SimpleFT8

Native FT8 RX/TX for ham radio

Free · Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS.

Native FT8 RX/TX for ham radio. Live FT8 decoder, transmitter, QSO composer, and a logbook. Optional, opt-in PSK Reporter + active user map integrations. SimpleFT8 is a native macOS and iOS app for FT8 — the weak-signal digital mode that has, since 2017, become the most popular way for amateur radio operators worldwide to make contacts. WHAT IS FT8? FT8 is a structured digital mode for ham radio. Stations alternate transmitting and receiving in synchronized 15-second slots, exchanging compact messages over a narrow audio bandwidth. The mode decodes successfully at signal levels well below the noise floor — operators routinely make contacts on a watt or two of power with stations on the other side of the planet. SimpleFT8 puts a real FT8 station in your pocket. Decode signals through your radio's audio (USB interface, mic from speaker, system audio capture) and send back replies on the next slot. Everything runs locally; no internet required. WHAT YOU GET • Live decode table per 15-second slot, refreshed in real time • Slot-aligned transmitter with a structured QSO composer (CQ / reply / report / RR73 / 73) • Tap any decode to start a QSO — the state machine handles the rest of the handshake • Optional auto-accept (random pick of callers) and auto-reply to CQ (unworked stations preferred) for hands-off operation • Built-in waterfall display with tap-to-set TX frequency • Local QSO logbook with one-tap ADIF export — drop the file into LoTW, QRZ, or any logger that speaks ADIF • Map of stations you've decoded with their Maidenhead grids PSK REPORTER + PRESENCE (OPT-IN) If you turn it on in Settings: • Decode reports forwarded to PSK Reporter so you contribute to the global propagation map (rate-limited server-side — no DDoS risk) • See who heard you in the last 15 minutes, plotted on the map • See other SimpleFT8 operators currently online, on the same map Both toggles are off by default. The app is fully self-contained if you'd rather keep it that way — only NTP for clock sync. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • Native Swift/SwiftUI — no Electron, no Qt port. Looks and feels like a Mac/iOS app should. • System Audio capture on macOS via ScreenCaptureKit — decode straight from SDR software, WebSDR, or any audio your machine is playing, without a virtual cable. • Random caller selection rather than first-come — every station in a pile-up has an equal shot at being picked. • Opinionated QSO state machine handles slot parity, role alternation, and protocol step transitions so you don't have to fight the radio. PRIVACY The app is foreground-only on iOS — the mic stops when the app goes to background. macOS keeps audio I/O alive (long FT8 sessions are the norm). Optional community features are clearly opt-in. No analytics, no tracking, no ads. Built by a ham operator for ham operators. 73 de PD3BAL.

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The developer, Jeroen Rombouts, 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 Linked to You

    The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

    • Location
    • Contact Info
    • User Content
    • Identifiers

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Information

Size
  • 5 MB
Category
  • Utilities
Compatibility
Requires iOS 17.0 or later.
  • iPhone
    Requires iOS 17.0 or later.
  • iPad
    Requires iPadOS 17.0 or later.
  • Mac
    Requires macOS 14.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
  • Apple Vision
    Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
Languages
  • English
Age Rating
4+
Provider
Jeroen Rombouts
  • Jeroen Rombouts has identified itself as a trader for this app and confirmed that this product or service complies with European Union law.
  • Address
    Strange Loop Software
    Postbus 3035
    2601DA Delft
    Netherlands
  • Phone Number
    +31 634915704
  • Email
    info@strangeloop.nl
Copyright
  • © Strange Loop Software
  • Privacy Policy

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