Getting geared up for SDR, getting sharper on FT-8 and all the latest software updates – this is Apple Ham Radio Weekly for 5 October 2025
A step by step guide to getting into Software-Defined Radio on Mac
Getting into Software-Defined Radios can be confusing, especially on Mac and Apple devices. After much experimentation, frustration and cost, I have landed on a good ‘intermediate’ experience and setup. My biggest mistake was not reading the fine print about some of the dongles (SDR radios with USB A/C). Read more
Get sharper on FT-8 with a GridTracker alternative
Wait and Pounce is an app for Mac and other platforms to help you get more QSO on FT-8. It is a Mac looking alternative to GridTracker. From the developer, Cedric Morelle: “Wait and Pounce is an alternative for JTAlert, and available for both Apple and Windows (10+). This program will connect with UDP protocol to your WSJT-X program (WSJT-X or JTDX), then collect the decoded messages and alert you when at least one of these messages matches what you have defined as alert”. Source: QRZ. You can download it at Sourceforge. Download it here.
This week’s software updates
Thanks to Mac Ham Radio:
- SDR-Control Mobile for iPhone version 1.9.85 released
- SDR Control for Icom iPad version 1.9.85 released
- SmartSDR for iOS v7.0.85 Now Available
- SmartSDR for MacOS version 2.9.86 Now Available
- WSPR Watch for IOS version 4.24 released
- EchoHam version v2.30 has been released
- RUMlogNG2Go for iOS version 6.4 now available
- SDRconnect Version 1.0.5 released
Get more Apple Ham Radio
About the blogger
Apple Ham Radio is a weekly blog post from an amateur radio operator (ARO) and hobbyist. I am Andrew Woodward, VK2AWN. I make no income from this endeavour. It is designed to help inform ARO who are Mac and Apple device users.
ENDS