tropo ducting along VK2 coastline 25th November, 2024

 checked at 7am,  plenty distant 2m and 70cm rptrs this morning, it faded out at 11am (24:00utc)

VK2RFS 146.750,  20/9  , VK1RGI 146.950, 147.100 ???? weak,  could be south coast and VK2RDX 146.650 20/9, 

and other people working DX,

tropo ducting along VK2 coastline and inland today 24th November, 2024

 William Hepburns's Tropo website showing  good tropo on the coast and out to sea, 
VKSpotter.com  showing lots of good activity, 2m WSPR   and I see the VK4's doing some 24GHz DX.

29 MHz / 10metre FM DX frequencies

as we approach Summer for southern hemisphere, here is a reminder to those in Oceania and South Pacific of 10metre FM frequencies to monitor if you are chase 10metre DX

 29 MHz / 10 metre FM Simplex channels :

29.200  used by JA

29.300  JA National Call channel

29.400  used by UK

29.450  used by UK

29.500  JA secondary Call Channel and used by UK

29.600  International Call Channel

29 MHz / 10 metre FM repeaters channels :

Output       Input

29.610       29.510

29.620       29.520

29.630       29.530

29.640       29.540

29.650       29.550

29.660       29.560

29.670        29.570

29.680        29.580

29.690        29.590 

VK3 MAD (Microwave Activity Day) 2nd November, 2024

 

VK3 MAD (Microwave Activity Day) 2nd November, 2024

VK3's having some fun for the MAD, plus some VK4 activity.

as per extract from vkspotter.com

VK0DS APRS reports as of 12th September, 2024

 last APRS reports of VK0DS APRS reports as of 12th September, 2024

VK2RKG DMR repeater Bathurst - go-live August 2024

 News from Josh VK2MES:

As of 18th August, 2024, the ARNSW VKDMR RadNet Digital Voice Repeater is operational from West Bathurst, running 10W. The first of the new Motorola SLR1000 repeaters for the ARNSW RadNet network, which is the more compact version of their DMR repeaters.

Frequency is 439.875 MHz Output with a -5.0 MHz input. Callsign is VK2RKG and DMR ID is 505115

Reports can be sent to Josh VK2MES

There is also a VK2RKG 2metre analogue voice repeater 146.900 MHz with -600kHz input, no CTCSS tone required.

Nearby NSW Central West DMR repeaters : VK2RAO Orange 438.725 MHz with -5.0 MHz input VK2RBT Wyangala Dam/Cowra area 438.825 MHz multimode DMR & analogue FM, 9.1.5HZ required

VK2RDD Dubbo 439.950 MHz with -5.0 MHz input

VK2RDX Mt.Bindo/Oberon area 438.150 MHz with -7.0 MHz input

VK3GWY digital gateway still missing.

 

I still looking around to see if anyone talking about why the VK3GWY gateway disappeared which tied BrandMeister DMR TG 50525 with P25 TG50525 and NXDN TG50525 and YSF 06015

while looking around I stumbled onto the VK3RBA 70cm digital repeater dashboard connected to Brandmeister DMR Network, from the dashboard we see BM TG505 TS1 and a local TG9 TS2, I will keep this in mind for the next time I visit Ballarat.

What I noticed from this dashboard is P25 and YSF showing as Not Linked.

vk3rba-d.vk44.net

FK8SIX 6metre Beacon is back on air (50.080 MHz) from New Caledonia

 news from our amateur radio friends in New Caledonia (ARANC club FK8KA)

that the FK8SIX  6metre Beacon is back on air (50.080 MHz) as of October 2024, after a long outage of several years.

You can read about it on their blog 

FK8KA: Beacon FK8SIX

VK2RHR 146.825 MHz High Range Repeater back on air

 VK2RHR 146.825 MHz High Range Repeater in southern Highlands  is back on air, it requires 91.5Hz CTCSS tone to access it.

It belongs to Goulburn and Southern Highlands  ARC. Plans to link it with Goulburn repeater and to Yass repeater

VK3GWY disappeared

 the VK3GWY gateway seems to have disappeared, I haven't heard the VK3 network activity on Brandmeister DMR, P25, NXDN and YSF networks, not hearing the daily and weekly nets held on the VK3 network.
I noticed it disappeared off the various dashboards and checking Brandmeister dashboard it looks to be 26 days ago, so that is around the 14th September.

DMR Stats and Dashboards

 here are the dashboards again plus Matt VK2FLY's Statistics pages for VK-DMR

IPSC2 Dashboard Index (vkdmr.com)  VK-DMR Repeater List

IPSC2 Dashboard Index (vkdmr.com)  VK-DMR Hotspots List

IPSC2 Dashboard Index (arec.info)  ZL DMR Repeaters and Hotspots List

VKDMR Information - From VK2FLY  VK-DMR Information page from VK2FLY

VKDMR Information - From VK2FLY weekly stats for VK-DMR  from VK2FLY

VHF and above portable site Cape Hawke, Forster, NSW, QF67gs

 

I recently visited Cape Hawke (QF67gs)  lookout near Forster on the NSW Mid Coast, I had not been out to the lookout on previous visits to Forster, but after visiting the lookout I realised it is a great spot for VHF,UHF and SHF portable DXing, you can drive most of the way to the lookout, it has a 15minute walk to reach the summit, it is a National Park, so it is covered in dense vegetation and trees, but there is a large 20metre high lookout tower, stairs and platform at top, solid structure with metal posts for temporary connecting antennas too. Ground level is dense bushland, you want to do microwave you have to go up the lookout tower. It is a triangular platform  approx 3m x 3m

this photo is looking north west towards Forster.

this photo looking south west towards Newcastle, Sydney etc, it just catches the tops of trees.

looking west

looking north east up the coast 

latest multimode transceivers for VHF and above

I can never remember the latest model numbers as they are similiar and easily confused

ICOM IC-905   144, 430, 1200, 2400, 5600 MHz +10 GHz   All Mode Transceiver approx $4k8

ICOM IC-705   HF, 50, 144, 430 MHz    All Mode Transceiver    approx $2k

ICOM IC-9700   144, 430, 1200 MHz   All Mode Transceiver   approx $2k5      -  replacement to IC-910

YAESU FT-991A    HF, 50, 144, 430 MHz  All Mode Transceiver    approx $2k1

Digital Multimode Reflectors

 I am more interested in the Reflectors for DMR & P25,  most are centered around D-Star, here are some :

XLX

XRF

P25ref by G4KLX

NXDNref by G4KLX

alternative P25ref by DG9VH

alternative P25ref by M0VUB

code bases are found on GitHub

P25 Activity as of August 2024

 here is a bit of a list of known and active P25 TalkGroups  primarily from a VK/ZL perspective, but includes the main Overseas TG's and their dashboards (where applicable)

TG4 - VK4TUX  is defunct, long gone.

TG445  SuperMag AU - p25.supermag.fishersaudio.com.au  - defunct, its gone

TG530  ZL (NZ)   - zldigitialreflectord.hopto.org  - defunct, its gone

TG5057  VK7HSE  45.248.50.37  XLX505  dashboard is there, but no P25 port anymore

TG5205 CCARC VK2RAG  5205.p25dvm.com  - not configured

TG10100 World Wide  - is active

TG10101 TAC1 - no activity seen

TG10102 TAC2 -no activity seen

TG10201 USA -is active, but not that busy

TG10202 USA - no activity seen

TG10400  VK - pacificp25.repeaters.info  -  is active

TG10401 VK WICEN - pacifictac1.repeaters.info  and p25wicen.repeaters.info  - activity is scarce

TG10403  Pacific TAC3  - China stations

TG10403  Pacific TAC4  - Taiwan

TG10700  AU - active, but dashboard has gone

TG10750  AU Secondary  - defunct, its gone.

TG50525  VK Bridge  50525.p25dvm.com and tg505.repeaters.info  - very active, linked to VK3network

TG50535  VK Multimode  Link    p25to50535.vkradio.com   -  defunct, its gone

TG50536 FreeStar VK  p25.tg5036.vkradio.com    defunct, its gone

TG53099  ZL Bridge  (NZ)  203.86.206.49  (XLX750)  operational, but no P25 port anymore

YJ0VK DXpedition to Vanuatu, South Pacific - August 2024

 

Dx-pedition to Vanuatu as YJ0VK this week, from 20th August 2024,

includes Patrick VK2PN and other team members.

YJ0VK – Vanuatu

Blue Mountains ARC (BMARC) Winter Hamfest (Trash & Treasure Day) Saturday 31st August 2024

 On Saturday 31st August the Blue Mountains Amateur radio Club is holding it's Annual Winter Hamfest.

The address is The Old Scout Hall,  4 Moore Street Glenbrook and the gates open at 0830am.

We are finalising arrangements to have a stall from Elite Communications, a supplier of communications equipment/radios, etc.

https://www.elitecommunications.com.au/

If you have any questions, contact the Secretary.

73

Irene van Ekris VK2VAN

Secretary & Public Officer

BLUE MOUNTAINS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, INC

secretary@bmarc.org

Mike VK2KBC - Silent Key - 2nd Nov 2016

 we were recently talking about going to Forster sometime, as last time I was last up there was probably on a houseboat on Myall Lakes, which triggered my memory, what ever happened to Mike VK2KBC, as last time I worked him on 2metres, was when I was up Forster. 

I used to speak to Mike a lot when I was on-the-road  for work, Mike was very active mobile in Sydney, always  willing to say hello to anyone calling,  (along with Chuck VK2SS) until Mike retired up to Myall Lakes, I cant remember when he went, but it was many years ago now.. 

I just did a search, found out Mike became silent key on 2nd November, 2016. Almost 8 years ago.

vale Mike VK2KBC (sk).

VK2RFS-VK2RSE-VK3RDH weekly Net.

 VK2SNO is the Club callsign of the Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club Inc.

The Club conducts a Net every Saturday night hosted by Bill VK2ZZF operating as VK2SNO at 1930 hours on VK2RSE (147.375 MHz no tone) and can be heard right across the 2m linked network on VK2RFS (146.750 MHz no tone) and VK3RDH (146.625 MHz no tone)

NETS – Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club Inc (smarc.org.au)

 Why I took notice of this, is because I often hear the VK2RFS repeater during the summer months when there is coastal ducting between Sydney and far south coast. Often heard VK2's chatting with the VK3's via this network of repeaters.

QF46xe VHF/UHF/SHF location for portable operation/contest operation as of 1st August, 2024

 if you looking for a good high spot, with cleared of trees and good all round direction, then this location is currently ideal. It is approximately 600m north of Mt.Trickett (NSW),(SOTA site) is 1362m ASL and currently cleared of forestry pine trees.

Ideal for VHF/UHF/SHF location for portable operation/contest operation.  I just visited it recently whilst up that area. This area is very bare after recent forestry logging. Grid Square QF46xe.

You can see high rise buildings of Chatswood, North Sydney and Sydney city from here.

The VK2RCH repeaters are full scale here 60/9.

To get to this location, head for Oberon and across to Edith on road to Jenolan and Kanangra Walls. 
I pretty much given up on using Kanangra Boyd NP for portable operation, as everything is locked up.

On the subject of the VK2RCH repeaters, I could hear them fine from within Oberon. They were the only Sydney repeaters I could hear on a handheld from Oberon.

23cm contacts with VK2KYP portable 29th July 2024

 tee'd up and made contacts on 23cm, 1296.100 USB and 1294.000 FM simplex, on Monday 29th July 2024 at approx 10.30am AEST, 

Gary VK2KYP was portable at Somersby, on Central Coast NSW  QF56po, using a gridpack

and I was portable at Porcupine Hill, up the back of Jenolan Caves, in Western Blue Mtns of NSW, QF46xe, using a bi-quad antenna,

 distance was 130km,  signal strength was s5 on 1296.100 and s6 on 1294.000 FM.

logged the contacts on vkspotter.com

Bendigo Amateur Radio & Electronics Club, RADIOFEST 18 Aug 2024!

  

Bendigo Amateur Radio & Electronics Club, RADIOFEST 2024!

 

An invitation to your members.

 

The radio community is getting excited about the BAREC RADIOFEST, to be held on Sunday August 18th from 10 am at the East Bendigo Public Hall, 35 Lansell St, Bendigo, Victoria.

 

Displays, pre-loved gear & raffles, free parking.

 

General admission $5.00, tables $20.00 (includes one admission).

 

10 am start, food and drink available.

 

Talk in on VK3RCV 147.150 from 8 am.

 

Tables can be registered at www.barec.net.au, click on 'Radiofest 2024'.

 

East Bendigo Public Hall, 35 Lansell St, Bendigo, Victoria.

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/95BcgK9g2ysqdCQdA

 

Enquiries to radiofest@barec.net.au, or phone our secretary, Peter VK3PWJ on 0421 349 169, or Mark VK3PDG on 0407 844 063.

 

See attached graphic.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Regards,

 

Graeme

VK3GRK.

 

 

Bendigo Amateur Radio & Electronics Club Inc.

Media and Communications

Graeme Knight

Phone: 03 5441 5461

0417 389 357

media@barec.net.au

www.barec.net.au

https://www.facebook.com/Bendigo-Amateur-Radio-and-Electronics-Club-996152083728736

 

 

here are some Nets to listen to on DMR in VK/ZL, as of 13th May 2024

VK3XEM's Welfare Net, Mon to Fri 10am AEST, runs on the VK3 AllStar Network, but accessible from Brandmeister DMR TG 50525, also P25 TG 50525 and I think also on NXDN TG50525.

VK3KK Round Table Net, Wed 8pm AEST, same network as above, on the VK3 AllStar Network, but accessible from Brandmeister DMR TG 50525, also P25 TG 50525 and I think also on NXDN TG50525.

ZL Digital Net, Friday night, 8pm NZT, 6pm AEST, on  VKDMR TG 530 ZL Call Freq

Westlakes  Net, VK2ATZ  Sunday morning from 8.00am AEST on VKDMR TG3802 linked to Brandmeister TG5052

Westlakes Broadcast, Sunday morning 9.00am AEST on VKDMR TG3802 linked to Brandmeister TG5052

VK7 WIA / REAST Broadcast, Sunday morning 9.30am AEST on VKDMR TG5

VK-DMR Net, Tuesdays 0900z on VK-DMR TG505

BMARC Monday night net 19.30pm AEST and Thurs 19.30pm AEST via Brandmeister TG50520

 Port Stephens Net Thurs nights 19.30pm AEST VK-DMR TG3809 & Brandmeister TG5109

P25 Activity as of 6th May, 2024

 looking at some of the P25 Activity  around as of 6th May 2024,

TG10100

TG10201

TG10700

P25 TalkGroups Activity as of 29th April, 2024

I showing some of the activity over past week,

TG10100 WW  (M1GEO  UK), - it has a new Dashboard URL  - it has activity

TG10101   WW - some activity

TG10102    WW TAC2  - some activity

TG10103     WW TAC3  - unknown

TG10200 NA TAC

TG10201 NA TAC1 - plenty activity

TG10202 NA TAC2  - some activity

TG10203 NA TAC3 unknown

TG10400 Pacific P25

TG10401  Pacific TAC1/WICEN  - nothing, but it is a WICEN channel

TG10402  Pacific TAC2 - used by stations in China

TG10403 Pacific TAC3 - no response could be gone

TG10700 plenty of activity, a good dozen stations on here.

TG50525  plenty of activity, as it linked to VK3 Allstar network, multimode gateway

Dashboard URL's :

TG10100 - TG10100/Worldwide P25Reflector-Dashboard (m1geo.com)

TG10200 - - P25 North America Reflector (dvswitch.org)

TG10201 - - P25Reflector-Dashboard by DG9VH (dvswitch.org)

TG10400 - TG10400 PACIFIC P25-NXDN Bridge - VK2HK

TG10401 - TG10401 PACIFIC TAC1 (WICEN) P25 - VK2HK

TG10700 - AU P25 NSW - YSFReflector-Dashboard by DG9VH (gustotech.net)

TG50525 -  TG50525 P25 Gateway-Bridge - VK2HK & TG50525 NXDN-DMR-P25-YSF - VK2HK

MMDVM HS_HAT Modem Firmware Release Notes

 I haven't found any release notes yet for v1.6.0 or 1.6.1, but here are the recent previous releases

CA6JAU Release notes for version 1.5.2 :

• Support for BridgeCom SkyBridge HS
• Fix pictures transmission in YSF (Manuel EA7EE)
• Add "." to CWId (Andy MW0MWZ)
• Support for OrangePi firmware installation using generic_duplex_gpio_fw.bin (Sergei)
• Support for ZUMspot Dualband RPi and ZUMspot Duplex RPi (Abad Vera)
• Old ZUMspot Duplex USB is now Generic Duplex USB
• Serial Repeater RX optimization (Shawn Chain)
• UDID support (Shawn Chain)
• UDIO optional
• Beta fw support for installer scripts

This is a beta release 1.5.1b, for beta testing:

• Support for new boards: ZUMspot Dualband RPi and ZUMspot Duplex RPi (Abad Vera)
• Old ZUMspot Duplex USB is now Generic Duplex USB
• Serial Repeater RX optimization (Shawn Chain)
• UDID support (Shawn Chain)
• UDIO optional
• Beta fw support for installer scripts
• Fix bugs

Release notes for version 1.4.17 :

• Additional "sleep" for flashing (Florian DF2ET)
• Update NanoDV (Tom BG4TGO)
• Enabling Serial Repeater RX (Garry WD0DUD)
• Add D2RG MMDVM_HS support

Release notes for version 1.4.16 :

• Add support for POCSAG calibration mode by Florian DF2ET (latest MMDVMCal)
• Add I2C host communication support (custom firmware compilation)

for the rest of the release notes go to here :

Releases · juribeparada/MMDVM_HS · GitHub

Upgrading MMDVM board firmware from Pi-Star

 I just recently completed the exercise of upgrading my Pi-Star units with the Dashboard upgrade to 20240309 (9th March, 2024), and the Pi-Star firmware to 1.4.8

I noticed my MMDVM modems were still on 1.4.17, I looked at CA6JAU's GitHub and could see latest version he has was 1.5.2    GitHub - juribeparada/MMDVM_HS: MMDVM HotSpot: firmware for ZUMspot or MMDVM_HS based boards (D-Star, DMR, YSF, P25, NXDN and POCSAG)

but when I actually used the  Pi-Star > Configuration > Expert  > FW function to upgrade firmware, I discovered it was deploying version 1.6.1 for MMDVM_HS_HAT and same version for MMDVM_HS_DUAL_HAT

for my MMDVM HS_HAT modems (JumboSpot and the S56AL clone (Red)) were all same firmware that I upgraded manually a few years back. Below are  extracts from Pi-Star Livelogs, before and after upgrade :

MMDVM protocol version: 1, description: MMDVM_HS_Hat-v1.4.17 20190529 14.7456MHz ADF7021 FW by CA6JAU GitID #cc451c4

MMDVM protocol version: 1, description: MMDVM_HS_Hat-v1.6.1 20230526 14.7456MHz ADF7021 FW by CA6JAU GitID #7ff74ed

for my MMDVM Dual HAT modem, extracts from the Pi-Star Livelogs, before and after upgrade :

MMDVM protocol version: 1, description: MMDVM_HS_Dual_Hat-v1.4.17 20190529 14.7456MHz dual ADF7021 FW by CA6JAU GitID #cc451c4

MMDVM protocol version: 1, description: MMDVM_HS_Dual_Hat-v1.6.1 20230526 14.7456MHz dual ADF7021 FW by CA6JAU GitID #7ff74ed.

I ran into issue when doing the MMDVM_HS_DUAL_HAT modem board, the firmware upgrade stopped with an error, 

So I did a google search to see what to do about it, a few forums mentioned, but explanations were not easily understood, but eventually found the error details I needed, which was basically solder a JP1 solder pad  and solder a wire link into a header position, then I was able to complete the modem firmware task from Pi-Star menus, Configuration > Expert > FW.

From another forum, I learnt some more commandline  commands from Configuration > Expert > SSH Terminal, not so much to resolve, but to interrogate the MMDVM modem, which confirmed a few things.

For the type of MMDVM modems I am referring to above, then here they are:

JumboSpot :

S56AL clone (red coloured) :

MMDVM HS_DUAL_HAT modem :

same modem with OLED display fitted :

and below is the information to unlock the DUAL_HAT modem for upgrading

once the upgrade is complete, you can cut the link and remove solder blob from JP1 pads.

Here are Various Links to Upgrade firmware error discussions :
SOLVED - mmdvm single and duplex firmware update problem - forum.pistar.uk
Zumspot Libre Not upgrading - forum.pistar.uk

Updating MMDVM 1.52 to 1.61 : r/HamRadio (reddit.com)

PiStar MMDVM Upgrade Fix (m7spi.co.uk)    M7SPI covers the SSH commands you can use.

Make sure you upgrade the Dashboard version and Pi-Star software to get the latest Admin functionality.

Data Rate on Brandmeister AU DMR network from OpenSpot hotspot

 just saving a screenshot of Received Data rate from my OpenSpot1 on the Brandmeister AU DMR network,

approx 3.1 kbytes/sec

Pi-Star DMR Configuration Options for Static TalkGroups

 I was playing around with my Pi-Star configuration, with defining Static TalkGroups under DMR mode, I had added 11 x TG's in the TS1, and found the last couple were not there, meaning that I didnt see or hear any activity in the Activity (heard list) on the Pi-Star Dashboard for two of the 11 defined static TG's.  I tested with another radio, to test each TG defined, to find that TS1_10 and TS1_11 dont work, I trimmed the string back to 9 and it all working.

Did some Google searches to find that it is true,  each TS can have maximum of 9 x static talkgroups.

DMR+ Dynamic Talk Groups - forum.pistar.uk

In the Pi-Star Forum it says  you can have 9 x static TG's defined under TS1 and 9x static TG's defined under TS2.

DMR Node count for VK & ZL

 I have taken stat count of nodes in the past, this time I have written it down, but a couple years ago,  I found the numbers were much the same for VK-DMR versus Brandmeister nodes, in terms of VK activity, what I recall was around the 240-250 mark and looks much the same again today.

here is the count as of today, 22nd April 2024 for VK and ZL

VK-DMR :  Hotspots 242, Repeaters 56, Total=298.

BM  (VK): Hotspots  269, Repeaters 11, Total=280

ZL DMR+ : Hotspots Total=55 

BM (ZL): Hotspots Total=32

NOTE in ZL, repeaters don't have distinctive callsigns like VK does.

This is not a comparison of what is best, each type of DMR network does a different job, they are configured and operate differently, it is all about experimenting and learning, regardless of using one or both DMR modes and same goes for experimenting with other digital modes within the hobby.

DMR Nets for VK & ZL regions

 here are some Nets to listen to on DMR in VK/ZL:

VK3XEM's Welfare Net, Mon to Fri 10am AEST, runs on the VK3 AllStar Network, but accessible from Brandmeister DMR TG 50525, also P25 TG 50525 and I think also on NXDN TG50525.

VK3KK Round Table Net, Wed 8pm AEST, same network as above, on the VK3 AllStar Network, but accessible from Brandmeister DMR TG 50525, also P25 TG 50525 and I think also on NXDN TG50525.

ZL Digital Net, Friday night, 8pm NZT, 6pm AEST, on  VKDMR TG 530 ZL Call Freq

Westlakes  Net, VK2ATZ  Sunday morning from 8.00am AEST on VKDMR TG3802 linked to Brandmeister TG5052

Westlakes Broadcast, Sunday morning 9.00am AEST on VKDMR TG3802 linked to Brandmeister TG5052

VK7 WIA / REAST Broadcast, Sunday morning 9.30am AEST on VKDMR TG5

VK-DMR Net, Tuesdays 8pm AEST on VK-DMR TG5

M17 Project & WSPD - next generation digital voice

 M17 Project 

WPSD is a next-generation, digital voice software and dashboard suite by W0CHP, which includes native M17 support; as well as programs to update your modem firmware to the latest versions, which support M17

Software | M17 Project

The WPSD Project - W0CHP.radio

Pi-Star MMDVM Upgrades

 I just poking around doing some TalkGroup config changes today on my DMR Pi-Star MMDVM node that I use for VK DMR network, I was prompted with an upgrade notice, so I proceeded to upgrade that DMR node and I also upgraded my P25 Pi-Star Node while I was a it.

I been running version 4.1.6 for probably 2 years now since it  was release in November 2021

I noticed during upgrade it did two steps, upgrade to 4.1.7, then onto 4.1.8

I then thought it be good idea to check the Release Notes to see what it is about, 

here is extract off the Pi-Star website, no new functionality, its underlying infrastructure changes, required to allow for new functionality to be added in future, such as M17 Support. I still hanging out for some P25 Gateway functionality. (fingers crossed)

Pi-Star Downloads - pistar.uk

current Release Notes, as of 19th April, 2024

16-Feb-2024 **Version 4.2.1** - Available for Download or Upgrade.
    This version addresses some issues with the nextiondriver.service
        unit file, and with NextionDriver in general. I had
        not actually intended to include the unit file with
        4.2.0, but it's there, so to clean that up, we need
        a minor upgrade.
    While working on NextionDriver, I also noticed an issue with
        4.2.0 not always syncing the time correctly.
        This update also addresses NTP issues in the 4.2.0
        build.
    Additional disk cleaning is done in the release image,
        reducing the image size slightly.

05-Feb-2024 **Version 4.2.0** - Available for Download.
    This release upgrades the base OS from Buster to Bullseye.
        Binaries / Dashboard are all the same as 4.1.x chain.
        There will be some of you that need (for some reason)
        to use the older binary set, if that happens to be
        the case, check out this post on the forum:
        https://forum.pistar.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4806
    On the NanoPi / OrangePi and Odroid releases, the kernels
        are now updated as part of normal OS updates.
    Along with the "Legacy" branch should you need them, there
        is also now a "Testing" that is going to keep pace
        with the upstream releases, so now any of you can
        take part in the testing of new packages.
    If you have a 4.2.0 Beta image installed, you can keep using
        it so long as it's working OK for you, the last bug
        that has been crushed relates to Wi-Fi on the
        Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, it would drop the Wi-Fi after
        a few hours, if you are seeing that, re-flash with the
        current release.

21-Jan-2024 **Version 4.1.8** - Available for Download.
    This it is not possible to in-place upgrade and get the changes
        that matter in this download, the /boot volume has
        been 64MB in size for many years, and before there
        were too many versions of Raspberry Pi boards, this
        was fine. The ever growing number of kernels and
        systems supported by Raspbian means that 64MB is just
        not large enough any more.
    This change to the size of /boot (up to 256MB) also requires
        that I lift the minimum uSD card size to 4GB (it has
        been 2G since Pi-Star launched 10 years ago). This is
        the start of a lot of work to take Pi-Star past some
        of the baked in decisions from years ago that have made
        upgrades painful.
    If you have a working system, upgrade to 4.1.8, but don't rush
        to re-image, 4.2.0 is on the horizon, bumping the OS
        to bullseye, and paving the way for what comes next.
    Those of you waiting for bookworm, well you need to wait just
        a little bit longer, we need a stable release on
        bullseye out, before we get too radical.
    New binaries are coming soon, I wanted to get some of the long
        standing issues cured before pushing those, I will
        re-spin the images once they land.

18-Jan-2024 **Version 4.1.8** - Available for Upgrade.
    Bringing in M17 components, it's not configurable on the dash
        yet, but that is coming soon. First bring in the parts
        to make the service work, and pull in audio files etc.
    More work is required, but the basics of the dash changes are
        done, still to-do update config page and the repeater
        info panel. Thos should get pulled in over the next
        few days.

05-Jan-2024 **Version 4.1.7** - Available for download and upgrade.
    It has been a while since I pushed a full update. Mostly that
        has been owing the to the very stable nature of the
        current build, however, it was getting to have some
        issues creep in.
    What is new? - Actually nothing new, this update us just fixing
        the expired keys for the apt repos. This caused the OS
        and other packages not to get some updates.
        Upgrade to 4.1.7 from the dashboard (it's faster) and
        the new keys get installed, allowing all of the update
        goodness to function once more.
    I know this is not terribly exciting, but there are other things
        being worked on that are more exciting, more news on that
        later.

NOTE: as I mentioned back in October, 2022, to run P25 mode, you have to use the old Kernel 4.19.97+  as the P25 Mode doesn't like the later 5.10.11+ kernel.
To use the later versions of DMR (ie. 4.1.6 and later) you need to use a later version kernel, 5.10.11+ or later, otherwise it starts up and looks fine, but will not connect to a Master, e.g. DMR+.