SafecomLink for Pactor V14.0.29 is here!
- SafecomLink
- May 5
- 3 min read
Featuring UI simplifications, shorter beacon intervals, Pactor level data in QSO logs, improved frequency control for Kenwood radios, and much more!
This is our first update since the launch of SafecomLink for Pactor – Hamradio Edition. I’d like to take a moment to thank you for believing in this project and for being part of our founding network. We’re committed to this journey and truly appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us.
So, let’s dive into what’s new in this version:
📢 Introducing: UI simplifications
Over time, the SafecomLink main console became increasingly packed with buttons, with some serving overlapping functionality. To streamline the experience, we’ve simplified the interface by combining common actions into single, unified buttons:
Connect / Disconnect modem → now a single unified button
Call-out (CQ) / End Call-out → now a single unified button
Connect / Disconnect station → now a single unified button
Oh, and we’ve added handy tooltips to these buttons, so if you’re unsure what they do, just hover your mouse over them.
📢 Introducing: Improved Frequency Control for Kenwood Radios
Since many Kenwood models don’t handle CAT frequency changes well while PTT is active, SafecomLink now uses a modem-level frequency change mechanism. This ensures frequency updates are applied between PTT cycles, adding an extra layer of reliability on top of the standard rig control.
📢 Introducing: Shorter Beacon Intervals
Since this network has a more boutique nature (after all, the Pactor modem is the Rolls-Royce of modems), we’ve decided to increase beacon frequency to improve your chances of being heard. SafecomLink for Pactor now allows beacon intervals as low as 5 minutes.
After installing, head over to Settings → Beacons and set it to 5 minutes. Think that’s too frequent? No problem, try 7 or even 10 🙂
📢 Introducing: VMail Templates in All UI Modes
VMail templates have been around for a while, but until now they were only available in EmComm mode.
Based on user feedback, we’ve made them available across all UI modes by default. They’re just as useful for everyday operation, and not only for emergency communications.
📢 Introducing: Pactor Level Data in QSO Logs
Knowing the Pactor level used in your past QSOs is valuable information. SafecomLink now records this data in its database, allowing you to view it in the Link Log (under the Tools menu) as well as in the Callsign History tool.
Beyond the features already mentioned, we’ve also made a few additional improvements:
CMsg reset on startup: The default Connect Message embedded in the Pactor modem is now reset to 0 at startup, helping prevent link crashes caused by unexpected data during link establishment.
Cleaner modem state after disconnect: A CLR command is now automatically sent to the Pactor modem buffer after disconnection, ensuring a clean slate for the next session.
Improved slider visibility: Updated Tune/Slot slider colors to gray for better visibility on light backgrounds.
Removed unsupported feature: The CLR buffer button has been removed, as it is not supported in Pactor.
Theme updates:
The default theme is now “Alister”
The previous “Default” theme has been renamed to “Clean”
Bug Fixes:
Fixed an issue in fresh installations where frequency control was not properly assigned to the modem by default.
Resolved slow startup on first launch after installation.
Fixed a bug where the CQ button was clickable even when the modem was not connected on first startup.
To upgrade from an existing SafecomLink version:
Download the new SafecomLink for Pactror Installer.
Run the installer (preferably as administrator).
When prompted, select your current SafecomLink installation folder (usually located under C:\SafecomLink).
The installer will preserve your existing settings and history.
Just reminding you all that we are always there for you on our Forum, our Facebook group, and also on our Telegram group.
Now go have fun and occupy the calling frequency!
73s from the SafecomLink team
