Check out Jonathan Mark’s blog Critical Distance for his take on why many shortwave broadcasters have failed over the years.
Hint: the same is true for any broadcaster regardless of delivery medium–content is king.
(Source: CBC News via Andrea Borgnino)
On The Morning Edition, CBC Kitchener-Waterloo was able to successfully transmit bitcoin over radio waves.
This makes what is believed to be the first known transmission of the digital currency by a public radio station.
A series of beeps were played over the air, and listeners were asked to use an app known as chirp.io to decipher a code produced by the sound.
Chris Skory of Rockland County, New York was the winning recipient, and unlocked 0.05 bitcoin worth about $40. The bitcoin was donated by Waterloo start-up Tinkercoin and a local bitcoin enthusiast.
“I did not think that I was going to get it at all,” said Skory. “I figured there was going to be some pretty stiff competition out there.”
Click here to listen to the full story via the CBC website.
Perhaps we should challenge VOA Radiogram‘s Kim Elliott to perform an international wireless transfer via shortwave? 🙂 Certainly be a great plot to attract listeners!
Last update: 25 March 2022
Since applications are constantly being developed, I update this posting regularly. If you would like to suggest an app that I have not considered, please comment or contact me!
The Android App “Scanner Radio” is my pick for streaming scanner feeds from across the globe.
Advances in technology have always gone hand-in-hand with our radio hobby-–indeed, in many cases, those advances originated with our hobby. Because of this, it should comes as no surprise that in a world where we are rapidly replacing home computing with mobile computing, radio hobbies are “app-ly” supported in the the mobile realm.
Although it’s beyond the scope of this article to include a comprehensive list of all radio-hobbyist-themed apps for the iOS, Android and Windows, nor will it include proprietary apps (those which compliment a particular radio or accessory), I offer here an overview of select apps that I myself have used and reviewed for iOS and Android––with, of course, a focus on those I’ve found especially useful as a radio hobbyist.
I’ve recently added a number of Windows phone apps that readers have recommended. Since I don’t currently own a Windows phone device, I appreciate reader recommendations (simply comment or contact me).
In the list below I have linked to both the iTunes, Google Play and Windows Phone stores, when applicable. I’ve also noted pricing for each app, but please understand that application developers can change pricing without notice.
If you’re an amateur radio operator, you’re in luck when it comes to apps. There are a multitude out there, and most are either free or very inexpensive. Below, I’ve categorized these by major function, beginning with those apps that help you get your ham radio license in the first place.
HamStudy.org’s new app has a fluid, responsive interface.
HamStudy.org (iOS; $3.99, Android; $3.99) HamStudy.org, a free online test preparation site, released apps for Android and iOS devices in the spring of 2018. While their online system is free, the app costs a one time $3.99 fee, but allows users to practice and study offline and includes all ham exams, including Canadian exams and other FCC exams. I believe this is quite a good deal and the best of the ham radio study apps. I taught the tech license to a high school homeschool group and almost all of the students used this app and passed their test.
Amateur Radio Exam Prep (iOS; $4.99) This app is simple, adaptive, and keeps track of the elements and questions you incorrectly answer. While it costs $4.99 per exam (Tech, General and Extra), you can try the free version first, which allows you to explore and learn two of the exam elements before buying. Still, a much better deal and far more portable than an exam book.
Ham Radio Exam (iOS; Free) A very simple exam study tool, Ham Radio Exam allows you to cruise exam question pools and note the correct answer. You can also take sample tests and focused quizzes. While not quite as versatile as paid apps (like Amateur Radio Exam Prep, above), it may be all you need to get your ticket!
No more fumbling through a thick repeater atlas when you’re traveling! Repeater Book uses your phone’s built-in GPS and a large database of repeater frequencies to discover local repeaters.
EchoLink (iOS/Android; Free) Why not turn your smartphone into an HT? After all (as I often say), phones are actually radios…right? I only recently discovered the EchoLink app, but it has quickly become the most useful ham radio app I use. From this app you can talk to any repeater connected to the EchoLink network; all you need is a WiFi connection or cellular data service. I traveled to Belize City several years ago and used EchoLink to connect with hams in the US and Canada and even check in on a net. It worked flawlessly from the WiFi network at my guest home. I couldn’t recommend it more. Did I mention it’s absolutely free, with no ads?
Repeater Book (iOS/Android; Free) An absolutely revolutionary app, in my opinion. Using your phone’s GPS, you can quickly reference local repeaters––any band, any mode––with full details, as you travel. This free app has replaced my need for the annual repeater atlas (which I’ve always found to be a little unhandy to use). Live in, or traveling to, the UK, Australia, Europe, and/or New Zealand? Repeater Book has a global version as well.
QRZ Callsign Search (iOS/Android; Free) The companion app to the popular callsign database site, QRZ.com. Their app is very basic, but makes it easy and convenient to do callsign lookups…although I do wish you could log contacts to QRZ.com via the app (hint, hint, developers!). Also check out HamRadio Call (iOS/Android; Free) as it even shows a map pinpoint for the QTH address on record.
PSK31 (iOS; $2.99) Launch this app, place it in front of your radio which you’ve tuned to a PSK31 signal, and it decodes on the fly. Very simple to use, and quite effective as long as your microphone is near the radio speaker. Meanwhile, Droid PSK (Android; $5.49) will decode and even encode PSK31, if you want that feature.
Tivar (Android; free–note, no longer in the Google Play store) Tivar is an Android app that provides read-only access to nearly all of the digital signals associated with fldigi. The main objective of this development is to provide a low power highly-portable, as in mobile or backpack, fldigi read-only solution. There is no facility to transmit any signal.Hellschreiber (iOS; $2.99) Decode and send Hellschreiber text without a PC: place your mobile device near the speaker of your transceiver and this app will decode Hellschreiber on the fly. Connect the audio output from the headphone jack of your mobile device to your transceiver and you can even send Hellschreiber.
Pocket HAM bands Transceiver (Android; Free) This application remotely control several ham radio sources via an Android smart phone or tablet. It can link to Ham Radio Deluxe, control any Yaesu FT8x7 transceiver via Bluetooth or USB cable (bi-directional CAT only, no sound) and multiple WebSDR servers around the globe. Not exactly plug-and-play as some connection methods require configuration and audio via an IP source. Read their notes and watch videos of Pocket HAM Bands Transceiver on the developer’s website.Ham Radio Reference (iOS; $1.99) This is a simple app that puts a few vital pieces of information in front of you. I wish I had this in my early days on the air, as it has a simple list with all of the Q codes, US & Canadian Amateur Band Limits, Country Codes, Band Plans, Radiogram Numbered Messages, Grid Square and Location, Q Codes, Local and UTC Time, RST, The Phonetic Alphabet, Unit Abbreviations, Metric Prefixes and more. Also check out HamIAm (iOS; Free).
Ham Radio Tools (Android; Free) A very simple reference guide that includes logging (even the ability to export and import logs). It also has short Q code reference sheet, common formulas, and an antenna calculator. It has a very intuitive interface and no ads.
HamLog Mobile Logging (iOS; $0.99) An all-in-one app for the mobile operator. This app will export your logs to most any logging program, including Logbook of the World. The newest version even includes a rig control interface. This app also includes many ham reference guides.
HamAntCal (iOS; $0.99) Need to calculate the length of a resonant dipole for the field? HamAntCal is a very simple application to help you do just that. Simply choose a configuration (Half Wavelength, Quarter Wavelength or Inverted Vee) and it will do the math for you.
Morse It for iOS is a great tool for learning CW. In this case, I placed it in front of my receiver and decoded a CW exchange between two hams at 19 WPM.
Morse It (iOS; $0.99) This app not only reads but teaches CW. This is a 99¢ app, which, like many, offers several premium add-ons at additional cost. I like the interface and simplicity of this morse trainer. It also serves as a morse code reader. Simply place your iOS device in front of your radio’s speaker and watch it decode Morse code in real time. I’ve noticed that it decodes CW fairly well around 13-20 WPM; any slower or faster sometimes leads to more error. Still, it’s a great app for those who want to learn code, or who want to translate what they hear on the radio.
MUF Predictor (Android; Free) Enter your transmitter and receiver location, and this simple calculator will help you determine maximum usable frequency.
iCluster DX DB (iOS; $2.99) This app allows you to create alarms for needed DX countries, call signs, modes and more with a nice, simple layout. You can also filter spot results with the same criteria. Use multiple cluster servers, including your own, via telnet or the web. The app is free, but if you pay a $1.99 sponsorship fee, it enables a map mode which shows DX on a map. DX Hunter (iOS; $9.99) is more advanced and even sends push notifications from spot servers.
SOTA Goat (iOS; $2.99) If you like to activate summits (via Summits On The Air) or log them, this is a fantastic app. It’s one of the best designed apps for this purpose I’ve seen. SOTA Goat has a clear, intuitive interface, and is true to the iOS look and feel. Hands down, it has the best user interface of any ham radio application. With SOTA Goat in hand, you can plot and activate a summit while notifying the SOTA community automatically. Best yet, most of the app’s functions (including their summit database and map) are available offline! Yes, it’s $2.99, but if you’re into SOTA, it’s worth every penny.
CommCat Mobile (iOS; Free) With CommCat, you can watch DX spots, control your radio, and log contacts from anywhere an Internet connection is available. SWLing Post reader, Michael, comments: “With CommCat Mobile you can not only control your rig remotely, but you can log contacts and even sync that log with your home log! Not many programs allow that. Also, there’s a complete DX spotting list available, so with a single finger click, you can tune your remote rig right to the DX and then key the mic and talk into the iPhone / iPad to work the DX! With another single click the entire thing has been logged and sent to your home station!”
The Elecraft KX3
KX3 Companion (Android; Free and $5.99 version) The KX3 Companion in an app that will allow unleash the power of your Elecraft KX3 without the need for a PC. KX3 Companion will let you send and receive CW, PSK31 and RTTY by using your mobile phone or tablet keyboard. Optionally you can use an external Bluetooth keyboard connected to your Android device. It has a long list of features, and is regularly updated. The free version is limited to 5 minutes of use and will not allow you to save settings and macros.
Skywave Schedules App will allow you to search a comprehensive, regularly updated, database of shortwave radio broadcasts.
Shortwave Broadcast Schedules (iOS; $2.99/Android; $0.99) I used this app on my iPhone while traveling in Central America this summer, and could immediately pull up shortwave schedules even without an Internet connection. It has a very easy function for updating schedules, and can even be set to check for updates each time you open the app. Best yet, you can sort listings by what’s on the air now, by station, by time, by frequency, and more. Also, you can quickly pull up frequencies for a particular meter band at the touch of a button.
SSTV makes easy work of decoding SSTV messages. You can change modes, Phase and Skew on the fly. In this example, I decoded the eQSL of pirate radio station, Wolverine Radio.
Global Tuners (Android/Free) Note that the Global Tuners app seems to have been deleted from the Google Play Store. This is a unique app that allows you to actively control remotely-linked receivers scattered across the globe. Whether you want to tune a receiver in France during your morning commute on the train, or if you’re a ham and want to check if your signal can be heard in Asia, Global Tuners can help. Click here for a recent post about Global Tuners.
HF Weather Fax (iOS; $4.99/Android; $9.99) A super-simple app for decoding HF weather fax transmissions on the fly. Simply start the app and place your device in front of the radio speaker.
SSTV (iOS; $2.99) As with HF Weather Fax, simply launch the app, and place it in front of your radio. You can even leave it unattended and it will decode and save the images automatically. Supports all major SSTV protocols. This is also the best app I’ve seen for decoding pirate radio eQSLs on the go! Though I have not personally tested it, Android users might wish to consider DroidSSTV (Android/$6.99) which allows you to receive and send SSTV images.
Virtual Transceivers
Scanner Radio (Android; Free) A brilliant free scanner application which streams scanner feeds from across the planet—intuitive and easy to use. Scanner Radio Pro (Android/$2.99) eliminates ads.
Action Scanner Lite (iOS; Free) Easy to use, and loaded with scanner feeds. Although I prefer the search functionality in Scanner Radio (above), Action Scanner is a great app for iOS with many accolades. The developer has also published Action Scanner (iOS/$1.99) which has more Police, Fire, EMS and Amateur Radio feeds and Action Scanner Pro (iOS/$2.99) which has the most comprehensive list of feeds and features.
Police Scanner 5-0 Radio (Windows; Free) Police Scanner 5-0 includes scanner feeds from across the globe: United States, Canada, Australia, Chile, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Venezuela, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Argentina, Sweden, New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda and Austria. Police Scanner 5-0 Radio Pro is available for $.99 at the WindowsPhone store.Following are a couple of handy apps that, while not necessarily intended for ham radio, SWLing, or scanning, are nonetheless indispensable to me as a radio hobbyist; you may find them just as useful as I do:
Radio Garden’s global interface
TuneIn (iOS/Android; Free) This remarkable app turns your Android or iOS device into a web radio—it makes your local station a global one. I use TuneIn to listen to AM stations in Australia, music from Paris, The International Radio Report on CKUT, and even some international broadcasters that are no longer on shortwave radio. Indeed, only recently, TuneIn radio began streaming our own Shortwave Radio Audio Archive. I now have TuneIn on all of my mobile devices. TuneIn Radio Pro (iOS/Android; $0.99) gives you the ability to record streaming live radio directly on your phone. Note that (sadly) the Pro version does not eliminate ads.
1 Radio News (Android; Free, $2.99 Pro) 1 Radio News is an Android-only app that focuses on news radio with both headlines on-demand and live streams from multiple sources all in an easy to use package. What I like about 1 Radio News is that it is a curated list of international broadcasters–many of whom are on shortwave. 1 Radio News Pro is a version which sports 3 times more streams than the free version and is ad-free for $2.99 on Google Play.TeamViewer (iOS/Android; Free) TeamViewer is a remote access program that allows you to login to and use your home computer. I routinely use it to control my WinRadio Excalibur SDR while traveling.
As I mentioned before, this list is, by no means, comprehensive–these are simply some of the apps I feel are well supported and have had enough time on the market to shake out some of the bugs.
Do I really need a smartphone to experiment with apps?
I know many people who do not care for a smartphone and prefer the standard-featured flip phone. I, too, would be in this camp if I didn’t travel so often. The good thing is, there’s no need to buy a smartphone and then pay for 3G or 4G services to use the apps listed above. There are many devices that run iOS and Android that are not phones at all, and simply use WiFi connections for Internet access.
If you like Apple’s iOS platform, then you will want to consider an iPod touch, iPad or iPad Mini. If you prefer the Android operating system, then look at a no-contract Android phone or one of the many tablets on the market, like the Nexus 7. While the Kindle Fire is also based on the Android operating system, I’ve noticed that many of these apps are simply not available through Amazon. You’ll note that I did not cover the Windows mobile operating system; this is because there simply aren’t a lot of apps out there to choose from for this system.
In short, if you wish to use mobile apps for your radio activities, I would encourage you to consider only iOS or Android-based devices. A smartphone? That’s entirely optional.
I would love to see a comprehensive app come along that has the functionality and utility of PC programs like FLdigi. This would make a mobile device perfect for decoding digital text programs like VOA Radiograms; it would also make them available to people who can’t afford or don’t have the infrastructure for a standard computer (as in many developing countries or even DXing locales). This may take more innovation on the processing front and more global adoption, but it is happening at a very rapid pace.
I would also like to see the ARRL develop an app for the popular Logbook of the World; for the serious DXer who needs mobile verification, this would be quite handy.
Ironically, mobile technologies have drawn many who might otherwise have become ham radio or shortwave radio enthusiasts––after all, these technologies make global communications seem effortless. Still, I find that nearly any technology ultimately compliments these hobbies: I turn to my smartphone for shortwave schedules, to conveniently decode Pirate Radio SSTV QSL cards, to listen to scanner feeds, and even connect to local repeaters and check in on nets. Indeed, the rapid pace of innovation on the app front is both encouraging and energizing, but also makes it challenging to keep up!
If you like, ckeep checking back here on The SWLing Post and my ham radio blog, QRPer.com, where I plan to post updates and reviews of new apps as they become available.
Many thanks to SWLing Post reader Lynn Kelly who writes:
“Anyone, subscriber or not, can get a free copy of the November and December Popular Communications to download as a PDF on the Popular Communications site.“
Lynn also mentions that many Pop Comm subscribers may not have received these two issues due to printing problems–thus you should download these while they’re still available.
Simply go to the Popular Communications website to download your copies (download by clicking on the November and December front covers).
For your convenience, here are direct links to download the November 2013 and December 2013 issues.
(Photo source: http://www.qsl.net/wb1gfh/mayer.html)
SWLing Post reader, Bill Albert, writes:
“I am trying to find an “air check” of Kenny Mayer, a well-known Boston late-night radio show host (now deceased) during the 1960’s and 1970’s. His show aired from 12-2AM Mondays, so it was one of the few interesting things one could listen to at that hour. He would play bits from classic old comedy albums (e.g., Bill Cosby and Bob Newhart in their stand-up days), and he’d ad-lib the sponsors’ advertisement spots himself. He was really a character, and his voice had a very unique cadence and intonation. I did manage to find one clip from a 1966 show featuring a routine entitled “The Great Society Affair”—a parody of the wedding of President Johnson’s daughter. God, how long ago that was!! Different world. There was also a bit by Godfrey Cambridge, and a number of Kenny’s home-made commercials. However, I’ve since lost that clip, and in any case I played and replayed it to exhaustion. If anyone has another “air check” of Kenny’s show, I would love to get a copy.”
If anyone has a lead for Bill, please comment!
If you’d like to read more about Ken Mayer, Bill suggests this article.
[Update: When I posted this request a few hours ago, I mistakenly posted the photo and information for Kenny Meyer instead of Kenny Mayer. Both of these gentlemen were prominent figures in the Boston broadcasting scene around the same time period (hence my confusion!).]
Christos’ trusty Tecsun PL-390 started having a problem recently. He writes:
“My PL-390 can no longer shift from MW [mediumwave] to LW [longwave]. I left it without batteries for some hours in order to achieve a sort of reset, but nothing happened. If I press the MW/LW button longer than usual, then it start presetting stations.”
I suspect this could simply be a problem with the contact underneath the LW/MW button. Has anyone else experienced this problem or found a way to fix it? Please comment!
Reginald Fessenden: “The Father of Radio Broadcasting” (Source: Wikipedia)
SWLing Post reader, Tom, recently shared a link to an article on the ARRL news page which describes this annual longwave broadcast:
“As he has over the past several years, Brian Justin, WA1ZMS/4 — an active participant in the ARRL’s WD2XSH 600 meter experimental project — will transmit voice and music on 486 kHz as WG2XFQ on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and again on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Transmissions will begin at 0001 UTC and end at 2359 UTC.
Justin, who may be better known for his microwave exploits on ham radio, will use an AM audio loop modulating his vintage-style, homebrew transmitter to honor Reginald Fessenden’s Christmas Even 1906 AM voice transmission.”
Since I’m a sucker for radio history, I contacted Brian Justin and he kindly answered a few questions:
Brian Justin with his homebrew transmitter (Source: w4dex.com)
SWLing: How did you first become interested in longwave (LW)?
Justin: Always had an interest in history of radio since becoming a ham at age 11. Early wireless had emphasis on LW and so it was a good trail to follow in my years as a ham.
SWLing: Is the process of getting a license to broadcast complicated?
Justin: Yes and No. What I hold is not a broadcast license as a TV or FM or AM station would have. I hold an FCC Part 5 license which is for The Experimental Radio Service. The LW and MF spectrum is formally US Govt spectrum that is managed by the NTIA (the US Govt Agency version of the FCC). So before the FCC can issue any license that is in non-FCC regulated bands the NTIA must first approve any license Grant. A good number of people who are involved in radio today don’t always understand the difference between FCC and NTIA spectrum. But licenses can be granted if you have the willingness to wait and know how the application process works. It’s not all that difficult once you know the context of what one is asking for.
SWLing: What is the best time to listen for WG2XFQ and how can listeners improve their chances of hearing you?
Justin: The transmissions are only a few times each year to mark historical dates in radio history. I try to make at least two each year, one for Fessenden and one for the Berlin Radio Treaty. I also ran one on the 100th Aniv of the sinking of the Titanic since wireless played a big role in the tragic event.
A loop antenna is a good antenna to try as one can at least null any loud noise source. But simple E-field probe antennas have worked for many in years past.
Anyone who copies WG2XFQ is encouraged to submit a logging of it at 500kc.com.
Thank you and good DX to all this Holiday Season. I hope I can deliver a tiny DX gift to all if the band is in good condition this year.
Many thanks, Brian!
I will be listening for WG2XFQ on 486 kHz on December 24th and 25th, then again on December 31st and January 1st. With any luck, and if conditions are favorable, perhaps I’ll hear a little longwave DX commemorating Reginald Fessenden’s Christmas Even 1906 AM voice transmission.
Readers, be sure to check out Brian Justin’s web page and the ARRL 600 meter experimental group’s website. Please log your WG2XFQ listener reports at: 500KC.com
If you would like to learn more about Reginald Fessenden, check out Fessenden.ca.