Yet Another APRS Client (YAAK) is Java based client created by Andrew Pavlin, KA2DDO. It is a free and open-source software, so if you have some Java writing skills you can create your plug-in. There are a few listed on the website as well. APRS creator, Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, was a big fan of YAAK because it being open-source. Installation of YAAK is fairly simple, download, unzip the download into a directory of your choice, open that folder and open YAAC.jar. YAAK can be run on Windows, Mac, and Pi.

File > Configure > Expert Mode > Ports
To configure YAAC to use APRS, click on “File,” go down to “Configure,” and in this case, choose “Expert Mode.” In the Configure window you’ll see a tab that says “Ports,” and selecting that tab will bring you to a screen as above. On this page, click on the “Add Button”

This window has all you will need, and more, to setup Vara HF. From the top, choose “KISS-over-TCP” from the dropdown menu. The “Specify by hose domain name” should already be selected, but if it is not, do so. “KISS-over-TCP Host name” will likely say “Localhost.” While this should work most of the time, go ahead and use the IP address that the VaraHF shows that it is using. Likewise, the “KISS-over-TCP Listening Port” needs to be changed to 8100 as it shows in VaraHF. Then enter your callsign and -SSID in the box that asks for your Callsign. Be sure to enable transmit in the next dropdown. While I haven’t seen a difference one way or the other, make sure there is a check box in “Radio on HF bands.”

For now, Leave “Digipeats for port” all unselected. I will be covering Digipeating at a later time. Do select “APRS” on the Protocols line, and you can also check “Raw AX.25.”

Simply click “Save” and you should be all set to go after you close the Configure screen. Clicking on the “BCN” button on the main screen of YAAK will send a beacon. You’ll see the “RF” icon flash color, and the beacon send. If it does not, click on the “RF” and it will bring up the same Port window as above. Make sure “Enable port” is checked.

Again, I’ll be back to post again about iGating and Digipeating with YAAC.

73!