Getting Started
Get OpenVARA up and running in under 15 minutes. Choose your installation method below.
// Choose your installation method
// Prerequisites
Raspberry Pi users: Download the arm64 package for Pi 4 / Pi 5, or the armv7 package for older Pi 3 models. The Pi 5 (4 GB / 8 GB) is the recommended platform for go-kit and EmComm deployments.
Download the Binary
Head to the Downloads page and grab the package for your platform. Binaries are available for Linux (x86_64, arm64, armv7), Windows (x64), and macOS (Intel / Apple Silicon).
Linux x86_64
.tar.gz
Linux ARM64
.tar.gz
Windows x64
.exe
macOS
.dmg
Install & Launch
Extract the archive (Linux / macOS) or run the installer (Windows), then start OpenVARA. No runtime dependencies required — the binary is self-contained.
tar -xzf openvara-linux-x86_64.tar.gz
cd openvara
./openvara# Run the installer, then:
openvara.exeOpenVARA starts a local web server. Open your browser to http://localhost:3000 to access the dashboard.
Configure Your Radio
In the web dashboard, go to Settings → Radios and add your radio. You'll need its IP address (or hostname for Wi-Fi radios like the IC-705) and CI-V address.
Host: 192.168.1.100
Port: 50001
CI-V Addr: 0x94 (SET → Connectors → CI-V Address)Host: ic-705.local (or the radio's Wi-Fi IP)
Port: 50001
CI-V Addr: 0xA4Connect Winlink, Pat, or APRS
With OpenVARA running, point your Winlink, Pat, or APRS client at the local VarAC endpoint.
WINLINK EXPRESS / PAT
APRS (built-in)
You're on the Air
73 — OpenVARA is managing your radio. If you run into issues, check the documentation or ask in the community.