VarAC V7.3.0 is here! With Alert center, Image compression, Winlog32 support and more !

Greetings, VarACiers!

Today, let's delve into the realm of images. As a former SSTV enthusiast, I have come to realize that it's high time we add some excitement to VarAC image transfer.

Many of you have experienced the arduous process of sending a 100K image, only to find out that it takes an eternity. Moreover, compressing an image can be a daunting task, especially if you are not well-versed in graphics editing software.

But fear not, for those days are now behind us.

📢 Introducing: Image compression

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

Image compressor

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.

📢 Introducing: Alert Center

The latest update, V7.3, brings forth a new feature—an ALERT indicator that will promptly turn RED upon receiving a new alert. By clicking on the indicator, users can access the "Alert Center" to effectively manage and organize all incoming alerts.

Alert Center

V7.3 has much more to offer! Here is a comprehensive list of all the exciting features and enhancements:

In addition, we have dedicated efforts to address various bug fixes. For a detailed list of the bugs that have been resolved, please refer to the latter part of this email.

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=

To upgrade from an existing VarAC version:

• Download the VarAC Zip file.

• Unpack to a temporary directory.

• Copy ONLY the VarAC.exe file to your existing VarAC installation directory.

Don't forget - we are always there for you on our Forum, our Facebook group, and also on our Telegram group.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated Beta team for once again investing their valuable time in thoroughly testing this version. Your commitment and efforts are truly appreciated.

73,

Irad 4Z1AC & the VarAC team.

Download VarAC V7.3.0

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.