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Ham Radio Winlink & VARA Setup Scripts

Automated installation scripts for running Winlink and VARA FM on Linux using Wine.

Tested on Debian 13 - Written specifically for Debian, may work on Ubuntu.

What's Included

Setup Scripts

  • setup-vara.sh - Installs VARA FM digital modem
  • setup-winlink-express.sh - Installs Winlink Express (email client)
  • setup-rms-packet.sh - Installs RMS Packet (gateway software)

Launch Scripts

  • launch-vara-fm.sh - Starts VARA FM
  • launch-winlink-express.sh - Starts Winlink Express
  • launch-winlink-rms.sh - Starts RMS Packet
  • launch-vara-and-winlink.sh - Starts VARA FM and RMS Packet together

Utility

  • clean-wine-config.sh - Remove all Wine configurations for fresh start

Download the scripts

  • Option A: Using Git (recommended)
    • Install Git if needed: sudo apt install -y git
    • Clone the repo: git clone https://github.com/8ff/wine_packet_stuff.git
    • Enter the folder: cd wine_packet_stuff
  • Option B: Download ZIP

Then follow Quick Start below.

Quick Start

# Make scripts executable
chmod +x *.sh

# Install VARA FM
./setup-vara.sh

# Install Winlink Express (most users want this)
./setup-winlink-express.sh

# Launch programs
./launch-vara-fm.sh
./launch-winlink-express.sh

VARA FM Configuration

When connecting VARA to Winlink:

  • Host: localhost
  • Control Port: 8300
  • Data Port: 8301

Notes

  • Scripts automatically install Wine and all dependencies
  • VARA FM and RMS Packet share the same Wine prefix (~/.wine-winlink)
  • Winlink Express uses a separate prefix (~/.wine-winlink-express)
  • Always start VARA FM before Winlink if using them together

License

Scripts are free to use. VARA and Winlink software have their own licensing terms.