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@github-actions github-actions released this 09 Oct 16:22
· 34 commits to main since this release
v1.1.2
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OscarWatch Tracker v1.1.2

Welcome to version 1.1.2 of OscarWatch Tracker! This release introduces a major set of upgrades to our FT4 tools, making satellite FT4 contacts smoother, more reliable, and much easier to operate. We have also added support for new satellites, improved our live linking features, and added an automated wait and pounce tool for busy passes.

Supporters

A special thank you to Alan (WA4SCA) for supporting the project! Your generosity helps keep OscarWatch Tracker growing and improving for satellite operators worldwide.

What is New in Version 1.1.2

FT4 Upgrades & Features

  • Wait and Pounce Automated Calling:
    You can now set OscarWatch to wait for a specific station or grid square. Tick Pounce in the FT4 window and enter a callsign or grid square. As soon as that station calls CQ or responds to you, OscarWatch answers automatically. You can also right-click any line in the decode window and select "Pounce on this station" to set it up instantly.

  • Smarter Transmit Slot Timing:
    Answering a call automatically switches your transmit timing between odd and even slots. OscarWatch now keeps the Even TX slots checkbox updated in real time so you always know exactly which slot your next transmission will use.

  • Smoother Rig Control & Frequency Holding:

    • Returning to SSB or changing transponders now releases the FT4 Doppler frequency hold immediately, rather than waiting up to 7.5 seconds for the next slot.
    • CAT Doppler control for other transponders (such as RS-44 SSB) is no longer blocked while an FT4 session runs quietly in the background.
    • Changing your PTT setup or COM port choice updates instantly without needing to restart the FT4 window or leaving the port locked for other applications.

  • Faster, Precision Transmissions:

    • Transmit audio now starts right on the slot boundary without brief delays, making your signal timing rock-solid and stable on waterfall decodes.
    • Corrected an issue on radios like the IC-910 where RF power checks could read the receive band instead of the transmit band.
    • Pressing transmit buttons like CQ, Enable TX, or Tune no longer briefly freezes the user interface while reading power levels over CAT.

  • Improved Decoding & Signal Cleaning:

    • Decodes from stations with frequency drift or sliding uplinks are now recovered much more reliably.
    • Reduced phantom decodes and false reports on weak signals near the noise floor.
    • Fixed an issue on some Windows PCs where FT4 soundcard options were missing due to missing C++ system files.

New Satellites Added

We have updated the built-in database with two newly launched satellites:

  • Erminaz-2U (NORAD 100915): Added on 435.900 MHz. Features a 9k6 FSK digipeater, 9k6 GMSK telemetry/SSDV, and a CW beacon.
  • HADES-L (NORAD 100909): AMSAT-EA satellite featuring a Voice A/U transponder (29.472 MHz USB uplink / 436.665 MHz FM downlink) and 800 bps FSK telemetry on 436.665 MHz.

SatelliteLink & Display Improvements

  • Pass Alert Messages: SatelliteLink now broadcasts scheduled pass alerts and countdown reminders so connected third-party tools can trigger alerts before a satellite rises over your horizon.
  • QSO Logging Integration: Completed contacts made in the FT4 modem are now automatically broadcast over SatelliteLink as soon as they are logged.
  • Map & Interface Refinements: Clicking on the main tracker map now keeps your selected satellite highlighted unless you explicitly click another satellite's label or footprint. The sidebar status also clearly displays when tracking is in Standby mode.

Full Changelog: v1.1.1...v1.1.2

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