If you use a Mac for amateur radio, you know the problem. Most software is designed for Windows. The stuff we get on macOS is usually ported over and looks terrible, or it is just too hard to set up.

QTH.app is different because it is actually built for the Mac. It feels like a native app. You can zoom in on the map with the trackpad, it scrolls smoothly, and it doesn’t look like Windows 95.

What it does It is a full APRS client:

• Mapping: It uses Apple Maps, so it’s clean. Supports USNG/MGRS and Maidenhead grids.
• Hardware Support: This is the important part. It works with APRS-IS (internet) but also connects to hardware TNCs. It has specific support for the Mobilinkd Bluetooth TNC, which is great for a portable setup. You can also just use the Mac’s internal sound card as a modem.
• Timeline: You can scroll back in time to see where stations were earlier. Good for checking movement history.

The Cost The developer (W8WJB) uses a “Freemium” model.

• RX is Free: You can download it and use all the receiving features for free. You can see stations, weather, and telemetry.
• TX is Paid: If you want to transmit (beacon your position), you have to pay a one-time fee inside the app.

My thoughts It’s good to finally see a developer focusing on the Mac interface. Since the RX part is free, it is worth downloading just to use as a monitoring tool in the shack. If you need to transmit, you can decide if the upgrade is worth it.

Check it out on the Mac App Store or visit https://qth.app/

The post QTH.app – Finally a proper APRS client for macOS? appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

If you’re an amateur radio operator dabbling with APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System), you’ve probably heard of software like Xastir or APRSISCE. But there’s another powerful, under-the-radar option out there: YAAC, short for Yet Another APRS Client.

Developed by Andrew Pavlin, KA2DDO, YAAC is a cross-platform APRS client written in Java. It’s free, open-source, and remarkably feature-rich. Whether you’re trying to track APRS packets from the Internet or your TNC, set up an I-Gate, or experiment with plugins and telemetry — YAAC can handle it all.

Why YAAC?

YAAC isn’t just another APRS visualizer. It’s a full-fledged APRS client that runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, Raspberry Pi, and even FreeBSD. The UI is simple but functional, and there’s extensive documentation to help you get started. What really sets YAAC apart is its modular design and extensibility. You can write plugins or use existing ones to integrate features like:

• Weather overlays
• Aircraft tracking via ADS-B
• Callsign database lookup
• Secure authentication over APRS
• AREDN mesh object mapping
• Repeater finder
• Integration with TAK networks (yes, you can bridge data to ATAK/iTAK!)

Key Features

• Multiple map views using OpenStreetMap, with offline support
• Operates as a standalone client, digipeater, or Internet gateway
• Connects via TNCs (Kenwood, TinyTrak, Mobilinkd, etc.) or soundmodems (DireWolf, UZ7HO)
• Full support for APRS-IS, including secure SSL-based login (experimental)
• GPS and weather station integration
• Can be automated, extended, and used headless for lightweight setups

Runs Anywhere – Even on Raspberry Pi

YAAC is a solid option for low-power or portable use. It works well on Raspberry Pi models 2, 3, and 4, and has specific guidance for installation on Pi OS. If you’re setting up a field APRS tracker or a compact I-Gate node, this is worth a look.

Installation is as simple as downloading the .zip, unzipping it, and launching with:

java -jar YAAC.jar

Just make sure you’re running Java 8 or later with GUI (not headless-only).

Plugin Ecosystem

YAAC includes a surprisingly rich plugin environment. Some of the coolest plugins I found:

• takplugin: allows YAAC to interface with ATAK/iTAK – useful for tactical teams or SAR
• soundsplugin: enables event-triggered speech alerts
• telemetryalarmplugin: monitor APRS telemetry and trigger warnings
• dynamicobjectsplugin: create moving APRS objects based on GPX tracks

You can install them directly from the app under Help → Install Plugins.

What’s the Catch?

YAAC is written in Java, and while it works well, the interface is a bit old-school compared to modern UI expectations. It also doesn’t run on Android (yet), since it relies on AWT and Swing for its graphics. But if you’re comfortable with a traditional desktop-style interface, you’ll find it reliable and flexible.

It might take some initial setup — especially for configuring TNCs or APRS-IS connections — but once it’s running, it’s rock solid.

Final Thoughts

YAAC is one of those hidden gems in the ham radio software world. It’s open, active, and made with care by someone who clearly understands the needs of operators. Whether you’re just listening to APRS traffic or building a more complex setup (digipeater, I-Gate, or telemetry station), YAAC is up to the task.

Give it a try. Unzip it, configure your port, and get on the air.
And if you’re a developer, jump in and write a plugin — the community could use more contributors.

Download YAAC here

The post Exploring YAAC: A Powerful Open-Source APRS Tool for Hams appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.