2020-12-12
PocketPacket
1200 baud VHF packet client. Works with a radio with the. Phone’s speaker and mic, and/or the internet (aprs-is). No 300bd, though..
Updating
iPhone Screenshots
iPad Screenshots
Description
PocketPacket is a full-featured APRS client with a built-in TNC. The "Automatic Position Reporting System" is a packet communication protocol used by amateur radio operators (hams) around the world, to report position, status, station capabilities, weather or other information in real time. Packets can also be used for broadcasting announcements or one-to-one messaging.
PocketPacket incorporates a software-based TNC, allowing you to directly capture and visualize, or encode and transmit 1200 baud packets (AFSK modulation) using a VHF radio transceiver. With PocketPacket you can also get and send packets over the Internet, by selecting one of the available Tier 2 servers of the global APRS-IS network.
Incoming data is presented on a map, as most packets define some object, with a specific symbol and location. By selecting a symbol, you can view the latest information sent for the corresponding object, as well as the raw packets that produced it. All available objects are also shown in a list, which allows you to search for the ones you are looking for. Messages and bulletins are shown in a separate set of screens, structured like an e-mail client.
With PocketPacket you can follow the status of the APRS network, submit your station's info, monitor moving objects, get real time weather reports directly from local stations and more. PocketPacket is ideal for field work or the ham shack.
73 de SV9OAN
What's New in Version 3.1
- Connectivity to Bluetooth TNCs, like the Mobilinkd TNC3
- Acknowledgement requests allowed in messages
- Updated APRS-IS server list
Seller
Name
Antony Chazapis
Information
Developer
Categories
Version
3.1
Size
28.4 MB
Game Center
No
VPP Device Licensing
Yes
Rating
Rated: 4+
Compatibility
iOS 9.0 or later
Devices
iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPad 2 (Wi-Fi), iPad 2 (3G), iPad (3rd Generation) (Wi-Fi), iPad (3rd Generation) (4G), iPad (4th Generation) (Wi-Fi), iPad (4th Generation) (4G), iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro, iPad Pro (Cellular), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch) (Cellular), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (10.5-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Pro (11-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air, iPad Air (Cellular), iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 (Cellular), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (Wi-Fi), iPad mini (4G), iPad mini Retina, iPad mini Retina (Cellular), iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 (Cellular), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 4 (Cellular), iPad mini (5th Generation), iPad mini (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (4th Generation) (Wi-Fi), iPad Air (4th Generation) (Wi-Fi + Cellular), iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPod touch (5th generation), iPod touch (6th Generation), iPod touch (7th generation)
Languages
English, Greek
App Store: Customer Ratings
Ratings & Reviews
3.8 of 5 (8 Ratings)
App Store: Customer Reviews
2020-07-17
Didn’t work
Didn’t work on my iPhone 7. I really liked for this to work. Wouldn’t show up on APRS.fi ...If you are interested in sending texts or messages buy a real TNC or radio equipped for APRS.
2020-06-30
Simple, functional, effective
The application is intuitive, easy to configure and works as advertised. The offline mode via the audio modem works very well. I’m able to receive APRS packets from a number of nodes several miles away with my HT hooked up to my iPhone.
There does however seem to be a glitch when viewing the raw packet data in the “Packet Flow” option. The raw packet data shows up blank for some reason. If that bug is fixed this is easily five stars.
2020-06-07
Who knows?
Apples have always had a problem connecting to bluetooth devices. So if i can’t connect to device it is difficult to evaluate the usefulness of the program.
2019-09-20
No Mic - unable to hear packets
Until Antony releases a new version, wait. Any recent iPhone and iOS won’t work as expected. The app fails to request the microphone privilege and the app is then unable to receive transmissions. WiFi/Cellular data parts work fine thru aprs.fi but if you want it to work with your radio you’ll be out of luck. Antony, if you are listening, we await your update. Happy to change the review to 5 stars then...
2019-05-25
APRS Works Awesome
I’ve been using various phone based APRS apps and am very happy with Pocket Packet. The app does everything I’d expect from a phone based app. It allows message delivery between SSIDs and will receive messages from RF SSIDs going through the APRS-IS network. I guess some folks might want to have it act as a KISS TNC but that is not my expectation for this app.
2019-02-18
Wasted money on an app that freezes!!
Want my money back. Wasted time and money for an app that doesn’t work and freezes up
2018-06-23
Great App - If It Worked
Constantly crashes. Rotation is broken. Needs significant work to be “ready” for the App Store, even though it’s been listed for years. Not at all worth the $5.
2018-04-18
App works like it says
This is one if the few apps that will let you transmit APRS data. Seems to work so far. I haven't used all the features yet but in the messages section you can only send 64 characters. What’s that about? That really limits what kind of message you can send. I would at least expect 120 or 240 characters like other APRS programs. Other than that it works like it says
2018-01-14
Excellent APRS app for Hams
Using a UV82 and an iPhone 5 connected with the BTech K2 cable. Beaconing, Receiving, Messaging. Exactly what I was looking for. Please keep developer support of this app, it’s the only one of its kind on iOS. Maybe add the SmartBeaconing algorithm to beacon intervals.
2016-11-14
Works with VOX on iPhone & Baufeng UV-5R!
I've had this app for a year or more and wasn't too impressed with it UNTIL I received a Baofeng UV-5R dual-band HT for Christmas. I built a small interface to match up its audio input/output to the headphone jack on my iPhone and after some experimentation with settings on both the radio and the iPhone I now have APRS TX and RX capability (because the Baofeng has VOX capability, which had kept me from using it with my other vox-less HTs). I'm quite pleased with the app now and having a blast running APRS with an iPhone and a radio the size of a pack of cigs.
One note: It doesn't work on TX with my iPad2. When I connect the mic cable up it causes the radio to switch into TX mode more or less constantly. The iPhone architecture is evidently different enough that I don't have this problem--it just works. So if you're unhappy with PocketPacket on an iPad try it on an iPhone. I wouldn't have believed the difference.
Update 2 years later: The app still works great even though the OS on my iPhone5 has been upgraded several times. That's something to be happy about. I also like the fact that if you buy this app there's no in-app purchases or annual subscriptions needed to keep it working. The problem with my iPad mentioned above was easily fixed--I discovered if I set the VOX on the UV-5R to 8, and then turned UP the audio volume on the iPad to about 3/4 full the radio stopped TXing full time and went back to normal operation. It seems odd to have to turn the volume up to fix the problem, but it worked for me. See other reviews for comments on fixing the iPhone5 crash issue. I too had this problem. A short-term workaround is to shut off the iPhone using the power button (not the home button) and then turn it immediately back. It unfroze the display and resumed operation right where it left off when it froze. Whether deleting and reinstalling the app as recommended will solve the problem permanently, I don't know...I just did it and will see. Look for the call WU0V on APRS!
2016-08-23
Works well.
Just downloaded it. Had it up and operating in a matter of minutes. Sent a command message to a digipeater 300 miles away and received the correct reply in a minute. Works well and I recommend it. You'll need an aprs authorization access code to message.
2016-06-02
Needs installed TWICE.
As suggested by a review below (in 2014) - the app does not work until deleted and reinstalled. After an hour of puzzling, I tried this and now am seeing a fully populated map and was able to send SMS via APRS-IS. Sweet!
2016-02-06
Confused
I'm new to radio, like brand new, so I'm sure I'm missing something. I have an old iPhone with the cellular data that I downloaded the app to over wifi. It seems to broadcast my gps Location even without a radio hook up. And when I take it off of wifi it says it can't connect to APRS IS. So my question is can I not use this without cellular service except to broadcast my position which I don't even need my radio to do?
2016-01-22
With an interface the app works fine.
With an interface such as Easy Digi, the TNC modem works perfectly. Anyone having problems should realize that all iPhones -- especially newer ones -- require some sort of isolation between the phone and the HT.
2015-05-19
Crashy at best
This app looks promising but is ultimately disappointing. If only there was some support and active updates!
2015-04-22
Time to add HF APRS capabilities
I want to be able to use Pocket Packet with my HF radio while out at sea on my sailboat.
All that's needed is to add 300 baud FSK encoding/decoding as an option.
2015-04-20
300 baud HF
Please add the ability to operate 300 baud HF APRS to Pocket Packet.
2015-02-20
Needs HF APRS capability
This app is pretty good but what would make it great would be the ability to do multiple baud rates such as 300 so hams could hook their iPhones up to their HF rigs for APRS.
2014-12-29
Excellent! Works as promised
Hooked it up to baofeng uv-5r to start transmitting my GPS coordinates. I can even send messages to other ham operators. Great app!
2014-10-18
Crashing but I found a detour around them.
When you download this app and find out it crashes after a couple of uses delete it then redone load it and before you use it again open the app and turn off all aprs-is communications. I have an iPhone 5 and I get these crashes but have found a loop hole through them.
2014-10-15
Crashes
I have it connected to a HT from the earphone jack to the mic jack and I can see the transmission go out, but it doesn’t show up on the map. Then the app freezes my iPhone and I have to reboot the device.
2014-08-17
Fix bugs ASAP
Crashes iPhone, reboot required.
Deleting app and reinstall for temporary fix.
NEEDS UPDATE ASAP!
2014-08-07
Mr
I purchased this and only afterward do I find that it is"good for tracking". more for "beaconing". That was from somebody else who purchased it. I'm going to do more tyesting today but I cannot get it to Tx or Rx using the software modem. 080714
2014-07-07
Keeps getting better!
Freezes a lot less than it did before. Much more reliable. Can't wait for more updates!
2014-06-13
Update broke it.
Used to be great, but the latest update broke the messages. You can no longer send messages.
UPDATE: It works good. However, there is a trick. The audio modem has to be enabled, but the transmit option has to be off.
2014-05-23
good program
Program works well, the vox activate tone is too short, i contacted the developer and he is in the works to either make it longer to activate vox or make lead tone adjustable.
2014-05-16
Doesn't work.
NEEDS UPDATE FOR ISO 7. Will not pull GPS coordinates.
2014-05-11
Coolest APRS app
Great little app for APRS. A simple earphone cable from your iPhone or iPad and a cheap baofeng or wouxon radio and your trackin. I had two old iPhone 3G's sitting around and now they are to good use. Don't need a data plan on your iPhone or iPad to use this app so it's great for old hardware. I'm still giving it 5 stars even though it gets stuck once in a while. For 5 bucks it worth it.
2014-03-27
No tracking with iOS 7
Worked fine till now. Good software. However since having iOS 7, tracking no longer works (the point of aprs after all!). Wrote to the website a month ago but no answer. Wait for update before buying since apple "forces" users to upgrade to latest iOS, I.e. 7.
2014-01-12
GPS doesn’t work on iPad
App is unable to get GPS data from iOS7. Not much use.
2013-12-30
Potential
I'm new to the aprs deal so I don't have too much to contribute to the technical side of things but the app is incredibly slow and often freezes to the point I can't even use it. I'm hoping this will be fixed with an update. It looks like I could have some fun with it but right now it's just not useable. Make it run and I'll give it 5 stars.
2013-12-10
Very intermittent operation
Won't reliably start the GPS or connect to APRS-IS servers. Leaves the display on all the time so useless unless you're connected to a power source. Very disappointing.
2013-12-07
Needs a special cable to receive in-line audio
I like this app. I use it with a Baofeng UV-5R.
But you will not be able to receive packets with a cable unless the cable has been modified.
With an unmodified cable, the iPhone will not receive in-line audio.
You can buy a cable online for about $35 but you can also make your own with easily available parts from Radio Shack for less than $5: one 10K resistor, two 2.2K resistors, and two .0i uf capacitors.
2013-10-10
Quite Disappointed
Setting up my Yeasu to send out APRS was easier than this app.
2012-11-28
Broken with iOS 6
The iOS 6 update has broken the map display (no icons show up).
2012-11-02
Totally useless. Avoid like the plague.
I have had this app for over three months now, and I have never...EVER...made a successful contact using Pocket Packet. Not one. With dozens of people all around my city on packet, this app will usually only see one or none of them via the wifi connection and never sees any of them over the VHF radio. I have set up skeds and had other packet operators (with real TNC's) on the phone while I tried to make a contact using Pocket Packet, and no one has ever seen my packets, EVER. I have emailed the developer for help with this and never gotten a response. I have taken it to the local packet guru, who runs our ARES packet check-in every week, and he couldn't make it work either. Other ham friends have purchased this, and none of them could make theirs work, either. At $5, I could have bought a gallon of gas for my car and come out way ahead. The waste of money isn't nearly as bad as the waste of my time, my friends' time, and all of the frustration that has come with this useless app. Avoid Pocket Packet at all costs!
2012-10-13
Software TNC broken
I built a cable from a design on the Internet which includes a voltage divider and isolation transformer. When I use an audio recording app to record with this cable the audio sounds great; better than the audio from the radio's built in speaker. However, this app never decodes any packets from the APRS channel.
I bought this app because it claimed it had a software TNC. It was a total waste of my money.
2012-07-08
Not what I hoped for.
I have APRdroid for my phone, but wanted to get my Ipad to do the same and more. However, while I was expecting the Ipad app to be better (the Ipad is faster, larger screen, and I paid more for a premium app), its been a real let down so far.
This app does not support SmartBeaconing, which the droid does. It only allows time tx, not distance either. The setup of this app is also way less intuitive.
The lack of SmatrBeaconing may be enough to make me seek a droid tablet, but add to that the fact that receive through audio isn't working, and there are few tools to debug it. Whats weird is that I can record a soundfile on the ipad using the same cable that works with the droid, and then play that file through the Ipad speaker and APRSdroid can receive the packet through the droids mic, but the pad cant receive the same packet through the cable, or if i play the same file for the Ipad microphone.
Seems like a poor demodulator design in this app. Sorry i spent the $ at this point.
Since I am stuck, I may try tweaking my soundcard interface, but how frustrating!
2011-12-28
Works Great, Still Improving
This app does everything the description says it does. It sees packets that have gone onto the Internet through igates and can report position through the Internet.
I am pleased to see the built in TNC so I can use the phone and my HT to use APRS out of a backpack, but would like to see offline map ability with something like openstreetmap so I can use the setup completely independent of the Internet.
I'd also like to see multitask support so it can track in the background or receive messages.
I contacted the author and was told these features are going to be added to the app, so it sounds like it will eventually be the perfect APRS app.
2011-06-04
Very cool app
While this app might not be a true replacement for an APRS-equipped radio, it is also not $500+...
I have found the app very useful, and I could see this as a very nice addition to having the 2 meter, APRS-ready Kenwood rig of my dreams. That is especially true of the iPad version of the app.
True story - I was driving north in Ohio yesterday when I checked this app to see of anyone was in my area. I noticed that there was a mobile station using APRS, so I threw out the associated callsign on 52-simplex. I was pleased to get a call back, and we had a nice conversation for the next few minutes.
Does that mean that everyone will have that sort of luck? Of course not. Bit it was a COO, experience for me.
Drawbacks? Well, there really aren't any that I have found so far. It is not a $0.99 app, but it is also not a $9.99-or-more app. I think it is a great value for the price, and well worth it to any amateur radio operators.
73 - W5IEM
2011-05-21
No sound from speaker
Will not work from speaker... Really? Every other app in the world supports this. It just uses the little speaker normally used for phones, not the one for speakerphone.
2011-02-03
Works great!
Have used this for a couple of days now and it works flawlessly. Anyone who enjoys APRS will enjoy using this app.
It tracked me on the map as I drove from home to another location. When I got inside the building at that location and zoomed in, it even showed me in the correct portion of the building (very accurate).
I am very pleased with this app.
2011-01-23
USELESS
THIS APP DOES NOT WORK DO NOT BUY!
2010-11-27
Great
This app is fun & easy to use.
Five stars.
2010-06-09
Works well, I'm impressed.
I installed this a while ago, but hadn't really played with it until recently. It works well, and is easy to configure. I was able to get it set up in just a few minutes, and check my location on FINDU to make sure everything was working properly.
I second the recommendation to add APRS messaging, I think that would really close the loop. This is a great app, and was well worth the money.
2010-04-17
Product works well great idea
Try to find a way to add two way Text messaging, and you will have fulfilled part of the text messaging initiative for amateur radio without using the Internet!!!! It would be great to send a message to another aprs or winlink station. Cant wait for that update. Excellent update with audio in and audio out. Works great with my handheld. Was so excited when I discovered that new feature. And it works great!!! Keep up the good work!
2010-03-21
needs better documentation.
For example, there is no description of, nor does the Passcode exist in any screenshot. What is it for? Does it have anything to do with my not being able to connect to servers some of the time?
I also cannot change the Symbol to codes that I find on many APRS web pages. Some work, some don't with no pattern I can figure.
2010-02-10
Another useful Ham APP
Being an APRS buff. I downloaded this and couldn't get it to work, but the next day there was an update and it is working great. Unfortunately, without GPS in my iPod it thinks I am someplace out. This is Apple's issue not the Apps. 4 Stars