Subj : Re: VARA Modem
To   : echicken
From : Vk3jed
Date : Mon Feb 21 2022 15:28:00

-=> On 02-20-22 04:44, echicken wrote to InfectedBootSector <=-

 In> Anyone out there using VARA Modem for Packet BBS use? If so, do you feel
 In> comfortable replacing your hardware with it? I'm tempted to downsize my
 In> considerable PK232 collection but haven't put much time on VARA yet...

 ec> I'd like to know more about it. I'm not familiar with the VARA modem
 ec> and a quick search turns up ... bits of information scattered all over
 ec> the place, in keeping with frustrating amateur tradition.

Apparently it works quite well, but it is proprietary, so you're stuck with the
available implementations (I believe Windows only currently), kinda like the
AMBE nastiness in many DV modes, where you have to have a chip to (legally)
process the audio.

 ec> Will this modem be compatible with remote stations that currently
 ec> connect to your PK232(s)?

Highly unlikely, from what I understand, it's a very different mode.

 ec> Have you tried it? Anything making you feel wary of using it more?

 ec> Ideally we'd all be able to use software modems and soundcard
 ec> interfaces, of which there are many, rather than needing to plug some
 ec> box from the 1980s into our radios and computers. That makes it far
 ec> more accessible to all. Couple that with something better than AX.25
 ec> and maybe it could be useful.

You can always use Direwolf if you want a software modem/TNC that's compatibile
with legacy systems - software implementation with better performance than
hardware - there's a writeup somewhere on how Direwolf achieves its high
performance.

Performance wise, VARA looks very interesting, but its proprietary nature is a
bit off putting for some situations.


.... If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid.
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