Winlink, VARA, WSJT-X & FLDIGI

KG5PTE · August 2023

I am assuming all these digital modes can be setup on the FLEX 6400 with CAT I think I saw a manual on WSJT-X but I did not find anything for VARA (Preferably VARA-C) and FLDIGI.

Thank you

Mike-VA3MW · August 2023

At this time, there is no video for this, but the setup is the same as for all digital programs.

If you are trying to run digital remotely, it is highly recommend to run a PC local to the radio and then do a remote desktop connection to that PC. This will ensure you do not have packet corruption in the audio data your digital programs require.

I explain why here:

https://youtu.be/zJNGa6sKq6s

K0FLY · August 2023

Look on You Tube. I know there are several videos showing WSJT-x and FLDIGI setup proceedure for a flex 6K radios. I don't know about VAR-C. Mike VA2MW from Flex authored several of the above mentioned videos.

Gayle K0FLY

KD0RC · August 2023

Hi James, first, you need to load VARAHF. Then go to Settings, SoundCard and set up the input and output:

Make sure that you have set DAX Channel and DAXCIQ Channel to 1. Make sure that you are in DIGU mode.

Be sure to turn on DAX (I use a Mic profile called LenDigital that has this set).

Next, load and start VarAC. Go to Settings, RIG Control and VARA Configurations:

KG5PTE · August 2023

Thank you. So if I leave my Flex 6400 radio on at the house and go to my friends house 35 miles away. And use my laptop and smart link on my friends WiFi I should still be able to use VARC-C ? Remotely ?

Mike-VA3MW · August 2023

One point to mention. There is no ALC meter on a FlexRadio.

You want to ensure your TX Drive Audio Level is at -5db and no more and make sure that your mode is DIGU (not USB). This ensures there is no EQ processing.

73

KG5PTE · August 2023

Mike do you have a you tube video on VARA-C ?

KD0RC · August 2023

Hi James, running digital remotely is a little more complicated.

The audio from the radio to the digital program comes from DAX. Unfortunately, DAX data cannot be sent remotely.

My solution (I have not tried this with VarAC yet, but have with other things) is to have a computer with the rig. It runs the digital program (VarAC, WSJT-X, etc). The laptop at the friends house connects to the radio using SmartLink. To access VarAC, you would need a remote desktop application (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc). You would log into the computer using this and operate VarAC with the remote desktop program.

I recommend trying this all at home, with the laptop connected to a different network (e.g. phone hot-spot) so that you can work out the kinks.