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VARA HF 4.0.6 With Winlink 1.5.33 SETTINGS

David Ahrendts
David Ahrendts Member ✭✭
in FLEX-6000 Signature Series

Trying to configure Winlink and VARA HF with my Flex 6500. I have correct audio settings -- there is RX audio flowing to the VARA waterfall, and in a test transmit, I see audio from Winlink in the Flex DAX TX Stream. But the radio is not keying on in transmit. What setting am I missing?

David A., KK6DA, Los Angeles

Comments

  • Ted VE3TRQ
    Ted VE3TRQ Member ✭✭✭

    I'll post my CAT settings and Vara Radio settings. Works fine for PTT and rig control with those settings for me. Flex6600M on Parallels VM on MacMini running Catalina. I am using Slice B for winlink Express here - Slice A is running native on the Mac with other digital programs (simultaneously).

    CAT config:

    Screen Shot 2020-11-29 at 8.03.21 PM.png

    Vara Radio config:

    Screen Shot 2020-11-29 at 8.06.13 PM.png

    Both RTS / DTS are not necessary, but I just threw in both. Make sure if you are just using a serial port for CAT (like I am with COM6) that the DTR/RTS is unchecked. I don't know enough about Win10 serial to know if you could use the same COM port for CAT and PTT with hardware toggle.

  • David Ahrendts
    David Ahrendts Member ✭✭

    Ted, YOU are a life saver. Thank you. I am up and running with Winlink and VARA HF using your config shown here. Flex CAT was a little picky about creating a PTT virtual port, but a quick re-start fixed that and it worked like a charm. VARA is overtaking the world by storm. The new VARA FM 4.0 just released is faster than ever and adds digi-peating to the mix. Hats off to Jose Alberto Nieto Ros and all of the VARA and Winlink development people.

    David Ahrendts, KK6DA, Los Angeles

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Broomfield, COMember ✭✭✭

    So I went to the VARA web site, but still don't understand what VARA is... Can someone give a quick synopsis?

    Thanks & 73,

    Len, KD0RC

  • Ted VE3TRQ
    Ted VE3TRQ Member ✭✭✭

    in a nutshell, a software replacement for a Pactor modem, which just uses a sound card :-) And a good replacement too, by all accounts.

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Broomfield, COMember ✭✭✭

    Thanks Ted. Now I get the connection with Winlink. I haven't heard any AMTOR or PACTOR on the bands for a long time. Is there still a set of frequencies with PACTOR activity? I used to be very active, but haven't fired up my PK-900 in a very long time. I guess I will have to give VARA a try with my Flex 6400...

    73,

    Len

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