Version 2.2.0 Announcement

March 26, 2023: FreqEZ Band Decoder v2.2.0 released to general availability

Unlike previous updates where users were told “update if you need to,” all FreqEZ users are encouraged to upgrade to FreqEZ version 2.2.0. Aside from a handful of minor bug fixes and enhancements, this version includes important Architecture and Version Management changes.

FreqEZ ARCHITECTURE:

New (old) program name: To prevent confusion between the program name and its version numbers, the program name will hereafter be just “FreqEZ”.

Raspbian login ID and password: To avoid security risks associated with the common username of “pi”, the download ISO file and pre-configured microSD disks contain the default login ID of “ez” with a password of “freqez”.

FreqEZ file locations: In Windows, the suggested installation subdirectory is “\FreqEZ”. In Raspbian – to align with linux best practices – the freqezrpi executable and freqezconfig.xml settings files are stored in the “/usr/bin/“ directory.

Network hostname convention: The download ISO file and pre-configured microSD disks set the Raspberry Pi hostname as “ezcontroller-1”. Unique hostnames in multiple RPi Controller networks would be ezcontroller-2, -3, and -4.

FreqEZ VERSION MANAGEMENT:

Simplified Version Control: A pop-up message in the Windows FreqEZ Console announces the availability of new software versions. Installing the new versions – on the Windows Console and Raspberry Pi Controller – is accomplished from the Windows Console with a simple mouse click.

Existing FreqEZ v2.x.x users:

You must update both the Windows and Raspberry Pi programs (but it’s much easier now!)
You will not need to make any hardware changes to your physical layout or cable configurations. FreqEZ is all about software
Windows Console update – You will not need to change your v2.1.x FreqEZConfig.xml and FreqEZSettings.xml files – although it’s always a good idea to make a backup copy “just-in-case”. *HOWEVER*
- FreqEZ v2.2.0 will install to its new recommended \FreqEZ directory. Your current config and settings XML files will be orphaned in a previous \FreqEZ2 directory. Use Windows Explorer to copy the two old XML files to the new location
Raspbian Controller update – If your current microSD card is only 8gb, I recommend that you replace it with a larger 16gb Class 10 card. If you do not have a microSD card slot in your PC, order a USB adapter with your card – about $15 from Newegg, MicroCenter, Amazon, BestBuy… Burn the download ISO file onto the microSD card using instructions in the documentation. Then just plug it in, apply power, and you’re done. Easy-Peasy