Hello fellow SafecomLink-ers!
We're thrilled to reveal an array of surprises in this latest version update.
80% of the new features and enhancements in this version are driven by our usebase requests. As you can see, we are very receptive to your fantastic ideas.
Among the many enhancements, we have some significant announcements that we can't wait to share with you. So without further ado, let's dive in:
📢 Introducing: Chat Recall
Upon connection, your data stream seamlessly incorporates previous correspondences with this contact. Just like in a messaing app.
In simple terms, with Chat Recall, you pick up the conversation right where you left off. Upon disconnection, your DataStream reverts to displaying all data exchanges. This feature can be easily toggled on or off in settings.
Oh, and to streamline things further, we've also introduced date-splitters. These handy tools allow you to view traffic on a date-by-date basis, making it even easier to navigate your chat history.
Chat recall & Date splitters
Ok moving on. When you're on the move, or during a crisis, ensuring your grid locator accurately reflects your current position is crucial. That's precisely where GPS technology comes into play.
📢 Introducing: GPS integration
This will work with any NMEA-based GPS, from the inexpensive $1 models on AliExpress to high-end military grade devices. All you need is a GPS that delivers NMEA data through a COM port.
In the settings menu, you'll find a new GPS tab where you can configure the COM port settings.
Additionally, there are two settings you can configure:
1. Enable GPS Reading: You can disable this anytime if you're stationary and don't want SafecomLink to connect to your GPS.
2. Remember Last Position: This option allows SafecomLink to save your last GRID locator from the GPS reading as your default GRID locator. Even if you disconnect your GPS, SafecomLink will retain your last recorded position as your current location.
GPS settings
Wondering how to confirm if your GPS reading is working?
Your GRID locator on the bottom bar will light up in green with a clear GPS indication.
Hover your mouse over it to see details like exact latitude/longitude, last reading time, and more.
If you see the indicator illuminated in orange, it means there hasn't been a valid reading for a while, and you might need to check your GPS.
Use the tag <GPSLOC> to share your current position during a live-link or a broadcast.
GPS status
📢 Introducing: DCD (Data Carrier Detect) Bypass
The VARA modem has an internal DCD mechanism to detect signals on the frequency. SafecomLink uses this detection mechanism to indicate if the frequency is occupied with a red BUSY indicator.
By default, SafecomLink respects the busy indicator and prevents you from transmitting in any way while the BUSY indicator is lit. This means no Hand-raise, beacons, broadcasts, or connections.
However, sometimes constant noise, such as an OTH radar or deliberate QRM, can block the frequency.
Version 9.2.3 allows you to temporarily override the DCD detector and ignore the BUSY indicator. You can enable this by checking the box on the right side of the SafecomLink console. SafecomLink will automatically turn it off after 2 hours.
Ignore DCD checkbox
📢 Introducing: Broadcast-based SNR requests
SNR reports are automatically exchanged during a live SafecomLink link (connection/chat). So why not include them in broadcast messages as well?
Starting with SafecomLink V9.2.3, the send broadcast form includes a checkbox to request an SNR report in your broadcast. This signals the recipient to send you a report back automatically.
Please note that this feature is only available when sending a broadcast to a specific station. You can't request a report from "ALL".
Additionally, we've improved the broadcast form: you can now select your destination callsign from a drop down populated with stations you previously sent broadcasts to.
Broadcast-based SNR
📢 Introducing: Date/Time format customization
SafecomLink now supports three date/time formats for your convenience. You can set them under the appearance and sound settings dialog.
Date/Time format
But wait, there's so much more! Check out this comprehensive list of all the exciting new features and enhancements in SafecomLink V9.2.3:
Enhancements/Changes:
Tags now function in SafeMails, allowing easy incorporation of data using <INFO>, <NAME>, <LOC>, <GPSLOC>, etc...
Show an alert when changing to EmComm mode while on a calling frequency.
EmComm beacon colors can now be customized under the appearance settings.
Upgraded callsign-history screen: New tabular view mode for chat history, applying appearance settings, and clicking enter to search callsign.
Reflect "EmComm beacon" on the VARA command window when a beacon is fired in EmComm mode.
Added a dropdown menu for recent callsigns in the send broadcast dialogue.
Moved the beacons/CQ time diff selector to the settings section.
Set a custom SafecomLink DB File path using the new SafecomLink.ini parameter DBCustomFilePath= under the OTHER section.
Double-clicking a broadcast message will open it in a larger viewer (similar to DataStream message double-click), now also allowing to pick Name/QTH/LOC for QSO logging.
Replaced <SNRR> tag with a shorter version <SR>.
Bug Fixes:
Pings were incorrectly marked as "Worked before" stations.
Fixed some color flickering when opening the frequency dropdown immediately after a frequency change.
Corrected the issue of not sending "Is typing" events when selecting a canned message from the dropdown.
After restarting in EmComm mode, the beacon timer was reset to 15, if it was lower.
Alert tags with < > signs did not function properly.
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