Unusual VarAC Contacts Method Using Beacons

Hey guys, I've been busy on another project, but have been able to keep up on my VarAC activity. Last weekend there was a RTTY contest and it made operating very challenging. While operating VarAC I discovered some things, see the video below.

Making VarAC Contacts

When you think of making a contact it's probably either by calling CQ or answering a CQ, right?

I've been doing that in VarAC and will have a video coming soon doing that, stay tuned and subscribe.

An Unusual Way of Making Contacts

In the video below, I show how to make contact with the beaconers. You know, the stations that show up as a beacon. You can ping the beaconers, but when you do that, it's not officially a good QSO; you only receive a signal report. Here is a way I have seen others use (see the video below). It's simple! Manually connect with one of the beacons, exchange information, and then disconnect. This way, you can get their signal report, name, QTH, and LOC.

NOTE: When you connect to a beacon station you'll be on the "calling frequency", so you'll need to QSY.

K0PIR VarAC Video Making Connections

YouTube player

Receiving Those Requests

You may not like the idea of a station connecting to yours while you're away. If that's the case, simply disable PTT located on the main window and below the "Tune" button.

varac ptt disable

Question: Is this method technically a good QSO? The other station didn't need to intervene in any way to make the contact. It was all automated on their end. What do you think?

Thank you

To stay up to date with Mr. B and I on our travels, follow us at TwitterFacebookInstagram and YouTube. If you have any questions or comments about our journey, we invite you to join the conversation in our comment section here or at YouTube–it not only helps you but other readers as well! We’re incredibly thankful for all of our subscribers–their support makes this website possible. So please stay in touch and warmest regards & best 73s! – Rich, K0PIR

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Links

VarAC Installation and Configuration With VARA HF

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K0PIR

I'm an Amateur Radio enthusiast. I love the hobby and experimenting with radios, antennas and software. On my YouTube channel I upload videos on the Icom 7300 and Icom 7610 along with Ham radio software programs. I hope to inspire people to try new things in Amateur Radio.

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Bas PE4BAS
7 months ago

I think it’s a perfect way to make the QSO valid. At least I do the same. 73.

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