Icom Updates for the IC-705, IC-7300, IC-9700 to include Smoother FT8 Mode Operation

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Icom will be releasing new firmware for our IC-705, IC-7300 and IC-9700 transceivers. The updates are planned to improve the user experience and incorporate communication modes such as FT8.

The firmware is due to be released around the end of January 2021 starting with the IC-705 (Version 1.20 added 22/01/21) and followed shortly by versions for the IC-7300 (Version 1.40 added 26/02/21) and IC-9700 (Version 1.30 added 26/02/21).

Planned updates include

  • One-touch FT8 mode preset

  • Scroll mode automatically keeps the operating signal within the scope range

  • Multi-function dial items have been improved (New for IC-7300 and IC-9700)

  • Compatible with the AH-705 antenna tuner (for IC-705)

  • WLAN (Access point) function is added (for IC-705)

  • Other updates are planned for each model

Icom also plans to update the RS-BA1 Ver2 (Version 2.21 added 24/12/20), CS-705 (Version 1.10 added 22/01/21) and the CS-9700 programming software (Version 1.30 added 26/02/21).

More Information - https://icomuk.co.uk/categoryRender.asp?r=rssFeed&categoryID=2&cCID=2492

A New Version of WSJT-X is Now Available

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The WSJT Development Group has announced the general availability release of WSJT-X Version 2.3.0. A summary of new features can be found in the WSJT-X 2.3 User Guide.

The Release Notes offer additional information, including a list of important program changes since the WSJT-X 2.2.

Upgrading from earlier versions of WSJT-X should be seamless, and it’s not necessary to uninstall a previous version or move any files. Installation packages for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh are available. A release candidate (i.e., beta version) WSJT-X version 2.4.0-rc will be available soon. Its main new feature is a mode called Q65, with unique capabilities for EME and scatter propagation modes.

Download - https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html

Beware of Fake SDRplay Devices

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SDRPlay have noticed a large number of “cut and paste” postings across the internet, offering SDRPlay devices for sale from unofficial sources.

This unofficial devices may not work with the company’s software solutions including SDRuno. The RSP1A is one device that is appearing in many adverts.

SDRPlay have made available a list of distributors who sell genuine hardware.

SDRPlay Distributors - https://www.sdrplay.com/distributors/