Tools & Software
Software and apps used by practitioners for radio programming, mesh networking, digital modes, mapping, and offline messaging.
Radio Programming
Free, open-source radio programming software. Supports hundreds of radio models. Essential for programming frequency lists into handheld radios consistently before an emergency.
Comprehensive database of amateur radio and GMRS repeaters. Search by location. Download repeater data for offline use.
Meshtastic
Official project site with firmware downloads, documentation, and community forums. Mobile apps connect your phone to a Meshtastic node via Bluetooth.
Digital Radio Modes
Primary client for the Winlink radio email system. Connects to HF/VHF gateways to send and receive email without internet.
Cross-platform Winlink client. Open-source alternative to Winlink Express for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Weak-signal keyboard-to-keyboard messaging over HF. Requires a radio with digital mode capability and a computer soundcard interface.
Reference implementation of FT8, FT4, and other weak-signal modes. Useful for band-condition assessment.
APRS
Offline Mapping
Full-featured offline maps based on OpenStreetMap. Download entire country or region map files before an emergency. Turn-by-turn navigation, custom overlays.
Simpler offline maps for basic navigation. Download regional files for offline use.
Situational Awareness
Android Team Awareness Kit. Military-derived situational awareness platform, now available for civilians. Integrates with Meshtastic for position tracking without internet.
Offline Messaging
Encrypted P2P messaging over Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, or Tor. No phone number or email required. No server. Works when internet is unavailable.