I saw another post but will like to seek more discussion. If you consider the most popular contest mode (FT8), VARA just need to do the RRR after the 2nd report (as well as open for the other station) and (optionally) a 73'. Some contest require grid at the CQ call for example NA VHF.
I am aware main purpose of the VARAC is chat, but with some adjustment I think it could be used, somehow, in contest environment. In Contest Mode VarAC should follow a very structured seq which, again, I think could be possible. At least maybe add some experimental adjustment to support Contents. I think there is some sensitivity that could make VarAC appeal also to contesters. Too early to compare with FT8, I think, but worth a try. In Contest Mode broadcast functionality should not be enabled.
Have feeling VARA could be another (mode) option in contesting. I might be wrong, but I am positive. VarAC definitely a tool also to test propagation. Thanks Irad and all who are helping as well as to Jose (VARA Developer).
73'
Edfel
KP4AJ
DonĀ“t we have enough digital modes for contests? FT4 is a very fast one by the way. I would like to keep it as a real chat program.
Awful idea.
I agree, it was born and remains mainly as a chat, but the addition of a contest mode would take nothing away from VarAC, no one would be obliged to use it, but it would make all those who wanted to try their hand at a digital contest with VarAC happy. i5ekx Alex.
I must admit it crossed my mind many times. I also think of making at some point yearly VarAC contest of some sort just to spice things up for the community. Defenitly not a goal to make it into a contest mode like FT4 was designed for.
Bottom line - we might have something someday to address this. I do think that existing VarAC offering can make a great contest mode using the broadcasts feature coupled with an ARQ based QSO.
Its all still in early stage of brainstorming. Whatever we will do - we make sure that VarAC is and will remain a CHAT first mode.
Irad
Very interesting proposal, the contest mode should however be an additional mode so that you can select between contest and chat mode. 73 de I5EKX Alex.
If VARAC degrades to a contest type, I will find some other mode to operate. This is a chat mode. That means talk, visit, exchange ideas and information. You should stick with FT8 where you don't have to do much of anything to make contacts that you never talk to.