Morse Decoder: Valiance Backbone for CW (VBC) VBC is the No. 1 Morse code decoder in the Japanese market, encompassing both paid and free categories.
This app allows you to decode Morse code using the built-in microphone of your iPhone or iPod touch. VBC utilizes the world's fastest FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) technology to detect and decode carriers. It is specifically designed to minimize false decodes from atmospheric noise, voices, or beep sounds (square or trapezoidal waves). While it will not decode vocalized "dit-dah" sounds, it offers an extremely high success rate for decoding actual transceiver signals. (Please check our videos of real DX station communications).
We believe its decoding capability surpasses that of many expensive dedicated hardware units and PC software. The carrier detection mode is highly effective, making it a truly practical tool for active hunting and pouncing in real-world radio operations.
The default settings are optimized for the best performance balance. We recommend testing it with an actual radio (800Hz tone) at a short distance using the default configuration.
Key Features:
Morse Sound Recorder & Player
Export text logs, audio data, and history via email
Timestamp and cancel stamp insertion in logs
Predictive decoding for difficult or connected Morse codes
Zero-in Tone Indicator / Shift-in Indicator
Tone frequency measurement (±5Hz)
Sound pressure measurement (dB)
Audio frequency response measurement & automatic correction
Peak search / Manual frequency setting (double-tap screen)
Automatic speed tracking / Manual speed setting (double-tap screen)
Auto Level / Auto Threshold / Manual Threshold (double-tap screen)
Noise reduction & waveform shaping via carrier detection
Japanese (Wabun) Morse support
Signal level adjustment
Input Level Over-Range Indicator When the input level exceeds the range (Over-Range), the waveform becomes distorted, leading to poor decoding accuracy. If this happens, please move your device further away from the radio. (Avoid placing the device directly on a vibrating radio; maintain a sufficient distance. The app is designed to decode accurately even from a significant distance.)Supports decoding speeds from 5 to 40 WPM
For more information and to see the app in action, please visit our YouTube channel for Real-DX videos and more:
http://goo.gl/ALXAqH
http://goo.gl/yEu3d1
http://goo.gl/7gp4yw
Note: Due to scrolling issues on the decode screen since iOS 8, we utilize the following library for text display. Our sincere thanks to the developer: SECoreTextView Created by kishikawa katsumi on 2015/03/25. Copyright (c) 2013-2015 kishikawa katsumi. All rights reserved.
Did not detect the correct tones for a repeater Id... Lame
Developer Response
The VBC has only 2 BAD comments in the world.There are in USA market only.You can see real comment.https://bit.ly/2OX8jiOThe VBC is decoding only real sine waves with the fastest FFT algorithm. The VBC does not decode beep sounds (rectangular waves) etc. which are not real carriers. If you would like to decode rectangle wave, you should be off CW DETECT option switch.
Better than bad, Its good!
SteenBee
I downloaded this to test with an amateur radio on 40m I'm learning CW and hoping to use some tools along the way. I have run this on an iTouch 4 and an iPad. This app transcribes software as well or better than many of the other applications I've used on PCs and Macs. the auto threshold is fairly effective in keeping noise out of the signal. The auto frequency sensor is very responsive. I It's not perfect, but well worth the cost. I was pleasantly surprised.
Code reader
R. Pee
This is worse than bad !! It will not evencopy my straight key. I should have spent the money on a couple of packs of gum.
Developer Response
The VBC has only 2 BAD comments in the world.There are in USA market only.You can see real comment.https://bit.ly/2OX8jiOThe VBC is decoding only proper length, these dots and strokes should be within 1:2.5 to 1:3.5. And also, If you divide dot and stroke like a letter gap, the VBC detect as a letter gap. http://goo.gl/ALXAqH
Morse Decoder VBC Ver. 1.60 — Update Details
1. New Features & Content
Added sample audio: Practice materials now include realistic QSO simulation audio, created with permission from the original counterpart station operator at the time.
Official iPad support: Optimized for the iPad’s larger display. Font size options have been expanded to up to four levels to improve readability.
Development support feature: Added a donation menu to support ongoing app development.
2. Usability & UI Improvements
Reworked log submission flow: The send button has been moved from the settings screen to the toolbar for quicker access.
Added a submission completion message to clearly indicate execution results.
Improved audio file selection: File list is now sorted by newest first.
Selection highlight color changed to blue for clearer visual identification.
Optimized log viewing: Improved scrolling so past logs can be reviewed smoothly even during decoding.
Increased text size on the Help screen.
RUN button visibility optimized: Displayed only when needed to streamline the layout.
Design refresh: Updated layout and design of the settings, calibration, and font size buttons.
Improved data management:
Unified recording file name and timestamp format (yyyy/MM/dd HH:mm).
Optimized log save timing to occur on email sending or draft saving (logs remain in the device EEPROM until explicitly deleted).
3. Support & Fixes for Latest Devices
Optimization for latest devices: Introduced automatic layout calculation to maximize display area on newer iPhones without a Home button and with a notch (camera area).
App icon updates: Added icons in the latest required sizes to fix display issues on newer devices.
4. Bug Fixes
Calibration save fix: Resolved an issue where CAL1–CAL3 save destinations were misaligned, preventing CAL3 from being used.
Filter setting improvement: Fixed an issue where peak detection failed when “No filter specified” was selected. The filter is now set to an almost full-range width, enabling stable detection.
Version 1.60.0
The developer, Nob, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
Nobutomo Takagi
Size
29.5 MB
Category
Utilities
Compatibility
Requires iOS 11.0 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 11.0 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 11.0 or later.
iPod touch Requires iOS 11.0 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.