VARA FM and HF modes
VARA is a proprietary software modem available only as a Windows application. RadioMail does not run VARA on the phone. It connects over Wi-Fi to a VARA FM or VARA HF instance on a computer.
Because configuring that link by hand is fragile on a phone, RadioMail expects the varanny agent on the computer. Varanny announces the modem so RadioMail can find it with little setup, and it can manage the modem remotely.
What you need
- A computer on the same Wi-Fi network running VARA FM or VARA HF and varanny
- Local Network permission for RadioMail in iOS Settings → RadioMail
Only one client can use a VARA instance at a time. Close other apps connected to it before you start a session.
varanny
varanny helps VARA run as a network service. It can advertise the modem so RadioMail finds it automatically, start and stop VARA, switch configuration files, show remote audio levels, and launch rigctld for radio control when needed.
Setup guides are on the varanny wiki.
Using VARA in a session
- Add the VARA FM or VARA HF device.
- Open a radio session and choose a matching channel.
- Tap Connect.
VARA FM channels are narrow or wide. VARA HF channels use a bandwidth such as 500, 2300, or 2750 Hz. Pick the listing that matches how the gateway is published.
Digipeaters (VARA FM)
Up to two digipeaters can be set for VARA FM in Settings → Digipeaters → VARA FM. Packet and VARA FM digipeaters are not interchangeable.
Radio control
If VARA does not key PTT or set frequency on its own, RadioMail can use rigctld (Hamlib) when the host and port are configured for that device. Confirm your radio works with rigctl interactively before you rely on it in a session.
Portable appliance
You can build a complete headless VARA modem on a small stick PC.