# Packet Pad — Decode Ham Radio Packet

> Mobile app for decoding and viewing amateur radio packet transmissions. (iPhone/iPad app by Black Cat Systems.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packet-pad/id385609173 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Black Cat Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/301047032)
- Category: Lifestyle, Utilities
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 3.80/5 from 16 App Store ratings · 30 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-08-10
- Data updated: 2026-07-29
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packet-pad/id385609173/reviews.md

## What is Packet Pad?

Packet Pad lets you view Packet Radio transmissions on your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Just set it next to your radio, tune in a Packet frequency, and watch the decodes. Or for even better quality decodes, connect a patch cable from your radio's audio output to the microphone jack, or a USB sound device plugged into the USB-C port of your device.

Raw APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) packets are also displayed.

You can also save your received text to view later, or transfer to your computer via iTunes. 

Note: Only 1200 baud packet is decoded. The app is receive only, packets are not transmitted.

## Key features

- View packet radio transmissions
- Decode 1200 baud packet
- Display raw APRS packets
- Save received text
- Transfer data to computer

## Chart rankings

- #198 in Top Paid · Lifestyle (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 30)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packet-pad/id385609173/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Just what I needed

*2025-06-07, version 1.6*

All I needed to do was use the microphone on my phone to decode the aprs packets coming in over my radio. Tried about a dozen apps that said they could do this until I found this one. $3 well spent!

### 5/5 — Receives ISS fine

*2025-05-21*

I have used this app to receive data from the ISS as well as ground packet stations just placing phone next to radio. May have to juggle its position but will work in a quiet room
G4BTI.

### 1/5 — Nicht funktionstüchtig

*2020-09-24, version 1.5*

Auf aktuellen iOS-Geräten funktioniert die App nicht mehr. Das letzte Update war vor 4 Jahren. Weder mit Lautsprecher an iPhone halten (mit allen möglichen Lautstärken) noch verschiedene USB-Soundkarten über den Lightning-USB-Adapter konnten von der App nicht dekodiert werden. Ich habe die Rückgabe bei Apple beantragt. Nicht kaufen!

### 4/5 — Pas mal

*2020-04-17, version 1.5*

Bien pratique pour décorer facilement ISS par exemple mais trop peu de fonctions’ j espère que ça évoluera

### 4/5 — +1 Bendhoward

*2020-01-18, version 1.5*

I was ready to write a trash review until I plugged the iPad directly to the rig’s audio. Now it works after a year of non-decoding 😺

### 1/5 — Absolute Garbage

*2019-11-04, version 1.5*

Frankly, an embarrassment to amateur radio. The worst piece of software I have ever used for any purpose.

### 1/5 — Deprecated, not working any more

*2019-07-16, version 1.5*

Not working for iPhone X iOS 12 - the app does not pick up audio from mic or an external mic.

### 1/5 — Works sometimes, but not enough to be worth more than $.99

*2018-10-12, version 1.5*

Often takes restarting the app two or three times before it even recognizes most transmissions, and then when it finally does, the error rate is close to 25%. This is pretty much the way this developer works. Just get a cheap Android, and free software for ham radio. It'll work better, and you won't be paying a premium for trashy apps.

### 1/5 — Does not work with iPad

*2017-08-24, version 1.5*

Will not decode packets even when placed on speaker. Might be better on iPhone but so far all I get is garbage.

### 5/5 — Works as intended.

*2016-05-12, version 1.5*

It does what it is supposed to do. Decodes packets. Not a problem just holding up to the speaker. It will help me with my packet work.

## Frequently asked questions about Packet Pad

### What is the price of Packet Pad?

Packet Pad is a paid application priced at $2.99. This one-time purchase grants you access to all its features for decoding packet radio transmissions.

### What devices does Packet Pad support?

Packet Pad is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. It leverages the audio input capabilities of these Apple mobile devices.

### Can Packet Pad transmit radio packets?

No, Packet Pad is a receive-only application. It is designed solely for decoding and viewing packet radio transmissions, not for transmitting them.

### What baud rates does Packet Pad decode?

Packet Pad currently decodes only 1200 baud packet transmissions. It is optimized for this specific data rate commonly used in amateur radio.

### How often is Packet Pad updated?

The app was last updated on December 4, 2024, with version 1.6. This indicates active development and support from the developer, Black Cat Systems.

### What is the age rating for Packet Pad?

Packet Pad has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. This rating suggests no mature content is present within the application.

### How can I get better decode quality with Packet Pad?

For improved decode quality, you can connect a patch cable from your radio's audio output to your device's microphone jack. Alternatively, a USB sound device plugged into the USB-C port can also enhance audio input.

### How do I save or transfer my received data from Packet Pad?

You can save your received text within Packet Pad to view later. Additionally, the app allows you to transfer this data to your computer via iTunes.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.6 — 2024-12-04

Updates for latest iOS versions

### 1.5 — 2016-01-04

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Updates for iOS 9.2

### 1.4 — 2014-10-31

Updates for iOS 8
Corrected a bug with the app not appearing in iTunes File Sharing.

### 1.3 — 2013-10-02

Updates for iOS 7

### 1.2.1 — 2012-09-30

Bug fixes for iOS 6.
Added option to record decoded text.

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## More apps by Black Cat Systems

- [WireCalc](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wirecalc/id301047029)
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- [Drill Calc](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drill-calc/id304434324)
- [Photon Calc](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-calc/id304436071)

All apps by Black Cat Systems: https://appshunter.io/developer/301047032

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-29.*