Comparison

Valiance Backbone for CW vs Forethumb いろは

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Valiance Backbone for CW

Decode Morse code signals in real-time using your device's microphone. This app employs advanced FFT technology to accurately distinguish transceiver signals from noise, offering a high success rate for radio communications. It features a range of tools for signal analysis and log management.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Forethumb いろは

This app enables Japanese Morse code input on your iOS device. Once you memorize the codes, you can type even with your eyes closed. It supports single-key or paddle input with audible feedback and customizable spacing.

Highlights
  • Japanese Morse code input
  • Single-key or paddle input
  • Audible Morse feedback
  • Customizable space intervals
  • Swipe gestures for delete/space
Features
Read full description

「Forethumb いろは」はあなたのiOSデバイス上で和文モールス符号による文字入力を可能とします。 モールス符号を暗記させしてしまえば、目隠しをしても文字を入力することができます。 【機能】 ・単鍵式またはパドル式のモールス入力により文字入力が可能です。 ・モールスの入力時に音が鳴ります。 ・単鍵式の場合、キーを左にスワイプすると「削除」、右にスワイプすると「空白の入力」ができます。 ・空白(各点の間隔)の基本長を変更することが可能です。 【注意点】 ご利用にはキーボードの追加設定が必要です(設定 -> 一般 -> キーボード)。 また、音を鳴らすためには「フルアクセスの許可」をオンにする必要があります。 ※「フルアクセスの許可」によるデータ収集は一切行いませんのでご安心ください。 【サポート】 ・不具合報告やご質問・ご要望はお気軽にご連絡ください。 ・機能追加に関しましても対応を検討させていただきます。 ・開発者は予告なく古いiOSへのサポートを終了することがあります。

Screenshots

Valiance Backbone for CW4 screens
Forethumb いろは4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Forethumb いろは at none against Valiance Backbone for CW's 4. Forethumb いろは also leads on price ($0.99 vs $3.99). Valiance Backbone for CW's advantage is update cadence (every 11 months vs every 31 months) and review sentiment (73% vs 58%). On ads, monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99 and Forethumb いろは $0.99 up front. Valiance Backbone for CW sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Forethumb いろは asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, Forethumb いろは every 31 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Valiance Backbone for CW versus Forethumb いろは: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterValiance Backbone for CWForethumb いろは
Price$3.99$0.99 — better
Rating2.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews72.7% of reviews — better58.3% of reviews
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 11 months — betterEvery 31 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNobTakuto Nakamura

Customer experience

Valiance Backbone for CW

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive72.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative27.3%

Forethumb いろは

Written reviews12 reviews
Positive58.3%
Neutral16.7%
Negative25.0%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Valiance Backbone for CW

One-time4
  • Tip for the Developer$0.99
  • Standard Support$4.99
  • Premium$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Ultimate Supporter$29.99
None

Forethumb いろは

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Valiance Backbone for CW free?
Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Forethumb いろは free?
Forethumb いろは costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb いろは have ads?
Neither Valiance Backbone for CW nor Forethumb いろは shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb いろは?
Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, and Forethumb いろは every 31 months. Most recently, Valiance Backbone for CW was updated on November 6, 2026 and Forethumb いろは on November 2, 2026.

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