Software
Logging, digital-mode, radio and electronics programs, with a place to start for each.
These resources describe different approaches. Check current requirements, documentation and costs at the source, and choose what fits the activity you want to try.
Browse software
- Dire Wolf
Software TNC and packet radio tools for APRS and related applications.
Dire Wolf uses a computer's audio system to encode and decode packet radio, including APRS. It can perform jobs that previously needed a separate hardware TNC. Read the setup instructions for your radio and audio interface, then begin with receiving packets before enabling transmission.
Open Dire Wolf - EchoLink
Connect amateur radio operators using Internet-linked stations after callsign validation.
EchoLink carries amateur voice conversations over the internet and can connect to participating radio stations. It requires callsign validation. Read the validation and setup instructions first so you understand which parts of a connection use the internet and which may transmit over a radio.
Open EchoLink - FLDigi
Explore sound-card digital modes such as Olivia and PSK using a computer.
Fldigi works with a computer's audio system to send and receive several text-based radio modes, including PSK and Olivia. Start with the program's documentation and receiving setup. Transmitting also needs a suitable radio interface, careful audio levels and privileges for the chosen band and emission.
Open FLDigi - GNU Radio
Experiment with programmable signal processing and software-defined radio.
GNU Radio connects signal-processing blocks into a flowgraph, a diagram that describes how samples move through a radio experiment. The tutorials are a better starting point than a complex finished receiver. Try a simple generated signal first; many basic experiments do not need transmitting hardware.
Open GNU Radio - Gqrx SDR
Receive and visualize signals with supported SDR hardware.
Gqrx turns supported SDR hardware into a receiver with tuning controls and a spectrum display. It is useful for exploring signals with your own antenna. Check the supported-device and installation information first, since the receiver hardware and operating system affect the setup.
Open Gqrx SDR - Ham Radio Deluxe
A Windows suite combining a logbook, radio control and other station tools.
Ham Radio Deluxe brings logging, supported radio control, digital modes, satellite tracking and antenna rotator control into one suite. You can begin with the logbook and add features as you need them. Check supported radios and current licensing terms, and save your working station settings before configuring control connections.
Open Ham Radio Deluxe - Ham2K
Logging apps for portable operating and a developing cross-platform station logger.
Ham2K Portable Logger, often called PoLo, focuses on recording contacts during portable activities such as POTA and SOTA. Ham2K also offers a newer Power Logger in beta. Follow the current project links for your device, try a practice operation and learn to export your contacts before taking it into the field.
Open Ham2K - Hamlib
Open-source libraries for controlling many amateur radio transceivers.
Hamlib provides a common way for programs to control many radios and antenna rotators. You will often encounter it inside logging or digital-mode software. Check whether your radio is supported, then follow that application's connection instructions rather than assuming every radio uses the same settings.
Open Hamlib - JS8Call
Try keyboard-to-keyboard messaging based on weak-signal digital techniques.
JS8Call supports typed conversations and short messages over radio using weak-signal techniques. Unlike a short fixed contact exchange, you can compose your own text. Read the project's current setup guide and begin by receiving so you can see how operators use the channel.
Open JS8Call - KiCad
Design electronic schematics and PCBs with open-source tools.
KiCad lets you draw a schematic, lay out a printed circuit board and inspect it in 3D. Its getting-started documentation walks through the design process. Begin with a small circuit you understand; design-rule checks help find mistakes but do not establish that a circuit is electrically safe.
Open KiCad - Log4OM
Free Windows software for keeping a station log and connecting logging tools.
Log4OM records contacts and helps organize confirmations and operating awards. Start with a small practice log and learn how to export a backup before connecting other programs. Radio control and digital-mode integrations need their own setup; check the manual for your equipment.
Open Log4OM - N1MM Logger+
Windows logging software for contesting and station integration.
N1MM Logger+ is designed for radio contests, where operators exchange specific information and record contacts quickly. It supports voice, CW and digital operating. Read the getting-started section and try a practice log before connecting radio-control features or using it during an event.
Open N1MM Logger+ - N3FJP Amateur Radio Software
General-purpose and contest logging programs for Windows.
Amateur Contact Log is the general station log in the N3FJP family. Separate programs support particular contests and their required exchanges. Start by deciding whether you need an everyday log or an event log, then practice entering contacts and exporting them before operating.
Open N3FJP Amateur Radio Software - NanoVNA-Saver
Graph and save measurements from compatible NanoVNA instruments.
NanoVNA-Saver brings measurements from a compatible NanoVNA onto a computer, where you can inspect plots and save results. Start with a calibrated measurement and note which cable and adapters are included. A saved SWR trace is useful for comparison, but it does not measure antenna radiation efficiency.
Open NanoVNA-Saver - SDR++
Cross-platform SDR receiving and spectrum visualization.
SDR++ provides tuning, spectrum and waterfall displays for supported SDR devices on several operating systems. It is a way to explore a wide view of the signals around a frequency. Check the receiver module and driver instructions for your hardware before installing or changing settings.
Open SDR++ - Winlink
Learn how amateur radio email messaging works over radio and network gateways.
Winlink exchanges email-style messages through client software and a network that includes radio gateways. Its site explains account requirements and supported clients. Start with the help for Winlink Express and understand the connection method before adding radio equipment; amateur transmissions are subject to operating rules.
Open Winlink - World Radio League
An online logbook with companion apps, contact maps and operating statistics.
World Radio League lets you keep contacts in an account and view them across its web and companion apps. Begin by entering a few contacts or importing a copy of an existing log. Check current plan limits and integration documentation before relying on it for a particular radio or digital-mode workflow.
Open World Radio League - WSJT-X
Software for FT8, FT4, WSPR, and other weak-signal modes.
WSJT-X uses a computer and a radio audio connection to decode weak-signal modes such as FT8, FT4 and WSPR. The messages and purpose differ by mode. Begin with the user guide and receiving setup; successful decoding does not by itself mean your transmitter is configured correctly.
Open WSJT-X