Message-ID: <555C84C4.4070001@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 20 May 2015 13:57:40 +0100
From: g4gvw <g4gvw@aol.com>
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To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org, Alan Melia <alan.melia@btinternet.com>
References: <555C60DE.21759.2450E0@mike.dennison.ntlworld.com>
In-Reply-To: <555C60DE.21759.2450E0@mike.dennison.ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: LF: OT: Operating Apps
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Hi Mike,

I have already commented on your request to Alan g3nyk but now come 
across your email. Recently there have been a few articles in various 
mags and online forums relating to the installation of Linux on Android 
devices which is said to be a relatively easy process. Linux, of course, 
offers these days a very wide selection of applications for the radio 
amateur and is in most cases free to use and distribute. Most Linux 
distributions offer means to explore repositories of software and often 
download and install with a single click (or perhaps 'tap').
Many of us already have familiarity with Linux on PC's, Raspberry Pi 
etc. and have been able to swap from the MS offerings and dependences 
while at the same time refurbishing and retasking older computers with 
the often considerable cost savings. Inevitably, more and more redundant 
tablets, smartphones and other devices will become available rendered 
obsolete by the 'fad' marketplace but often ready to be used with 
upgraded OS and adapted for amateur radio use.
As I have no experience with tablets and the like I cannot relate any 
personal expertise so some of these comments are surmise.
Connectivity with radio equipment might be an issue but one supposes 
that most of the devices have some sort of wired or 'wireless' 
networking or control capability - likewise much modern radio equipments.
The other issues may centre around EMC and related problem areas in 
which experimentation may be required.
Bearing in mind that a large percentage of amateurs conduct their 
hobbies on a 'shoestring' budget The Linux route would have to be a 
strong contender both on grounds of cost and open source "hackability". 
After all, if children are being taught to write code on Raspberry Pi it 
should not be beyond the wit of radio amateurs to do the same!

Good luck with it

73

de Pat G4GVW
QTH Nr Felixstowe, Suffolk
East coast of UK

On 20/05/15 10:24, Mike Dennison wrote:
> Sorry for the off-topic post but I know there is a wide range of
> knowledge in this group.
>
> I am looking for information on amateur radio apps for mobile phones
> and/or tablets. The apps must be used for operating (LF, HF, VHF, or
> microwave) rather than construction, for instance QTH locators,
> callsign lookup, propagation, datacomms.
>
> Do most Windows programs work OK on a Windows tablet, or even a
> phone? Are there apps for iPad, Android or even Blackberry? What is
> your experience with running apps on phones or tablets? Do you have a
> favourite?
>
> Any help would be welcome. Direct emails please so the group is not
> clooged up with off-topic posts (unless the software is OK for LF
> operators!).
>
> Thanks
> Mike, G3XDV
>