Online Resources
The internet has transformed amateur radio, providing access to information, communities, tools, and real-time data that was unimaginable a generation ago. This page compiles the most useful online resources for amateur radio operators.
Websites and Databases
General Amateur Radio
| Website | URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| QRZ.com | https://www.qrz.com | The largest amateur radio callsign database. Look up any callsign worldwide. Also hosts forums, logbooks, and awards tracking. |
| ARRL | https://www.arrl.org | The American Radio Relay League -- the US national amateur radio organization. News, technical information, license exam resources, and advocacy. |
| RSGB | https://rsgb.org | Radio Society of Great Britain -- the UK national organization. |
| eHam.net | https://www.eham.net | Reviews, forums, articles, and classifieds for amateur radio. The equipment review section is especially valuable before purchasing gear. |
| RadioReference | https://www.radioreference.com | Comprehensive database of radio frequencies (amateur, public safety, commercial). |
Repeater and Frequency Databases
| Website | URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RepeaterBook | https://www.repeaterbook.com | The most comprehensive amateur radio repeater database worldwide. Searchable by location, band, features, and more. |
| Hearing Ham | https://hearham.com | Real-time repeater activity monitoring. See which repeaters are active right now. |
Propagation and Conditions
| Website | URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PSK Reporter | https://pskreporter.info | Real-time map of digital mode signal reports worldwide. See where your FT8 signal is being received, or check what bands are open. |
| DX Summit | https://dxsummit.fi | Real-time DX cluster spots. See what DX stations are active and on what frequencies. |
| VOACAP | https://www.voacap.com | HF propagation prediction tool. Enter your location and target, and it predicts the best band and time for communication. |
| SolarHam | https://www.solarham.net | Solar and space weather data relevant to radio propagation. Solar flux, K-index, auroral maps. |
| N0NBH Solar Banners | https://www.hamqsl.com/solar.html | The ubiquitous solar condition banners seen on many ham radio websites. |
Awards and Logging
| Website | URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Logbook of The World (LoTW) | https://lotw.arrl.org | ARRL's electronic QSL confirmation system. Required for DXCC and other major awards. |
| eQSL | https://www.eqsl.cc | Electronic QSL card exchange service. |
| Club Log | https://clublog.org | DX logging, statistics, and OQRS (Online QSL Request System). Invaluable for DXers. |
| QRZ Logbook | https://logbook.qrz.com | Built-in logging on QRZ.com with QSL confirmation features. |
APRS and Tracking
| Website | URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| aprs.fi | https://aprs.fi | The primary web-based APRS viewer. Track any APRS station in real-time. |
| APRS Direct | https://www.aprsdirect.com | Alternative APRS viewer with a clean interface. |
Forums and Communities
Reddit
| Subreddit | Description |
|---|---|
| r/amateurradio | The main amateur radio subreddit. News, questions, show-and-tell, and discussion. |
| r/HamRadio | Secondary ham radio subreddit; overlapping content with r/amateurradio. |
| r/RTLSDR | Software-defined radio community focused on RTL-SDR dongles. |
| r/QuanshengUVK5 | Dedicated to the UV-K5 and custom firmware. |
| r/EmComm | Emergency communications discussion. |
Other Forums
- QRZ.com Forums -- Active forums covering all aspects of amateur radio. Can be opinionated but contains a wealth of knowledge.
- Groups.io -- Hosts many amateur radio mailing lists and groups (CHIRP support, specific radio models, digital modes, etc.).
- Facebook Groups -- Numerous amateur radio groups for every interest. Search for your specific radio model or operating interest.
- Discord Servers -- Growing number of amateur radio Discord servers for real-time discussion. Search on Disboard or ask on Reddit.
Software
General Logging
| Software | Platform | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Log4OM | Windows | Free | https://www.log4om.com |
| N1MM+ | Windows | Free | https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com |
| DXLab Suite | Windows | Free | https://www.dxlabsuite.com |
| MacLoggerDX | macOS | Paid | https://www.dogparksoftware.com/MacLoggerDX.html |
| CQRLOG | Linux | Free | https://www.cqrlog.com |
| Wavelog | Web (self-hosted) | Free | https://www.wavelog.org |
| CloudLog | Web (self-hosted) | Free | https://github.com/magicbug/Cloudlog |
Digital Mode Software
| Software | Mode(s) | Platform | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSJT-X | FT8, FT4, JT65, JT9, WSPR | All | https://wsjt.sourceforge.io |
| JS8Call | JS8 (keyboard FT8) | All | https://js8call.com |
| fldigi | PSK, RTTY, CW, many others | All | https://sourceforge.net/projects/fldigi/ |
| Winlink Express | Winlink email | Windows | https://www.winlink.org |
| CHIRP | Radio programming | All | https://chirpmyradio.com |
| Direwolf | APRS/Packet | All | https://github.com/wb2osz/direwolf |
SDR Software
| Software | Platform | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDR# (SDRSharp) | Windows | Free | The most popular RTL-SDR receiver software |
| GQRX | Linux, macOS | Free | Open-source SDR receiver |
| SDR++ | All | Free | Modern, cross-platform SDR receiver |
| CubicSDR | All | Free | Cross-platform SDR application |
| HDSDR | Windows | Free | Powerful SDR receiver software |
Antenna Modeling
| Software | Platform | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZNEC | Windows | Paid (demo free) | Industry-standard antenna modeling |
| 4nec2 | Windows | Free | Powerful NEC2-based antenna modeler |
| MMANA-GAL | Windows | Free | Easy-to-use antenna analyzer |
| xnec2c | Linux | Free | NEC2 modeler with real-time pattern display |
Mobile Apps
Android
| App | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| APRSDroid | APRS client (with TNC) | Paid |
| RepeaterBook | Repeater directory | Free |
| HamAlert | DX spot alerts | Free |
| EchoLink | VoIP amateur radio linking | Free |
| HamClock | Gray-line map and propagation | Free |
| Amateur Radio Toolkit | Calculators and references | Free/Paid |
iOS
| App | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| RepeaterBook | Repeater directory | Free |
| EchoLink | VoIP amateur radio linking | Free |
| HamAlert | DX spot alerts | Free |
| GoHam | Reference and tools | Paid |
| Ham Radio Prep | License exam practice | Free/Paid |
YouTube Channels
These channels consistently produce quality amateur radio content:
| Channel | Focus |
|---|---|
| Ham Radio Crash Course (KI6NAZ) | Beginner-friendly guides, equipment reviews, projects |
| TRX Lab (K8MRD) | In-depth technical analysis and radio teardowns |
| Temporarily Offline (K6UDA) | Equipment reviews, DXpeditions, operating tips |
| Ham Radio 2.0 (KE8FMJ) | Digital modes, new technology, how-to guides |
| David Casler (KE0OG) | License exam preparation, clear explanations |
| OH8STN | Off-grid amateur radio, portable operations, EMCOMM |
| DX Commander (M0MCX) | Antenna building, especially vertical arrays |
| Ringway Manchester | Radio history, vintage equipment, scanning |
| Tech Minds | SDR, digital modes, tinkering |
| Hamrad.io | Contest operating, station building |
Exam Practice and Study
| Resource | URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HamStudy.org | https://hamstudy.org | Free exam practice with full question pools for all US license classes. Also covers Canadian exams. |
| Ham Radio Prep | https://hamradioprep.com | Video-based course with exam practice (free trial, paid full course). |
| AA9PW | https://aa9pw.com | Free online practice exams. |
| ARRL Exam Search | https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session | Find exam sessions near you. |
Podcasts
| Podcast | Description |
|---|---|
| Ham Radio Workbench | Technical projects, interviews, and deep dives |
| QSO Today | Interviews with amateur radio operators about their experiences |
| ARRL The Doctor is In | Technical Q&A with ARRL experts |
| Linux in the Ham Shack | Ham radio with an open-source focus |
| ICQ Podcast | UK-based amateur radio news and features |
Contributors
IUU6