Comparison

RF vs Packet Commander

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

Head to head
About

RF

Features
Read full description

This tool works as an equation solver : you can choose the parameter (variable) to be computed, and fix the other parameters. It also supports multiple systems of units : American (US) and metric (SI). 1) Quarter Wave Antenna : you can compute the length of a quarter wave antenna or solve other parameters (frequency or wave length). 2) Path Loss in Free Space : you can compute the path loss in free space or solve other parameters (frequency, wave length, or distance). 3) VSWR & S11 : you can compute the voltage standing wave ratio or solve other parameters (modulus of reflection coefficient (linear or logarithmic), argument of reflection coefficient, real part of input impedance, imaginary part of input impedance). 4) Power Converter : you can convert the power between [dBm] or [W] units, and compute the tension [dBuV] (into 50 [ohms]). 5) Reflected & Delivered Power : you can compute the ratio of the delivered power to input power or solve other parameters (ratio of reflected power to input power, modulus of reflection coefficient, voltage standing wave ratio). 6) Microstrip Transmission Line : you can compute the characteristic impedance of a microstrip transmission line, or solve other parameters (relative permittivity, track’s thickness, distance from the track to the ground plane, or track’s width). 7) Stripline Transmission Line : you can compute the characteristic impedance of a stripline transmission line, or solve other parameters (relative permittivity, track’s thickness, distance from the track to one reference plane, or track’s width). Some remarks : -The microstrip solver is based on the IPC-D-317A design guidelines. -The stripline solver is based on the IPC-D-317A design guidelines.

About

Packet Commander

This app provides a classic terminal experience for packet radio communication on mobile devices. It offers powerful terminal features, smart connection management, and real-time over-the-air traffic monitoring. It's designed for amateur radio operators to connect with nodes, BBS, and decode traffic.

Highlights
  • Full-screen terminal for packet nodes and BBS
  • Classic color themes and adjustable layout
  • YAPP protocol support for file transfers
  • Location-aware digipeater routing
  • Seamless iCloud sync
  • Over-the-air traffic decoding
  • Auto-discovery of TNCs
Read full description

Packet Commander brings a classic terminal experience for packet radio to your iPhone or iPad. Try it free. The download includes 5 full connection sessions so you can explore the features and confirm compatibility before purchasing. After that, a purchase is required to continue connecting. Note: An amateur radio license is required to operate on the air. Powerful Terminal • Full-screen terminal for interacting with packet nodes and BBS over amateur radio • Classic color themes inspired by iconic computers • Adjustable fonts and layout for readability and screen efficiency • YAPP protocol support for file transfers • Dictation-ready for composing messages hands-free • Smart filename selection — double tap to highlight and copy Smarter Packet Connections • Location-aware digipeater routing: automatically recalls the last-used path at each location • Seamless iCloud sync for nodes and digipeaters across all your devices • Compatible with popular packet node software including BPQ32, URONode, and others Over-the-Air Monitor Connect to your radio and decode over-the-air traffic in real time. AX.25 frames are decoded and presented in an easy-to-read format. • Filter traffic to display exactly what you’re looking for • Search by address or content • Export the log to a file for later analysis Works with the Gear You Love • Auto-discovery of Bluetooth and TCP TNCs, including Dire Wolf on DigiPi • Automatic frequency set/restore on supported radios • Built-in, high-performance 1200 baud AFSK software modem • Optimized for VHF/UHF packet at both 1200 and 9600 baud Compatible with the Following Radios and TNCs: Radios with Built-in TNCs (Auto-sets and restores frequency on those radios) · BTECH UV-PRO, UV-50PRO · VERO VR-N76, VR-N7600 · RADIODITY GA-5WB, DB50-B · Kenwood TH-D74*, TH-D75* · PicoAPRS V4 *Requires B.B. Link Bluetooth adapter Portable KISS TNCs · Mobilinkd TNC3, TNC4 · LiNK500 TNC · DigiPi · Dire Wolf Software TNC Audio Interfaces (Using built-in software modem) · Digirig Lite · Digirig VOX PTT Cable · AIOC (All-In-One Cable) Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

RF4 screens
Packet Commander4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Packet Commander at Free against RF's $0.99. Packet Commander also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 8 months). RF's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.2). On ads 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

Packet Commander is free to download; RF costs $0.99 up front. Packet Commander sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per year. RF asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RF ships an update every 8 months, Packet Commander every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
RF versus Packet Commander: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRFPacket Commander
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating—4.9 (48 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—48 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJulien GeissbuehlerIsland Magic Co.

In-app purchases

None

RF

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Packet Commander

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly Subscription$8.991 Year
One-time1
  • One-Time Purchase$24.99

Questions

Is RF free?
RF costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Packet Commander free?
Packet Commander is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do RF or Packet Commander have ads?
Neither RF nor Packet Commander shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RF or Packet Commander?
RF ships an update every 8 months, and Packet Commander every 2 months. Most recently, RF was updated on October 26, 2026 and Packet Commander on October 30, 2026.

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