PulseModem A vs The Branson Guide
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PulseModem A
This application acts as an APRS client, enabling licensed amateur radio operators to send and receive location data and messages. It supports direct connection to the APRS-IS network or transmission via VHF amateur radio, with an optional off-the-grid mode.
- 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
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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.
The Branson Guide
Explore shows, dining, attractions, and local creators in Branson, Missouri. Plan your day with an itinerary, save favorites, and discover what's happening now. Keep memories with a trip journal.
- Discover shows and showtimes
- Watch show trailers and view galleries
- Explore restaurants and attractions
- Find timely local events
- Build a personalized itinerary
- Save favorite places and plans
- Meet local creators
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Discover what's happening in Branson, Missouri, with shows, restaurants, attractions, and local creators together in The Branson Guide. Find something to do right now, choose a show for tonight, or make a day of it. Built locally for visitors and the community, The Branson Guide helps you explore more of the Ozarks. FIND SHOWS & SHOWTIMES Browse Branson shows and see when they're playing. Explore show details, photos, and venue information before deciding where to go. WATCH SHOW TRAILERS Get a feel for the performance with available trailers and photo galleries. Follow venue links for more information and ticket options. DISCOVER FOOD & LOCAL FAVORITES Explore restaurants, attractions, and shopping. Check available hours and directions, and use the map to find places nearby. SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW Find timely options around town and check local weather as you decide what to do next. BUILD YOUR DAY Bring shows, dining, and attractions together in an itinerary. Save favorites and keep your plans handy as you explore. MEET BRANSON'S CREATORS Creator Corner highlights local artists and content creators. Explore their biographies, photos, and social links to get to know the people behind the content. KEEP YOUR MEMORIES Save photos and notes in your trip journal, and revisit the places you enjoyed. START EXPLORING No account is required. Location access is optional. The Branson Guide is an independent local guide. Showtimes, prices, hours, and availability can change. Confirm details directly with the venue.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Branson Guide at 100% against PulseModem A's 47%. The Branson Guide also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.4). PulseModem A's advantage is ratings volume (40 vs 1) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
The Branson Guide holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PulseModem A has 40 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of PulseModem A's written reviews are positive against 100% of The Branson Guide's.
PulseModem A ships an update fortnightly, The Branson Guide monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PulseModem A | The Branson Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.4 (40 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 46.7% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 40 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 — better | 26.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 14 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pulsely Consulting | Zachariah Grooms |
Customer experience
PulseModem A
The Branson Guide
In-app purchases
PulseModem A
No in-app purchases
The Branson Guide
No in-app purchases





