HotPaw Basic vs APRS Tracker Digi iGate
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HotPaw Basic
Experience retro computing by typing and running Basic programs on your iPhone or iPad. This app functions as a programmable calculator and can display simple line graphics, Morse code audio, and perform FFT analysis.
- Retro text-mode Basic interpreter
- Programmable calculator functionality
- Simple line graphics display
- Morse Code audio output
- FFT analysis
- GPS location support
- MQTT and BTLE communications
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Calling all early-personal-computing fans, remember typing Basic programs into your home computer? HotPaw Basic recreates the retro-experience of a text-mode Basic interpreter, and it runs right on your iPhone or iPad. You can also use HotPaw Basic as a programmable calculator, or for displaying simple line graphics. The HotPaw Basic interpreter supports the minimal Basic language, including: Commands: let if then else endif dim data read restore for to step next while wend goto gosub return ? print input open close end stop mat run new list del save load dir cls rem Functions: int() abs() sgn() rnd() sqr() exp() log() log10() sin() cos() tan() atn() len() val() asc() str$() chr$() hex$() mid$() timer() date$ time$ pi Operators: + - * / mod ^ = and or xor not Also includes new command and functions to support line graphics, Morse Code audio, FFT analysis, GPS location, MQTT and BTLE communications. Line numbers are required. Type in the text of your program and type "run" to run them. See: http://www.hotpaw.com/rhn/basic/iphone/ for a more complete description of the Basic language syntax, commands and functions which this Basic interpreter supports.
APRS Tracker Digi iGate
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Stay visible. Stay connected. This app is a tool for radio amateurs, civil defense volunteer teams, and operators using the APRS protocol in field activities. The app allows you to transmit your position to the APRS-IS network via the internet and also operate directly via radio using AX.25 packets with 1200 AFSK modulation. It can be used for individual tracking, local communication, and supporting the infrastructure of an APRS network. Whether in expeditions, amateur radio events, travel in remote areas, or search and humanitarian aid operations, APRS Tracker provides features to track stations, share points of interest, and expand APRS coverage. KEY FEATURES APRS-IS Tracking Send your GPS coordinates to APRS-IS servers via the device's internet connection. Positions can be tracked on compatible public services, such as aprs.fi. AX.25 / 1200 AFSK RF Mode Transmit and receive APRS packets through the device's audio input and output. With a radio and a compatible audio interface, you can operate via RF even without internet access. APRS Digipeater Use the app as a digital repeater to extend the range of stations in the area. The Digipeater processes paths compatible with New-N rules and includes controls against loops, invalid paths, and duplicate packets. iGate Mode Forward valid packets received via radio to APRS-IS, allowing local stations to be viewed on the worldwide APRS network. Optional internet-to-RF forwarding features packet type selection, radius definition, security filters, and frequency limits. APRS Objects Register important points, such as shelters, support bases, aid posts, repeaters, obstacles, risk areas, or meeting places. Each object can contain a name, coordinates, symbol, and message, with publication via internet and/or RF. Mobile or Fixed Station Use dynamic location while on the move or configure fixed coordinates to operate as a base, iGate, Digipeater, or support station. Symbols and Status Messages Choose the APRS symbol representing your station, vehicle, or activity, and add a message to inform your condition or mission. Communication Monitoring Track sent and received packets in the integrated terminal, along with the status of the APRS-IS connection and RF operation. Automatic Reconnection After temporary internet interruptions, the app attempts to re-establish the connection with the APRS-IS server. USE CASES Tracking during trips, expeditions, and outdoor activities. Monitoring of vehicles and volunteer teams in the field. Support for search, rescue, civil defense, and humanitarian aid operations. Local APRS radio operation in areas without internet. Temporary installation of an iGate or Digipeater to expand coverage. Publishing shelters, bases, risks, and support points as APRS Objects. Technical monitoring of AX.25 packets and APRS-IS communication. SIMPLE AND CONFIGURABLE Enter your amateur radio callsign, Passcode, server, and transmission preferences to begin. RF, Digipeater, and iGate features are disabled by default and only work when enabled by the user. IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS Access to APRS-IS requires an amateur radio callsign and a valid Passcode. RF operation requires a radio and a compatible audio interface. Performance depends on equipment, audio levels, VOX/PTT configuration, and channel conditions. Continuous use of GPS, audio, and background execution may increase battery consumption.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: APRS Tracker Digi iGate at Free against HotPaw Basic's $4.99. APRS Tracker Digi iGate also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 months). HotPaw Basic's advantage is iOS requirement (12.3 vs 18.6). On ads, in-app purchases 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
APRS Tracker Digi iGate is free to download; HotPaw Basic costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
HotPaw Basic ships an update every 5 months, APRS Tracker Digi iGate every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HotPaw Basic | APRS Tracker Digi iGate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.9 (7 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 52.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.3 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | HotPaw Productions | Ricardo Aurelio Seco |
In-app purchases
HotPaw Basic
No in-app purchases
APRS Tracker Digi iGate
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is HotPaw Basic free?
Is APRS Tracker Digi iGate free?
Do HotPaw Basic or APRS Tracker Digi iGate have ads?
Which is updated more often, HotPaw Basic or APRS Tracker Digi iGate?
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