If you’ve ever dabbled in open source software, you’ve probably come across the term “BSD License.” But what exactly is it? Is it safe to use in your project? Can you build a business around it? Or remix the code however you want?

The BSD License, In a Nutshell

The BSD License is one of the simplest, most permissive open source licenses out there. It comes from the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD), a Unix-based operating system developed at the University of California, Berkeley, in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Think of it like this:

“Here’s some code. Do what you want with it. Just give us credit, don’t use our name for marketing, and include this license if you share it.”

That’s it. No strings attached.

What Can You Do With BSD-Licensed Code?

The short answer: Almost anything.

• Use it in personal or commercial projects
• Modify it to fit your needs
• Combine it with other software (even proprietary stuff)
• Redistribute it — with or without changes

There are no requirements to open-source your code, even if you’re using or modifying BSD-licensed code. This makes it very business-friendly.

The Different Flavors of BSD Licenses

There isn’t just one BSD License. Over time, it evolved into a few versions. Let’s go over the most common ones:

1. 4-Clause BSD License (Original)

• Includes the controversial advertising clause, which required anyone using the software in promotions to include a credit.
• No longer recommended — too cumbersome.

2. 3-Clause BSD License (Modified)

• Removes the advertising clause.
• You must:
  • Keep the copyright.
  • Do not use the original author’s name for endorsement.
  • Include the license in redistributed software.
• Widely used and accepted.

3. 2-Clause BSD License (Simplified or FreeBSD License)

• Even simpler: only two conditions.
  • Include the license.
  • Preserve copyright.
• Popular in modern BSD systems like FreeBSD and OpenBSD.

BSD vs. GPL: What’s the Difference?

Both the BSD License and the GNU General Public License (GPL) are open source, but they play by different rules.

Feature	BSD License	GPL License
Can use in closed-source?	Yes	No (must remain open)
Must share modifications?	No	Yes
Business friendly?	Very	Some limitations
Relicensing allowed?	Yes	Must stay GPL

BSD gives you freedom to do anything, while GPL ensures the code always remains free, even when modified.

Who Uses BSD-Licensed Code?

Lots of big names. Here are just a few examples:

• Apple (macOS has BSD roots)
• Microsoft
• Google
• Netflix
• Juniper Networks
• Sony
• FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD (entire operating systems under BSD)

This license’s flexibility is why you’ll often find BSD-licensed components in both open source and proprietary products.

The Only Strings Attached

Even though BSD is pretty hands-off, there are still a few things you need to do:

1. Keep the license text with the code.
2. Give credit to the original authors.
3. Don’t use their names to promote your version.

That’s it. No obligation to open your code. No copyleft. No license police knocking on your door.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a license that gives you maximum freedom with minimum fuss, the BSD License is a solid choice. It’s ideal for developers who:

• Want their code to be used as widely as possible
• Don’t mind if it ends up in closed-source apps
• Value simplicity over strict rules

At the end of the day, BSD is about trust and generosity. You’re saying:

“Here’s something useful. Go build something amazing with it.”

The post What Is the BSD License? appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

HamClock is a powerful tool designed for amateur radio operators, providing real-time propagation data, satellite tracking, and more. This guide will walk you through installing HamClock on various UNIX-like systems, including Raspberry Pi, macOS, Debian, Ubuntu, FreeBSD, and others. Whether you’re using HamClock for monitoring solar conditions, DX cluster spots, or tracking satellites, this step-by-step tutorial will help you get started.

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

Before installing HamClock, ensure your system has the necessary dependencies installed. These dependencies vary by operating system:

For Raspberry Pi and Debian-based Systems:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get -y install curl make g++ libx11-dev libgpiod-dev xdg-utils

For Ubuntu:

sudo apt install curl make g++ xorg-dev xdg-utils

For macOS:

First, install XQuartz and Xcode. Then, open “More developer tools” and install the command line tools. On macOS Sequoia, you may need to run:

xcode-select --install

For FreeBSD:

sudo pkg install gcc xorg gmake curl

Then, use gmake instead of make.

For NetBSD:

First, install pkgin, then run:

sudo pkgin install gmake curl

Use gmake instead of make.

For RedHat or Fedora:

sudo yum install gcc-c++ libX11-devel xdg-utils

For Alpine Linux:

setup-desktop
apk add g++ libx11-dev curl linux-headers

Step 2: Install HamClock

Once the dependencies are installed, proceed with downloading and installing HamClock. There are two methods depending on your operating system.

For Raspberry Pi (Automated Install):

cd
curl -O https://www.clearskyinstitute.com/ham/HamClock/install-hc-rpi
chmod u+x install-hc-rpi
./install-hc-rpi

Follow the prompts and answer y or n as needed. This script will automate the installation for you.

For Other UNIX-like Systems (Manual Install):

cd
rm -fr ESPHamClock
curl -O https://www.clearskyinstitute.com/ham/HamClock/ESPHamClock.zip
unzip ESPHamClock.zip
cd ESPHamClock
make -j 4 hamclock-800x480
sudo make install

This will install HamClock with a resolution of 800×480 pixels. If you need a different resolution, refer to Step 4.

Step 3: Run HamClock

After installation, you can start HamClock with the following command:

hamclock &

If everything is installed correctly, HamClock should open in a window displaying solar data, propagation info, and maps.

If you did not install a desktop icon, you can always launch HamClock from the terminal using the command above.

Step 4: Customize HamClock

HamClock supports different screen sizes. If you want to change the resolution, use the following commands:

cd ~/ESPHamClock
make clean
make -j 4 hamclock-2400x1440
sudo make install

Replace 2400x1440 with the desired resolution:

• hamclock-1600x960
• hamclock-2400x1440
• hamclock-3200x1920

If you want HamClock to fill the screen completely, navigate to Page 5 in the Setup menu and enable the full-screen option.

Step 5: Auto-start HamClock on Boot

To ensure HamClock starts automatically on system boot, you can create an autostart entry.

For XDG-compliant systems:

cd ~/ESPHamClock
mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
cp hamclock.desktop ~/.config/autostart

For macOS (Create a Clickable App):

If you’re using macOS, you can create a clickable app on your Desktop:

cd ~/ESPHamClock
HCDIR=~/Desktop/HamClock.app
mkdir -p $HCDIR
echo '#!/bin/bash' > $HCDIR/HamClock
echo '/usr/local/bin/hamclock &' >> $HCDIR/HamClock
chmod u+x $HCDIR/HamClock

To assign a proper icon, follow these steps:

1. Open hamclock.png with Preview.
2. Click on the image.
3. Press ⌘-A to select the image, then ⌘-C to copy.
4. Right-click the new HamClock.app Desktop item and select Get Info.
5. Click the existing default icon in the top left corner.
6. Press ⌘-V to paste the new icon.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ll have HamClock running seamlessly for amateur radio use, helping you track propagation, monitor DX cluster spots, and track satellites. Whether you’re using a Raspberry Pi, macOS, or a UNIX-like system, HamClock is a great addition to any ham radio station. For more info, visit https://www.clearskyinstitute.com/ham/HamClock/

Enjoy using HamClock and 73!

The post Installing HamClock for Amateur Radio Use appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.