Application and modem hosts
Host support in 0.3.0:
| Mode | Host interfaces | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| PACTOR | PTC serial, managed serial | Native PACTOR contacts, terminal and host mode, scanner holds, CW identification and recovery of unconfirmed data |
| VARA | Command/data TCP, managed TCP, optional KISS | Calling and answering, TEXT/FILES/OFF compression, chat, CQ, beacons and UI broadcasts |
| ARDOP | Command/data TCP, managed TCP | Calling and answering; legacy Trimode CONNECT syntax |
| Robust Packet | KISS TCP, Tracker serial, AGWPE TCP, managed Tracker | Raw frames through KISS; connected AX.25 through Tracker and AGWPE |
The station supplies the modem and radio ownership. Standalone development hosts may use loopback. Check the startup report before attaching an application. See configuration and station operation.
VARA defaults to TEXT; legacy COMPRESSION ON selects TEXT. Compression changes require an idle contact. PTC supports Normal calls and MYLevel 1 or 3; unsupported Robust/longpath and AES selections are refused. ARDOP2 is not provided.
Windows adapters expose the VARA and ARDOP TCP launch contracts and PTC/Tracker serial streams. They require a supervised application and an authenticated managed station host. They open no radio or audio hardware themselves.
Pat mail checks cover PTC, ARDOP and AGWPE over virtual audio. Native Windows checks cover application startup, attachment and binary component exchanges. These checks do not establish complete Winlink Express mail compatibility, stock SCS interoperability or physical-radio timing.
Dated reports under docs/compatibility/spec/ retain individual results and limits; older reports may describe a feature before it was completed.