JS8Call 0.10.0 Released - A new ACTIVE / IDLE flag for Hearbeats, CQ repeats on an interval, and ADIF mode update!

“Hey Folks!

Version 0.10.0 of JS8Call has been released. Upgrade to the latest and greatest here: https://groups.io/g/js8call/wiki/Download-Links

The most prominent update…the ADIF group has approved the JS8 mode to be added to the ADIF specification as a submode under MFSK. This means that soon logging programs and verification services (LoTW, eQSL, etc) will accept your JS8Call QSOs. Version 0.10 of the app will log all new QSOs under the new spec. If you’re looking to verify old QSOs, you’ll likely have to modify your log file. Ask the email list if you need help with that.

We have some nice new features in this version:

You can now mark your station as active/idle manually. This controls what your station sends as a result of “STATUS?” direct messages.
When you are heartbeating, your station will send either “HB ACTIVE” or “HB IDLE” based on that toggle. This should help with determining station status without having to send “STATUS?” command all the time.
The heartbeat button has moved next to the CQ button. It includes an inline countdown to the next heartbeat. Right click (or use the Control->Heartbeat) menu for heartbeat options.
The CQ button now also has that same menu…meaning you can automatically repeat CQ messages on an interval.
The best part? When you receive a message (as well as transmit) the HB timer is reset, and CQ repeat is stopped. This should help avoid heartbeats in the middle of a QSO.
You also have to be actively heartbeating and have auto enabled to respond to heartbeats with ACKs. So, keep that in mind!
You can now add or remove a group callsign directly from the heard list.
There’s now a full-screen toggle (with a keyboard shortcut of F11) to make it easier to use JS8Call on small monitors.

Overall, I’m really pleased with how the application is maturing. We’re getting closer to where I’d like to be with a 1.0 general release. In the meantime, if you run into any issues or have any ideas for future enhancements, please feel free to reach out!

Best,
Jordan / KN4CRD

Here’s the full changelog:

Fix SELCALL and HB menu items toggle vs click

Removed clear menu item icons

Added add/remove group from callsign list and it propagate to the settings

Removed printing of ALLCALL messages that were not freetext in the RX window

Added deselect callsign after logging as an option instead of forced

Reordering varicode commands to make it easier to spot which numbers are available

Added fullscreen toggle

Added active/inactive flag and restructuring heartbeat

Proper active/inactive flags for HB

HB and CQ repeat logic

Hide configuration for heartbeat.

Hide heartbeat and acks if we have HB turned off

Rename do not repeat

Fixed padding of configuration behavior panel

Countdown for HB and CQ. Escape key stops CQ and resets HB timer

SELCALL checked should disable repeat transmissions

Keep configuration option for heartbeat channelization

Added option for displaying/hiding heartbeats and acks

Added heartbeat and CQ to control menu

Bump version and EOL

Added a compatiblity display for old heartbeat acks

Don’t turn off the repeat buttons on stop button clicked, just reset them

Fixed bug in HB auto-reply when HB was not active

Added MFSK/JS8 for logging modes

Antenna

The Super Elastic Signal Stick antenna review and testing

June 03, 2020 No comments

< Who is Signal Stuff? In a world where Amateur Radio ought to be on the cutting edge of technology, far too often hams are seen as being “old s... Read more

Indoor Attic Dipole Antenna for Ham Radio & CQ Antennas Center Insulators

January 24, 2018 No comments

“Viewer request to try out an antenna for Ham Radio in the attic. Using the CQ Antennas Center Insulators from KE5FEN. Thanks David for the insu... Read more

Keep Antennas in the Clea

May 27, 2021 No comments

Dan Evander, KJ7YBK, lives in a duplex condo and wants to set up a dipole on his roof, but asks Dave for his thoughts on the matter before proceeding. Read more

Can Adding a Metal Mast Disrupt an Antenna?

April 21, 2021 No comments

“Stacy Pharis, KI5MIT, has a homebrew antenna very similar in concept to the DX Commander, all held up by a tree. She wants to know if using a m... Read more

YouLoop HF loop antenna

March 21, 2020 No comments

HF loop antenna HF Portable & Flexible Receive Loop Antenna Covers HF frequencies (10 kHz to 30 MHz) Usable on VHF up to 300 MHz as a folded Dipol... Read more

Review

SDRplay RSP 1A Review and SDR Primer

December 07, 2017 No comments

The new 14 bit SDR wideband receiver from the UK. I also include a 15 minute SDR primer https://www.sdrplay.com/rsp1a/ KEY BENEFITS __________________... Read more