FreeDV GUI v3.0-dev — W2MWS Enhanced Client Release 18

FreeDV W2MWS.18

Release: v3.0-dev-W2MWS.18
Base: FreeDV 3.0 development branch (v3.0-dev)

This release incorporates the latest upstream FreeDV improvements, with a particular focus on audio reliability, transmit/receive stability, waterfall display behavior, and platform compatibility.

All existing W2MWS enhancements are retained, including decoded speech transcription, appearance customization, window snapping, and persistent window positioning.

What's New

Audio Engine Reliability

• Incorporates upstream fixes for audio-thread race conditions, potential deadlocks, and shutdown sequencing.
• Improves macOS audio-device notification handling and resource cleanup.
• Includes improvements to Windows audio processing to reduce unnecessary busy-waiting.
• Integrates PulseAudio device and engine updates for Linux.

Transmit and Receive Improvements

• Incorporates upstream fixes for cleaner transmit termination.
• Includes additional transmit/receive thread handling improvements.
• Addresses an issue involving incorrect audio files being selected during queued recording playback.

Waterfall Display

• Fixes an upstream issue that could cause the waterfall to appear black under weak-signal conditions.
• Preserves W2MWS appearance and theme customization.

Platform and Compatibility Updates

• Incorporates upstream macOS CI and testing improvements.
• Includes updated automated tests for audio, recording, transmit/receive, and waterfall behavior.
• Adds or updates Swedish, Latvian, and Brazilian Portuguese translations.
• Includes upstream user manual updates.

W2MWS Features Retained

• Decoded Speech: Speech-to-text transcription of received FreeDV audio using whisper.cpp and Silero VAD.
• Decoded Speech Window: Window snapping, remembered size and position, and independent window management.
• Appearance Options: Light, Dark, and System theme selection.
• Reporter Integration: Existing FreeDV Reporter functionality and W2MWS integrations.
• Workspace Compatibility: Continued support for Notebook and Independent workspace modes.

Build Validation

All three GitHub Actions platform workflows completed successfully:

• Windows — Passed
• Linux — Passed
• macOS — Passed

The initial macOS CI attempt encountered a temporary GitHub DNS resolution failure while downloading a build dependency. The subsequent attempt completed successfully without source-code changes.

Notes

This is a development release intended for testing and evaluation. Please report any issues through the GitHub repository or the FreeDV W2MWS discussion group.

Source Code: https://github.com/msteele999/freedv-gui
Discussion Group: https://groups.io/g/FreeDV-W2MWS

73,
Mark — W2MWS

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.7 (Experimental)

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.7 — Experimental Prerelease

Release tag: v3.0-dev-W2MWS-radev2.7
Base: FreeDV 3.0 development branch, incorporating W2MWS.18 updates
Status: Experimental / Prerelease

Overview

RADEV2.7 is an experimental development release of FreeDV W2MWS, focused on integrating the next generation of the RADE digital voice modem while retaining the W2MWS client enhancements.

This release is intended for amateur radio operators interested in testing the evolving RADEV2 implementation and providing feedback.

This is not a replacement for the stable W2MWS release.

What's Included

RADEV2 Development

• Experimental RADEV2 integration based on the upstream development work.
• Continued development toward supporting RADEV1 and RADEV2 within the same client.
• RADE mode selection and configuration infrastructure.
• Integration of updates from the W2MWS.18 development baseline.

RADEV2 functionality remains experimental. The presence of RADEV2-related controls does not guarantee that every RADEV2 operating path is fully functional.

W2MWS Client Enhancements

The experimental branch also incorporates the existing W2MWS client improvements, including:

• Modernized user interface and appearance options.
• Independent and Notebook workspace layouts.
• Decoded Speech transcription using Whisper.cpp and Silero VAD.
• Configurable transcription context.
• Decoded Speech window snapping and remembered window geometry.
• Audio, configuration, and usability improvements accumulated through W2MWS.18.

Downloads

Windows x86_64

FreeDV-W2MWS-RADEV2.7-windows-x86_64.zip

Extract the ZIP archive and run the included FreeDV executable.

Linux x86_64

FreeDV-W2MWS-RADEV2.7-linux-x86_64.AppImage

Make the AppImage executable and launch it:

chmod +x FreeDV-W2MWS-RADEV2.7-linux-x86_64.AppImage
./FreeDV-W2MWS-RADEV2.7-linux-x86_64.AppImage

The Linux AppImage was built on Ubuntu 26.04 and successfully passed an executable startup/help test under WSL. Full GUI operation and compatibility with older Linux distributions have not yet been verified.

Testing and Feedback

Testers are encouraged to evaluate:

• RADE mode selection and configuration persistence.
• RADEV1 operation and regressions.
• Experimental RADEV2 behavior where available.
• Receive/transmit audio stability.
• Decoded Speech transcription.
• User interface behavior and workspace persistence.
• Platform-specific issues.

When reporting an issue, please include the operating system, selected RADE mode, steps to reproduce, and any relevant logs.

Important Notes

• This release is experimental and may contain incomplete functionality or regressions.
• RADEV2 development is ongoing.
• Use the stable W2MWS release for regular operation where reliability is the priority.
• Windows and Linux x86_64 packages are available; no macOS package is included in this prerelease.

Feedback and Issues

Please submit bug reports and testing feedback through the [GitHub Issues page](https://github.com/msteele999/freedv-gui/issues).

73, W2MWS

[Download RADEV2.7](https://github.com/msteele999/freedv-gui/releases/tag/v3.0-dev-W2MWS-radev2.7)

FreeDV GUI v3.0-dev — W2MWS Enhanced Client Release 17

FreeDV W2MWS Enhanced Client — Release 17

Version: v3.0-dev-W2MWS.17
Release Date: November 6, 2026
Based on: FreeDV v3.0-dev
Commit: a396dc9d

What's New

Release 17 incorporates the latest upstream FreeDV development changes, with an emphasis on stability, thread safety, and improved audio handling.

Improvements

• Improved support for 8 kHz microphones: RADE transmission now fills in missing high-frequency audio content when using narrowband microphones, including some Bluetooth headsets. (Upstream PR freedv#1614)
• Improved thread safety: Additional protections for shared configuration settings, audio devices, rig controllers, and modem state.
• More reliable startup and shutdown: Improved handling of concurrent operations and resource cleanup to reduce the risk of crashes during application shutdown or modem transitions.
• OmniRig improvements: Additional synchronization for rig connection state.
• Expanded automated testing: Additional tests for concurrent configuration access and updates.
• Updated documentation: Incorporated the latest upstream user manual changes.

W2MWS Community

The README now includes direct links to the FreeDV W2MWS community and GitHub releases.

Join the community for release announcements, testing feedback, questions, and discussions:

https://groups.io/g/FreeDV-W2MWS

W2MWS Enhanced Client Features

This release continues to include the W2MWS enhancements:

• Experimental decoded speech transcription using whisper.cpp.
• Dedicated decoded speech window with snapping and persistent window positioning.
• Light, Dark, and System appearance options.
• Additional user interface and usability improvements.

Downloads

Installers are available for:

• Windows x86-64
• Windows ARM64
• Linux x86-64 (AppImage)
• Linux ARM64 (AppImage)
• macOS (DMG)

Testing

Windows and Linux CI workflows completed successfully.

The macOS workflow produced its DMG successfully, with 12 jobs passing and one macOS 14 application-folder test job cancelled. No macOS compilation or test failure was reported.

All five production installers were successfully collected by the W2MWS release assembly workflow.

Important Notes

This is an independent development fork and is not an official FreeDV release.

Decoded speech transcription remains experimental. Results depend on received audio quality, signal conditions, and available system resources.

For official FreeDV releases, visit https://freedv.org/.

---

73, W2MWS

Thanks to the upstream FreeDV developers and everyone helping test the W2MWS Enhanced Client.

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.6 (Experimental)

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.6 — Experimental Release

Windows x86_64 | November 6, 2026

RADEV2.6 incorporates the latest upstream FreeDV development changes into the experimental W2MWS client while retaining support for both RADEV1 and RADEV2.

What's New

Upstream FreeDV Integration

• Merged the latest changes from upstream v3.0-dev.
• Incorporated additional thread-safety and data-race fixes.
• Improved audio device lifecycle management and cleanup.
• Improved rig-control synchronization, connection handling, and shutdown behavior.
• Updated configuration handling and associated tests.
• Incorporated upstream Reporter improvements.

RADEV1 and RADEV2 Support

• Retains both RADEV1 and experimental RADEV2 operating modes.
• Preserves the ability to select the desired RADE mode.
• Maintains mode-specific FreeDV Reporter connectivity:
  • RADEV1: qso.freedv.org
  • RADEV2: reporter-radev2.k6aq.net

W2MWS Features Retained

• Decoded Speech transcription using Whisper and Silero VAD.
• Separate Decoded Speech window with saved positioning and sizing.
• Light, dark, and system appearance options.
• W2MWS interface enhancements.
• Existing Reporter and logging functionality.

Compatibility

The upstream 8 kHz microphone enhancement requires a newer FreeDV backend than the one currently pinned by this experimental build. That enhancement is therefore not included in RADEV2.6.

Installation

1. Download FreeDV-W2MWS-RADEV2.6-windows-x86_64.zip.
2. Extract the entire ZIP archive to a folder of your choice.
3. Run bin/freedv.exe.
4. Keep the supplied DLLs and models directory alongside the executable in their extracted locations.

This is a portable Windows build; no installer is provided.

Testing

The experimental Windows build was compiled and locally tested, including RADEV1, RADEV2, Reporter, and Decoded Speech functionality.

This release remains experimental and is intended for users willing to test and provide feedback.

Feedback and Discussion

Please report issues, observations, and testing results through the [FreeDV W2MWS Groups.io community](https://groups.io/g/FreeDV-W2MWS).

73, W2MWS

FreeDV GUI v3.0-dev — W2MWS Enhanced Client Release 16

FreeDV GUI v3.0-dev — W2MWS Enhanced Client Release 16

Release Date: November 3, 2026
Version: v3.0-dev-W2MWS.16

What's New

Release 16 incorporates the latest updates from the upstream FreeDV development branch while retaining the enhancements introduced in previous W2MWS releases.

Updates and Improvements

• Synchronized with the latest upstream v3.0-dev development branch.
• Incorporated upstream translation and localization updates.
• Preserved the existing Decoded Speech functionality, including Whisper-based speech transcription and Silero voice activity detection.
• Retained the enhanced user interface, window positioning and persistence improvements, and existing configuration options.
• Maintained compatibility with existing RADEV1 operation.

Platform Availability

Release 16 includes builds for:

• Windows: x86_64 and ARM64 installers
• Linux: x86_64 and ARM64 AppImages
• macOS: Universal DMG installer

All three platform CI workflows completed successfully.

Notes

This is a development release intended for testing and evaluation. Existing W2MWS enhancements remain available, and feedback from users and testers is welcome.

RADEV2 integration remains under development in a separate experimental branch and is not included in this stable W2MWS release.

Feedback and Support

Please report issues, suggestions, and testing results through:

• W2MWS Discussion Group: https://groups.io/g/FreeDV-W2MWS
• GitHub Repository: https://github.com/msteele999/freedv-gui

Thank you to everyone helping test and improve the W2MWS Enhanced Client.

73, Mark — W2MWS

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.5 Experimental

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.5 — Experimental Release Notes

Version: v3.0-dev-W2MWS-radev2.5
Platform: Windows x86_64
Status: Experimental / Prerelease

What's New

RADEV2.5 brings the latest W2MWS stable enhancements and upstream FreeDV development changes into the experimental RADEV2 client.

Updates and Improvements

• RADEV1 and RADEV2 support: Both modem modes remain available in the same client, with selectable operating modes.
• W2MWS.16 integration: Incorporates the latest stable W2MWS changes.
• Decoded Speech: Retains Whisper-based speech transcription with Silero voice activity detection for both RADEV1 and RADEV2.
• FreeDV Reporter: Maintains mode-specific Reporter server connections for RADEV1 and RADEV2.
• Upstream synchronization: Incorporates recent changes from the upstream FreeDV development and RADEV2 branches.

Testing and Validation

The Windows x86_64 build completed successfully.

Local testing passed for:

• RADEV1 operation
• RADEV2 operation
• FreeDV Reporter
• Decoded Speech

The release ZIP passed its integrity verification.

Known Limitations

• RADEV2 remains experimental and is intended for testing and evaluation.
• This release is available as a Windows x86_64 ZIP package only.
• A previously observed intermittent FreeDV Reporter display refresh issue remains under observation but has not been consistently reproducible.

Installation

1. Download FreeDV-W2MWS-RADEV2.5-windows-x86_64.zip.
2. Extract the ZIP to a folder of your choice.
3. Launch freedv.exe.
4. Select RADEV1 or RADEV2 as desired.

Keep the included DLLs and models directory alongside the executable.

This is an experimental release. Users seeking the stable W2MWS development version should continue using W2MWS.16.

Feedback

Testing reports, bug reports, and suggestions are welcome through the [FreeDV-W2MWS Groups.io community](https://groups.io/g/FreeDV-W2MWS).

73,
Mark — W2MWS

FreeDV GUI v3.0-dev — W2MWS Enhanced Client Release 15

FreeDV GUI v3.0-dev — W2MWS Enhanced Client Release 15

Release: v3.0-dev-W2MWS.15
Date: November 1, 2026
Based on: FreeDV upstream v3.0-dev
Commit: 25b00e56

Overview

W2MWS.15 incorporates the latest upstream FreeDV development changes while retaining the enhancements available in the W2MWS client.

This release focuses on upstream compatibility, improved FreeDV Reporter interaction, audio device validation, and general stability.

What's New in Release 15

Upstream FreeDV Integration

• Merged the latest upstream v3.0-dev changes.
• Incorporated updated FreeDV Reporter behavior and audio device handling.
• Updated documentation and automated tests to align with upstream development.

FreeDV Reporter Improvements

• Incorporated upstream fixes addressing unintended station selection when the Reporter window receives focus.
• Improved handling of Reporter table interactions.
• Preserved existing FreeDV Reporter functionality and W2MWS enhancements.

Audio Device Improvements

• Audio sample rates below 8 kHz are rejected.
• Sample rates between 8 kHz and 16 kHz generate a warning for analog audio operation rather than an immediate failure.
• Audio warnings are limited to avoid repeated notifications during a session.

Existing W2MWS Enhancements

This release continues to include:

• Decoded Speech: Real-time transcription of received FreeDV speech using whisper.cpp and Silero VAD.
• Appearance Settings: Light, Dark, and System appearance options.
• Window Management: Snapping and persistent window positioning for the Decoded Speech window.
• Configuration Persistence: Retention of supported user interface and operating preferences.
• Additional Stability Improvements: Previously incorporated audio, interface, and platform compatibility fixes.

Platform Support

Release packages are available for:

• Windows x86_64
• Windows ARM64
• macOS (DMG)
• Linux x86_64 (AppImage)
• Linux ARM64 (AppImage)

Build and Testing

Automated CI testing completed successfully across Windows and Linux.

On macOS, the macOS 15 and macOS 26 jobs passed. The macOS 14 application-folder test was repeatedly cancelled without producing a test failure or diagnostic log.

Local Windows compilation and runtime validation also passed, including RX/TX operation, FreeDV Reporter, and Decoded Speech.

RADEV2 Development

RADEV2 development continues separately on the experimental branch and is not included in this stable W2MWS.15 release.

The upcoming experimental RADEV2.3 build is planned to incorporate W2MWS.15 improvements, additional upstream codec updates, and further Reporter integration work.

Downloads

Download the appropriate installer or application package from the release assets below.

Project: https://github.com/msteele999/freedv-gui

Latest release: https://github.com/msteele999/freedv-gui/releases/latest

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the upstream FreeDV development team for their continued work and to the W2MWS testers and amateur radio operators providing feedback, testing, and on-air validation.

73, W2MWS

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.4 (Experimental)

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.4 — Experimental Release

This experimental release continues development of RADEV2 support in the W2MWS FreeDV client while retaining RADEV1 compatibility and the enhancements from W2MWS.15.

What's New

Independent RADEV1 and RADEV2 Reporter Configuration

• Separate, editable Reporter server settings for RADEV1 and RADEV2.
• RADEV1 default: qso.freedv.org
• RADEV2 default: reporter-radev2.k6aq.net
• Reporter connections automatically follow the selected RADE mode.
• The Reporter window clears data from the previous server when switching modes.
• Existing global Reporter enable/disable and TLS settings are preserved.
• Only the selected mode's Reporter server is used; reports are not sent simultaneously to both servers.

RADEV2 Integration

• Incorporates upstream RADEV2 development changes.
• Includes RADEV2 timing improvements and updated backend dependencies.
• Maintains selectable RADEV1 and RADEV2 operation.

W2MWS Features Preserved

All functionality from W2MWS.15 is retained, including:

• Decoded Speech using Whisper and Silero VAD.
• Decoded Speech window management and saved preferences.
• Existing interface enhancements and configuration options.

Installation

Windows x86_64 ZIP distribution

1. Download FreeDV-W2MWS-RADEV2.4-windows-x86_64.zip.
2. Extract the entire archive to a folder of your choice.
3. Run bin/freedv.exe.

Keep the included DLLs, speech models, and supporting files together.

Testing and Feedback

This is an experimental development release, not a replacement for the stable W2MWS.15 release.

Testing of RADEV1 compatibility, RADEV2 operation, Reporter connectivity, and decoded speech is welcome. Please report issues with the selected RADE mode, operating system, and steps to reproduce.

Build: Locally compiled and tested on Windows. This release was not built through GitHub Actions CI.

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2.2 - PI Timing Test

Experimental RADEV2 receiver with upstream PI timing-loop improvements. OTA testing requested.

FreeDV W2MWS RADEV2 Experimental 1

Experimental Windows x64 build introducing RADEV2 TX/RX support alongside RADEV1.

RADEV1 operation and Decoded Speech have been locally verified. RADEV2 application startup has been verified, but RADEV2 over-the-air TX/RX interoperability has not yet been validated.

This build installs separately from the stable FreeDV W2MWS release. Intended for tester evaluation only.