the Callsign History, select any entry to display individual QSO details.
New Auto QSY Rejection Tag: If Auto QSY is declined due to an out-of-range frequency, the tag "<QJO>" indicates the reason.
Detailed Exit Process Display: When closing VarAC, a display now shows the status of each closing task.
To upgrade from an existing VarAC version:
Download the VarAC Installer and run it.
Select the current folder where your VarAC resides.
The installer will keep your existing settings and history.
Just reminding you all that we are always there for you on our Forum, our Facebook group, and also on our Telegram group.
Our esteemed team member Pat ON2AD, is delighted to present the V10 user manual. You can access it by clicking HERE.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Beta team and translators for their outstanding efforts. The Beta team has dedicated countless hours to improving your VarAC experience, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. At the same time, our translators have worked tirelessly to make VarAC available in over 13 languages, broadening its accessibility to a diverse audience.
73,
Irad 4Z1AC & the VarAC team.
Download VarAC V10.2 Windows installer
Alternatively - Download this version as a ZIP package (for windows/Mac/Linux/Pi)
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.