Comparison

MeshCom vs PhosphorCalc

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

Head to head
About

MeshCom

Features
Read full description

MeshCom is a project to exchange text messages via LORA radio modules. The primary goal is to realize networked off-grid messaging with low power and low cost hardware. The technical approach is based on the use of LORA radio modules which transmit messages, positions, measured values, telecontrol and much more with low transmission power over long distances. MeshCom modules can be combined to form a mesh network, but can also be connected to a message network via MeshCom gateways, which are ideally connected via HAMNET. This enables MeshCom radio networks, which are not connected to each other via radio, to communicate with each other.

About

PhosphorCalc

Features
Read full description

RF and antenna calculator for amateur radio operators. Ten standalone calculators on a clean, fast interface. Numbers in, numbers out. No network, no accounts, no subscriptions. DIPOLE Calculate half-wave dipole, quarter-wave vertical, and full-wave loop antenna lengths for any frequency. Adjustable velocity factor for different wire types. Results in both metres and feet. WAVELENGTH Bidirectional frequency and wavelength conversion. Enter either value and the other is derived instantly. Identifies standard amateur band allocations (ITU Region 1) automatically. PATH LOSS Free space path loss calculator with approximate S-meter reading context. Supports kilometres and miles. Result can be imported directly into the Link Budget calculator. COAX LOSS Feedline attenuation for seven common cable types: RG-58, RG-8X, RG-213, LMR-240, LMR-400, Aircell 7, and Ecoflex 15. Uses log-linear interpolated manufacturer data across frequency. Shows power delivered to antenna from a 100W transmitter. Result can be imported into the ERP calculator. ERP / EIRP Effective radiated power accounting for transmitter output, feedline loss, and antenna gain. Supports both dBi and dBd gain input. Shows feed power, EIRP, and ERP in watts and dBW. SWR Standing wave ratio from forward and reflected power readings, or direct SWR entry. Calculates return loss, mismatch loss, reflection coefficient, and power delivered. Colour-coded SWR indicator: green for good, amber for marginal, red for poor. POWER Ohm's law solver: pick any two of voltage, current, resistance, and power โ€” the other two are calculated. Separate dB conversion section converts between watts, milliwatts, dBm, and dBW. LINK BUDGET Complete end-to-end signal path analysis. Enter TX power, feedline losses, antenna gains, and path loss to see received signal power in dBm and microvolts, S-meter estimate, and link margin above noise floor. Selectable receiver bandwidth: CW, SSB, FM, or Digital. LC RESONANCE LC tank circuit calculator. Solve for resonant frequency, inductance, or capacitance given the other two values. Displays inductive and capacitive reactance at resonance as a cross-check. IMPEDANCE L-network impedance matching calculator. Given source and load impedance at a target frequency, calculates component values for both low-pass and high-pass matching network topologies. Shows Q factor and network orientation. FEATURES All calculations update live as you type Tap any result to copy it to the clipboard Cross-tab import: pull coax loss into ERP, path loss into link budget Every calculator includes built-in reference notes explaining the formulae Clear and reset controls on every tab Decimal keypad input throughout No internet connection required โ€” everything runs locally No tracking, no analytics, no data collection Part of the Phosphor radio suite alongside PhosphorRTTY, PhosphorCW, PhosphorHertz, and PhosphorSol.

Screenshots

MeshCom4 screens
PhosphorCalc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MeshCom at Free against PhosphorCalc's $0.99. MeshCom also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.2). On ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

MeshCom is free to download; PhosphorCalc costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 3 level
MeshCom versus PhosphorCalc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMeshComPhosphorCalc
PriceFree โ€” better$0.99
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsโ€”
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 โ€” better26.2
Further details โ€” not scored
Size20 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRainer FritzStuart Woolley

In-app purchases

None

MeshCom

No in-app purchases

None

PhosphorCalc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MeshCom free?
MeshCom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PhosphorCalc free?
PhosphorCalc costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do MeshCom or PhosphorCalc have ads?
Neither MeshCom nor PhosphorCalc shows ads.

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