Getting Started

Clone the OpenVARA repository from GitHub or download the latest release archive. We recommend cloning so you can easily pull updates.

# Clone the repository (source available June 29, 2026)
git clone https://openvara.org/openvara.git
cd openvara

# Or download the latest release from the Downloads page

Install the required Node.js packages. OpenVARA has no native binary dependencies — it runs on any platform with Node.js v18+.

npm install

Copy the example configuration and edit it with your radio's IP address and CI-V address. You can find the CI-V address in your radio's menu under SET → Connectors → CI-V Address.

cp config/radios.example.json config/radios.json
nano config/radios.json   # or use your preferred editor

{
  "radios": [
    {
      "id": "radio-1",
      "name": "My IC-7300",
      "model": "IC-7300",
      "host": "192.168.1.100",   ← Your radio's IP
      "port": 50001,
      "civAddress": "0x94",      ← IC-7300 default
      "username": "admin",
      "password": "admin"
    }
  ]
}

Start the OpenVARA server. By default it listens on port 3000. Open your browser and navigate to the address shown in the terminal.

npm start

# Output:
# ✓ OpenVARA server running at http://localhost:3000
# ✓ Radio 1 (IC-7300) connected — 192.168.1.100:50001
# ✓ VarAC HF modem ready on ports 8300/8301

With OpenVARA running, configure your Winlink, Pat, or APRS client to use the local VarAC endpoint.

OpenVARA is now managing your radio. The web dashboard shows real-time modem status, active sessions, signal reports, and system logs. You can access it from any device on your network.