Ham Radio Deluxe Video Newsletter | 13-October 2023

Transcribed from the original YouTube broadcast.

This blog post is transcribed from the Ham Radio Deluxe October 2023 Update video on our YouTube channel.

Introduction

Hello, ham radio enthusiasts! Lindy (KB9PIE) and Mike (WA9PIE) here, bringing you an exciting update on Ham Radio Deluxe. We understand you've been eagerly awaiting news about the next release, and we're here to provide some insights into what's been happening behind the scenes.

The Elephant in the Room

Let's address the big question many of you have been asking: "When is the new release coming out?" We get it; you've been waiting, and we promised updates. To be completely transparent, we're just as frustrated as you are that the release is taking longer than expected. However, there are valid reasons for this delay, and it's all in the pursuit of making Ham Radio Deluxe better.

The Rebuilding Process

We're currently working on the 6.9 release, and it's no small feat. Originally, the plan was to replace Microsoft Access with SQLite, but as we delved into it, we realized we couldn't build on an aging foundation.

So, we made a significant decision to completely rebuild Logbook, setting the stage for a faster, better, and more versatile application. This new codebase will not only support Windows but also Mac and Linux, fulfilling a long-awaited request from our community.

Investing in Improvement

To give you an idea of the magnitude of this project, we've allocated three full-time developers. Overall, we're paying for over 6,000 hours of development for the v6.9 release. The financial investment in this overhaul is substantial, and we're committed to delivering an exceptional product.

What's Coming in Version 6.9

(A full demonstration is available in the video linked above.)

While we're still in the development phase, we want to share some exciting features that you can expect in the 6.9 release:

• New Activity Support: Full support for Parks on the Air (POTA), Summits on the Air (SOTA), and Worldwide Flora and Fauna (WWFF).
• DX Histogram: A new tool to help you pinpoint activity on various bands and modes.
• Improved QSL Management: We're streamlining QSL management by consolidating all activity into one tab. No more bouncing between separate tabs for eQSL and LoTW.
• Dark Mode: We are introducing a native dark mode for those who prefer a higher-contrast, modern look for their Logbook.

The Roadmap to Version 7.0

Beyond the 6.9 release, we have an ambitious roadmap ahead:

• Version 6.10: Focused on a complete rewrite of Rig Control.
• Version 6.11: Focused on rewriting DM780 (Digital Master).
• Version 6.12: Combining releases for rotor control and satellite tracking.

All of these milestones are intended to culminate in Version 7, which will run natively on Windows, Mac, or Linux and offer full multi-lingual support.

Closing Thoughts

We want to thank you for your patience and support. We understand the anticipation, and we're as eager as you are to deliver these improvements. Ham Radio Deluxe is on its way to becoming even more powerful and versatile. Stay tuned for updates, and remember, we're here to answer your questions and listen to your feedback.

Until next time, happy ham radio operating!

73 de Mike, WA9PIE & Lindy, KB9PIE