[wsjt-devel] Candidate release WSJT-X 2.0.0-rc4

[Joe T. <jo...@pr...>]

A fourth candidate release ("RC4") of WSJT-X 2.0 is now available for 
download and use by beta testers.

Changes in RC4 relative to RC3 include the following:

  -  Fix the "cannot open file fort.81" bug
  -  Avoid too many redirect loops related to openSSL support
  -  Fix the auto-generated messages for nonstandard callsigns
  -  Remove all support for the legacy FT8 protocol
  -  Disallow selecting MSK144 with RTTY or Field Day messages active
  -  Correct and expand support for color highlighting decoded messages
  -  ESC key aborts a QSO, clears DX Call, and selects Tx6
  -  Disable "nextCall" procedure for RTTY contest; it still needs work
  -  Correct a flaw in handling MSK144 Sh messages
  -  Prevent Fox from inadvertently toggling Tx 1st/Even
  -  Re-organize the Fox/Hound/Contest selection boxes
  -  Improve the validators for contest exchange boxes
  -  Disable Tx after 5 minutes of no mouse movement
  -  Remove end-of-line AP info when using contest messages
  -  Fix the Sent and Rcvd exchanges sent to N1MM+ and ADIF log
  -  Don't auto-log a QSO with incomplete exchange info
  -  Fix two sequencing flaws after double-clicks on a decoded msg
  -  New facilities for Contest and Fox-mode logging

Be sure to invoke "Settings | General | Colors | Reset Highlighting"
on your first program start with this version.

The "Quick-Start Guide to WSJT-X 2.0" has been revised and extended.  If 
Be sure to read this entire guide before using RC4:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Quick_Start_WSJT-X_2.0.pdf

As described in the Quick-Start Guide, at this time we recommend moving 
MSK144 activity back to the standard 6-meter working frequencies: 50.360 
MHz in IARU Region 1, 50.260 in Regions 2 and 3. We recommend also 
starting to use the v2.0 FT8 protocol in the conventional FT8 sub-bands 
— for example, dial frequencies 7.074 and 14.074 MHz on 40 and 20 
meters. Inevitably this will cause some initial confusion: users of 
v1.9.1 and earlier will be unable to decode transmissions from users of 
v2.0.0-rc4, and vice-versa. To minimize this cross-protocol interference 
we suggest initially using the RC4 release at audio Tx frequencies 2000 
Hz and higher. As more users upgrade their software to RC4 or later, 
activity can gradually move downward in audio frequency. By December 10 
or very soon afterward, everyone should upgrade to the full WSJT-X 2.0 
general availability (GA) release.

Download links for RC4 on Windows, Linux, and macOS can be found on the 
WSJT-X web page http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html

A one-hour "FT8 mock contest" will be held next week: November 20, 
0200-0300 UTC (that's Monday evening, Nov 19, NA time).  Watch for a 
separate announcement with more details.

We look forward to your feedback on WSJT-X 2.0-rc4.  Reports should be 
sent to the wsjt-devel email list, wsj...@li.... You 
must subscribe to the list in order to post there.

     -- 73, Joe, K1JT (for the WSJT Development Group)