HamsterDB vs APRS Tracker Digi iGate
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
HamsterDB
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HamsterDB is the ultimate private database for amateur radio operators on iPhone. Keep track of every Ham Radio station youβve worked and every contact youβve made β all stored securely on your device with zero data sharing. Add a new station and HamsterDB instantly queries HamCall.net to auto-fill the operatorβs name, location, and license class. Need the email address that HamCall doesnβt provide? Simply look it up on QRZ.com, copy the details, and paste into the QRZ field β HamsterDB intelligently maps everything into the right places. Once your stations are in the database you can view them instantly sorted by Call Sign, Name, or Date Created, in ascending or descending order. Export the entire database to a clean JSON file for backup or sharing with other hams. Import works just as easily, so clubs and friends can exchange logs in seconds. All data lives locally in SwiftData on your iPhone. There are no accounts, no cloud sync, no analytics, and no third-party data collection β your logbook stays completely private. Key Features β’ Automatic HamCall.net callsign lookup β’ QRZ.com paste-in support (captures email & extra fields) β’ Sort & filter by Call Sign, Name, or creation date β’ Ascending / descending order control β’ Full JSON export & import for easy sharing β’ Built-in comprehensive help system (CTHelp) β’ Beautiful, intuitive iPhone-native interface β’ Works offline after initial lookups Whether you chase DX, contest, ragchew, or just like keeping an accurate station log, HamsterDB turns your iPhone into a powerful, portable, private Ham Radio database. Privacy is built in from the ground up β your contacts and station data never leave your device. Download HamsterDB today and take control of your amateur radio logbook.
APRS Tracker Digi iGate
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Stay visible. Stay connected. This app is a tool for radio amateurs, civil defense volunteer teams, and operators using the APRS protocol in field activities. The app allows you to transmit your position to the APRS-IS network via the internet and also operate directly via radio using AX.25 packets with 1200 AFSK modulation. It can be used for individual tracking, local communication, and supporting the infrastructure of an APRS network. Whether in expeditions, amateur radio events, travel in remote areas, or search and humanitarian aid operations, APRS Tracker provides features to track stations, share points of interest, and expand APRS coverage. KEY FEATURES APRS-IS Tracking Send your GPS coordinates to APRS-IS servers via the device's internet connection. Positions can be tracked on compatible public services, such as aprs.fi. AX.25 / 1200 AFSK RF Mode Transmit and receive APRS packets through the device's audio input and output. With a radio and a compatible audio interface, you can operate via RF even without internet access. APRS Digipeater Use the app as a digital repeater to extend the range of stations in the area. The Digipeater processes paths compatible with New-N rules and includes controls against loops, invalid paths, and duplicate packets. iGate Mode Forward valid packets received via radio to APRS-IS, allowing local stations to be viewed on the worldwide APRS network. Optional internet-to-RF forwarding features packet type selection, radius definition, security filters, and frequency limits. APRS Objects Register important points, such as shelters, support bases, aid posts, repeaters, obstacles, risk areas, or meeting places. Each object can contain a name, coordinates, symbol, and message, with publication via internet and/or RF. Mobile or Fixed Station Use dynamic location while on the move or configure fixed coordinates to operate as a base, iGate, Digipeater, or support station. Symbols and Status Messages Choose the APRS symbol representing your station, vehicle, or activity, and add a message to inform your condition or mission. Communication Monitoring Track sent and received packets in the integrated terminal, along with the status of the APRS-IS connection and RF operation. Automatic Reconnection After temporary internet interruptions, the app attempts to re-establish the connection with the APRS-IS server. USE CASES Tracking during trips, expeditions, and outdoor activities. Monitoring of vehicles and volunteer teams in the field. Support for search, rescue, civil defense, and humanitarian aid operations. Local APRS radio operation in areas without internet. Temporary installation of an iGate or Digipeater to expand coverage. Publishing shelters, bases, risks, and support points as APRS Objects. Technical monitoring of AX.25 packets and APRS-IS communication. SIMPLE AND CONFIGURABLE Enter your amateur radio callsign, Passcode, server, and transmission preferences to begin. RF, Digipeater, and iGate features are disabled by default and only work when enabled by the user. IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS Access to APRS-IS requires an amateur radio callsign and a valid Passcode. RF operation requires a radio and a compatible audio interface. Performance depends on equipment, audio levels, VOX/PTT configuration, and channel conditions. Continuous use of GPS, audio, and background execution may increase battery consumption.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: APRS Tracker Digi iGate at every 2 days against HamsterDB's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
HamsterDB ships an update every 2 months, APRS Tracker Digi iGate every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HamsterDB | APRS Tracker Digi iGate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 days β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 β better | 18.6 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gale Wolfenbarger | Ricardo Aurelio Seco |
In-app purchases
HamsterDB
No in-app purchases
APRS Tracker Digi iGate
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is HamsterDB free?
Is APRS Tracker Digi iGate free?
Do HamsterDB or APRS Tracker Digi iGate have ads?
Which is updated more often, HamsterDB or APRS Tracker Digi iGate?
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