FactorySense Sonar vs SWLtools
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
FactorySense Sonar
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Locate your assets with pinpoint precision in an instant with FactorySense RFID asset tracking. From the moment you print and attach an RFID tag to an asset, you'll know where it is and when it moves in real-time. Because FactorySense RFID tracking works wirelessly and without user intervention, asset tracking happens automatically without requiring additional training. Because the people handling parts don't have to do anything different for tags to be read, the potential for human error is virtually eliminated.
SWLtools
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SWLtools: The Companion for Shortwave Listening Enthusiasts SWLtools is an app designed specifically for Shortwave Listening (SWL) enthusiasts who want to enhance their listening experience. It records what you hear, shows you the band, and reads the digital modes that carry text on the air. Whether you are a hobbyist or a dedicated DXer, SWLtools supports your activity from the antenna to the logbook. DECODING THE ON-AIR TEXT MODES Point the app at a signal and it turns it into readable text. - Morse (CW). The app follows the tone by itself and measures the sending speed from the signal, so it keeps up with hand-sent Morse as well as machine-sent. A side panel collects the callsigns it has heard, and each transmission starts on its own line when the operator hands over. - RTTY, in both ITA2 and SITOR-B. - Weather fax (WEFAX). The chart builds up line by line as it arrives, and can be saved straight to your photo library. - ACARS aircraft messages, with the ones carrying a position shown on a map. Decoded text can be saved, reopened later and shared. All times, on screen and in the saved files, are UTC โ the way radio logs are kept. SPECTRUM AND WATERFALL If your receiver provides an IQ output, SWLtools displays the real-time spectrum and spectrogram. Visually explore the bands and gain deeper insight into the signals you are receiving. Where the two channels of a USB adapter do not arrive perfectly in step โ a common trait of audio codecs โ a sample-delay correction removes the mirror image that would otherwise appear beside every signal. AUDIO RECORDING AND STORAGE Easily record and store audio directly from your receiver. Capture signals from around the world and listen to them again whenever you want, or turn a recording into a video to share. OPTIMIZED FOR THE BELKA RECEIVER SWLtools was designed to work seamlessly with the Belka receiver. It is the perfect companion for outdoor listening sessions, letting you record your DX, explore frequencies with the spectrum view, or read a weather fax from the field. The app is optimized for low power consumption when displaying the spectrum and waterfall, making it ideal for portable use. REQUIREMENTS To use SWLtools you need an inexpensive USB audio adapter (ADC/DAC) connected to your iOS device. These affordable dongles typically provide a microphone input and a headphone output, which is enough to record, to decode, and to show a single-channel spectrum. A two-channel audio interface does more: it carries a true I/Q pair, so the spectrum shows the full band above and below the tuned frequency, and it is the only kind that can play the receiver's audio through the iPhone speaker while you listen. The app tells you which class of device you have connected and what it allows, and an audio diagnostics panel shows exactly what iOS is doing with the signal if something does not sound right. Note: please make sure your receiver is compatible with the app's features and that you have the required accessories for optimal performance.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: FactorySense Sonar at Free against SWLtools's $3.99. FactorySense Sonar also leads on iOS requirement (13.6 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
FactorySense Sonar is free to download; SWLtools costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | FactorySense Sonar | SWLtools |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free โ better | $3.99 |
| Update frequency | โ | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod โ better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.6 โ better | 17.0 |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Factory Sense | Stefano Rampazzo |
In-app purchases
FactorySense Sonar
No in-app purchases
SWLtools
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is FactorySense Sonar free?
Is SWLtools free?
Do FactorySense Sonar or SWLtools have ads?
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