Ham Radio with macOS
I noticed there are several hams (amateur radio operators) here on the forums. Of course, we should use our Macs and iDevices for that.
So, here’s my workflow.
Since I am mostly into digital modes (PSK31), I need a program to assist me with that. There are several out there (cocoaModem, MultiMode), but the king of the hill is fldigi.
Fldigi supports most digital modes, allows „macros,“ has rig control and covers my needs. Where fldigi sucks is logging. That’s where RUMlogNG comes into play. MacLoggerDX would be a contender.
MacLoggerDX has a beautiful interface and a lot of eye candy. However, I prefer RUMlogNG’s workflow.
It’s a little bit of a hassle to get fldigi and RUMlogNG to work together. I want to work contacts in fldigi but manage my log in RUMlogNG. One option is to export ADIF files and import them.
fldigi can execute AppleScript. This script writes the current QSO into RUMlogNG:
set qsoCallsign to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_CALL”
set qsoFrequency to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_FREQUENCY”
set fldigiModemName to system attribute “FLDIGI_MODEM”
set qsoSentRST to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_RST_OUT”
set qsoRcvdRST to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_RST_IN”
set opName to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_NAME”
set opQth to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_QTH”
set opLocator to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_LOCATOR”
set qsoNote to system attribute “FLDIGI_LOG_NOTES”tell application “RUMlogNG”
clearFields
if fldigiModemName = “BPSK31” then
set mode to “PSK31”
else if fldigiModemName = “BPSK63” then
set mode to “PSK63”
else if fldigiModemName = “BPSK63” then
set mode to “PSK63”
else if fldigiModemName = “BPSK125” then
set mode to “PSK125”
else if fldigiModemName = “BPSK500” then
set mode to “PSK500”
else if fldigiModemName = “BPSK1000” then
set mode to “PSK1000”
else
set mode to fldigiModemName
end if
set callsign to qsoCallsign
set frequency to qsoFrequency
set rstTX to qsoSentRST
set rstRX to qsoRcvdRST
set nick to opName
set qth to opQth
set locator to opLocator
set note to qsoNote
logQSO
end tell
Not by me, I think the author is K0PIR. With this script, you can log directly into RUMlogNG, either assigned to its own key/macro or added to any part of the QSO.
This is how my screen looks like (fldigi and RUMlogNG):
When accessing DX spot reports, I can shrink fldigi’s screen and have a terminal windows running in the upper right corner.
Added workflows:
- automatic upload/download of QSOs through RUNlogNG to eQSL.
- I still use QSL cards, also tracked through RUMlogNG. I print the recipients on adress labels and stick them to my cards. Done in seconds. When receiving cards, I just enter them and see which arrived or are missing
Additional software:
- grpredict (through MacPorts) for satellite tracking
- RUMlogNG2Go on the iPad for logging on the move (syncing sucks, better than nothing)
- PSK31 on the iPad
- WaveGuide on the iPad th check propagation
- WSJT-X for low-power contacts
Gear I currently use:
- MBP15
- Yaesu 817nd
- Tigertronic SignaLink USB interface
- no-name CAT cable for rig control (USB to serial)
- AlexLoop magentic loop antenna or one of a multitude of dipoles
