If you’re into digital comms and haven’t tried VarAC yet, now’s the perfect time to explore another powerful mode. This month marked the launch of the VarAC Wednesday Net—a weekly gathering of VarAC operators from around the world using the VARA software modem many of us know and enjoy.

Like the Winlink Wednesday Net, it’s a great forcing mechanism to practice digital communications on a regular basis. While this net is independent of the popular Winlink Wednesday Net, many across the region regularly participate using the VARA FM network in our area. It’s also a great way to incorporate VARA HF tasks into your training routine.

What is VarAC?

VarAC is a modern chat and emergency messaging application for amateur radio operators, built on the highly efficient VARA protocol. Created by Irad Deutsch (4Z1AC), it offers real-time keyboard-to-keyboard chat, file transfers, position reporting, offline messaging (VMail), and even the ability to send emails via gateway – making it a versatile tool for both casual and emergency comms.

Its user-friendly interface, low power requirements, and rich feature set have made VarAC a fast-growing digital mode in amateur radio. In just the past year, tens of thousands of operators worldwide have adopted it for its:

• Seamless chat with typing indicators
• Canned and custom messages for EmComm use
• Slot-based connection system (no QRM pileups)
• File/image transfer and logging
• Full support for Winlink-style ICS forms and email relays
• Cross-platform support: Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi

VarAC Wednesday Net

According to the VarAC Wednesday website, each Wednesday hams around the globe check in using VarAC to participate in this non-voice, digital net. Modeled after the successful Winlink Wednesday format, this net gives operators a chance to:

• Practice VarAC check-ins
• Test slot-based beacon connections
• Participate in themed tasks (weather reports, ICS-213, etc.)
• Contribute to community stats (beacon usage, region activity)

To check in, simply connect via VarAC and send a message to varacwednesday@gmail.com, with optional info depending on the week’s theme.

VarAC in Western North Carolina

Here in WNC, VarAC and VARA adoption has exploded over the past two years.

At least four full-time VARA stations now operate across the region, providing 24/7 access for both HF and VHF connections. Several standby and mobile stations can also activate during exercises and events offering outstanding coverage for operators across the area. This area likes its VARA!

Whether you’re checking in to the VarAC Wednesday Net or relaying a Winlink email during an EmComm event, the infrastructure here in WNC is robust and growing…making it easier than ever to put your VARA modem to good use.

How to Join the Net

The website provides a simple walkthrough on how to get set up and check in.
See the video below.

Afterward, you can view net stats and summaries at:
www.varacwednesday.net

Final Thoughts

VarAC shines as a versatile digital mode for amateur radio by combining real-time HF chat with the reliability of the VARA protocol, making keyboard-to-keyboard QSOs possible even on noisy bands. Beyond casual conversation, it enables file transfer, allowing operators to exchange documents and images with error correction that keeps data intact under weak-signal conditions. Its integration with Winlink expands this further, providing an email relay capability that bridges the gap between radio and the internet—a powerful tool for both everyday use and emergency communication. Because VarAC operates efficiently on lower HF bands, it’s also well-suited for NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) practice, giving hams the opportunity to train in short-to-medium range regional communications that are critical in disaster response when repeaters or long-haul links aren’t reliable.

The VarAC Wednesday Net (just like Winlink Wednesday) is a low-pressure, high-impact way to stay active in digital radio, sharpen your skills, and connect with a global network of VarAC users. With solid VARA coverage now throughout WNC, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

73’s