I recently upgraded to VarAC v8.2.0. It is a keyboard mode which uses Vara HF modem. I used Digirig v1.9 with truSDX firmware 2.00i successfully in the past with v7.x.x, and also with this new VarAC v8.2.0. I use Digirig for input and output audio and PTT over COM port.
VarAC pushes the operator to move the QSO off the center frequency. Without CAT control, I do this QSY manually. After practice, I now do it pretty smoothly. Keep Auto-QSY unset in the config.
The control panel has changed quite a bit, but the configuration panel has not. Here is my working config:
Maybe this will help someone get on the air.
73 Constrainted