[aprssig] Announcing the VARAtrack APRS-over-VARA APRS Tracker

[Stephen H Smith]

On 4/20/2026 2:43 PM, Dana Myers via aprssig wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> As far as I know, VARA is proprietary closed-source technology available 
> under license.
> I do not know that Stephen is a VARA developer or otherwise has access to the 
> VARA source.
>
I am NOT a VARA developer!   I have just integrated the existing VARA 
application into a minimal Windows 10 setup on a very small cheap "stick 
computer" that runs on 12 VDC. This creates the functional equivalent, of a 
Byonics TinyTrack on classic packet APRS,  for APRS-over-VARA beaconing in a 
mobile setup.  Without having to tie up an entire laptop.

Igate infrastructure is now in place and "ready for prime time" on both 30 and 
40 meters. You should be now able to beacon, and be heard, anywhere in North 
America with vastly greater reliability than on classic 30M packet APRS.

An install image of the entire setup that includes VARA and the three other 
applications required is downloadable from my website.  This allows you to 
restore a turnkey ready-to-run copy of the setup on another similar stick 
computer.    You will still have to register/activate VARA and UIview through 
their usual channels.

[If you have already registered/activated VARA and/or UIview under the same 
call sign on other systems, the same personal info & "magic numbers" will work 
on this system.]


Full details are here on my website:

<http://WA8LMF.net/VARAtrack>


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen H. Smith    wa8lmf (at) aol.com

EchoLink:  Node #  14400  [Think bottom of the 2-meter band]
Home Page: http://wa8lmf.net

Live APRS Mapping on HF & VHF
<http://WA8LMF.net/map>

"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
<http://WA8LMF.net/Aliner>

-- APRS over VARA  --
<http://wa8lmf.net/VARA/APRSoverVARA>

HF    APRS-over-VARA
   40M   7.083.5  USB       30M   10.148.2  USB


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