Comparison

B.B. Link Configurator vs RS

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

Head to head
About

B.B. Link Configurator

Configure a Bluetooth adapter to connect your amateur radio to an iOS device. This enables data exchange with apps like RadioMail and aprs.fi using the radio's TNC as a packet modem.

Highlights
  • Configure B.B. Link Bluetooth adapter
  • Pair with Kenwood TH-D74/TH-D75 radios
  • Connect radio (Bluetooth Classic) to iOS (BLE)
  • Utilize radio's TNC as packet modem
  • Data exchange with amateur radio apps
Features
Read full description

This app configures the B.B. Link Bluetooth adapter for pairing with a Kenwood TH-D74 or TH-D75 radio. The adapter facilitates a connection between the radio, which uses Bluetooth Classic, and an iOS device via BLE. This connection allows apps like RadioMail, Packet Commander and aprs.fi to utilize the radio's built-in TNC as a packet modem for data exchange over amateur radio.

About

RS

This app expands D-STAR transceiver capabilities over the internet using Terminal or Access Point modes. It allows communication even outside of repeater range by routing signals through your device via cellular or Wi-Fi networks.

Highlights
  • Terminal mode for internet-based transceiver communication
  • Access Point mode to function as a Wireless LAN access point
  • Expands D-STAR capabilities beyond repeater range
  • Utilizes internet, LTE, or 5G networks for signal transmission
  • Requires public IP address for gateway operation
Features
Read full description

[Features] The RS-MS3I is an iPhone or iPad application designed to expand the DV mode capability of a D-STAR transceiver using a Terminal or an Access Point mode. These modes enable D-STAR operations by sending signals from the D-STAR transceiver over the Internet, even when that transceiver is out of the range of a D-STAR repeater. The transceiver sends your voice signals using an Internet, LTE, or 5G network, through an iPhone or iPad. 1. Terminal mode By operating the D-STAR transceiver through the iPhone or iPad, you can contact other D-STAR transceivers. In the Terminal mode, the transceiver will not transmit an RF signal, even if [PTT] is held down, because the microphone audio signal is transmitted through an Internet, LTE, or 5G network. 2. Access Point mode In this mode, the D-STAR transceiver functions as a Wireless LAN access point. The D-STAR transceiver repeats the received signal from the iPhone or iPad, to other D-STAR transceivers. Refer to the instruction manual (PDF) for setting details. The instruction manual can be downloaded from the ICOM website. (URL: https://www.icomjapan.com/support/manual/) [Device requirements] iOS15 or later [Usable transceivers] (As of March 2026) - ID-52A PLUS or ID-52E PLUS Note: - This application operates on iPhone or iPad as a gateway server on the D-STAR system. Therefore, a public IP address must be set on either the iPhone, iPad, or the Wireless LAN router. - Ask your mobile carrier or ISP for a public IP address. According to the contract, communication charges and/or communication packet limits may occur. - Ask your mobile carrier, ISP, or manufacturer of your iPhone, iPad, or router about public IP setting details. - Icom does not guarantee that the RS-MS3I works on all iPhone and iPad. It may not work properly, depending on the OS version, installed applications, or other reasons. - When a Bluetooth headset is connected to the transceiver, depending on the combination of your iPhone or iPad and the Bluetooth headset, sound may be interrupted, and communication may not be possible. In such cases, please disconnect the Bluetooth headset before use. - Turn OFF the Wireless LAN function when communicating through an LTE or 5G network. - Operate your transceiver with the RS-MS3I in compliance with appropriate regulations. - Icom recommends that you operate them with a club station license.

Screenshots

B.B. Link Configurator3 screens
RS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: B.B. Link Configurator at 67% against RS's 14%. B.B. Link Configurator also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.0) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

B.B. Link Configurator holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of B.B. Link Configurator's written reviews are positive against 14% of RS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

B.B. Link Configurator ships an update every 5 weeks, RS every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
B.B. Link Configurator versus RS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterB.B. Link ConfiguratorRS
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (8 ratings) — better3.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better14.3% of reviews
Number of ratings8 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIsland Magic Co.ICOM INCORPORATED

Customer experience

B.B. Link Configurator

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

RS

All ratings3 ratings
Positive33.3%
Neutral33.3%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive14.3%
Neutral14.3%
Negative71.4%

In-app purchases

None

B.B. Link Configurator

No in-app purchases

None

RS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is B.B. Link Configurator free?
B.B. Link Configurator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RS free?
RS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, B.B. Link Configurator or RS?
B.B. Link Configurator is rated higher. B.B. Link Configurator averages 4.6 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while RS averages 3.0 from 3 ratings.
Do B.B. Link Configurator or RS have ads?
Neither B.B. Link Configurator nor RS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, B.B. Link Configurator or RS?
B.B. Link Configurator ships an update every 5 weeks, and RS every 4 months. Most recently, B.B. Link Configurator was updated on September 11, 2026 and RS on September 2, 2026.

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