Howdy, SafecomLinkers!
This SafecomLink version has been in development for some time. Two significant reasons contributed to the delay. Firstly, we were extensively occupied with rewriting the SafecomLink UI to accommodate multiple languages. Additionally, we collaborated closely with the VARA author to integrate new modem-side features for SafecomLink's enhancement. The outcome is remarkable, making the wait worthwhile.
Now, as always, let's delve into the latest and most remarkable features of SafecomLink V8.6.2
📢 Introducing: Adaptive Broadcast Speed
VARA and SafecomLink now offers three Speed Levels (SL) for broadcasts:
SL1 (18bps): the lowest speed capable of reliable decoding even at -21dB.
SL2 (41bps): can be decoded at -18dB.
SL4 (88bps): can be decoded at -14dB.
The previously available SL5 level has been deprecated as it was not effective for our needs.
To ensure a seamless experience, VARA speed will now be selected based on the message length. In essence, shorter messages that can fit into one or two packets will be sent at the lowest possible speed.
The removal of SL5 has taken the maximum broadcast length from 91 to 81. However, this restriction now only applies to the calling frequency. If you initiate a roundtable chat outside the calling frequency, the broadcast size limit extends to 150 characters.
This feature marks a significant improvement in our ability to conduct round-table discussions using broadcasts. Broadcasts can now be well decoded, even at -21dB , a notable improvement from the typical limit of -12dB using SL5.
Adaptive broadcast speed
📢 Introducing: Special Hand-Raise types + Locator
The revolution in broadcasts now enables SafecomLink to utilize the new VARA un-proto packets for enhanced functionalities.
In addition to the standard hand-raise, users can now initiate a special hand-raise, comprising two additional elements:
Hand-Raise type (selectable from a dropdown list or enter your own)
Grid Locator
This new Hand-Raise is transmitted in SL2, which is nearly as efficient as SL1, the speed of standard Hand-Raisetransmissions.
The Hand- Raise wizard has been updated to accommodate these new Hand-Raise options.
Please note that the additional Type & Locator fields will only appear if you have received at least one special type of Hand-Raise.
Hand- Raise types
📢 Introducing: New SafeMail Relay indicator
The relay notification mechanism has been enhanced. In addition to the RELAY alerts displayed at the bottom strip, they will now also be highlighted in a more prominent manner within the Beacons sections. If you notice a small envelope icon, it indicates that this station has a SafeMail waiting for you.
New SafeMail relay notification indicator
📢 Introducing: Brand new settings screen
Bid farewell to the cluttered, overcrowded settings screen.
Welcome the new tab-based layout for the settings screen:
New settings screen
📢 Improved Pathfinder & relay notifications
Both Pathfinders and relay notifications now utilize the New VARA un-proto packets, benefiting from super slow speed (SL1/2) transmission.
Consequently, these transmissions can now be effortlessly decoded even at signal levels ranging from -18 to -21dB.
But hold on, there's more! Here's an extensive list of all the thrilling new features and enhancements in SafecomLink V8.6:
New features
New settings form - divided to tabs for best orientation.
Brand new broadcasts mechanism - sending broadcasts on lower VARA speed levels for optimal decoding at challanging SNR levels.
Special Hand-Raise! create your own custom SafeMail call.
Including Locator in special Hand-Raise.
Showing SafeMail relay notification in the beacons list
Enhancements/Changes
Removing the "datastream" & "broadcat" gray labels. Changing the table column names to reflect their content.
New SafecomLink.ini (only) parameter: BeaconGraceTimeSeconds : Wait time from when you switch frequency until the beacon is fired (default 10)
Show only pathfinders of myself (ignore all others) - new settings.
Supporting "Enter" command in Text based CAT commands using the string "[ENT]". Example : PTTOn=TX[ENT]
Alert center is now resizable
Suppressing VARA "encryption disabled" messages for better readability.
Random wait time after the busy indicators turned off. Reduce the likelyhood for broadcasts and beacons collisions.
Freauency change popup remains always on-top until dismissed by the user. It is also more visible now.
Freauency change invitations are prioritized and placed on the top of the message queue.
When disconnecting and there is still AWAY/AWQ messages being transmitted, they will not be returned to the message queue to avoid duplicate tag transmission upon next connection.
Accessibility feature : ESC button takes to the datastream (for the visual impaired users.)
Automatically unchecking the "I'm away" when performing Hand-Raise.
Comments