HAMQ vs OrbitDeck

HAMQ is a field-ready amateur radio toolkit for FT8 operation, satellite tracking, SSTV, and everyday QSO logging. It combines radio workflows, AI-assisted log entry, QSL exchange, and LoTW-ready record management in one app. Main features: - FT8 workbench: receive and decode signals in real time, inspect the spectrum waterfall and decoded messages, follow standard QSO workflows with transmit controls and automation, and save completed contacts to the log. On-air operation requires a compatible external radio and the appropriate audio and control equipment. - Satellite tracking: calculate passes with SGP4, view azimuth and elevation, and follow LEO or GEO satellites with pointing guidance. - SSTV tools: decode live audio or local files, recognize common modes such as Scottie, Robot and PD, and create SSTV images from templates. - Smart QSO logbook: record daily contacts, portable operations, and satellite QSOs with callsign, frequency, mode, report, time, and grid locator fields. - AI-assisted entry: extract key QSO details from voice or text to speed up mobile and field logging. - ADIF and GridTracker workflows: import, export and connect logs with common amateur radio software workflows. - QSL and LoTW: manage Email QSL, card exchange status, LoTW settings and confirmation progress. - Exam preparation: practice questions and mock exams for China’s Class A, B, and C amateur radio examinations. This feature is available only in the app’s Simplified Chinese interface. Enable it and select an exam class in “My.” HAMQ is built for radio amateurs who want a compact, practical tool for FT8 operation, satellite tracking, SSTV decoding, and organized QSO records. 73!

OrbitDeck is a complete amateur-radio satellite station for iPhone and iPad. Track the birds, predict passes, tune your radio for Doppler, decode images, and log your contacts — all from live orbital elements. TRACK & PREDICT • Live look angles, range, range-rate, sub-point, and footprint • Next-pass predictions with quality scoring and elevation profiles • Daily schedule of every favorite's passes, ordered by AOS • Ground-track map, multi-day pass progression, and an all-sky radar • Animated 3D globe and a polar sky plot with AOS/LOS and direction-of-travel arrows WORK THE BIRDS • Four-dial Doppler for DX plus a single-station playbook • Per-satellite calibration shared across every Doppler screen • Link budgets, SatNOGS transponder data, AO-7 mode timer, and mutual-visibility windows RIG CONTROL (CAT) • Doppler-tune your transceiver over a Bluetooth serial adapter or an Icom network (Wi-Fi) radio • Icom CI-V, Yaesu, Kenwood (including TS-2000/790 satellite mode), and any Hamlib radio via rigctld • One full-duplex radio, a separate uplink/downlink pair, or two radios; follows your dial as you tune ROTATOR CONTROL • Azimuth/elevation control via GS-232, Easycomm, SPID, rotctld, PstRotator, SAEBRTrack, and OZ9AAR URC DIGITAL MODES & AUDIO • Over a USB audio interface or Icom network audio: record a pass, decode SSTV (Doppler-aware, with a post-pass re-decode and image fix-up), and work full-duplex FT4 on a linear transponder LOGGING • On-device QSO log with ADIF export and LoTW and Cloudlog/Wavelog upload Plus orbital analysis, live space weather, MUF/propagation, and classic OSCARLOCATOR overlays. OrbitDeck works fully as a tracker with no radio and no account. Rig control, rotator control, SSTV, and FT4 require your own amateur-radio equipment and a valid license; transmit only within your privileges. Orbital elements from AMSAT and CelesTrak; transponder data from SatNOGS; space weather from NOAA SWPC. FT4/FT8 use the MIT-licensed ft8_lib.