Hams:
Consider encouraging new users to try Vmail. When I QSO with a new VARAC user, I ask them if they have tried Vmail. Most say they have not. I then briefly explain it and then send one to them either from my station or from another station. This usually gets their interest peaked.
Also I explain that if we leave our rigs running when we are not in the shack, that this is building a robust network. It can be a relaible network especially for ECOM.
I am encouraged by the new hams that are trying out VARAC. Be sure to engge with them incourage them.
73
Bret C/ AC0AE
Hams, I have noticed that may CQ requests go unanswered. I encourage everyone to respond to the CQ requests. Many of the CQ's are coming from new users. When I am in the shack and see a CQ, I respond and ask the caller how long they have been using VARAC. The typical response is 2-4 days. They are also eager to ask questions.
If they are eager to learn more and we have a good connection, I ask them If I can send them a small TXT file listing the top features of VARAC via VARAC. Everyone has wanted me to send them the file. By sending the file to them it demonstrates the file transfer capabilities and they gain some valuable knowledge in the process.
Then if that went well and we still have a good connection, I send them a small JPG to further demonstrate the capabilities.
If you would like to also share the TXT file, please feel free to edit it and make it your own.
73
Bret C / AC0AE
Hey
I've been thinking about testing 24/7 uptime starting from next week. Maybe even from tomorrow.
Only have a simple EFHW and 20W so might not be useful for you guys in the states.
Probably only on 20m for now as 40m is blocked by kW SSB OP's unfortunately.
Ordering DXCommander Expedition soon for uppers bands.
73,
Oliver OH6CRU
Brett and Don. We can only hope. but it looks like varac is outpacing js8 at this time. perhaps Jordan is hellish busy and just cannot spend the time ? ran varac this morning with a ZL2, rock solid connection for 45 minutes. at 50 watts. Amazing. I have so little free time to experiment. my whisper station runs almost 24/7 but that does not require me in person. unbelievable where my 100-200 milliwats end up. Hawaii, New Zealand, Antarctica, Taiwan. west coast of Greenland , Japan, etc etc
all tribute to Joe Taylor who gave us that fantastic mode.
Albert
Brett and Don.
Just a THANK YOU for the excellent VMAIL description posted.
the chances we will bump into each other are small... so when I get a decent USA varac connection i will leave a vmail marked at the station i am connected to, for you to pick-up. Was talking to LATVIA this morning...SNR was very good and VARAC was running like a bat out of hell.
Unrelated.... the one thing I still think Jordan's JS8CALL beats VARAC in is the fact that the * tells me that i have been heard. To get VARAC to tell me that I have to PING the prospect. While not a big deal, it is another step to take.
Due to Irad's tireless implementation of new features VARAC is going from strength to strength and IRAD deserves our gratitude for his continued pursuit to make this one of the finest Digital Comms programs around.
Albert. EI7II.
Bret is soooo correct here. Folks need exposure to VarAC's vmail functions. I'm always ready to write a vmail and leave it in my outbox for folks to try and connect, when ever they want, down stream. The goal is to give folks exposure and practice using async comms. It is a very different communications mode, and very nice once you get used to it. Here is my outbox waiting for folks to come and get their email. This is good practice for all.
Don.
Many thanks. Don't get me wrong. I would love to be able to run 24/7. However, the criminally insane electricity prices here in EI land prohibit it for me. However... my Whisper transmitter does run almost 24/7 and is heard accross the globe. Were things different, I would most certainly run 24/7
I also used to do so with my KIWISDR unit, but even that is now switched off. Shame, as there are only 6 KIWISDR publically available units in Ireland.
Yes, VARAC is great in relaying, just as JS8CALL is and I have used that capability in the past.
Don, again, your answer is much appreciated. Let's hope for better times ahead. Wish I could afford solar panels with proper batteries but they are out of my reach moneywise.
Albert
EI7II
Leaving your rig up 24x7 on VarAC is good for at least three reasons: (1) your rig can respond to path requests (good!). (2) you can support vmail relays via autonomous beacons and get vmail for yourself from others (good). (3) You can look at PSKreporter and see who hears you, before you start sending CQs or hunting for QSOs (also good). Tip, set the psk time slot to "last 15 minutes".
Below is an example of KM4UDX (me) using K9ROB (Rob) to get vmail to Adam in OK. And I can also use K9ROB to get to W6GJB (Glen). PS, you have to look at Glen's QRZ page. Sooo interesting.
Here is Glen's page
I have read the documentation for the vmail it is not sery user friendly and I am not getting how to use this service. Is it only for who I am connected to? or can I send to different addresses? If you can point me to specific instructions it would be appreciated, thank you, Chuck N7UQ
Bret, While I in principle agree with your comments, sadly, leaving the station on 24/7 is no longer possible because of the CRIMINAL KW/h prices we have to pay for electricity here in Ireland. I used to run my KIWISDR 24/7/365 but that is now switched off. I am looking at 50 eurocents per KW/h here so around 53 dollar cents. since the war in the ukraine prices for energu went insane.
Albert.
EI7II.