A $40 handheld radio and a PC are all that are needed to start receiving nearby packets. Transmitting requires an amateur radio license. There are many packet radio resources online. Dire Wolf is a popular open source AX.25 modem with excellent documentation. Larry Kenney wrote a detailed series of articles about the foundations of packet radio.
Software is an integral part of the amateur satellite experience, and provides services from predicting satellite pass, steering antennas and tuning radios. Some software is available from AMSAT, other software is available from the vendor site. In either case we have done our best to make sure the following links point to the most recent version.
We request that you order through the AMSAT Store when purchasing. If you purchase your software from AMSAT you are helping to fund future AMSAT activities.
- Packet is short for packet radio, a radio-based networking system based on the commercial X.25 data transfer protocol. Developed by the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio group (TAPR), packet can send error-corrected data over VHF links, which led to the creation of novel data systems for hams.
- Ham radio is one of the best. Ham radio operators are often pressed into service coordinating rescues and helping steer emergency services to where they’re needed. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – Beyond the initial cost of the radio itself it’s a hobby you can pursue for a.
The following software is recommended for current personal computer systems. If you do not find your platform or program here, please go to our Software Archive. If you believe there is a package that should be listed here, please contact the web team.
Best Ham Radio Packet Software Open Source For Mac Free
- Packet Station Software
Free Ham Radio Packet Software
If you are looking for satellite pass predictions online, also visit the AMSAT Online Satellite Pass Prediction page.