SimpleFT8 vs Lux Light Meter

SimpleFT8 is a native macOS and iOS app for FT8 and FT4, the weak-signal digital modes used by amateur radio operators worldwide. WHAT IS FT8? FT8 is a structured digital mode for ham radio. Stations alternate transmitting and receiving in synchronized 15-second slots, exchanging compact messages over a narrow audio bandwidth. The mode decodes successfully at signal levels well below the noise floor — operators routinely make contacts on a watt or two of power with stations on the other side of the planet. SimpleFT8 puts a real digital station in your pocket. Decode signals using your device's microphone or a USB audio interface and send replies in the next slot. The manual station and local logbook work without an account. WHAT YOU GET • Live decode table per 15-second FT8 or 7.5-second FT4 slot • Slot-aligned transmitter with a structured QSO composer (CQ / reply / report / RR73 / 73) • Tap any decode to start a QSO — the state machine handles the rest of the handshake • Built-in waterfall display with tap-to-set TX frequency • Local QSO logbook with search, editing, ADIF import/export, and complete native backup/restore • Map of stations you've decoded with their Maidenhead grids SIMPLEFT8 FREE Free includes unlimited FT8/FT4 receive, waterfall and decode history; microphone and USB audio; manual CQ, reply and complete QSO exchanges; all TX safety controls; local logging and full portable ADIF import/export; and the basic community map. SIMPLEFT8 PRO — ONE-TIME LIFETIME UNLOCK Pro adds automatic replies, custom-message looping, CAT/PTT rig control, macOS System Audio capture, autonomous band hopping, advanced export scopes, direct QRZ Logbook transfer, and private iCloud log sync. No subscription. Customers who bought SimpleFT8 before it became Free receive Pro automatically. PSK REPORTER + PRESENCE (OPT-IN) If you turn it on in Settings: • Decode reports forwarded to PSK Reporter so you contribute to the global propagation map (rate-limited server-side) • See who heard you in the last 15 minutes, plotted on the map • See other SimpleFT8 operators currently online, on the same map Both toggles are off by default. QRZ transfer and private iCloud log sync are also separately configured and off by default. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • Native Swift/SwiftUI — no Electron, no Qt port. Looks and feels like a Mac/iOS app should. • Pro System Audio capture on macOS via ScreenCaptureKit — decode straight from SDR software, WebSDR, or any audio your machine is playing, without a virtual cable. • Random caller selection rather than first-come — every station in a pile-up has an equal shot at being picked. • Opinionated QSO state machine handles slot parity, role alternation, and protocol step transitions so you don't have to fight the radio. PRIVACY The app is foreground-only on iOS — the mic stops when the app goes to background. macOS keeps audio I/O alive (long FT8 sessions are the norm). Optional community and logbook integrations are clearly opt-in. No analytics, no tracking, no ads, and no subscription. Built by a ham operator for ham operators. 73 de PD3BAL.

Lux Light Meter: Illuminance A practical lux and illuminance meter for iPhone. Measure ambient light in seconds, check if a room is bright enough for study, work, or home use, and get helpful exposure and plant-lighting guidance when you need it. Core metering works offline. Key Features: Ambient light metering - Live lux / fc readings with scene targets that tell you if the light is too dim, about right, or too bright — plus simple tips to adjust Photography mode (Pro) - Aperture- or shutter-priority suggestions with ISO and exposure compensation so you can dial in exposure faster Plant mode (Pro) - Estimate PPFD and DLI for common houseplants, with light source and daily photoperiod options Continuous measure & history - Save single readings, track how light changes over time, and review min, average, and max values Optional calibration - Fine-tune against a trusted meter; Pro saves separate factors for the front and rear cameras Units & privacy-friendly storage - Switch between lux and fc; your measurements stay on your device How to Use: Open the app, allow camera access, and point your iPhone at the area you want to measure. Switch between Environment, Photography, and Plant modes, then save a reading or run a continuous measurement when you need a longer sample. Subscription Options: * Weekly and yearly subscriptions, plus a lifetime purchase * Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account * Subscriptions renew automatically within 24 hours before the current period ends * Manage or cancel anytime in your Account Settings Clearer readings. Better light decisions. Terms of Use: https://lightmeter.xzonesoft.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://lightmeter.xzonesoft.com/privacy.html Contact Us: support@xzonesoft.com