Last update: 13 August 2019
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.
Aug 10, 2016 Without a doubt VLC is the best media player for the Mac (and for that matter, Windows too). VLC with a myriad of different audio and video file formats, including DVD, audio CD, and VCD, with no. This guide uses macOS’s built-in disk management program, Disk Utility. Before we go any further, remember that manipulating drives, and especially removing partitions, is a process that goes hand in hand with removing the data on them. The best solution is to rearrange space between volumes by resizing either Macintosh HD or Boot Camp. In this case, you have to rely on a third-party Mac partition manager, as Disk Utility won't work. Best disk utility for windows. MacKeeper is the best and most popular Mac system utility on the current market. It's easy to use, effective, and feature-packed, also comes with excellent product support. Great Mac cleanup app which is dedicated to comprehensive Mac computer cleaning.
Best SDR Dongle. Here, we give you detailed SDR dongle reviews of some of the best dongles available online: 1) NooElec NESDR Nano 2+ NooElec NESDR Nano 2+ is among the top RTL SDR dongle models out there. A tool that turns an RTL-SDR into a microphone base stations for events. Tsl-sdr (Linux) (Free) (Related Post) 'The Standard Library' is a set of tools and demodulators for software defined radio like the RTL-SDR. The main program is MultiFM which allows you to monitor multiple FM channels at once. Tsl-sdr also comes with a pager decoder. Package managers help install, update, remove and configure software packages. A good Mac package manager should be easy to use, fast, reliably up to date, as unintrusive as possible, require as little dependencies as possible, and not require root privileges. This information will be provided to you by your SDR system administrator, and you will need it for the one-time setup and also for using the SDR after setup. Installing Goliath to use the SDR from Mac OS X.
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.
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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.
Ham Radio Apps
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.
Exam preparation
Operation
Reference
DXing Spots/Databases
Rig-specific Apps
SWL Apps
Skywave Schedules App will allow you to search a comprehensive, regularly updated, database of shortwave radio broadcasts.
Virtual Transceivers
Scanning Apps
Marine Apps![]()
Aviation Apps
Radio-Related Apps and Tools
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:
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.
What’s on my app wish list?
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.
Going forward…
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!
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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 contributor, Gary Wise (W4EEY), who writes:
A good friend of mine recently bought an RTL-SDR (Version 3) from Amazon after seeing the unit in action at my house.
He primarily uses Apple computers, however, and the software selections for Apple’s IOS recommended at the RTL-SDR Quick Start Guide (http://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-quick-start-guide/) don’t install easily (I understand they refuse to install due to security issues or restrictions).
What could you or your readers recommend for my friend (doesn’t have to be free)?
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Thanks for sharing your question, Gary. I would also love to know a way to use my MacBook Air with the new RTL-SDR without having to run a dual-boot of Windows.
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Earlier this year, Chris Smolinski, developed an easier way to run the RTL-SDR on a Mac, but I’m not sure if it can take advantage of the new HF coverage. Has anyone tried?
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Readers: please comment if you have suggestions for Gary or if you’ve successfully used the new RTL-SDR on a Mac OSX.
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