# Valiance Backbone for CW - VBC

> Real-time Morse code decoder using microphone and advanced signal processing. (iPhone/iPad app by Nob.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valiance-backbone-for-cw-vbc/id521096092 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nob](https://appshunter.io/developer/508077821)
- Category: Utilities, Entertainment
- Price: $3.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 2.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 28 MB
- Languages: American English, Japanese
- Released: 2012-06-28
- Data updated: 2026-09-07
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valiance-backbone-for-cw-vbc/id521096092/reviews.md

## What is Valiance Backbone for CW?

Morse Decoder: Valiance Backbone for CW (VBC) VBC is the No. 1 Morse code decoder in the Japanese market, encompassing both paid and free categories.

This app allows you to decode Morse code using the built-in microphone of your iPhone or iPod touch. VBC utilizes the world's fastest FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) technology to detect and decode carriers. It is specifically designed to minimize false decodes from atmospheric noise, voices, or beep sounds (square or trapezoidal waves). While it will not decode vocalized "dit-dah" sounds, it offers an extremely high success rate for decoding actual transceiver signals. (Please check our videos of real DX station communications).

We believe its decoding capability surpasses that of many expensive dedicated hardware units and PC software. The carrier detection mode is highly effective, making it a truly practical tool for active hunting and pouncing in real-world radio operations.

The default settings are optimized for the best performance balance. We recommend testing it with an actual radio (800Hz tone) at a short distance using the default configuration.

Key Features:
Morse Sound Recorder & Player
Export text logs, audio data, and history via email
Timestamp and cancel stamp insertion in logs
Predictive decoding for difficult or connected Morse codes
Zero-in Tone Indicator / Shift-in Indicator
Tone frequency measurement (±5Hz)
Sound pressure measurement (dB)
Audio frequency response measurement & automatic correction
Peak search / Manual frequency setting (double-tap screen)
Automatic speed tracking / Manual speed setting (double-tap screen)
Auto Level / Auto Threshold / Manual Threshold (double-tap screen)
Noise reduction & waveform shaping via carrier detection
Japanese (Wabun) Morse support
Signal level adjustment
Input Level Over-Range Indicator When the input level exceeds the range (Over-Range), the waveform becomes distorted, leading to poor decoding accuracy. If this happens, please move your device further away from the radio. (Avoid placing the device directly on a vibrating radio; maintain a sufficient distance. The app is designed to decode accurately even from a significant distance.)Supports decoding speeds from 5 to 40 WPM

For more information and to see the app in action, please visit our YouTube channel for Real-DX videos and more: 
http://goo.gl/ALXAqH
http://goo.gl/yEu3d1
http://goo.gl/7gp4yw

Note: Due to scrolling issues on the decode screen since iOS 8, we utilize the following library for text display. Our sincere thanks to the developer: SECoreTextView Created by kishikawa katsumi on 2015/03/25. Copyright (c) 2013-2015 kishikawa katsumi. All rights reserved.

## Key features

- Real-time Morse code decoding via microphone
- Advanced FFT technology for signal detection
- Minimizes false decodes from noise
- Morse Sound Recorder & Player
- Export text logs and audio data
- Predictive decoding for difficult codes
- Tone and sound pressure measurement

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $3.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip for the Developer | $0.99 | one-time |
| Standard Support | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate Supporter | $29.99 | one-time |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 11)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valiance-backbone-for-cw-vbc/id521096092/reviews.md

### 4/5 — 性能はいいのですがアイコンが壊れる

*2024-11-09*

だいぶ前からアイコンが壊れています。
再起動すれば治るかと思ったのですが、再起動でも復元していません。

**Developer response:** リリース後に発売された機種で一部アイコンが表示されないことを確認しました。現在存在するアイコンサイズをすべて追加しましたので、表示されると思います。26/2/12

### 5/5 — 素晴らしい

*2017-09-17*

某日本製のPCデコーダーを使っていましたが、VBCの方がはるかに性能が高い！当然すぐこちらに乗り換えました。

### 5/5 — 重宝してます

*2017-04-25*

かなり前のバージョンから使っていますが、とても便利で重宝しています。デコード性能も満足出来る物で、価格以上の価値があります。最近のアップデートで、eなどの入りやすいゴミが減りました。DXなどの高速打電されるCWなど、自信の無い時に側においておくと、安心出来るようなアプリです。

### 2/5 — メールが出せない

*2015-09-25*

メールアドレスが抜けている。

**Developer response:** ログ送信のメールアドレスは、宛先の当たりをタップすると入力できます。また、＋のところをクリックすると普段使っているアドレス帳が開きます。直接メールを送信したいという意味でしたらヘルプファイルの中にアドレスが記載してあります。
26/2/12追記
　メールの宛先を入力してくださいという表示を追加しました。

### 2/5 — Not good

*2015-09-05*

Did not detect the correct tones for a repeater Id... Lame

**Developer response:** The VBC has only 2 BAD comments in the world.
There are in USA market only.
You can see real comment.

https://bit.ly/2OX8jiO
The VBC is decoding only real sine waves with the fastest FFT algorithm. The VBC does not decode beep sounds (rectangular waves) etc. which are not real carriers. If you would like to decode rectangle wave, you should be off CW DETECT option switch.

### 5/5 — 最高ですな

*2015-08-21*

録音できるので、無線機の前にiPhone置いて録音し、持ち歩きながらヒアリングの練習に使ってます。
もちろん交信時にもほぼ完璧に翻訳してくれますよ。

この価格でこの機能、申し分ありませんね。

### 5/5 — 優秀

*2014-12-22*

とても素晴らしい精度で解読してくれます。

### 5/5 — CW解読アプリ最強

*2014-12-21*

モールス解読アプリの中で解読率、機能共にトップクラス。欧文は勿論、和文対応も嬉しいところ。iOS8対応になりさらに機能充実です。

### 5/5 — 良いです

*2013-11-24*

正直に言うとあまり期待していませんでした(製作者さん失礼)。
使ってみるとなかなかの解析力、驚きです。
マイクから拾う雑音をCW信号に変換するのでゴミが入りますけど、満足しています。

### 1/5 — Code reader

*2013-06-01*

This is worse than bad !! It will not even
copy my straight key. I should have spent the money on a couple of packs of gum.

**Developer response:** The VBC has only 2 BAD comments in the world.
There are in USA market only.
You can see real comment.

https://bit.ly/2OX8jiO
The VBC is decoding only proper length, these dots and strokes should be within 1:2.5 to 1:3.5.  And also, If you divide dot and stroke like a letter gap, the VBC detect as a letter gap.  http://goo.gl/ALXAqH

## Frequently asked questions about Valiance Backbone for CW

### What is Valiance Backbone for CW used for?

Valiance Backbone for CW is used to decode Morse code signals in real-time using your iPhone or iPod touch's built-in microphone. It is designed for amateur radio operators to decode transceiver signals.

### How accurate is Valiance Backbone for CW?

The app claims to have an extremely high success rate for decoding actual transceiver signals, minimizing false decodes from atmospheric noise or voices. Its decoding capability is suggested to surpass many expensive hardware units and PC software.

### Does Valiance Backbone for CW have ads?

No, Valiance Backbone for CW does not contain advertisements.

### What is the price of Valiance Backbone for CW?

Valiance Backbone for CW is a paid application priced at $3.99.

### What devices does Valiance Backbone for CW support?

Valiance Backbone for CW supports decoding on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

### What decoding speeds does Valiance Backbone for CW support?

The app supports decoding speeds ranging from 5 to 40 Words Per Minute (WPM).

### Can Valiance Backbone for CW export data?

Yes, you can export text logs, audio data, and history via email from Valiance Backbone for CW.

### How often is Valiance Backbone for CW updated?

The latest version is 1.60.0, last updated on February 11, 2026, indicating a consistent update schedule.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.60.0 — 2026-02-11

Morse Decoder VBC Ver. 1.60 — Update Details

1. New Features & Content
Added sample audio: Practice materials now include realistic QSO simulation audio, created with permission from the original counterpart station operator at the time.
Official iPad support: Optimized for the iPad’s larger display. Font size options have been expanded to up to four levels to improve readability.
Development support feature: Added a donation menu to support ongoing app development.

2. Usability & UI Improvements
Reworked log submission flow: The send button has been moved from the settings screen to the toolbar for quicker access.
Added a submission completion message to clearly indicate execution results.
Improved audio file selection: File list is now sorted by newest first.
Selection highlight color changed to blue for clearer visual identification.
Optimized log viewing: Improved scrolling so past logs can be reviewed smoothly even during decoding.
Increased text size on the Help screen.
RUN button visibility optimized: Displayed only when needed to streamline the layout.
Design refresh: Updated layout and design of the settings, calibration, and font size buttons.
Improved data management:
Unified recording file name and timestamp format (yyyy/MM/dd HH:mm).
Optimized log save timing to occur on email sending or draft saving (logs remain in the device EEPROM until explicitly deleted).

3. Support & Fixes for Latest Devices
Optimization for latest devices: Introduced automatic layout calculation to maximize display area on newer iPhones without a Home button and with a notch (camera area).
App icon updates: Added icons in the latest required sizes to fix display issues on newer devices.

4. Bug Fixes
Calibration save fix: Resolved an issue where CAL1–CAL3 save destinations were misaligned, preventing CAL3 from being used.
Filter setting improvement: Fixed an issue where peak detection failed when “No filter specified” was selected. The filter is now set to an almost full-range width, enabling stable detection.

### 1.51.0 — 2023-02-19

Ver 1.51.0
Changed control buttons are easy to see, even on in iPhone's dark mode.

### 1.50.0 — 2023-02-07

Ver 1.50.0
Because the bottom button is not displayed due to specification changes in iOS13-14, added page maximization setting.

### 1.40.04 — 2017-04-13

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

Ver 1.40.04

Bugfix: On iOS 10.*, every apps need message of using-microphone.  I added that message.

Ver 1.40
* You are able to send your recorded-audio-files by e-mail (large-volume mail server such as iCloud Drop Mail).
* You are able to send your text-log by e-mail.
* Carrier Detect processing is able to highly precise decoding without noise. (New carrier detection system)
* New-synchronize-system are able to improve precision.
* After telephone call, the VBC can be resumed to recording or decoding by automatically.
* Calibration mode is changed to be flat by setting default button.
* SECoreTextView was changed to v0.8.5.
 Created by kishikawa katsumi on 2015/03/25.
 Copyright (c) 2013-2015 kishikawa katsumi. All rights reserved.

bugfix
* Carrier detection judgement is not carrier, but it is indicate blank only.
* Only first installing default setting is not correct.
 (A new synchronization system wasn't functioning.)
* Decoding center processing is corrected. The signal corrugated detection on the filter boundary was made severe.

iOS 8.0/after is available from this version. (iOS 5.1-7.* doesn't available.)

### 1.40 — 2017-04-10

Ver 1.40
* You are able to send your recorded-audio-files by e-mail (large-volume mail server such as iCloud Drop Mail).
* You are able to send your text-log by e-mail.
* Carrier Detect processing is able to highly precise decoding without noise. (New carrier detection system)
* New-synchronize-system are able to improve precision.
* After telephone call, the VBC can be resumed to recording or decoding by automatically.
* Calibration mode is changed to be flat by setting default button.
* SECoreTextView was changed to v0.8.5.
 Created by kishikawa katsumi on 2015/03/25.
 Copyright (c) 2013-2015 kishikawa katsumi. All rights reserved.

bugfix
* Carrier detection judgement is not carrier, but it is indicate blank only.
* Only first installing default setting is not correct.
 (A new synchronization system wasn't functioning.)
* Decoding center processing is corrected. The signal corrugated detection on the filter boundary was made severe.

iOS 8.0/after is available from this version. (iOS 5.1-7.* doesn't available.)

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## More apps by Nob

- [VBCTone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vbctone/id546018722)

All apps by Nob: https://appshunter.io/developer/508077821

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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 2026-09-07.*