Excellent! I like the registered VARA no doubt. As far as the 70.00 registration fee, I just raided the pocket change fund, and I am glad I did. I figure VARA will be around for awhile, and I am glad that I registered it now. Thanks for the VARA FM primer.
Likewise, for EmComm support I also found the VARA license to be well worth it. I got my license several years ago and have already gotten several upgrades that have all been included. 73 and thanks for learning with us! W6AH
Great video, learned a lot about the fundamentals of setting up of the communication between the radio and the computer. I'm not currently a Winlink user, how do I get an account?
If you are a ham radio operator, download and install winlink express from Winlink.org then you will be prompted to set up an account the first time you launch the program. We walk through the process in WaveTalkers LIVE episode 1.
Couple questions: I am new to Winlink and Vara communication. One while using Vara HF my computer controls the VFO on the 991a but when I use Vara FM it does not control the VFO on the 991a, they are both set up the same exact way. Second do you have to have a Vara license to use a digipeater or just to set one up.
Correct VARA FM currently does not control the VFO, you will have to do that manually. Yes to operate as a digipeater you need to purchase the license.
I have been having more fun experimenting with Winlink on 4 different rigs/configurations. There's so much to setup and learn, but once it's up, it's a fantastic mode
You could join us each week in our Live Zoom audience for our show and then engage with us in the After Party. We often discuss the latest of VARA, Winlink, and EmComm topics. Go to wavetalkers.com/joinus.php to sign up for our mailing list and get the link for the live Zoom audience each week.
"How would I join a Vara group..." If available, join your local (closest) ARES group which, hopefully, has regular, organized nets that include digital checkins. Copy calls and send VARA emails to some of them asking for receipt acknowledgements. You can also send Winlink/VARA emails to your local email address or to any friend/relative.
Fabulous video! I have been using the remote software for the ICOM 705 to wirelessly bridge my Surface go2 to the computer. Works well with HF Vara but am not getting it to work with FM or Packet Winlink. Any suggestions? Also, what cable are you using to bridge your Surface to IC-705? Thanks again for the great information presented here. All the best to you and your most excellent subscribers...AG7UW RC
Several issues could be going on. One of the first things to check is that your 705 is in all of the right modes. Try getting your settings close by going to Menu -> Page 2 -> Presets and start with your radio in the FT8 Preset. That takes care of most of the digital settings in the radio and generally works pretty well with VARA FM, but then make sure your radio is in FM when you dial in the frequency. For Cable I use a regular USB -> USB Micro cable with multiple Ferrite beads on each end. I then connect to an Anker MultiPort adapter which has as many ferrite beads as I can fit on that little length of cable. You will likely need to try multiple cables then when you find one that is working add ferrite beads to it and it should help. I used a cable I already had in my collection so I have no idea which one it is, but I know I had to try several to find one that worked well. If you are still having troubles, go to wavetalkers.com/joinus.php join our mailing list and then you can join us in our Zoom audience. During the afterparty we take Q&A and do our best to help with specific questions. We also periodically host 'Coffee Bar' episodes where it is basically an open Helpdesk. Good Luck and thanks for learning with us! 73 Chris W6AH
I know you can use an HT, to run Winlink w/ Vara FM. But, since the range is Iimited for an HT, how likely are you to hit someone's digipeater, or internet connection?
It really depends on your location and the gateways near you. In Southern California, a winlink station using an HT can often hit several gateways but that may not be the case in all locations.
