Greyline FT8
Field-Ready Digital Ham Radio
$3.99 · Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS.
FT8 and FT4 digital amateur radio modes - without the PC!
Greyline FT8 is a highly portable, capable amateur radio app designed specifically for field operation with an iOS device.
I designed this app because I got very used to my full-stack FT8 solution: GridTracker, WSJT-X, PSK Reporter, WRL Desktop, several browser tabs, and more. But I didn't want the bulk and weight of a full Windows PC in the field. At the same time, while there are excellent and lightweight FT8 iOS solutions out there, they were lacking features I really wanted.
Greyline is everything you need and nothing you don't. It automatically locates your grid square, performs callsign and calling station DXCC lookups (internet access required), and can even show you real-time spot data from PSK Reporter. Want to adjust your directional antenna? Now you've got the info you need to do it!
Greyline also incorporates automated calling features. Gatherer mode calls CQ, responds to the first reply it gets, finishes the QSO and returns to calling CQ all without your input. On the other side of things, Hunter mode listens for CQ calls and pounces on them, finishing a QSO then returning to the live band to find the next. Or, take control of the conversation yourself with standard mode. That's the experience you're already used to from WSJT-X and other digital mode apps.
Some other noteworthy features are:
- Intelligent automatic free frequency selection
- Dynamically adjusted audio delay for virtually drift-free message timing
- PSK Reporter integrated Live Spots
- Direct-to-QRZ, WRL and private Cloudlog logging and ADI export
- Configurable waterfall settings
- CQ addendums
- CQ filtering for contesting and general courteous operation
- Configurable retransmissions
- Intelligent log recovery (didn't get that last 73 but want to log the contact anyway? Now you can!)
- Log import and export
- Antenna tuning
- POTA Autospotting
- One touch POTA activation and POTA.app-compatible ADIF export
- Multiple POTA activation support
- And so much more!
Greyline uses audio VOX and not serial PTT. Most radios support this with simple cabling or an audio interface like a Digirig. For helpful tips on cabling and configuring popular radios, visit the Support URL below.
Built by a ham, for hams, I'm very open to your feedback and hope Greyline can be your field companion.
Want to share your own Field Notes (https://greylineft8.com/fieldnotes.html)? Email me at support@greylineft8.com!
more Update: After my review, the developer messaged me and we discussed what was going on, and my issue has since been resolved. I also found another possible small bug, and he’s working to resolve it as well. He is truly dedicated to making this an awesome experience! A+++I’ve been using iFTx for a while and it’s ehh at best. Bought this app the other day and at first I loved it. The features and UI are awesome and easy to use. Once I started actually using it, I realized I wasn’t hearing much and when I compared the signal reports to iFTx, Greyline was giving a much lower signal report vs the other app. Example, on Greyline, I was seeing one station coming in a -18 to -24, where with the other I was seeing the same station(within a minute or two) at -2 to -4. I would call CQ and no one would respond, but switched to iFTx and I’d get several people calling back. When I checked the map, I was being heard by close to 300 other stations, so I know it’s not an issue with getting out. I hope this can get resolved as I do honestly like the look and feel of this app better than anything on iOS.
Developer Response Hi there and thanks for the report! I haven’t had anyone else mention this discrepancy between apps. I’ve tried myself on the same device with iFTX and Greyline and never observed it either. I did use the two side by side to refine some timing algorithm issues early in development so I definitely appreciate the science of your approach. Greyline applies the exact same logarithmic equation to compute SNR as any other application, so I need to do some digging to understand what could be a problem here. Nothing else was different between your setups? Please contact me on support@greylineft8.com and we can discuss further.
Update: After my review, the developer messaged me and we discussed what was going on, and my issue has since been resolved. I also found another possible small bug, and he’s working to resolve it as well. He is truly dedicated to making this an awesome experience! A+++I’ve been using iFTx for a while and it’s ehh at best. Bought this app the other day and at first I loved it. The features and UI are awesome and easy to use. Once I started actually using it, I realized I wasn’t hearing much and when I compared the signal reports to iFTx, Greyline was giving a much lower signal report vs the other app. Example, on Greyline, I was seeing one station coming in a -18 to -24, where with the other I was seeing the same station(within a minute or two) at -2 to -4. I would call CQ and no one would respond, but switched to iFTx and I’d get several people calling back. When I checked the map, I was being heard by close to 300 other stations, so I know it’s not an issue with getting out. I hope this can get resolved as I do honestly like the look and feel of this app better than anything on iOS.
Hi there and thanks for the report! I haven’t had anyone else mention this discrepancy between apps. I’ve tried myself on the same device with iFTX and Greyline and never observed it either. I did use the two side by side to refine some timing algorithm issues early in development so I definitely appreciate the science of your approach. Greyline applies the exact same logarithmic equation to compute SNR as any other application, so I need to do some digging to understand what could be a problem here. Nothing else was different between your setups? Please contact me on support@greylineft8.com and we can discuss further.
I love doing FT8 remote work on my IPad/iPhone but wasn't too happy with the current App options...but that problem is solved! This app is easy to use, a familiar look, and does a great job of uploading contacts! Another great feature is the help section...which lays out exactly what you need to connect your radio to make it work. Thanks for making this!
Developer Response So glad you’re enjoying and especially appreciate the feedback on the help section. I put a lot of love into that because I know people often are confused about how this magic actually works with the equipment they already have. POTA on!
I love doing FT8 remote work on my IPad/iPhone but wasn't too happy with the current App options...but that problem is solved! This app is easy to use, a familiar look, and does a great job of uploading contacts! Another great feature is the help section...which lays out exactly what you need to connect your radio to make it work. Thanks for making this!
So glad you’re enjoying and especially appreciate the feedback on the help section. I put a lot of love into that because I know people often are confused about how this magic actually works with the equipment they already have. POTA on!
Kudos to the developer, this is a POTA game changer having the ability to use my iPad for FT8 vs lugging a laptop around. Incredibly easy setup, I was up and running in minutes, no configurations, just a few settings and you’re on the air! Thanks for all your hard work on this.
Developer Response Hey thanks for the note! Glad you’re enjoying and keep watching the updates for even more POTA goodness!
Kudos to the developer, this is a POTA game changer having the ability to use my iPad for FT8 vs lugging a laptop around. Incredibly easy setup, I was up and running in minutes, no configurations, just a few settings and you’re on the air! Thanks for all your hard work on this.
Hey thanks for the note! Glad you’re enjoying and keep watching the updates for even more POTA goodness!
Started this program as a lightweight alternative to other FT8/FT4 programs. Using this App with the QMX and iPhone reduces weight astronomically, allowing for both POTA and SOTA. It functions extremely well, and the Hunter/Gatherer modes are a total hoot. This is so far, the best App for the aforementioned digital modes I’ve encountered so far. Kudos to Jon for creating this gem!
Developer Response I’m so glad you’re enjoying! The iPhone is how I always imagined the app being used so it makes me really happy you’re getting out there with a pocket station. Not that I don’t love my iPads too. Keep hunting and hope to catch you down the log! 73 KB0RB
Started this program as a lightweight alternative to other FT8/FT4 programs. Using this App with the QMX and iPhone reduces weight astronomically, allowing for both POTA and SOTA. It functions extremely well, and the Hunter/Gatherer modes are a total hoot. This is so far, the best App for the aforementioned digital modes I’ve encountered so far. Kudos to Jon for creating this gem!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying! The iPhone is how I always imagined the app being used so it makes me really happy you’re getting out there with a pocket station. Not that I don’t love my iPads too. Keep hunting and hope to catch you down the log! 73 KB0RB
1.4.8
“The one that adds experimental Bluetooth support”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
W5REZ - Suggesting Bluetooth support for the LiNKMP500
Features:
- Experimental Bluetooth support. If you have a Bluetooth interface that offers a microphone via "hands-free" profile, Greyline will now try and use it. This only happens when no USB or wired interface is connected.
Safety warning: Headphones like AirPods Pro also offer a microphone, so the app may pick them. Playing an FT8 signal over earbuds like that could present hearing danger. The app will pause the audio stream and warn you not to do this before transmitting over any Bluetooth device.
Note: Bluetooth introduces latency into the data stream. We can’t avoid this, and it may cause you to miss calls or send ones that can’t be decoded. The hands-free profile is also optimized for telephone audio, which starts at about 500hz. Signals way at the bottom of the band you’re on may not be heard as a result.
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.8 Sep 28
1.4.7
“The one that adds manual gain control”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Features:
- Manual gain control is here! Find that you’re overdriving ALC? Want to tweak the VOX gain just that tiny extra bit? Well want no further. You’ll now find a gain control slider right next to the waterfall, and also in the Tuning view
- The waterfall gain slider can be hidden in settings, if you don’t find you use it or would prefer to use the one on the Tuning view instead
- Adjust your ALC, VOX gain and antenna configuration first using the Tune screen, then dial it in on the fly from the main operations view
Fixes
- Antenna tuning output levels are now synchronized with the main transmit threads; previously the tune view would send a signal that was stronger than your average operation, which could lead you to set radio values that weren’t perfect. Now they’re the same, so you can tune the rig properly!
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.7 Sep 24
1.4.6
“The one with some field fixes and iOS 27 support”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
ON4LDZ: Finding a repeated 73 transmission bug and suggesting quick access frequency mode controls
Features:
- Quick access to frequency modes - now select between Auto, Hold and Partner modes from the main operating panel
- Live Spots time window. Great for understanding if recent changes to your frequency or antenna configuration have had an impact, now you can narrow down the time window which the Live Spots map shows you
Fixes
- We were a little too courteous when it came to sending 73s at the end of a transmission. Sometimes, we’d keep sending them even after the partner station had moved on. We don’t do that anymore!
- Transmissions sent slightly off cycle now show the actual wall clock time they were sent, and as a result, display in the correct order. Previously they all showed the slot time, and could sometimes be out of order by mistake.
- The band selector uses a new iOS 27 native menu picker, so the checkmark no longer pushes the text to the right
- Mapping badge count is now synchronized with the status bar in the map; previously it would erroneously display accumulated numbers across bands and modes
- Old spots from the prior mode (FT8 vs FT4) could still display on the live spots map until the next refresh
- The iOS 27 SDK is now fully implemented and support for the new version is confirmed
- Improvements to the Encode/Decode thread isolation to ensure more reliable transmissions
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.6 Sep 17
1.4.5
“The one with high visibility mode”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
ON4LDZ: Long term field testing
Features:
- Introducing a new High Visibility mode! This setting makes every row in the Band Activity view taller, with a bigger font. Less rows will be visible at once, but you’ll find it easier to tap them on a busy band
- When the “Only CQ and my exchanges” filter is applied, High Visibility mode is active automatically. This is because every row is tappable with the filter active, and you really need that larger size to tap accurately
- When you’re scrolling the band list, new messages won’t fight you for control anymore. Return to the bottom to see new messages and resume auto-scrolling
- Messages can now be sorted by Distance on the iPad
- Sorting now supports both ascending and descending mode in all sortable columns
Fixes
- The waterfall now takes much less memory and CPU capacity to draw
- The log viewer is much more efficient with thousands of records in memory
- Column headers got a little misaligned with the addition of the slot parity indicator in 1.4.3, they’re now aligned again
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.5 Sep 14
1.4.4
“The one that fixes slowdowns over time”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
K7DFS: Reporting slowdown issues in the waterfall and filter view
ON4LDZ: Reporting delayed transmissions and waterfall latency
Features:
- WRL logging now supports the “myActivities” field, which allows individual contacts to be marked with a POTA reference ID. Note that if you have entered an invalid POTA reference ID, it will be dropped when the contact is uploaded to WRL, due to how their API is structured.
Fixes
- Long running sessions could drift far off the correct mode timing, due to a math error in the sampling view.
- The “Only my exchanges and CQ” filter could sometimes cause the band activity view to freeze up
- Added a new “Timing Health” section to the in-app diagnostics
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.4 Sep 12
“The one with quality of life improvements”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
N5LVP: Suggested improvements to log import behavior
ON4LDZ: Always having great field feedback
Features:
- The Custom Message box has a new Call mode (now the default): type just a callsign and the app calls that station for you.
- New setting — Hunter Call Order: answer the Strongest CQ in each cycle (default), or the Furthest.
- Tapping a CQ no longer turns Hunter mode off. Hunter works the station you picked and then goes back to scanning.
- Tapping a message addressed to you resumes that exchange inside Hunter too, where Hunter is able to finish it.
- Tapping one of your callers moves them to the top of the queue and keeps the run going, instead of dropping you into manual mode. Works even on a station Gatherer had passed over as worked, filtered or in cooldown.
- Stations set aside after a failed exchange stay set aside when you stop and restart Gatherer, so a stuck station can't immediately re-engage you.
- An even/odd parity marker down the left of a row now shows which stations you can actually work, following which parity you’re actually transmitting on.
- The WAIT and SKIPPED badges now stay visible in Standard mode, so dropping out of an automatic mode no longer loses track of who was set aside.
- New sort control: Date (newest first) by default, or Log order. Imported contacts no longer hide at the bottom of the log.
- The date column in the log view now includes the year.
- Imported or externally logged contacts that fall inside a POTA activation without actually belonging to it are marked with a red EXT badge, so it's clear they won't be in that activation's export.
- Imported ADIF batches are placed newest-first instead of inheriting the file's order.
Fixes
- Live spots could have included spots from a previous mode if the mode was changed before a refresh happened
- Faster band activity list on large logs.
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.3 Sep 9
1.4.2
“The one with some field feedback”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
VK2AWN: Reporting the floating filter text
Fixes:
- Moved the “waiting” and “skipped” badges to the end of the message areas, to keep the text aligned and easy to read
- Fixed a rare situation where the notification that a filter was applied could float behind text accidentally
1.4.2 Sep 8
“The one with some field feedback”
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Features:
- The station you’re currently working is now modifiable in the Gatherer queue. Move it down or cancel it completely, just like the queued ones
- POTA spot status now reports every message sent, not just periodic keepalives
- POTA spot status shows “X min ago” so you know when the last spot happened
- The POTA panel will remain active for 6 seconds after you end an activation, so you can confirm the QRT spot was sent to the cluster
- Updated bundled AD1C data to VER20260826
Fixes:
- The Gatherer queue button now shows the correct number of queued stations - including the currently worked one
- Switching between FT8/FT4 modes now cancels active automatic modes and drops you back to manual mode, the same way a band change does
- Improved handling of bare RR73 reports
- Badges indicating why a station was skipped in automatic modes were moved to the end of the message, to keep the message text aligned and easy to read
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.1 Sep 2
“The one that finally integrates World Radio League”
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
KR3BST - Frequent reminders about WRL integration
Features:
- Greyline now uploads your contacts to World Radio League (WRL), alongside QRZ and Cloudlog
- POTA activations get their own logbooks in WRL (named for your callsign, the park and the date) - this can be turned off and your contacts can land in your default logbook instead
- Log uploads now have robust retry and error messaging. As the logging system in Greyline gets more complex and supports more endpoints, clear errors are important
- Contacts which failed to upload to a configured service show an X in that service's color in the Upload column instead of an empty (or filled) dot, so you can spot them while scrolling.
Fixes:
- Because we incorporated an X in the upload status column, the service indicator color for QRZ has been changed from green to teal, to avoid confusing “green X’s”
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.4.0 Aug 29
“The one that’s clearer when a POTA ends”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
JK3JUK - Pointing out the specific language expected by POTA spots
Fixes:
- The message sent to the POTA cluster when ending an activation now starts with “QRT”, to comply with their best practices
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.3.2 Aug 27
“The one with some bug fixes”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
ON4LDZ - Suggesting visual indicators to tell you why stations were skipped in automatic modes
K7DFS - Confirming the very popular FT710 works perfectly with Greyline!
Features:
- You will now see visual indications on messages that were skipped in automatic modes. WAIT indicates the station was calling you but not responding, which carries a fixed 5 minute cooldown period. SKIPPED indicates a timeout in the Hunter mode, FILTERED indicates that you set a CQ filter which this station violated, and WORKED indicates the station would be a duplicate if you worked them.
- When the app flips into an RR73 recovery mode while running Gatherer, the RR73 recovery will show up in the queue so you can decide whether to continue with it, reprioritize it, etc
Fixes:
- Occasionally, a picosecond-scale rounding issue would accumulate and cause message slots to be shown as 1s earlier than they should be (for example, :59 or :29 instead of :00 or :30). This was a cosmetic issue only and did not affect actual transmission slots, but it looked bad. So it’s fixed now!
- Moving from an RR73 recovery to the next queued call in Gatherer mode would sometimes skip a TX slot, wasting 30 valuable seconds. Now it doesn’t
- CQ filters were being improperly persisted when a station changed their addendum. Now the filters are applied to the most recent call rather than the first one heard in the session
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.3.1 Aug 23
“The one that lets you get really odd”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
CT7DBJ - Suggesting (among other folks) the ability to pick even vs odd time slots for CQ calls
JK1TBL - Pointing out that not all FT4/FT8 takes place on the default frequencies
K7DFS - Requesting a tip jar link (aww, thanks)
Features:
- You can now pick whether to call CQ on even (:00, :30) or odd (:15, :45, and the half-second FT4 variants) time slots. Note that this only applies to CQ calls you initiate, whether from the manual or automatic modes. When you respond to another user’s call, you will always still use the opposite parity you heard them on.
- Bands now have a custom frequency option - tap the pencil icon next to the displayed frequency above the waterfall to edit it. While this won’t change anything on your radio, it *will* change what frequency you report to PSKReporter, the POTA cluster, and gets written into your logs. Customized bands will have an orange indicator to remind you they’ve been changed from their default, and there is a new setting in the Settings page which allows you to automatically return edited frequencies to their default on each app launch
- Added a new Buy me a Coffee link in the Settings menu. Totally optional, but I’ve been humbled by hearing folks tell me the app is underpriced for the value it provides. If you genuinely feel like you’re getting more than 4 bucks worth of value from it, feel free to send me a note and know that I appreciate you!
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
1.3 Aug 21
“The one that makes logging even more awesome”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
ON4LDZ - Catching some odd behavior in how we assessed duplicate contacts
N2YCH - Pointing out an inconsistency in when we consider a contact loggable
K4RZO - Mentioning that editing filled text fields was annoying
Features:
- Introducing a comprehensive User Guide! https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
- Validated the Yaesu FTdx10 as supported
- Gatherer mode now logs upon sending RR73 rather than waiting for the 73, which is consistent with other FT8 applications available
- We now flag duplicate log entries during a POTA activation. Logs that are duplicated during normal operation don’t get flagged, but to avoid accidentally submitting logs with dupes, you will see an orange DUP indicator on any duplicate entry in a POTA log
- During a POTA activation, there is a new counter for “This Park” in the logging view. It will be red when you have 0-4 contacts, yellow for 5-9, and turn green once you hit the magic 10 mark. Only non duplicate entries count towards this counter, so you know once it’s green you’re good to go
- Duplicates are now assessed not just based on callsign, but callsign, band, and mode. This is accounted for in the green rows in the band activity view, as well as both automatic modes. So if you’ve worked me KB0RB on 20m FT8 before, I won’t show up as green on 30m FT4 and the automatic modes will work me again
- We now prompt you to resume a POTA activation already in progress if you quit the app and come back in. It happens, and you shouldn’t have to restart the activation if it does
- New support for multiple POTA log exports - if you’re doing multiple activations in a day, your logs will be separated properly and you’ll have one touch access to each one at any point
- Exporting a POTA log while an activation is still running now prompts you to end the activation in addition to exporting the log
- Added an advanced algorithm to determine if we should retry and prioritize finishing out a QSO that got stuck in the RR73 phase. It stinks to get caught in the middle of an almost-done QSO and now Greyline will help, if it can
- Tapping into any free text field with text in it auto-selects the text, to make it easier to replace
Fixes:
- iPhone control sheet now pops up as full height rather than half height. This is just a lot easier to use and feels less cramped
- When the retransmission limit expired in Gatherer mode, we sometimes skipped a TX slot before returning to CQ. Now we go back to CQ as soon as possible, to keep that momentum up
- The retransmission counter limit (number in parentheses after the “next TX” field) wasn’t being displayed in the collapsed view. Now it is
- “Next TX” message was often updated too early, making it look as though you were sending a message that you weren’t yet sending. Now the behavior is much less confusing
Whew. That’s a lot of stuff. That’s why this is a 1.2 and not just a patch release. Keep the feedback and suggestions coming! Thanks for bringing me along with you and 73!
1.2 Aug 17
“The one with the biggest update yet”
I know I’ve shipped 14 updates to Greyline since I launched it back in June, but this is the single biggest set of additions yet. Buckle up, this is a big one!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
JK1TBL - Proposing a Cloudlog endpoint, providing an environment to test against, beta testing the app
KR4EOD - Reporting a pretty major bug when working stations with a “/“ in their callsign
ON4LDZ - Submitting a Field Notes entry
VK2AWN - Writing a great blog! https://andrewwoodward.net/2026/08/08/260808greylineft8/
Features:
- Greyline now supports Cloudlog and any Cloudlog-compatible logging endpoint! Just provide the API URL, API key, and Station Identifier and decide whether to auto-log your contacts to it!
- The logging framework has been expanded to support QRZ, Cloudlog, and eventually WRL directly - stay tuned for that
- Gatherer mode now provides a manually editable queue. This is, as far as I can tell, a first for FT8/FT4 software. When you’re working stations automatically, Greyline will queue them according to your preference (first heard, strongest signal, or furthest distance). But, with the new View Queue button, you can manually reprioritize them! Want to grab that station in Japan first? Been looking for that rare DX? Open up the queue and change the order that Gatherer will work them in.
- Gatherer mode also now has a cooldown period - stations sending out of sequence or bad calls to you will be ignored for 5 minutes before we let them retry
- POTA auto spotting now sends a “Thanks and 73” message to the cluster when you end your activation or export your POTA log
Fixes:
- We had a *major* issue with working stations that had a / in their callsign (think W1A1/3, for example) - the FT8 specification provided for how to handle this edge case, and I totally missed implementing it. Now, you can work these stations without a problem! If you ever saw callsigns that looked like “…” - you hit this bug. It’s fixed now.
- The Custom Message feature now follows the message queue timer and allows for full-length inputs
- Changed the label on the Stations Heard map from “All time” to “This Session”, which is more accurate
- On the iPhone or in some cases portrait mode iPad, text that doesn’t fit in the allocated space in the band activity view will marquee gently, so you don’t miss important info
- Added string validation to the manual QSO form - making sure that callsigns, grid squares, and signal reports only contain valid characters that can be parsed by logging software
- Exporting a POTA log or cancelling an activation now inserts a visual line into your log, so you can see which entries were part of the activation more clearly
- We now require a grid square to be set (either manually or via Location Services) in order to transmit
- POTA auto-spotting can now be optionally disabled in Settings.
Give it a try and please leave a review if you enjoy using Greyline! I hope it makes your activations just a tiny bit more joyful. Thanks for bringing me along and 73!
1.1 Aug 11
“The one where I make getting started easier”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
VK2AWN - Validating IC-7300 functionality, providing Field Notes and photo, suggesting CQ only filter
KR3BST - Providing Field Notes and photo
K4RZO the coyote - Providing Field Notes and photo
Features:
- Added a brand new first-time onboarding experience. This will help new users get set up and on the air quickly. If you're already set up but still want to check out the onboarding flow, there’s a button in Settings to start it manually.
- Added a new filter to the Band Activity view that only shows CQ calls and exchanges that you’re actively participating in or that mention your callsign specifically. This can optionally be set to apply on startup
- Links to the Field Notes site as well as support email are now in Settings
Fixes:
- Better handling of microphone and location permissions
- Bundled latest version of Big CTY data
Give it a try and please leave a review if you enjoy using Greyline! I hope it makes your activations just a tiny bit more joyful. Thanks for bringing me along and 73!
1.0.14 Aug 6
“The one where I improve signal decoding and add spotting”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
ON4LDZ - Reporting issues with live band activity view
N9DNR - Reporting an issue with duplicate contacts being collected in Gatherer mode
KR4EOD - Reporting discrepancies in signal report calculations
Features:
- Added live PSKReporter.info spotting. Spots are sent in 5 minute batches and include your callsign and grid location as well as the stations seen. Spotting is off by default, but can be activated in the Settings page
- Added color coded signal reports in the Band Activity view
- Added ability to filter the Logged Contacts view in the mapping page by time frame
- Added a toggle to allow collection of duplicate callsigns when operating in Hunter or Gatherer modes (off by default)
Fixes:
- SNR computation is now more accurate and accounts for real world noise as opposed to bench standard noise levels. PLEASE NOTE: Comparing SNR computed in Greyline to that in iFTX or WSJT-X is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Differences in algorithms used as well as differences in AGC across device types plays a big role in these numbers.
- When you navigate away from the Band Activity view, you are now automatically returned to the most recent signals upon your return
- Gatherer mode no longer collects duplicate callsigns by default. You can re-enable this behavior in the Settings view if you like
- Dropdown controls in the Mapping view sometimes re-drew slowly, but now they don’t
Give it a try and please leave a review if you enjoy using Greyline! I hope it makes your activations just a tiny bit more joyful. Thanks for bringing me along and 73!
1.0.13 Aug 3
“The one where I add cool new mapping capabilities”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
ON4LDZ - Suggestions for map views and new data columns
Features:
- The Band Activity view now includes Distance and Bearing columns. Both are computed from your GPS coordinates to the grid square of the remote station. You can select the units for distance in the Settings screen
- The Live Spots view has been renamed to Mapping, and now supports two additional visualization types
- As always, Live Spots maps the stations which hear you based on live PSKReporter data
- The Stations Heard view maps out the stations which you’ve heard in the Band Activity view
- Contacts Logged will visualize the contacts in your log, by band
- You can select the default view for your map in Settings
Give it a try and please leave a review if you enjoy using Greyline! I hope it makes your activations just a tiny bit more joyful. Thanks for bringing me along and 73!
1.0.12 Jul 30
“The one where I add a ton of POTA support!”
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Features:
- Greyline FT8 now helps you run a POTA activation end to end. Park lookup, spotting, logging, and export are all handled in-app
- Enable the POTA Activation mode in the CQ control panel and watch the magic. Greyline looks up parks near you (based on GPS or manual grid square,) adds the POTA addendum to your CQ calls, auto-spots you to the POTA cluster, marks your logged contacts as part of an activation, and enables a one-touch POTA.app compatible ADIF export.
- POTA auto-spots happen when you start your activation, anytime you QSY to a new band, and periodically in between.
Give it a try - I’m really proud of this release. I hope it makes your activations just a tiny bit more joyful. Thanks for bringing me along and 73!
1.0.11 Jul 26
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
K4RZO - My favorite coyote - for Identifying and helping me chase down some audio pipeline restore and timing bugs
Features:
- Big CTY data now automatically updates. We do a freshness check on each app launch, and force an update approximately once a week. Data loads are only about 300kb so bandwidth requirements are tiny.
- Added a Time Debugging panel in the Settings menu. Most of you will never need this. But in case you see mis-timed messages, high instances of drift, or missed QSOs this screen will provide me the data I need to help track down the issue and make a better app for everyone.
Fixes:
- The audio pipeline now gracefully resumes when it’s interrupted - whether you accidentally activated Siri, unplugged/switched audio devices, or started the latest episode of your favorite Star Trek Podcast by mistake. Greyline now detects and compensates for these interruptions.
- Minor change to a watchdog timer released in 1.0.9 to remove the risk of an extended TX cycle
1.0.10 Jul 21
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Shoutouts:
K4RZO - My favorite coyote - for identifying and helping me chase down some audio pipeline restore and timing bugs
Features:
- Big CTY data now automatically updates. We do a freshness check on each app launch, and force an update approximately once a week. Data loads are only about 300kb so bandwidth requirements are tiny.
- Added a Time Debugging panel in the Settings menu. Most of you will never need this. But in case you see mis-timed messages, high instances of drift, or missed QSOs this screen will provide me the data I need to help track down the issue and make a better app for everyone.
Fixes:
- The audio pipeline now gracefully resumes when it’s interrupted - whether you accidentally activated Siri, unplugged/switched audio devices, or started the latest episode of your favorite Star Trek Podcast by mistake. Greyline now detects and compensates for these interruptions.
Thanks and 73 to everyone for the feedback and bringing me along on your activations!
1.0.9 Jul 20
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours.
Shoutouts:
KN7AHS - Identifying a missing field in our ADI exports
Features:
- Greyline now makes use of Big CTY data courtesy of AD1C and ClubLog https://www.country-files.com/big-cty/
- This new data source makes grid square, call sign, State/Province/Country and DXCC lookup fast, reliable, and fully local with no internet access required
- Greyline now supports both QRZ and HamQTH callsign lookups. If you’re an existing user, make sure to check out the Settings page and input your login for one or both!
- Antenna tune mode now automatically applies suggested free frequencies
Fixes:
- ADIF exports now include the DXCC numeric code for every QSO
- ADIF exports now include the Country identifier for every QSO, including non-US ones (whoops!)
- Significant streamlining to log file handling and guard rails for bad or malformed data
Thanks and 73 to everyone for the feedback and bringing me along on your activations!
1.0.8 Jul 18
1.0.7
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours.
Shoutouts:
KJ5FVI - Requesting selective log export
M0RVB, G7UFO - Suggesting “Tune” functionality
Features:
- You can now select only specific QSOs to export to ADI from your log.
- Exporting to file will place a marker in your log showing when you last exported and how many log lines were saved
- Now that we have this marker, there’s also now a simple “Export all since last” option that will save off all your logged entries since the last export to a new file - great for uploading to POTA.app or your external logger of choice
- Added a new “Antenna tune” function - this function will transmit a constant carrier for a predefined amount of time. You can select the frequency from the main control panel, and the transmit duration from either the Settings menu or the Antenna Tune screen directly
- The Tune screen will show a large-font countdown (or count-up, if you selected an unlimited time) so you can clearly see how long you have left if you walk away from your station to touch an antenna 25 feet away
Thanks and 73 to everyone for the feedback and bringing me along on your activations!
1.0.7 Jul 16
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours.
Shoutouts:
K0JGL - Reporting grid square lookup issues, confirming HF Pebble support
IW2EYN - Suggesting log import functionality
Fixes:
- Grid squares were occasionally returning partially correct lookup results, due to an “alphabetically first wins” algorithm where multiple states, provinces or countries were in a single grid. Now we show everyone, no favoritism here!
- When you highlight a log row, we now use much more readable and high-contrast colors
Features:
- Added the ability to import ADI formatted log files. Imported log entries will help you know who you’ve worked before. Note that imported log entries CAN be exported to a new ADI file, but can NOT be uploaded to QRZ. This is intentional, to prevent conflicts and duplication.
Thanks and 73 to everyone for the feedback and bringing me along on your activations!
1.0.6 Jun 29
Shoutouts:
K0ARG: Reporting issues with FT4 timing
KL7EC: Support for TX-500 confirmed, now validating no spaces in callsigns
NL7OT: Support for QRP Labs QMX confirmed
IW2EYN: String validation in QRZ API keys, great club promotion!
KO6IUH: Updated connection info for IC-705
Fixes:
- When applying a manual override TX frequency, the frequency selection behavior changes to “Hold” and respects your selection. The app will always return to Auto Select mode on startup, since band conditions are always changing.
- Applied dynamic delay algorithm to FT4 cycles to eliminate dropped symbols with high-latency audio devices. FT4 decoding is now SUPER reliable!
- Always check previous band activity for grid squares. I never want to see a log entry without one again!
- FT4 timing is now corrected and operates on the 7.5s cycle rather than FT8’s 15s one.
- When FT4 mode is active, we now correctly display frequency settings at the top of the band activity view.
- When tapping a message to restart a dropped or timed out QSO, R-signal reports are now correctly sent with the R prefix.
- Ensured the 160m and 60m bands are not selectable for FT4 per the band plan.
- If the message being sent changes in the middle of a TX cycle, update the band activity view with the new message.
- When the retransmission counter is reached while in Gatherer mode, we now return to calling CQ instead of halting transmission.
- When the retransmission counter is reached while in Hunter mode, we now call the next station on the next available TX slot instead of waiting several cycles first.
- Sometimes, grid squares were not logged while in Gatherer mode. Now they should be.
- String validation in the QRZ API key and Callsign fields, so phantom spaces should no longer cause problems.
Features:
- Added an option to preselect Previous, FT8 or FT4 as your startup mode.
- Added a “Mode” selector to the logging dialog so you can pick FT8 or FT4 when creating a manual entry.
- Added a decrementing counter in the status area, so you can see how many times a message is due to be retransmitted before we time out.
Thanks and 73 to everyone for the feedback and bringing me along on your activations!
1.0.5 Jun 25
Shoutouts:
K0ARG: Reporting issues with FT4 timing
KL7EC: Support for TX-500 confirmed, now validating no spaces in callsigns
NL7OT: Support for QRP Labs QMX confirmed
IW2EYN: String validation in QRZ API keys, great club promotion!
KO6IUH: Updated connection info for IC-705
Fixes:
- FT4 timing is now corrected and operates on the 7.5s cycle rather than FT8’s 15s one.
- When FT4 mode is active, we now correctly display frequency settings at the top of the band activity view.
- When tapping a message to restart a dropped or timed out QSO, R-signal reports are now correctly sent with the R prefix.
- Ensured the 160m and 60m bands are not selectable for FT4 per the band plan.
- If the message being sent changes in the middle of a TX cycle, update the band activity view with the new message.
- When the retransmission counter is reached while in Gatherer mode, we now return to calling CQ instead of halting transmission.
- When the retransmission counter is reached while in Hunter mode, we now call the next station on the next available TX slot instead of waiting several cycles first.
- Sometimes, grid squares were not logged while in Gatherer mode. Now they should be.
- String validation in the QRZ API key and Callsign fields, so phantom spaces should no longer cause problems.
Features:
- Added an option to preselect Previous, FT8 or FT4 as your startup mode.
- Added a “Mode” selector to the logging dialog so you can pick FT8 or FT4 when creating a manual entry.
- Added a decrementing counter in the status area, so you can see how many times a message is due to be retransmitted before we time out.
Thanks and 73 to everyone for the feedback and bringing me along on your activations!
1.0.4 Jun 24
1.4.8
“The one that adds experimental Bluetooth support”
Love Greyline? Stop by my Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/kb0rb
**NOTE** - The WRL logging API is a work in progress, and I will continue to improve the app as their API evolves! What we have here now takes full advantage of what the service currently supports. Stay tuned for more features!
Be sure to check the release notes for prior versions to see what's new! I update the app regularly in response to feedback like yours. Read them at https://greylineft8.com/changelog.html
Remember that Greyline now has a comprehensive user manual at https://greylineft8.com/userguide.html - you’ll also find a button in the Settings view to take you there
Shoutouts:
W5REZ - Suggesting Bluetooth support for the LiNKMP500
Features:
- Experimental Bluetooth support. If you have a Bluetooth interface that offers a microphone via "hands-free" profile, Greyline will now try and use it. This only happens when no USB or wired interface is connected.
Safety warning: Headphones like AirPods Pro also offer a microphone, so the app may pick them. Playing an FT8 signal over earbuds like that could present hearing danger. The app will pause the audio stream and warn you not to do this before transmitting over any Bluetooth device.
Note: Bluetooth introduces latency into the data stream. We can’t avoid this, and it may cause you to miss calls or send ones that can’t be decoded. The hands-free profile is also optimized for telephone audio, which starts at about 500hz. Signals way at the bottom of the band you’re on may not be heard as a result.
That’s it, that’s all, folks! Thanks for bringing me on your activations - now get out there and POTA on. 73!
more Version 1.4.8 Sep 28
Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app.