[SFDXA] Versions with SuperFox mode ready for download

[Bill]

Dear WSJT-X_IMPROVED Users,

I am pleased to announce that our new*versions with SuperFox mode* 
of*both* WSJT-X <https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx.html> and 
wsjt-x_improved <https://wsjt-x-improved.sourceforge.io/>___a_re now 
available for download. We've worked hard on it over the past 
weeks/months! Furthermore, all installers of my 'improved' version now 
provide highDPI scaling (4K support). New with "*240701-RC5*" is that 
this function can be switched off, and that there is an option for 
another GUI tweak (the latter primarily intended for the AL version).

*SuperFox mode* <https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/SuperFox_User_Guide.pdf> 
behaves operationally like the old-style Fox and Hounds mode but uses a 
new constant envelope waveform for Fox’s transmissions. Messages can be 
transmitted simultaneously to as many as 9 Hounds with no 
signal-strength penalty, resulting in a system gain of about +10 dB 
compared to the older Fox-and-Hound operation with 5 slots. 
Right-clicking on the FT8 button toggles SuperFox mode on/off for either 
Fox or Hound, allowing quick transitions between SuperFox and old-style 
Fox and Hound operation. Further details on SuperFox mode can be found 
in the *SuperFox User Guide 
<https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/SuperFox_User_Guide.pdf>* and on the Jarvis 
2024 DXpedition homepage 
<https://jarvisisland2024.com/operating/super-fox-mode>. Or just *watch 
this video* <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQP88d1K-6s>.

*IMPORTANT:* Hounds must use either WSJT-X 2.7.0*-rc5* or 
wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel "*240701-RC5*" (or a later release, when 
available) to receive SuperFox messages!

Note: With regard to our new SuperFox mode, I have programmed all my 
improvements directly in WSJT-X as well, so that the source code for 
this part is identical with wsjt-x_improved.

Here comes the *changelog*:

*A. Changes to both WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 and wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel 
"**240701-RC5**":*

*SuperFox mode:*

  * The SuperFox mode behaves operationally like the present Fox and
    Hounds mode but uses a constant envelope waveform for Fox's
    transmissions rather than sending concurrent streams of up to five
    normal FT8 signals. This approach means that up to 9 messages can be
    transmitted simultaneously with no signal-strength penalty,
    resulting in a system gain of about +10 dB compared to the
    conventional Fox/Hound operation with 5 slots.
  * IMPORTANT: Older revisions of WSJT-X and derivative programs will
    not be able to decode SuperFox transmissions. Hounds must use WSJT-X
    2.7.0-rc5 (or a later release, when available) to receive SuperFox
    messages.
  * Hounds chasing the DX station will transmit normal FT8 signals, as
    in the old-style Fox and Hound mode.  QSOs will be logged as FT8 mode.
  * When using SuperFox mode, Hound stations may call at any frequency
    in Fox's received passband, including the range 0 - 1000 Hz. Hounds
    do not QSY to a lower frequency for their final transmission.
  * SuperFox Operation requires the Fox operator to use a valid digital
    key.  Keys will be issued in advance to legitimate DXpeditions by
    the Northern California DX Foundation, and will be kept secret.
  * Every SuperFox transmission includes a unique digital signature.
    Hounds receiving a SuperFox message will see a "<callsign> verified"
    flag if the transmitted signature is valid, and the on-screen "Super
    Hound" label will turn from red to green.
  * Hound operation should begin by selecting "Special operating
    activity", "Hound", and "SuperFox mode" on the Settings -> Advanced
    tab. Alternatively, right-clicking on the FT8 button toggles
    SuperFox mode on/off for either Fox or Hound, allowing quick
    transitions between SuperFox and old-style Fox and Hound operation.
  * SuperFox stations can send free text messages of up to 26 characters
    together with messages to as many as 4 Hounds.

*Other enhancements:*

  * Corrected a flaw that caused "Log automatically" to not work for the
    ARRL Digi Contest.
  * Control elements for special operating activities are now disabled
    (grayed out) if the respective function is not applicable.
  * Corrected a longstanding flaw that caused "Start new period decodes
    at top" to stop working properly after some time. (Note: adoption of
    an "improved" feature).
  * Right-click mouse press events are now less error-prone. (Note:
    adoption of an "improved" feature).
  * Improved the readability of the first line when "Start new period
    decodes at top" is checked. (Note: adoption of an "improved" feature).
  * 4-digit grids are now logged for certain contest modes to ensure
    that the log complies with contest rules. (Note: adoption of an
    "improved" feature).
  * The Fox Tx frequency is now saved and restored separately.

*B. Changes exclusively to **wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-RC5 "**240701-RC5**":*

  * All versions of wsjt-x_improved now provide highDPI scaling (4K
    support). This function is enabled by default, but can now be
    switched off via the checkbox at Settings/Advanced. The highDPI
    scaling feature usually results in a better and proportionally
    correct display of the control elements on high-resolution monitors
    (2K, 4K, 8K, etc.). However, this applies primarily to Windows. My
    code should theoretically also work on Linux, but this depends on
    the distribution. MacOS offers its own 4K support out of the box.
  * The Advanced tab of the Settings dialog has now a new "GUI tweaks
    for high-resolution monitors" group box. Besides highDPI scaling
    there is also a new "Increased height of the tab widget" checkbox.
    This option is primarily intended for the AL version.
  * Some minor improvements and bug fixes.
  * Update to hamlib 4.6_2024-06-27_SHA=745e72.

Enjoy the new version, and in particular our new SuperFox mode!

73 de DG2YCB,
Uwe

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