RST Scope vs Beacon 73
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RST Scope
This utility app provides spectrum scope and waterfall displays for amateur radio operators. It enhances radios lacking these features by analyzing microphone input, allowing for clear distinction of Morse code and detailed audio frequency visualization.
- Spectrum scope and waterfall display
- Morse code distinction via FFT
- Adjustable waterfall speed
- Adjustable audio input level
- Switchable display band (wide/narrow)
- Display pause function
- Recording and playback of input sound
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This is an app for amateur radio operators with a narrow band of audio frequency, spectrum scope & waterfall display. You can get a rich display by microphone inputting the speaker output of a radio that does not have a spectrum scope or waterfall function. The FFT allows you to distinguish between the dot and dash of Morse code. [function] 1. Ability to change the speed of the waterfall 2. Ability to adjust the level of audio input 3. Function to switch the display band between wide and narrow 4. Display pause function (pause / cancel by touching the screen) 5. Function to switch the cross hatch ON / OFF by longTap 6. Frequency resolution is fixed at 40Hz. 7. Function to switch the USB/LSB by Left/Right Swipe 8.Recording/Playback function of Input Sound RST Scope(Free) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s9RvOFp52g
Beacon 73
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Beacon 73 makes sending your APRS position simple. Just open the app and start. SIMPLE BEACONING • Start or stop auto-beaconing from a clear, focused dashboard • Send your position immediately whenever you choose • See when your last beacon was sent and when the next one is due SMART TIMING Choose manual, timed, or movement-aware Smart beaconing. Beacon 73 can adapt beacon timing to your speed and direction. MAP AND TRACK • See nearby APRS station callsigns, icons, and status • View your current position and recent location track • Use a map to see other stations in real-time TRY IT SAFELY Demo Mode uses simulated data, does not request your location, and cannot transmit. Explore the app before entering your callsign. Beacon 73 connects to APRS-IS. Live operation requires a valid amateur radio callsign and APRS-IS passcode. Beacon 73 is not an emergency or safety service.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RST Scope at none against Beacon 73's 3. RST Scope also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 6 days) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Beacon 73's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support 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. Beacon 73 sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. RST Scope asks for nothing beyond the download.
RST Scope ships an update every 3 days, Beacon 73 every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RST Scope | Beacon 73 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 6 days |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | koji kamogawa | DAVID BRET SANDERS |
In-app purchases
RST Scope
No in-app purchases
Beacon 73
- Buy me a coffee ☕$1.99
- Buy Me a Burrito 🌯$4.99
- Fund My Next Bad Idea 🚀$9.99
