Stories with Tag Beta

• QRP Labs QMX SSB beta firmware relased

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  Posted: 2025-03-18 10:40:48

  Verbose tl;dr

  QRP Labs has released beta firmware enabling SSB (single-sideband) transmission and reception on the QMX transceiver. This firmware adds upper and lower sideband modes, along with a new CW mode with adjustable sidetone frequency and a wider range of speeds. Existing features like digital modes, FreeDV, and the touch-screen interface remain functional. The SSB implementation is still considered beta and requires careful tuning, particularly regarding microphone gain settings to avoid overdrive. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to help refine the firmware before its official release.

  Hans Summers, the proprietor of QRP Labs, has announced the release of a beta firmware version enabling Single Sideband (SSB) modulation and demodulation functionality for the QMX, a general-purpose radio transceiver kit known primarily for its digital modes. This highly anticipated expansion of the QMX's capabilities marks a significant milestone, opening the door for voice communication and traditional ham radio operation on the platform.

  The beta firmware, available for immediate download from the QRP Labs website, introduces a suite of features essential for SSB operation, including selectable upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB) modes, adjustable transmit power output up to a maximum of 5 Watts, and adjustable microphone gain settings for optimal audio levels. Furthermore, the firmware incorporates a Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) function for hands-free operation and a noise gate to suppress background noise during transmit periods.

  While the beta release represents a substantial step forward, Mr. Summers emphasizes that it is still under development and may contain unforeseen bugs or performance limitations. He encourages users to download and experiment with the firmware, providing valuable feedback through email to aid in refining and stabilizing the SSB implementation for a final release. The post highlights specific areas of interest for user feedback, including the performance of the VOX and noise gate functions, the overall audio quality of both transmitted and received signals, and the efficacy of the Automatic Gain Control (AGC).

  The post further elaborates on the configuration process for the SSB functionality, advising users to consult the comprehensive QMX manual for detailed instructions. It emphasizes the importance of calibrating the microphone input level using the provided menu options for achieving optimal audio fidelity. Additionally, the post reiterates the inherent experimental nature of beta software, reminding users to proceed with caution and to report any encountered issues to facilitate rapid improvement and eventual integration into the stable firmware release. It concludes by expressing enthusiasm for the expansion of the QMX's capabilities and anticipation for community feedback during the beta testing phase.

  • QRP Labs
  • QMX
  • SSB
  • Firmware
  • Beta
  • Amateur radio
  • Ham radio
  • Digital Mode
  • Transceiver
  • Software Defined Radio
  • SDR

  Summary of Comments ( 15 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43397811

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Hacker News comments express significant excitement about the new SSB firmware for the QRP Labs QMX, praising its features and Hans Summers' (the creator's) work. Several commenters discuss their pre-orders and eagerness to try it out, noting the impressive performance achieved in such a small and affordable package. Some discuss the complexities of SSB implementation compared to digital modes, while others appreciate the continued support and updates for the QMX platform. A few express interest in its potential for portable operation and digital modes like FT8. Overall, the sentiment is very positive, reflecting a high level of anticipation and satisfaction within the amateur radio community.

  The Hacker News post titled "QRP Labs QMX SSB beta firmware relased" (with a typo in "released") has generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on the excitement surrounding the new SSB (Single Sideband) functionality for the QMX transceiver. Several commenters express enthusiasm and anticipation for trying out the new firmware.

  One commenter highlights the impressive nature of achieving SSB on such a small and low-power device, praising the technical accomplishment. They specifically mention the challenge of implementing the Hilbert transform, a crucial component of SSB modulation, within the limited resources of the QMX.

  Another user chimes in, appreciating the community-driven development process and the responsiveness of QRP Labs to user feedback. They suggest this open approach contributes significantly to the success and popularity of the QMX platform.

  A discussion thread develops around the topic of digital signal processing (DSP) versus traditional analog methods for SSB generation. Commenters debate the merits of each approach, considering factors like power consumption, complexity, and audio fidelity. Some express a preference for the "purity" of analog SSB, while others acknowledge the flexibility and advanced features enabled by DSP.

  One user questions the practical utility of SSB on such a low-power device, given the inherent limitations of QRP (low-power radio) operation. However, another commenter counters this by pointing out the significant advantages of SSB in terms of spectral efficiency and improved intelligibility in crowded bands, even at low power levels. They emphasize the importance of efficient communication in emergency situations, a common use case for QRP.

  Finally, several commenters share their experiences with other QRP Labs products and express confidence in the quality and performance of the new SSB firmware. They anticipate further improvements and refinements as the beta testing progresses. Overall, the comments reflect a positive and enthusiastic reception of the new SSB feature for the QMX.

• 1972 Unix V2 "Beta" Resurrected

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  Posted: 2025-02-19 21:41:07

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  A working version of Unix Version 2, specifically a "beta" release predating the official V2 from November 1972, has been recovered and made available. Discovered on a PDP-11 RK05 disk pack, this "Proto-V2" includes intriguing differences like an earlier version of the file system and unique commands. Warren Toomey, leveraging a SIMH emulator and painstaking analysis, managed to boot and explore this historical artifact, offering a fascinating glimpse into Unix's early evolution. The restored system, along with Toomey's detailed notes, is now accessible to the public, providing valuable insights for those interested in computing history.

  In a remarkable feat of digital archaeology and software preservation, a functional version of Unix Version 2, specifically a "beta" release predating the official public release from 1973, has been successfully resurrected. This accomplishment, spearheaded by researchers and enthusiasts associated with The Unix Heritage Society (TUHS), provides a valuable glimpse into the early evolutionary stages of this foundational operating system. The recovered version, designated as "Unix V2 Beta," is believed to date back to 1972. Its discovery and subsequent restoration involved meticulous analysis and reconstruction efforts based on historical tapes and documentation.

  The unearthed version showcases several intriguing differences and omissions compared to the more widely known production release of Unix V2. Notably, it lacks the 'pipe' functionality, a now-fundamental inter-process communication mechanism that became a hallmark of Unix's elegant design. This absence highlights the iterative development process and the refinement of core concepts over time. Additionally, the beta reveals variations in system calls and command utilities, offering insights into the evolution of the user interface and the underlying system architecture.

  The restoration process involved addressing challenges related to hardware compatibility and data format conversions, as the original system ran on now-obsolete PDP-11 hardware. Through emulation techniques and careful data migration, the researchers were able to bring the historical software back to life on modern systems. This allows contemporary users and researchers to experience and study this pivotal moment in computing history firsthand. The availability of this early Unix version provides a unique opportunity to analyze the design choices and technical compromises made during the formative years of Unix, contributing to a deeper understanding of its lasting impact on the computing landscape. The project underscores the importance of preserving historical software artifacts for research, education, and a greater appreciation of technological evolution. The resurrected Unix V2 Beta offers a tangible link to the pioneering efforts that shaped the modern computing world.

  • unix
  • V2
  • Operating System
  • History
  • Retrocomputing
  • Software Preservation
  • TUHS
  • 1972
  • Beta
  • Source Code
  • vintage computing

  Summary of Comments ( 87 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43108091

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters express excitement about the resurrection of Unix V2 "Beta," viewing it as a valuable historical artifact. Several highlight the simplicity and elegance of early Unix compared to modern operating systems, appreciating the ability to explore its concise codebase. Some discuss the technical details of the restoration process, including the challenges of running old software on modern hardware and the use of emulators like SIMH. Others reminisce about their experiences with early Unix, contrasting the collaborative and open environment of the time with the more commercialized landscape of today. The small size of the OS and the speed at which it boots also impress commenters, emphasizing the efficiency of early Unix development.

  The Hacker News post titled "1972 Unix V2 "Beta" Resurrected" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43108091) has a modest number of comments, generating a brief discussion around the historical significance and technical details of the resurrected Unix version.

  One commenter highlights the importance of the PDP-11 in the history of computing, emphasizing that it was "arguably the most important machine in the history of minicomputers," influencing subsequent architectures and instruction sets. They also express excitement about exploring the ancient Unix version on real hardware.

  Another commenter points to the simplicity of early Unix versions, noting they were small enough to be understood by a single person. They lament the increased complexity of modern systems.

  A thread develops around the discussion of bootstrapping and the difficulty of getting old systems running on modern hardware. One commenter mentions the challenge of dealing with obsolete media formats and the intricate process of getting the system up and running. Another user shares their personal experience of successfully restoring a PDP-11 system, offering some insights into the complexities involved.

  A comment notes the impressive preservation of historical software, specifically mentioning the recovery of the Apollo 11 guidance computer source code and comparing it to this Unix restoration.

  The discussion also briefly touches upon the licensing of this old version of Unix. A comment clarifies that V2 Unix was under the "liberal" four-clause BSD license (compared to the later, more complex System III license), further highlighting the historical context of software licensing.

  Finally, a commenter provides a link to a previous Hacker News discussion about a working PDP-11/45 emulator, offering another avenue for those interested in experiencing this historical operating system.

  While the discussion isn't extensive, it provides interesting perspectives on the significance of this historical software recovery, touching on topics ranging from hardware emulation and bootstrapping challenges to licensing and the evolution of operating system complexity.