HamWaves Sidekick vs Telescope

HamWaves Sidekick is an indispensable app for all amateur radio operators. We never seem to have access to user manuals when we need them. Even when we do, programming instructions are sometimes hard to understand. HamWaves Sidekick was written to solve this problem. Using a clean, gesture enabled interface, it provides clear, easy to follow step-by-step instructions to explain basic programming for dozens of popular handheld and mobile radios. Programming instructions are always available for offline use. It is extremely helpful for ARES and RACES groups that may need to add frequencies to a wide variety of radios on the fly. The app also provides one button access to the user manual for each radio. It will automatically download if it hasn't already been downloaded before. You can download only those manuals you are interested in or download them all. Once the manual is downloaded it will be available for offline use. The app covers dozens of popular handheld and mobile radios as well a few popular scanners. Included, are instructions for radios from Yaesu, Kenwood, Icom, Alinco, Anytone, Wouxun, Baofeng, BTECH, Quangdheng, TYT, TIDRadio, Radioddity and more. The app also includes helpful reference information such as frequency allocations, CTCSS/DCS tabes, Allstar commands, APRS reference for APRS capable radios, Packet radio commands, and much more. Links to user manuals are carefully researched to always provide the best quality manuals available for public distribution. Users are encouraged to visit our website and let us know of other radios they would like to see included in the app. We'll be happy to add them! Family Sharing is supported. Dark mode is supported.

Telescope turns your iPhone into a complete stargazing companion. Whether you're a first-time sky-watcher or a seasoned amateur astronomer, Telescope helps you plan your sessions, identify what's overhead, and keep a lasting record of everything you observe. Tonight tab — know what to look at before you step outside. Telescope computes real-time visibility for hundreds of deep-sky objects and planets based on your GPS location. Every object is ranked by peak altitude so you always start with the best targets. Filter by type — planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, open clusters, globular clusters — and tap any row for full details. Full Catalog — browse the complete object library at any time. Each entry shows magnitude, constellation, minimum aperture needed (naked eye, binoculars, or telescope size), and a description. Mark favorites to jump back quickly, or add objects to your wishlist for future sessions. Observation Log — record your sightings as you make them. Log date, location, telescope used, conditions, and personal notes for every object you observe. Your history builds into a searchable personal archive of the night sky. Accurate Astronomy — positions are computed using established low-precision ephemeris formulae (Meeus, Duffett-Smith) accurate to roughly ±1°. Planet positions update in real time. All calculations happen on-device; no internet connection required. - Tonight visibility ranked by peak altitude and score - Real-time planet positions for Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn - Deep-sky catalog: nebulae, galaxies, clusters, and more - Personal observation log with notes and conditions - Favorites and wishlist for fast session planning - Works fully offline