Recommended software

APRS OTA works with any software or apps that can send APRS messages and position report. The Equipment page outlines the radio requirements.

This page is about the software that makes it pleasant. There are applications here that are great APRS stations, and any good APRS station works with APRS OTA. Some of this software has APRS OTA specific features. All of these are tested and work well with APRS OTA.

Nothing here is sponsored or paid for, this is not an advertising page. The applications are grouped into two categories: those with APRS OTA specific features, and those without APRS OTA specific features that are just great APRS software. Within those categories, items are in alphabetic order. If you have built or used something that should be on this page, let us know in the Discord.

Software with APRS OTA specific features

Software in this category are great general purpose APRS apps, but also have additional features specific to APRS OTA. You don’t need to use these apps to use APRS OTA, but if you do, the experience will be streamlined and more convenient.

APRS Connect

APRS Connect is a modern APRS client for Android, available on Google Play. An iOS version is planned but is not out yet.

This app has a robust APRS feature set. There is a vector map with offline caching, a packet log you can decode and filter, threaded messaging that shows the delivery state of each message, and it will talk either to a Bluetooth KISS TNC or straight to APRS-IS. APRS net traffic like the #APRSThursday is grouped into a room of its own which is a nicer way to read a net than a flat message list.

This app has APRS OTA specific features for hosting an op, with the chasers all shown on a single screen and an easy QSL response for each one. It also shows a helpful countdown timer for the op.

Radio Messenger

Radio Messenger is a beautifully designed iOS and iPadOS app focused on APRS messaging, and it is free on the App Store with an in app purchase to enable additional features. It’s radio first, but can transmit to APRS-IS if necessary, and can also share location information. Message history syncs via icloud across all your devices. It connects directly to radios with Bluetooth TNCs, works with external audio adapters like the Digirig, and with portable external modems like the Mobilinkd.

Since version 1.0.3 it has APRS OTA specific features. A help card lists every command with its syntax. Chasers arrive with their name looked up from their callsign, so you can answer them personally, and tapping a chase message pre-fills the QSL command with their callsign. It reads grid squares out of chaser messages to place them on your map, and the plus button sends a position beacon on demand.

APRS software

These software applications all work great with APRS OTA. They don’t have features specific to APRS OTA, but they work great with it.

APRSdroid

APRSdroid is an open source app for reporting your position to the APRS network, displaying nearby amateur radio stations, and the exchange of APRS messages. It’s also available in Google Play.

aprs.fi

In addition to the aprs.fi website, there is also an iOS app and an Android app. These apps support APRS messaging and beacons, and show maps of APRS traffic. They can connect to many radios for transmission, or do it via the internet.

graywolf

graywolf is a fully-featured APRS station stack with a modern web UI. It has a sophisticated software modem, a digipeater, an iGate, messaging, beacons, offline maps, and weather all in one binary. It runs on most platforms, including Linux, any Raspberry Pi ever made, Windows, and macOS. Many APRS OTA users have built their stations around this software.

The graywolf handbook is the place to start.