Computers

Computers are an integral part of amateur radio. Here are some descriptions of the computers and software I use in my operations.

Windows

I have an Acer laptop in my home shack that is the main control computer for the Flex-6400 and logging computer for the Flex-6400 and the IC-7300.

I have an Evolve III netbook that I use for portable operations and to retrieve Winlink messages when I am at home using the IC-705 and the W3SWL-10 VHF Winlink node.

Mac OS

Mac mini

My W3TM-11 APRS I-Gate runs on a repurposed Mac Mini running Ubuntu 19.04 and the direwolf software TNC. It’s not fast, but it is extremely stable. Go Linux! I connect to it via VNC or local keyboard and mouse.

Macbook Pro

I bought a Macbook Pro in the summer of 2020 when my Penn State-issued laptop broke.

I use it for personal activities, including amateur radio. It runs the SDR-Control software.

iOS

I use my iPad to connect to my Flex-6400, my IC-705, and when I am connected to the NARC clubhouse station’s VPN, the club’s Flex-6400M and IC-7610. I can also use my iPhone for these purposes, but I prefer the larger iPad screen.

The SmartSDR and SDR-Control applications contain PSK31, RTTY, and FT8 clients.

Android

I have a small Lenovo tablet that I use for APRSDroid and NanoVNA connectivity.

Raspberry Pi

My ClearNode Allstar node runs on a dedicated Raspberry Pi.

I have a Raspberry Pi dedicated to the RemoteTx.net service connected to my IC-7300.

My HamClock application runs on a dedicated Raspberry Pi 3B+ with a 7” touchscreen.

My NodeRed server runs on a Raspberry Pi, but is currently offline.

Software

Logging

I use Amateur Contact Log, more commonly known as N3FJP’s logging software for logging. The iOS apps I use with my Flex-6400 and IC-705 have built-in logs that I periodically export and then import into ACLog. At our club’s Field Day, I use N1MM+.

Digital modes

• WSTJ-X
• JS8Call
• fldigi
• Winlink
  • VARA FM
  • VARA HF
• VarAC