VarAC, have you tried it?

[Richard VE3OZW]

VarAC V10.1.0 is here!With HamPlay game center, New "Inquire" module, Parked VMail Peeking, DXCC country count, Supporting additional GPS devices and much more!

Hello fellow VarACiers!

We are excited to introduce VarAC V10!

 

When we first launched VarAC, our goal was to help people engage in real QSOs and bring them closer together. Conversations are one way to connect, but we wanted to offer another, more fun way to foster connections.

 

Introducing: VarAC HamPlay Game Center

 

For the first time ever, you can invite your QSO partner to play a game. We’re launching with two pilot games, with more to come:

 

• Tic Tac Toe
  
• Connect Four
   
  

Once you've connected with someone and moved off the calling frequency, you can send your QSO partner a HamPlay invitation. They can choose to accept or decline, and if accepted, the fun begins! VarAC will guide you through the game, complete with real-time updates and cool sound effects.

 

Not into games on the radio? No problem! You can easily disable HamPlay in the new settings section, and your VarAC will automatically reject any HamPlay invitations.

 

Stay tuned—more games are on the way!

 

VarAC HamPlay

If you're in the mood to play, we’ve added a new CQ option. Calling 'CQ PLAY' lets others know you're here to challenge them to a game!

 

You can chat while playing! but be aware that your Datastream may get cluttered with game-related packets. If you'd like to minimize those, just enable 'Suppress HamPlay Move Packets' in the settings menu under the new HamPlay tab.

 

Alright, moving on. Until now, your VarAC console was cluttered with numerous buttons for data inquiries—SNR, LHP, FSP, and more. Aside from the fact that some of these weren't exactly self-explanatory (What on earth is FSP?!), they also took up a lot of valuable screen space...

  Introducing: Inquire module

 

In V10, we’ve introduced a new data inquiry dialog. All those scattered buttons are now consolidated into a single screen with clear explanations. Want information about the other station? Just click the 'INQUIRE' button, and the rest is straightforward.

 

Inquire module

Speaking of 'Inquire'... we've added a little extra something to the inquiry screen:

  Introducing: Parked VMail Peeking

 

Have you ever parked a VMail at a mediator station, hoping it would reach its destination but never got confirmation of delivery? Not anymore. With V10, when you connect with someone, simply use the new 'Inquire' feature, 'Parked VMail Peeking.' You'll receive a report from the mediator, letting you know if and when your messages were delivered.

 

Parked VMail Peeking

  Introducing: DXCC Country count

 

Not a huge change, but it’s something I’ve always wanted, and I think some of you have too: how many countries have I had QSOs with? Not pings—actual links with SNR exchanges that count as valid QSOs.

Now, simply go to Tools -> Statistics, and you’ll find a new field called 'DXCC Countries'.

 

DXCC Countries count

But wait, there’s so much more! Check out this comprehensive list of exciting new features and enhancements in VarAC V10.1:

 

Enhancements/Changes:

 

• New Settings: Treat the entire frequency list (dropdown) as CF (Calling Frequencies) for groups (EmComm and Standard) that wish to set their own CFs and apply CF limitations (such as VMail forwarding).
  
• Resizable Mailbox Form: The mailbox form is now resizable, and individual columns can also be adjusted.
  
• Closing VarAC Popup: A new popup appears upon closing, ensuring a safe shutdown for improved data integrity.
  
• New DXCC Prefixes: Added several new DXCC prefixes to the prefix-to-country decode list.
  
• Added VOTA and CQ LH: 'VOTA' as a CQ option for VarAC On The Air parties, along with 'CQ LH' (Lighthouse).
  
• CQ Type Narration: The CQ type will now be read aloud, indicating the purpose of the CQ.
  
• Image Opening Preferences: Choose how you want to open images—with the VarAC image viewer or your OS's default viewer (new setting).
  
• GPS Support: Added support for GPS that sends GNGGA messages."
  

 

To upgrade from an existing VarAC version:

1. Download the VarAC Installer and run it.
   
2. Select the current folder where your VarAC resides.
   
3. The installer will keep your existing settings and history.
   

 

Just reminding you all that we are always there for you on our Forum, our Facebook group, and also on our Telegram group.

 

Our esteemed team member Pat ON2AD, is delighted to present the V10 user manual. You can access it by clicking HERE.

 

We want to express our sincere appreciation to our Beta team and translators for their incredible efforts. The Beta team has devoted countless hours to enhance your VarAC experience, ensuring it runs smoothly. Meanwhile, our translators have worked diligently to provide VarAC in more than 11 languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.

 

73,

Irad 4Z1AC & the VarAC team.  

Download VarAC V10.1 Windows installer

Alternatively - Download this version as a ZIP package
(for windows/Mac/Linux/Pi)

Bug Fixes:

• Unable to delete a VMail relay notification.
  
• The broadcast mouse hover message indicated that double-clicking would perform a broadcast reply; this message has been removed.
  
• After changing the UI mode, the broadcast and datastream were positioned at the top; this has been fixed to scroll to the bottom.
  
• The <HNAME> tag was not functioning.
  
• In the VMailbox, the "Connect and Relay Now" option was not operational.
  
• In Simple mode, the CLR log button was overlapping the LOG button.
  
• QSY sniffers did not temporarily disable the PTT.
  
• The relay notification screen is now set to always stay on top, like all other windows.
  

VarAC website