Enhance your shortwave listening with this app that decodes on-air text modes like Morse, RTTY, and WEFAX. It also features spectrum analysis, audio recording, and is optimized for portable use with specific receivers.
1.4.1
September 30, 2026
LISTEN WHILE YOU DECODE • The monitor now works with any USB audio adapter. The inexpensive ones play the receiver through their own headphone socket; a two-channel interface can still send it to the iPhone speaker. • Switch the monitor on once, in the Audio tab, and it stays on as you move around the app: record, or decode CW, RTTY, WEFAX and ACARS, while you keep listening. The IQ tab pauses it and gives it back when you leave. CLEARER DIAGNOSTICS • The audio diagnostics panel opens with what matters most: whether you are listening to your receiver or to the phone's own microphone. • Adapters that iOS does not label as USB audio are now recognised as the dongles they are, and the panel shows how iOS identifies each one. • The test buttons show which audio path is running. ALSO • Unplugging or swapping the adapter while the app is open no longer makes it quit. • Leaving the app during a recording now closes and saves the file, so the recording can no longer be lost if the app is closed afterwards. • Help pages updated to match. • SWLstation, the iPad companion app, now listed alongside SWList.
MoreSWLtools can decode several on-air text modes including Morse (CW), RTTY (ITA2 and SITOR-B), Weather fax (WEFAX), and ACARS aircraft messages. It automatically adjusts to Morse code sending speed and can display ACARS positions on a map.
No, SWLtools does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed for a focused user experience.
To use SWLtools, you will need an inexpensive USB audio adapter (ADC/DAC) connected to your iOS device. A two-channel interface is recommended for full spectrum analysis and playing audio through your device's speaker.
Yes, SWLtools is optimized for portable use and low power consumption, especially when displaying the spectrum and waterfall. It is designed to work seamlessly with the Belka receiver for outdoor listening sessions.
For signals where the two channels of a USB adapter are not perfectly in step, SWLtools includes a sample-delay correction feature. This removes the mirror image that would otherwise appear beside every signal in the spectrum display.
SWLtools is available for a one-time purchase price of $3.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees associated with the app.
The latest version of SWLtools is 1.4.1, which was last updated on September 30, 2026. This indicates a commitment to ongoing development and support.
SWLtools has an age rating of 4+. This means it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content restrictions.
