Ham radio is a wide-ranging hobby and there are tons of great resources around the Internet that every ham radio operator should have bookmarked. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite tools that we recommend.

Propagation networks / REMOTE monitoring

PSKReporter – Map digital reception reports for various ham radio digital modes including FT8, FT4, WSPR and more. Great for learning about propagation in real-time as you operate.

Reverse Beacon Network – The Reverse Beacon Network is a network of ham radio stations listening to the bands and reporting what stations they hear, when, and how well.

KiwiSDR – Collection of web-based receivers from around the world you can use via your desktop computer or smartphone to listen to HF frequencies.

WebSDR –  Directory of Software-Defined Radio receivers connected to the internet, allowing many listeners to listen and tune it simultaneously.

UtahSDR – One of our favorite SDRs on the Internet. Located in northern Utah, the phenomenal antennas and reliability of this remote SDR really sets it apart from others.

FT8 Digital Mode

WSJT-X – WSJT-X is the software that allows you to operate FT8. The software integrates with your HF radio and is the primary FT8 software suite.

GridTracker – If you’re into FT8 — you need this software. It runs alongside WSJT-X and provides a host of benefits that are incredible. This will change your FT8 operating experience!

DX ClusterS (Find on-air stations in other countries)

DXHeat – DXHeat is an innovative DX cluster that allows you to see what bands have the most amateur radio stations from foreign countries and on which bands. It also offers an SDR so you can listen to DX spots in real time.

DXSummit – Another DX cluster — not nearly as good as DXHeat.

DXWatch – Another DX cluster — also not nearly as good as DXHeat.

Logging software

N3FJP Amateur Radio Software – The undisputed king of contesting logbooks. If you’re participating in contests having a license for N3FJP to create and manage your contest logs/submissions is the best money you’ll ever spend. Easy to use and tailored made for contesting. Don’t look anywhere else for contest logs.

N1MM Logger+ – N1MM offers a ton of features and functionality in a sleek package.

RF Propagation Prediction/Planning

Scadacore RF LOS Mapping – This free web-based tool allows users to easily drag-and-drop locations and obtain point-to-point line-of-sight information anywhere using Google Maps.

RadioMobile – RadioMobile is a quick, easy, and free tool to predict the coverage of RF. This tool is often used to build predicted repeater coverage maps or map potential coverage of your home ham radio station on simplex. RadioMobile also offers a downloadable program but is generally for advanced users. Be careful — it can be addictive. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Proppy – Another online propagation prediction that helps predict where your signal could be heard on a given band among other features.

Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program (VOACAP) – This is a free professional high-frequency (HF) propagation prediction software that was initially developed for Voice of America (VOA) shortwave radio. Now you can enjoy this excellent propagation prediction tool to see when and where your signal may be heard.