# PulseModem A — Send & receive AX.25 APRS > APRS client for sending and receiving location and messages via amateur radio. (iPhone/iPad app by Pulsely Consulting.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsemodem-a/id1424005647 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Pulsely Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/475349326) - Category: Travel, Productivity - Price: Free - Rating: 3.50/5 from 39 App Store ratings · 38 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 18.0 · 14 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2018-08-13 - Data updated: 2026-08-23 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsemodem-a/id1424005647/reviews.md ## What is PulseModem A? PulseModem A is the APRS client for licensed Amateur Radio operators on iPhone and iPad. Connect to the global APRS-IS network and watch nearby stations appear on a live map in real time — each one drawn with its authentic APRS symbol icon and a country flag derived from its callsign prefix. LIVE APRS-IS FEED - Connects to rotate.aprs.net with a geographic filter centred on your GPS location - Displays raw packets as they arrive, colour-coded by type - Auto-connect on launch — PulseModem A is ready before you finish your coffee - Decodes uncompressed, Base91 compressed, and Mic-E packets (common in Kenwood and Yaesu radios) INTERACTIVE MAP - Every station plotted with its real APRS symbol PNG — car, hiker, weather station, digipeater, and hundreds more - Tap any pin to see a callout; tap the callout to open the full station detail - Centres on your location at city level the moment a GPS fix is available - Your own beacon appears on the map immediately after sending STATION LIST - Full searchable list of received stations - Country flag next to every callsign, resolved from the standard cty.dat prefix database - iPad split-view: select a station on the left, see full details on the right - One tap to look up any callsign on QRZ.com — right inside the app, no browser switch GPS BEACONING - Send your position to the APRS network with a single tap - Choose your station symbol from a searchable visual grid of all APRS symbols - Add an optional comment to your beacon packet - Encoded in Base91 compressed format for maximum compatibility SETTINGS & COMPATIBILITY - Callsign and passcode stored securely in the Keychain - Upgrading from an earlier version? Your callsign, passcode, and preferences carry over automatically - Adjustable filter radius, fallback coordinates for GPS-denied environments - Supports receive-only mode (passcode -1) — no transmit license required to monitor REQUIREMENTS A valid amateur radio license is required to transmit on APRS. Anyone may receive and monitor. RF Receive and RF Transmit (direct audio-port TNC operation) are under re-development and will return in an upcoming update. APRS is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga. ## Key features - APRS client functionality - Send and receive location data - Send and receive messages - Direct APRS-IS network connection - VHF amateur radio transmission - AX.25 AFSK modem for off-grid use ## Recent user reviews (10 of 38) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsemodem-a/id1424005647/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Top Tier *2026-07-04, version 2.0.3* The attention to detail on this app and its layout are second to none. Thank you for your efforts. ### 2/5 — PulseModem A *2026-06-29* It used to work after this update it is broken ### 3/5 — Fun App to Experience APRS ☝️😎🏄‍♂️ *2026-02-24* While it is not the equal of a $700+ Kenwood HT it is a fun way to experience APRS either through an inexpensive plain vanilla HT or directly into the APRS Internet Network. ### 5/5 — Intuitive *2025-10-18* Intuitive and fun ### 5/5 — 最大的优点是免费 *2025-03-15, version 1.0.3* 正如标题所说的那样，这款软件最大的优点是免费。 ### 1/5 — No genera bien los paquetes *2025-02-17, version 1.0.3* Da igual por RF que por Network (aprs-is), los paquetes se generan de forma incorrecta y no llegan al destino ### 5/5 — Excelente *2025-01-12, version 1.0.3* Aplicación APRS que te permite emitir tu posición vía web o reproduce el packet ax.25 en audio para emitirlo por RF desde el micro . También tiene la opción de decodificarlo vía audio. ### 3/5 — Good but stops working when phone locks *2024-11-28, version 1.0.3* Good program but stops decoding feeds when phone locks. Needs a o be able to Background App Refresh. ### 3/5 — Good but stops working when phone locks *2024-11-10* Good program but stops decoding feeds when phone locks. ### 2/5 — Meh *2024-10-11* TCP/IP works fine. However the RF modem being the lackluster flagship feature stinks. TX works great but RX doesn’t. ## Frequently asked questions about PulseModem A ### What does PulseModem A do? PulseModem A is an APRS client that allows licensed amateur radio operators to send and receive location data and messages. It facilitates communication through the APRS-IS network or via VHF amateur radio transmissions. ### How can I send and receive APRS data with this app? You can send and receive APRS data in two primary ways: directly to the APRS-IS Network, or by transmitting via amateur radios that support the VHF Band at 144MHz. The app also includes a full AX.25 software AFSK modem for off-the-grid operations. ### Is PulseModem A free to use? Yes, based on the provided information, PulseModem A is available for free. There are no mentions of subscription fees, in-app purchases, or advertisements. ### What are the benefits of using the off-grid mode? The off-grid mode utilizes a full AX.25 software AFSK modem, meaning you can send and receive APRS data without an internet connection. This is ideal for situations where internet access is unavailable or unreliable. ### Who is the target audience for this application? This application is designed for licensed Amateur Radio operators. It provides them with the tools to engage with the APRS digital communication protocol for exchanging location and message information. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.0.7 — 2026-08-09 PulseModem A has been completely rewritten from the ground up in SwiftUI with new icon. This is the biggest update since the app launched. CHATS Direct contacts between your callsigns and others will show up as a messenger interface. REBUILT FROM SCRATCH The entire app is now native SwiftUI on iOS 17, replacing the original Objective-C codebase. It is faster, lighter, and requires no third-party networking or UI libraries. Also beacon mode now updates your positions automatically for a set period of time. NEW: MIC-E DECODING PulseModem A now decodes Mic-E packets — the compact format used by most Kenwood and Yaesu hand-held radios. Stations that previously appeared in the feed but not on the map will now show up correctly. NEW: COUNTRY FLAGS Every station now displays the national flag for its country of origin, resolved automatically from its callsign prefix using the standard cty.dat database. NEW: REAL APRS SYMBOL ICONS Stations are now drawn with authentic high-resolution APRS symbol PNGs rather than generic placeholder icons. Over 160 symbols are included — cars, hikers, weather stations, digipeaters, ships, aircraft, and more. NEW: GPS BEACONING Send your location to the APRS network directly from the app. Your position appears on the map immediately after sending, without waiting for an echo from the server. NEW: VISUAL SYMBOL PICKER Choose your station symbol from a searchable grid showing every available APRS icon with its name and preview — no more typing two-character codes. NEW: iPad SPLIT VIEW On iPad, the Stations tab now shows a side-by-side master-detail layout. Select a station on the left and see full details, map, and QRZ lookup on the right. NEW: QRZ LOOKUP Tap the globe icon on any station detail page to look up the callsign on QRZ.com — displayed inside the app with no browser switch required. NEW: BUILT-IN HELP A new Help tab covers Getting Started, APRS basics, connecting to APRS-IS, and how to send a beacon — all in a clean, readable format. SEAMLESS UPGRADE Your callsign and passcode from the previous version are read automatically from the same Keychain entry — no need to re-enter credentials after updating. AUTO-CONNECT FIX Auto-connect on launch now correctly waits for a GPS fix before connecting, ensuring the APRS-IS location filter is always set before packets start flowing. ### 2.0.5 — 2026-08-07 PulseModem A has been completely rewritten from the ground up in SwiftUI with new icon. This is the biggest update since the app launched. CHATS Direct contacts between your callsigns and others will show up as a messenger interface. REBUILT FROM SCRATCH The entire app is now native SwiftUI on iOS 17, replacing the original Objective-C codebase. It is faster, lighter, and requires no third-party networking or UI libraries. Also beacon mode now updates your positions automatically for a set period of time. NEW: MIC-E DECODING PulseModem A now decodes Mic-E packets — the compact format used by most Kenwood and Yaesu hand-held radios. Stations that previously appeared in the feed but not on the map will now show up correctly. NEW: COUNTRY FLAGS Every station now displays the national flag for its country of origin, resolved automatically from its callsign prefix using the standard cty.dat database. NEW: REAL APRS SYMBOL ICONS Stations are now drawn with authentic high-resolution APRS symbol PNGs rather than generic placeholder icons. Over 160 symbols are included — cars, hikers, weather stations, digipeaters, ships, aircraft, and more. NEW: GPS BEACONING Send your location to the APRS network directly from the app. Your position appears on the map immediately after sending, without waiting for an echo from the server. NEW: VISUAL SYMBOL PICKER Choose your station symbol from a searchable grid showing every available APRS icon with its name and preview — no more typing two-character codes. NEW: iPad SPLIT VIEW On iPad, the Stations tab now shows a side-by-side master-detail layout. Select a station on the left and see full details, map, and QRZ lookup on the right. NEW: QRZ LOOKUP Tap the globe icon on any station detail page to look up the callsign on QRZ.com — displayed inside the app with no browser switch required. NEW: BUILT-IN HELP A new Help tab covers Getting Started, APRS basics, connecting to APRS-IS, and how to send a beacon — all in a clean, readable format. SEAMLESS UPGRADE Your callsign and passcode from the previous version are read automatically from the same Keychain entry — no need to re-enter credentials after updating. AUTO-CONNECT FIX Auto-connect on launch now correctly waits for a GPS fix before connecting, ensuring the APRS-IS location filter is always set before packets start flowing. ### 2.0.4 — 2026-07-11 PulseModem A has been completely rewritten from the ground up in SwiftUI with new icon. This is the biggest update since the app launched. CHATS Direct contacts between your callsigns and others will show up as a messenger interface. REBUILT FROM SCRATCH The entire app is now native SwiftUI on iOS 17, replacing the original Objective-C codebase. It is faster, lighter, and requires no third-party networking or UI libraries. Also beacon mode now updates your positions automatically for a set period of time. NEW: MIC-E DECODING PulseModem A now decodes Mic-E packets — the compact format used by most Kenwood and Yaesu hand-held radios. Stations that previously appeared in the feed but not on the map will now show up correctly. NEW: COUNTRY FLAGS Every station now displays the national flag for its country of origin, resolved automatically from its callsign prefix using the standard cty.dat database. NEW: REAL APRS SYMBOL ICONS Stations are now drawn with authentic high-resolution APRS symbol PNGs rather than generic placeholder icons. Over 160 symbols are included — cars, hikers, weather stations, digipeaters, ships, aircraft, and more. NEW: GPS BEACONING Send your location to the APRS network directly from the app. Your position appears on the map immediately after sending, without waiting for an echo from the server. NEW: VISUAL SYMBOL PICKER Choose your station symbol from a searchable grid showing every available APRS icon with its name and preview — no more typing two-character codes. NEW: iPad SPLIT VIEW On iPad, the Stations tab now shows a side-by-side master-detail layout. Select a station on the left and see full details, map, and QRZ lookup on the right. NEW: QRZ LOOKUP Tap the globe icon on any station detail page to look up the callsign on QRZ.com — displayed inside the app with no browser switch required. NEW: BUILT-IN HELP A new Help tab covers Getting Started, APRS basics, connecting to APRS-IS, and how to send a beacon — all in a clean, readable format. SEAMLESS UPGRADE Your callsign and passcode from the previous version are read automatically from the same Keychain entry — no need to re-enter credentials after updating. AUTO-CONNECT FIX Auto-connect on launch now correctly waits for a GPS fix before connecting, ensuring the APRS-IS location filter is always set before packets start flowing. ### 2.0.3 — 2026-07-04 PulseModem A has been completely rewritten from the ground up in SwiftUI with new icon. This is the biggest update since the app launched. REBUILT FROM SCRATCH The entire app is now native SwiftUI on iOS 17, replacing the original Objective-C codebase. It is faster, lighter, and requires no third-party networking or UI libraries. Also beacon mode now updates your positions automatically for a set period of time. NEW: MIC-E DECODING PulseModem A now decodes Mic-E packets — the compact format used by most Kenwood and Yaesu hand-held radios. Stations that previously appeared in the feed but not on the map will now show up correctly. NEW: COUNTRY FLAGS Every station now displays the national flag for its country of origin, resolved automatically from its callsign prefix using the standard cty.dat database. NEW: REAL APRS SYMBOL ICONS Stations are now drawn with authentic high-resolution APRS symbol PNGs rather than generic placeholder icons. Over 160 symbols are included — cars, hikers, weather stations, digipeaters, ships, aircraft, and more. NEW: GPS BEACONING Send your location to the APRS network directly from the app. Your position appears on the map immediately after sending, without waiting for an echo from the server. NEW: VISUAL SYMBOL PICKER Choose your station symbol from a searchable grid showing every available APRS icon with its name and preview — no more typing two-character codes. NEW: iPad SPLIT VIEW On iPad, the Stations tab now shows a side-by-side master-detail layout. Select a station on the left and see full details, map, and QRZ lookup on the right. NEW: QRZ LOOKUP Tap the globe icon on any station detail page to look up the callsign on QRZ.com — displayed inside the app with no browser switch required. NEW: BUILT-IN HELP A new Help tab covers Getting Started, APRS basics, connecting to APRS-IS, and how to send a beacon — all in a clean, readable format. SEAMLESS UPGRADE Your callsign and passcode from the previous version are read automatically from the same Keychain entry — no need to re-enter credentials after updating. AUTO-CONNECT FIX Auto-connect on launch now correctly waits for a GPS fix before connecting, ensuring the APRS-IS location filter is always set before packets start flowing. ### 2.0.2 — 2026-07-03 PulseModem A has been completely rewritten from the ground up in SwiftUI with new icon. This is the biggest update since the app launched. REBUILT FROM SCRATCH The entire app is now native SwiftUI on iOS 17, replacing the original Objective-C codebase. It is faster, lighter, and requires no third-party networking or UI libraries. Also beacon mode now updates your positions automatically for a set period of time. NEW: MIC-E DECODING PulseModem A now decodes Mic-E packets — the compact format used by most Kenwood and Yaesu hand-held radios. Stations that previously appeared in the feed but not on the map will now show up correctly. NEW: COUNTRY FLAGS Every station now displays the national flag for its country of origin, resolved automatically from its callsign prefix using the standard cty.dat database. NEW: REAL APRS SYMBOL ICONS Stations are now drawn with authentic high-resolution APRS symbol PNGs rather than generic placeholder icons. Over 160 symbols are included — cars, hikers, weather stations, digipeaters, ships, aircraft, and more. NEW: GPS BEACONING Send your location to the APRS network directly from the app. Your position appears on the map immediately after sending, without waiting for an echo from the server. NEW: VISUAL SYMBOL PICKER Choose your station symbol from a searchable grid showing every available APRS icon with its name and preview — no more typing two-character codes. NEW: iPad SPLIT VIEW On iPad, the Stations tab now shows a side-by-side master-detail layout. Select a station on the left and see full details, map, and QRZ lookup on the right. NEW: QRZ LOOKUP Tap the globe icon on any station detail page to look up the callsign on QRZ.com — displayed inside the app with no browser switch required. NEW: BUILT-IN HELP A new Help tab covers Getting Started, APRS basics, connecting to APRS-IS, and how to send a beacon — all in a clean, readable format. SEAMLESS UPGRADE Your callsign and passcode from the previous version are read automatically from the same Keychain entry — no need to re-enter credentials after updating. AUTO-CONNECT FIX Auto-connect on launch now correctly waits for a GPS fix before connecting, ensuring the APRS-IS location filter is always set before packets start flowing. ## Apps similar to PulseModem A | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [RadioWave APRS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/radiowave-aprs/id6476447702) | 1.0 (3) | Free | Travel | ## More apps by Pulsely Consulting - [CJ Lookup 倉頡找字快](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cj-lookup/id367246450) - [CE Lookup 漢英找字快](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ce-lookup/id381963773) - [Decodely](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decodely/id492502044) - [Cosmo Desktop](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cosmo-desktop/id556217911) - [PulsePOS Barcode Receiver](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsepos-barcode-receiver/id659032251) - [PulsePOS Barcode Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsepos-barcode-reader/id689625859) All apps by Pulsely Consulting: https://appshunter.io/developer/475349326 ## Related topics [aprs](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/aprs) · [aprs pro deluxe](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/aprs-pro-deluxe) · [aprs pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/aprs-pro) · [amateur radio beacon](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/amateur-radio-beacon) --- *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 2026-08-23.*