# JS8Call

JS8Call is an experiment in combining the robustness of FT8 (a weak-signal mode by K1JT) with a messaging and network protocol layer for weak signal communication. The open source software is designed for connecting amateur radio operators who are operating under weak signal conditions and offers real-time keyboard-to-keyboard messaging, store-and-forward messaging, and automatic station announcements. 

* Read more on the original design inspiration here: https://github.com/jsherer/js8call

* For release announcements and discussion, join the JS8Call mailing list here: https://groups.io/g/js8call

* Documentation is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/159S4wqMUVdMA7qBgaSWmU-iDI4C9wd4CuWnetN68O9U/edit?pli=1#heading=h.kfnyge37yfr


# Notice

JS8Call is a derivative of the WSJT-X application, restructured and redesigned for message passing using a custom FSK modulation called JS8. It is not supported by nor endorsed by the WSJT-X development group. While the WSJT-X group maintains copyright over the original work and code, JS8Call is a derivative work licensed under and in accordance with the terms of the GPLv3 license. The source code modifications are public and can be found in js8call branch of this repository: https://bitbucket.org/widefido/js8call/


# History

* July 6, 2017 - The initial idea of using a modification to the FT8 protocol to support long-form QSOs was developed by Jordan, KN4CRD, and submitted to the WSJT-X mailing list: https://sourceforge.net/p/wsjt/mailman/message/35931540/
* August 31, 2017 - Jordan, KN4CRD, did a little development and modified WSJT-X to support long-form QSOs using the existing FT8 protocol: https://sourceforge.net/p/wsjt/mailman/message/36020051/  He sent a video example to the WSJT-X group: https://widefido.wistia.com/medias/7bb1uq62ga
* January 8, 2018 - Jordan, KN4CRD, started working on the design of a long-form QSO application built on top of FT8 with a redesigned interface.
* February 9, 2018 - Jordan, KN4CRD, submitted question to the WSJT-X group to see if there was any interest in pursuing the idea: https://sourceforge.net/p/wsjt/mailman/message/36221549/
* February 10, 2018 - Jordan KN4CRD, Julian OH8STN, John N0JDS, and the Portable Digital QRP group did an experiment using FSQ. The idea of JS8Call, combining FT8, long-form QSOs, and FSQCall like features was born.
* February 11, 2018 - Jordan, KN4CRD, inquired about the idea of integrating long-form messages into WSJT-X: https://sourceforge.net/p/wsjt/mailman/message/36223372/
* February 12, 2018 - Joe Taylor, K1JT, wrote back: https://sourceforge.net/p/wsjt/mailman/message/36224507/ saying that “Please don't let my comment discourage you from proceeding as you wish, toward something new.”
* March 4, 2018 - Jordan, KN4CRD, published a design document for JS8Call: https://github.com/jsherer/js8call
* July 6, 2018 - Version 0.0.1 of JS8Call released to the development group
* July 15, 2018 - Version 0.1 released - a dozen testers
* July 21, 2018 - Version 0.2 released - 75 testers
* July 27, 2018 - Version 0.3 released - 150 testers
* August 12, 2018 - Version 0.4 released - (“leaked” on QRZ) - 500 testers
* September 2, 2018 - Version 0.5 released - 3000 testers
* September 14, 2018 - Version 0.6 released - 5000 testers
* October 8, 2018 - Version 0.7 released - 6000 testers, name changed to JS8 & JS8Call
* October 31, 2018 - Version 0.8 released - ~7000 testers
* November 15, 2018 - Version 0.9 released - ~7500 testers
* November 30, 2018 - Version 0.10 released - ~7800 testers
* December 18, 2018 - Version 0.11 released - ~8200 testers
* January 1, 2019 - Version 0.12 released - ~9000 testers
* January 23, 2019 - Version 0.13 released - ~9250 testers
* February 7, 2019 - Version 0.14 released - ~9600 testers
* February 21, 2019 - Version 1.0.0-RC1 released - ~10000 testers
* March 11, 2019 - Version 1.0.0-RC2 released - >10000 testers
* March 26, 2019 - Version 1.0.0-RC3 released - >11000 testers
* April 1, 2019 - Version 1.0.0 general availability - Public Release!
* June 6, 2019 - Version 1.1.0 general availability
* November 29, 2019 - Version 2.0.0 general availability - Fast and Turbo speeds introduced!
* December 22, 2019 - Version 2.1.0 general availability - Slow speed introduced!