The Great Debate: Apple vs PC
It’s a topic that sparks debate in almost every tech circle: Mac vs. Windows vs. Linux. And the ham radio world is no exception. I’ve seen a lot of video’s and other blog posts about using a Mac or pc for amateur radio, so I figured I’d share my perspective, along with some thoughts on navigating the software landscape.
Let’s get it out of the way right up front: I’m a Mac guy. I’ve used Macs for years, and I find the operating system suits my workflow. Plus I admit I like how everything works together, from the hardware to the OS, the end to end experience is a lot better in my opinion that the PC ecosystem. Yes I know Microsoft has for a number of years have their own hardware devices integrated with their OS but I still like Macs better. Now, I’m not here to preach that macOS is the only way to go. Each OS has its strengths and weaknesses, and it really comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific applications you need.
The Good News: Cross-Platform Applications
The great thing is that a ton of excellent ham radio applications are cross-platform, meaning they work beautifully on macOS, Linux, and often Windows too! These are the workhorses that keep my shack humming:
- WSJT-X: This is a must-have for any digital mode enthusiast, and thankfully, it’s available across all three major operating systems. Whether you’re chasing DX on FT8 or working meteor scatter on MSK144, WSJT-X is there for you.
- FLDigi: Another digital mode superstar! FLDigi handles everything from RTTY and PSK31 to Olivia and Contestia. It’s incredibly versatile and another example of a great cross-platform tool.
- Gpredict: For tracking satellites, Gpredict is fantastic. It provides real-time satellite information and helps you aim your antennas effectively. I use this extensively for my satellite work.
- Trusted Applications: There are several other applications for logging, mapping, and other tasks that work flawlessly on a Mac, such as HamClock, Cloudlog, and more. These are all readily available and easy to install.
These cross-platform options mean that a significant portion of the ham radio digital world is available regardless of your operating system. That’s a huge win for everyone!
The Reality Check: Windows-Only Challenges
Now for the elephant in the room: There are some popular and incredibly useful pieces of ham radio software that, unfortunately, are primarily or exclusively available for Windows. This is where things can get tricky for Mac and Linux users. Here are the big ones I’ve encountered:
- Winlink Express: A vital tool for emergency communication, Winlink is the de facto standard for email over radio. It’s Windows-only, which has been a major sticking point for me.
- VARA: The sound modem used for Winlink is another important consideration. This is also a Windows-only application.
- Handheld Radio Programming Software(CPS Software): Most handheld radios from brands like Baofeng, Yaesu, Icom, etc., usually rely on proprietary software that’s exclusively for Windows. This means needing to run a virtual machine or have a dedicated Windows machine if you want to directly program these radios from your computer, though CHIRP can help on this front (more below).
For Raspberry Pi users or folks installing a Debian OS on a PC laptop there is a great resource from Jason,KM4ACK, 73 Linux. 73 Linux is a single install experience to load in a ton of helpful Ham Applications. Instructions are on the Github page and its a fantastic resource to get a linux system up and running quickly with pretty much all the apps you’ll ever need.
How I’ve Navigated the Windows-Only World
So, how do I, as a Mac user, deal with these Windows-only roadblocks? Here are my approaches:
- Dedicated Windows Machine: I know a lot of people opt to get a cheap windows laptop, some come in under $100.00 solely for running these applications. I have an old Windows 10 Surface I keep around just in case.
- CHIRP: A partial fix: For some handheld radio programming needs, the open-source CHIRP software can be a lifesaver. It supports many radios and, while it may not have all the bells and whistles of manufacturer software, it gets the job done and runs on MacOS.
- Web Interfaces Several logging and database applications offer a web interface. This is a great way of having the application hosted somewhere else, and access it from any operating system.
In addition to Chirp, there is a for fee software option from RT Systems. They offer some great packages to program HT’s and they have releases for both Windows and Mac’s. The downside is the cost and not all HT’s have support for Mac’s. RT systems is still a great option and one I have used to program a number of my HT’s on my Mac.
The Field Deployment Factor: Cost and Ruggedness
One more thing to consider, particularly for those of us who like to operate portable or in the field, is the cost and ruggedness of our laptops. Let’s be honest, a MacBook, even a used one, represents a significant investment. Taking a pricey laptop out to a remote location where it could be exposed to the elements or accidentally damaged can be a nerve-wracking experience. In contrast, a basic Windows laptop, especially if you opt for a used or budget-friendly model, can be much less of a financial risk. If it gets a bit banged up or splashed by a little rain, the potential financial loss is far lower. This is something I personally wrestle with when deciding which machine to take on an outing. While I love the power and reliability of my Mac, sometimes the peace of mind that comes with using a cheaper laptop in a less-than-ideal environment is hard to ignore. This is a personal decision, balancing the features you need with your budget and risk tolerance, but definitely a consideration worth exploring when thinking about portable or emergency operations.
The Bottom Line
Using a Mac for amateur radio is totally viable, thanks to a wide range of cross-platform software options. However, the reality is that Windows still holds a significant presence in the ham radio software ecosystem, especially for emergency communications and handheld radio programming.
If you’re considering a Mac, don’t let the lack of direct access to some Windows-only apps scare you away. With virtual machines or a dedicated Windows machine, you can still get the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, the best OS for ham radio is the one that you’re comfortable with and that suits your needs and budget. I’m curious, what do you all use in your shacks? Let’s hear your OS experiences in the comments below!
73,
Chris - K5CTW