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Updates and version notes

Documentation is versioned by release family. Every 1.0 release uses the /docs/1.0/ guide.

Match a guide to the application

Find the application version in Settings > General > ABOUT > Version. Use the first two version numbers to select the guide family.

Select Documentation in Settings > General > ABOUT to open the copy shipped with that release. Radio Bench opens the matching website family if the local copy is unavailable.

Understand page notes

A page can show a version note when behavior changed during 1.0. Instructions without a narrower note apply to the complete family.

An archived family remains available for older installations.

Install an update

A paid license includes all future Radio Bench updates. Confirm the target version before installation.

  1. Finish transmitting and save pending contacts or recordings.
  2. Open Settings > General > UPDATES.
  3. Select Check now and wait for the status result.
  4. If an update is available, read its release notes and select Download and install or Later.
  5. Allow downloading, verification, and installation to finish.
  6. Select Restart Radio Bench when offered, then check the version under ABOUT.

Checks and downloads need a network connection. The app defers the optional update prompt during transmission and blocks installation while TX is active.

State Next action
Checking… Wait for the check to finish.
Update available Read the changes, then install or choose Later.
Installing update Let installation finish.
Update installed Restart Radio Bench to use the new version.
Update not installed Read the error. Correct it, then select Try again.

On macOS, the updater replaces the application bundle. On Linux, it replaces the running AppImage file and needs write access to that location.

On Windows, the updater starts the installer and exits the application. Complete any installer prompts and reopen Radio Bench if it does not return automatically.

If automatic restart fails, close Radio Bench and open it again. If installation keeps failing, download the matching installer from the download page.

If an older installation blocks an update, see upgrade from a beta. Installing an update does not create an ongoing online requirement.

New in 1.0

Version 1.0.0 is the first release out of beta. These changes are new since 0.9.3-beta.1:

  • The map is easier to read on light and dark basemaps. Contacts at one grid merge into one marker, and tooltips show more detail.
  • Map settings add a legend card and custom band colors.
  • New settings use the Liberty map style and a waterfall scroll speed of 30 rows/s. Existing saved choices are preserved.
  • Right-click the KiwiSDR station address field to paste an address.
  • Remote KiwiSDR spectrum health follows the station's delivery rate.
  • Callsign lookup passwords move to the operating system credential store.
  • Buy a license directly from the trial banner.

Upgrade from a beta

Install 1.0 over a 0.9 or 0.8 beta. Your settings, station profiles, logbooks, band plans, and recordings carry over. A paid beta license remains valid.

These changes from the 0.9 betas are most visible after an upgrade:

  • Some Settings pages have new names. Application is now General, Frequency is now Band Plans, and Map Display is now Map.
  • Logbook file actions, import, and export are in the logbook menu at the top of the Logging drawer. They replace the earlier Setup actions.
  • Rig USB audio needs an explicit radio input device. It never uses the computer's default input.
  • Saved lookup passwords move to the credential store at the first start of 1.0. If the store is locked, Settings shows a warning. The old copy is kept until the move succeeds. Until then, settings changes are not saved. Unlock or enable the credential store, then restart Radio Bench.

Some 0.8 and 0.9 versions show a license coverage date or a renewal action. There is no payment to make for updates. If an older version blocks an update, use one of these methods:

  • Download and install the latest version from the download page. The existing paid certificate is preserved.
  • Select Activate a license and activate the existing purchase again. This needs a network connection.

The 0.9 guide remains available for older installations.

Read the release notes on the download page for patch-level fixes. Those notes supplement this task-oriented guide.