About OpenVARA
The story behind OpenVARA, the philosophy that drives it, and the community behind the code.
OpenVARA
Open Source Project
// The Project
OpenVARA was born from a simple observation: ICOM radios already have Ethernet built in. Why not use it? The frustration of setting up traditional VarAC stations — with their tangle of audio cables, virtual COM ports, and Windows-only software — drove the creation of a better way.
The core insight led to years of development, field testing with local ARES groups, and feedback from the ham radio community. The result is a clean, web-based interface that works on any device on your network.
Today, OpenVARA is used by individual operators, EmComm teams, and ARES/RACES groups across the country. Active development continues with growing community involvement.
// Project History
OpenVARA project begins. First user interface designs completed — web-based control panel concept takes shape.
Interoperability testing with VarAC begins. Cross-platform compatibility validated across multiple ICOM radio models.
First alpha modem released. Direct ICOM Ethernet CI-V communication proven. HF VarAC sessions functional end-to-end.
Public beta release. Multi-radio support, APRS, and Winlink integration added. Community testing begins across ARES/RACES groups.
// Our Philosophy
Built by a Ham, for Hams
Every design decision in OpenVARA comes from real operating experience. No bloat, no unnecessary complexity — just what you need to get on the air.
Community First
OpenVARA is free and always will be. The amateur radio community thrives on sharing knowledge and tools, and OpenVARA is our contribution to that tradition.
Practical Engineering
We favor working solutions over theoretical perfection. If it gets you on Winlink during an emergency, it's good engineering.
Open Source
All code is MIT licensed and available on GitHub. Fork it, improve it, adapt it for your EmComm deployment. That's the spirit of amateur radio.
73 — See You on the Air
Thank you for using OpenVARA. See you on the air.