Imagine operating your entire ham radio station remotely — from anywhere in the world — using only a web browser and a Raspberry Pi. Sounds futuristic? Not anymore.

Introducing Simple Ham Radio Remote (SimpleHRR) — a lightweight, browser-based web app designed for amateur radio operators who want to remote control their transceivers over the Internet. Whether you’re using a PC, laptop, Android phone, or iPhone (Safari tested), SimpleHRR brings your station to your fingertips — no extra software, no complex wiring, no subscription fees.

What Is SimpleHRR?

SimpleHRR (Simple Ham Radio Remote) is a web-based remote control system hosted on a low-cost Raspberry Pi (or Le Potato) that connects directly to your amateur radio transceiver via USB and your home network via Ethernet.

No SCU-LAN10.
No Remote Desktop.
No TeamViewer.
Just a browser — that’s it.

Key Features

• Full Radio Control: Power, Band, Mode, VFO, TX/RX settings, filters, notch, gain — everything is right there.
• Two-Way Audio: Talk and listen directly from the browser — no need for Mumble, Skype, or other VOIP software.
• Integrated Webcam Feed: Keep an eye on your shack or monitor your equipment remotely.
• Web Server Included: Host your own station schedule or control page.
• Multi-User Support: Set up individual accounts for club members or shared stations.
• Browser-Based UI: Fully functional interface using mouse wheel and keyboard shortcuts (e.g., spacebar for PTT).
• Smart Fail-Safe: Automatically turns off radio if the connection drops — no risk of accidental transmissions.

Radios Supported

Currently tested with:

Icom: IC-7300, IC-7610, IC-705 (HF/VHF/UHF), IC-2730A
Yaesu: FT-710, FT-2000, FT-950, FT-450

Thanks to its use of CI-V and CAT protocols, many other radios may also work out of the box.

Why SimpleHRR?

• No Subscription Fees – It’s free and open for all hams.
• Headless Setup – No monitor or keyboard required. Just flash the prebuilt image to a microSD card and go.
• Runs on Raspberry Pi or Le Potato – Inexpensive, low-power devices make the setup super affordable.
• LAN + WiFi + Internet – Connect locally or remotely. Even works with mobile WiFi hotspots.

Setup Requirements

• Raspberry Pi 4 (or similar SBC)
• Raspbian Lite (preloaded image provided)
• USB cable for your radio
• 8GB or larger microSD card
• 5V power supply
• Network connection (LAN/WiFi)

Use your favorite microSD flashing tool, boot up the Pi, and access your remote shack via browser login — it’s that easy.

Works With:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari (tested on iPhone 12)
• Any modern web browser

Use Case Example: Remote Control the Icom IC-7300

With just a Raspberry Pi 4 and a USB cable, you can remotely:

• Power on/off your IC-7300
• Select bands and modes
• Use VFO tuning and filters
• Transmit and receive with integrated audio
• Monitor your shack with a webcam

All through a clean, intuitive web interface.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a truly simple, reliable, and cost-effective way to control your amateur radio station from anywhere, Simple Ham Radio Remote might just be the tool you’ve been searching for.

No frills. No bloat. Just your radio, your Raspberry Pi, and your browser.

Get started today at SimpleHRR.com and transform how you connect to the airwaves — remotely, efficiently, and with total control.

The post SimpleHRR: The Easiest Way to Remote Control Your Ham Radio Station with Just a Raspberry Pi appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

This guide breaks down the best ham radio apps for both iOS and Android platforms, based on real-world testing, SOTA/POTA field use, and everyday ham shack integration.

Why Use a Tablet for Ham Radio?

Before we dive into apps, let’s answer the question: Why a tablet?

• Portability: Tablets are lighter than laptops, with long battery life.
• Built-in GPS: Useful for APRS, logging, and repeater searches.
• Battery Efficient: Tablets sip power—ideal for solar/battery field use.
• Wi-Fi/4G/LTE Ready: Seamless connectivity for cloud-based logs, spotting, rig control, and alerts.

Category 1: Logging & Field Operations

HAMRS

Platform: iPad, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for: SOTA, POTA, Field Day, quick logging
Features:

• Offline database of parks and summits
• Automatically tags your location (GPS)
• Export logs as ADIF
• Simple, responsive UI

Why it stands out: It was built specifically for operators in the field. You can set up your logging template for POTA, SOTA, WWFF, or any special event station.

HamLog by Pignology

Platform: iOS (iPad & iPhone)
Best for: General-purpose logging, DX cluster, rig control
Features:

• Logging with ADIF export
• Callsign lookup with QRZ.com
• DX cluster
• Rig control with Pignology devices (and some Wi-Fi-enabled radios)

Best iPad all-in-one logging solution. Sadly, no Android version yet.

Category 2: APRS Tracking & Messaging

APRSdroid

Platform: Android
Best for: Real-time APRS beaconing, messaging, IGate
Features:

• Send/receive APRS messages
• Track position via GPS
• Supports KISS TNC (Bluetooth, USB-Serial, TCP/IP)
• Can work as a mobile IGate

Power tip: Pair with a Bluetooth KISS TNC like Mobilinkd or DIY build on a Baofeng for cheap mobile APRS.

APRS.fi (iOS app)

Platform: iPad
Best for: APRS map and station tracking
Features:

• APRS map with callsign search
• Beacon details, telemetry, weather
• Works well in mobile browser

Category 3: Digital Modes & Rig Control

SDR-Control / SmartSDR for iPad

Platform: iPad
Best for: Remote operation of FlexRadio or Icom SDRs
Features:

• CW, SSB, FT8, RTTY, PSK built-in
• Full waterfall/spectrum display
• CAT & PTT over Wi-Fi
• Logging, alerts, DX cluster

Powerful enough to replace a laptop for digital ops. Expensive, but worth every cent if you have a compatible radio like IC-705 or Flex 6400.

Wfview

Platform: Android (also Linux/Windows/macOS)
Best for: Icom remote rig control
Features:

• Connect to IC-705, IC-7300, IC-9700, etc.
• Remote audio, waterfall display
• Cross-platform support

Ideal if you want full rig control from an Android tablet in your shack or over LAN/Internet.

Category 4: Propagation & DX Spotting

HF Propagation

Platform: Android
Best for: Checking band conditions
Features:

• Solar flux, A/K index, sunspots
• MUF predictions
• DX beacons map

Useful for planning DX sessions or evaluating band conditions before you fire up the rig.

DX Cluster Apps (iCluster / DX Monitor)

• iCluster (iPad) and DX Cluster Pro (Android) let you monitor real-time DX spots, filter by band/mode/entity, and alert you when your desired DX pops up.

Category 5: Repeater and Call Sign Lookup

RepeaterBook

Platform: iOS & Android
Best for: Repeater finder with GPS support
Features:

• Auto location-based search
• Mode filters (FM, DMR, YSF, D-STAR)
• Offline database support

Essential for traveling hams or road-trippers.

QRZ Tools / Callsign Lookup

Platform: Web, mobile apps
Best for: Checking callsign info on the fly
Tip: Add QRZ.com as a home screen shortcut on your tablet for instant access.

Bonus Apps for Ham Utility

Zello

Platform: iOS & Android
Best for: PoC (Push-to-Talk) comms with other hams over LTE
Use cases:

• Backup comms during events
• Informal nets over PoC devices
• Connect to ham gateways

Pairs well with TIDRADIO G100 or Android PoC radios.

EchoLink

Platform: iOS & Android
Best for: Internet-based voice comms via repeaters
Great for: Reaching home repeaters when you’re abroad or stuck without RF.

Real-World Use Case: Tablet-Only Field Day Setup

Imagine this:

• Tablet: iPad or Android
• Radio: Icom IC-705 (or FT-817 with TNC)
• APRS: APRSdroid + Bluetooth TNC
• Logging: HAMRS
• Digital Modes: FT8 via SDR-Control (iPad) or Wfview (Android)
• Maps/Repeater Info: RepeaterBook + offline maps
• Comms backup: Zello

You’ve now got a full portable station in a backpack, no laptop required. Perfect for SOTA, POTA, or emergency response.

Final Thoughts

There is no single best app—but the best combination of tools that fits your radio gear, operating style, and device platform.

iPad users have powerful SDR-centric apps with premium performance (e.g. SDR-Control), while Android users benefit from flexibility, open-source tools, and more APRS integration (like APRSdroid and Wfview).

Whether you’re logging QSO from a summit or remote-controlling your rig from a hammock, tablets are now a serious part of the modern ham radio toolkit.

The post Best Apps for Amateur Radio Operations on iPad and Android Tablets appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.