From 197d7cb7a9724a4f0a731f8e6e88cb7339b72f36 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Uwe Risse Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:55:10 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Update file NEWS. --- NEWS | 88 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 88 insertions(+) diff --git a/NEWS b/NEWS index 4757467b8..d97e07957 100644 --- a/NEWS +++ b/NEWS @@ -11,6 +11,94 @@ Copyright 2001 - 2024 by Joe Taylor, K1JT, and the WSJT Development Team + + Release: WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc7 + September 30, 2024 + ------------------------- + +WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 7 brings significant improvements for +the new SuperFox mode. It introduces a new verification system which +replaces the previous one, and works for both the SuperFox mode and +for old-style Fox and Hound operation. + +IMPORTANT: OpenSSL v1.1.1 or higher is required for the real-time +verification of Fox and SuperFox messages. + +Enhancements to the SuperFox decoder: + + - Performance of the SuperFox decoder has been further improved. + + - You can now set individual FTol values and tune the decoder to + the exact sync frequency of the SuperFox signal if it is not exactly + 750 Hz. Both result in a better decodability in certain situations. + + - Important: The Rx frequency must be set close to the sync frequency + +/- FTol, for example 750 +/- 50 Hz. + +Introduction of a new Fox verification system: + + - The new Fox verification system uses one time passwords (OTPs), and + works for the SuperFox mode as well as for old-style Fox and Hound + operation. It can be enabled by the new OTP checkbox on the Advanced + tab of the Settings dialog. + + - Fox or SuperFox stations send individual OTPs via radio. Hounds + automatically check the validity of the received OTPs in real time + from a server when there is an internet connection. Otherwise, the + validity can also be queried manually later. OTP verifications can + only be retrieved once the transmission has already taken place. + + - You may optionally display the received OTP values by checking + the box "Show OTP messages". + + - If the Fox or SuperFox callsign is verified by receipt of the + correct OTP, the background color of the Hound or Super Hound label + switches to green. + + - Theoretically, DXpeditions can set up their own OTP server, however, + we recommend using the server at https://www.9dx.cc. + + - Use of the new Fox verification system requires an OTP key. The + system uses open source code and standard encryption + technology. For testing purposes, non-verified SuperFox + transmissions are now possible without a key. + +Improvements to SuperFox/Hound operation: + + - SuperHounds must now first decode the SuperFox before they can + call, and a QSO must be started by double-clicking on a SuperFox + decode. (Note that calling the Fox blindly not only leads to + unnecessary band utilization, but can also significantly reduce the + QSO rate due to unanswered (Super)Fox replies.) + + - Switching to SuperHound mode automatically sets the Rx frequency to + 750 Hz. The previously selected frequency is saved and restored + afterwards. + + - A flaw resulting in sub-optimal SuperFox QSO rates has been + corrected. + + - Old-style Fox stations can now transmit free text messages (up to + 13 characters) by using an available stream. + + - Some enhancements useful for Fox operators: Active Station Window now + shows band activity. Hound callsigns can be highlighted via UDP API, and + assigned a score for sorting via UDP API. Fox Tx frequency is preserved + when switching in/out of Fox mode. + + - UDP Status Update messages now include information on how many callsigns + have highlighting applied, and how many callsigns have a score assigned. + +Other enhancements and fixes: + + - In FT8 mode, the Settings dialog no longer resets the VFO frequency + to band/mode default unless really needed. + + - Several code improvements specifically for macOS. + + - Updated CTY.DAT and Hamlib. + + Release: WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc6 July 19, 2024 -------------------------