Mac For Portable Ham Radio Is Awesome!

There Is No Shortage Of Ham Radio Programs For Mac. I Just Bought A MacBook Air To Use For Portable Ham Radio. Here's What's On It. Check It Out!
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[@kenchilton]

Windows is a toy for gamers. Macs are made to do things.

[@terrybaileysr.3714]

Thank you!! We need you to be our Mac Ham expert. Tell us more about flrig and fldigi for Mac!!

[@hamradiotube]

I'm working on it. I honestly don't use flrig for anything but the G90. For some reason the G90 and Digirig combination require using flrig. The WSJT-X G90 setting won't work with it.

[@ghostmandka5498]

Bought my son a Macbook back in 2010. When he quit using it I gave it to my brother in law. He's still using it!

[@allanjones4283]

Great work Mike --- Thankyou!!

[@marcusalancate1782]

Thanks for the simplified steps.

[@levisorenson7873]

Another nice thing about using the MacBook is that it's not sucking in dust, smoke, debris, or whatever else when you're operating with it out in the field.

[@revadan]

Am an apple pro user… but eversince i started ham radio back in the 90s.. and using mixW, mmsstv, psk31, packet radio… and now ft8 ft4 .. im still using windows apps .. windows for ham radio here..

[@BradSnyder1]

Pretty cool Mike! At least you can get everything done on it that you need.

[@hamradiotube]

Very rarely do I ever need to use a windows computer. Other than some software for programing radios like Icom and Yaesu, or some of the Chinese ones I review, I can do everything on Mac.

[@mark12.31]

Cool to see that Macs are becoming more useable in the ham radio world. You're right, one of those older Airs like that (or even older) would likely work just find for most people (especially those who don't need to do video editing). I had to watch this more than once to catch everything but that's the advantage of KZbin. I thought some of those apps were still Windows-only so it's good to see the evolution of them to being Mac-friendly, as well.

[@JimmyKI5PRK]

Hey look Mom, I’m KZbin famous… great video Mike. 73 from KI5PRK

[@hamradiotube]

That's twice now!

[@Pilgrim420]

Cool stuff 👍

[@ferrysengun1692]

Hi Mike, wow, your video is really brilliant. Once again, I've learned a lot. I would like to thank you very much for your work here on KZbin. Greetings Ferry, HB9FEV

[@tomrut3653]

I’m with you on this Mike.

[@hamradiotube]

We must stand together in solidarity!

[@garymorgan242]

First off I am brand new to ham and I really not very computer savvy. And 6 years ago when my last windows crapped out I got my first MacBook Air which I still use every day and a Mac mini also where every year or two I had to replace the crapy windows computers. And I never dreamed it would be so diffcult finding ham software and programs for Mac. its crazy there isn't more out there. So thank you so much and I hope you do more of this type of content 🙏

[@N9PPX_Chris_Rhyno]

My wife and I just got the same MacBook Air! It was a great deal! See you at Dayton!

[@hamradiotube]

Nice! See you there. We'll be monitoring 146.48. Feel free to stop by Jasons camp site. Everyone is welcome. If you're driving, do bring chairs.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Congrats on the new MacBook Air! Once you go Mac, you never go back... The MacBook Air is a via option for me once my 2019 iPad Pro bites the dust. It does everything I need it to do when I'm portable.I've been making plans to retire my 2017 iMac within the next 6-8 months. 73!

[@JJ-el8li]

I simply went to Linux from Windows and cutout the bloatware from both Microsoft and Apple.

[@k2cjbradio]

YES YES YES!! I couldn’t agree with you more about Microsoft and Win-doze. I have an old HP in my shack that I absolutely hate. Years ago I looked for ham radio software/apps for Mac and there just weren’t any. You my friend have given me hope! Thank you!!! 73 de K2CJB

[@hamradiotube]

Oh dude, I've never felt "out of the loop" in terms of ham radio software for Mac. I stared off with a 2013 MBP, then got a used Mac Mini, then a ~2021 MBP, now the Air. There is hope for you!

[@JA1BJT]

Nice video. Thank you very much for sharing the information about using Mac in amateur radio. I also use the Mac Book Air M1 for mobile amateur radio operations. In Japan, there are few amateur radio operators who use Mac. Even Mac users often use Windows for amateur radio. I can't believe it at all. I hope more amateur radio operators will use Mac for their operations. GL 73 de JA1BJT

[@quadmods]

Finally someone that appreciates one of the best products Apple makes, the Magic Mouse. May I suggest you check out a usb-c multi function hub with PD changing input. That way you don’t lose a port to charging. Great pace and concise information, cheers 👍

[@AlanC.-ne4te]

Great work ..love your stuff. I have a MacBook Pro 2021 model, one of the first ones made.. and resisting Windows craptop..but I am considering a Kenwood D 75. They do not have IOS programming software yet..right? So I could only manually load repeaters etc to the Kenwood until they come out with some Mac software. Would you sweat that?

[@hamradiotube]

Unfortunately there are some things like what you are mentioning that I have to go do the windows side of things. Fortunately it's pretty rare.

[@JeffCowan]

I have had incredible reliability with mac hardware. 6 devices have all been flawless, which is weird... but if it works it works! Haha. No complaints at all.

[@hamradiotube]

It's not weird at all. That's what happens when you have a company that's passionate about making things that "just work". They're not without their flaws. Nobody's perfect. But for me, it's the right choice.

[@Preachb52]

Great Mike, Thanks. I could really use your help on getting my new M1 Walmart computer set up. Can you do a video on setting these programs up and adding to them, APRS and winlink. I’ve been in Ham radio for about 6 years now and having difficultly with all the digital stuff. Thanks again. I’ll be joining soon. 73, NO1PB

[@hamradiotube]

Well I don't do APRS or Winlink but here's a video on WSJT-X kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKqapoiHi5aqiLcsi=plp206OeeADfxIne and here's a link for HAMRS hamrs.app Just click on the Mac version and install it. I don't really have a how to video on that but it's pretty self explanatory. Here's a video on POLO kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqkYXyQi7yod6ssi=FllnwnQ-0P5H9ZNt and a link to download it on your Mac apps.apple.com/us/app/ham2k-portable-logger/id6478713938 Here's GridTracker kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqKlcqaFjZmAmsk gridtracker.org and here's Chirp kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYm0f6CNiJl0b9E That's the older "legacy" version but you can get that or Chirp Next (which I recommend) here: chirpmyradio.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download Hope that helps!

[@thuff3207]

I am a mac user as well and agree.

[@btaylor1948]

Nice Mike. I tried to use my Macbook Pro for my satellite work but had problems getting some of the necessary programs to load. No big deal. I have my laptop running it. Nice work with the Air! 73 Bob WB6TIS

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah there are a few things that might be a little challenging to find on a Mac. I've not looked at/for any satellite programs though.

[@danielvd77]

Macdoppler not enough for sat work ?

[@btaylor1948]

@@danielvd77 I use EA4TX automatic rotator system to control my G-450A/antenna through the satellite's path. His drivers are for Windows. Thanks though.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

I spent under 200 for a milspec field tablet used on Ebay. You can spill beer on the device and it won't die.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Was a windows user for 20. years... Switched about 10 years ago and never looked back!

[@hamradiotube]

Me too. I switched in ~2012. It's just so much better.

[@BryanDaniel42]

you should thank frank because he motivated you to move to all Mac computers

[@hamradiotube]

You're right. I should. But I won't lol! Actually just got done recording a podcast with him and told him about this.

[@Mandala03]

oh tq for your info, i'm using mac too, but it's hard to find software like N1MM for mac

[@davidreeder4728]

Love your video. I'm trying to find someone that can help me get JTDX into my MacBook. Keep getting errors.

[@scottgallagher5344]

I just upgraded from a $150 laptop to a $599 Mac mini for home use. The sound card in the Mac is amazing. On FT8 I am now decoding 40 to 50 calls every cycle and my signal reports have increased from -5s to 1s.

[@hamradiotube]

The Mac Mini is awesome! I still have one but it's Oolllllllddd. I think it's a 2014 maybe? Still works great. It was getting a little sluggish so I wiped the hard drive and reinstalled MacOS and it's stupid fast again.

[@henry87349]

I love my apple computers but I haven't found a way to do winlink on MacBook, any ideas?

[@KG6NLWMotoRadio]

Mac over EVERYTHING!!

[@FjHenderson]

Can't afford it myself, happy for you.

[@ccchas2]

Winlink: it's an extra expense but Parallels Desktop Winows in a VM works well.

[@NickFrom1228]

The nice thing about macs is if you do need to use a windows app, you can just install Parallels and run it without problem. One computer does it all. The only issue with parallels is it is a yearly subscription that is frankly a bit spendy in the long run. But at least you get all the updates for free etc.

[@Subgunman]

Still using a MacBook Pro from late 2013. Upgraded the HD to ssd and increased memory. These older Macs have a better keyboard than the new Macs. Can you do a dual boot to bring up Winblows on the MacBooks? Will the older MacBooks run all of the ham programs? Need for windows is for programming Motorola Commercial radios if running Winblows ? Any info on running the most popular SDR programs in the Macs? BTW running High Sierra ver. 10.13.6 (yeah old sh**)

[@jamesemery1]

tbh windows and the mac Os both have problems and benefits. Linux is the best option can run both windows and mac programs (using a shell/sandbox programme). you don't even have to install linux it can run from a usb memory stick. carry it on your keys you have you operating system with you at all times any pc or mac that can run boot from usb will run linux natively. linux runs so little resources compared to windows and mac os you can use a 10 year plus old laptop and it will run a lot faster on linux

[@ChrisBeiting]

I just picked up a 2015 13" MacBook Pro at Micro Center for $229 -- figured it has to be better than the Evolve III

[@MrJimmy440]

Mike, great video as always, but where are you getting the software to work with a MAC BOOK ? I have a MAC BOOK PRO and couldn’t get anything to install to it for FT-8 ? what am I missing ? Thanks Jim

[@hamradiotube]

Scroll down and instal the Mac version. wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx.html Make sure to read the "read me" file in the downloaded package. Theres a code you need to run in Terminal. It's easy copy and paste. This video will help you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKqapoiHi5aqiLcsi=DZjqybfwhjrCUwY4 at about the 1 minute mark.

[@MrJimmy440]

@@hamradiotube I will also be getting another MAC for POTA purposes only and completing my exit from any and all WINDOWS products sir 73 Jim

[@N1ERA-73]

I hear ya Mike.. It is a Windows world fo rthe most part but macOS is awesome.. I have a Mac-Air M2 with 24 gis ram absolutley love it.. and love the fact 1 USB-c cable to the battery box is Nice! No more Microsoft WinBlows! lol

[@AndrewR2130]

I recently picked up a refurbished lenovo thinkpad t490 usb c charging, plenty of ports plus can add more with a type c hub use it for ft8 and logging when out portable, didn't want to spend hundreds if not thousands on something that's going to be beaten on, outside ect and on top of that i can get replacement parts fairly easy for it should i kill something, personally i cant stand Mac os i used to daily drive an iPad since switched to an android tablet, now i can run all the apps i can on my phone including ft8cn so if im doing lightweight portable i just take my tablet vs my laptop

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I can always use help with ham digital programs

[@mononajake3058]

Which docking station ate you using between macbook and digital interface?

[@heiser_bill]

I like Mac (and use it as my primary computer) but it's tough to justify $700-800 vs the much less expensive low end Windows laptops, especially the "jankopotomus" (I know it's no comparison but many will say it's "good enough" for playing radio). If one doesn't like Windows there's always Linux.

[@henry87349]

Mike can you do a video on connecting radio with WSJT-X on a MacBook. I have mine connected and CAT control working but seen nothing on the WSJT-X waterfall. I don't think the computer is hearing the radio. Im using a 710 and I have a digirig for portable with 891. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@tlcgolden]

Will this do Winlink?

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Mike-what was the total cost or the Macbook Air + Mouse + cables/adapters?

[@hamradiotube]

700 for the Mac, ~65 for the mouse and maybe ~20 for the adapters.

[@outdoorsman3147]

Does WSJTX support Dstar? Looking for a Mac software to operate for digital

[@rickinmi]

Wow. I'm still using a powerbook with a power pc processor... I'll have to look into this new-fangled "air" 'puter you kids are all using these days! Seems to have good graphics processing power.

[@AA9SK]

I have to agree with you Mike. I can’t stand Windows. I’ve been using Macs for at least 15 years

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I just bought one (M1 MacBook Air) and agree that it is a fantastic laptop. There is software to do pretty much anything ham related on it except, maybe, Winlink email. But, there are ways to get around that, too. I agree...the Windows operating system sucks big time.

[@Attribthedog]

Ham Radio Deluxe is the only reason I'd be sticking to Windows. I will try wine or a VM.

[@scottmorris4914]

Not all iPad apps work. I tried downloaded the ARRL magazine app, and it didn’t recognized the keyboard. Incould login by copy-n-paste the UID and password. Opened a magazine, and could not go back to main page.

[@truckinguy92]

How did you get PoLo on there? Test flight is needed for beta apps on iOS. So how does this work with Mac?

[@chuckrann9784]

How do I connect my TS 440 to a Mac Book Air? Or Pro? Do I need something like a Signal Link?

[@JimRinaldi-KC8KYQ]

Mike - I love your videos and I am an ALL MAC guy as well. Macbook Pro, ipad Pro and iMac. I use them all for ham radio purposes and wouldn't change a thing! 73 de KC8KYQ

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

cool dude, I dislike windows too! 13" MacAir Rocks! I have the M1.

[@zanepullen8927]

Is there a good option for using winlink on there?

[@ralphnunn3]

Wait. Since when did Chirp start working on Apple Silicon? I have that exact same machine, and haven't found a version of Chirp to work on it. Obviously, I missed it...

[@sonnyjrcruz3022]

Lovely and truly great...! Got to learn and understand how to did that all and keep rolling. Cheers and 73 de 4G1KLG

[@CoolStuff..]

Cool

[@SteveBerwick]

How about wireless CAT control for the 705 For Digital/FT8?? Does that work?

[@hamradiotube]

Yep. You can do that too. Either the free wfview wfview.org or the $100 SDR Control for Icom will do that. apps.apple.com/us/app/sdr-control-for-icom/id1592313285?mt=12

[@truckinguy92]

What do you do if you need to edit an .adif file? I searched and couldn’t find anything in the Apple Ecosystem to deal with them?

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I have yet to, but I'm going to put linux on my very old windows computer. My main complaints about windows are bloat and unnecessary updates.

[@Radio.Norbair]

How did you upgrade G90 firmware on Mac?

[@Dennis_856]

Question, will you let Frank touch that new Mac out in the field?

[@hamradiotube]

I think you already know the answer to that question.

[@padreandrew2822]

14.300 - you need to QSY lest you incur the wrath of the MMSN, they own that frequency.

[@09keller]

Mike, what model number? Get on Amazon?

[@hamradiotube]

I got it at Walmart actually, lol. I couldn't find any on Amazon that weren't used or refurbished. I wanted a brand new one. It's this one. www.walmart.com/ip/Apple-MacBook-Air-13-3-inch-Laptop-Space-Gray-M1-Chip-8GB-RAM-256GB-storage/715596133

[@youtubeaccount931]

best macbook 2012 macbook pro

[@andrewfiertek5937]

Is there anyway to update software on radio’s with a Mac? I’m trying desperately not to purchase a Windows (not even a cheap) useless computer.

[@tonyd6884]

I think the big question is are you going to let Frank use it?

[@kennethblackwell1137]

No Apples or Windows in my house.....Long LIve Linux......

[@hamradiotube]

I mean, MacOS is kinda based off of Linux...ish

[@KS0JD]

If you use DMR, what do you use for DMR CPS? 73

[@hamradiotube]

For DMR and a very few select things, I do regretfully need to use Winblows. But the times I need to use it are so seldom. Maybe a few times a year?

[@ki5exydanny104]

Will it run Winlink?

[@hamradiotube]

www.wg1v.org/posts/2023-12-27-Winlink-and-Pat-on-M1-Mac/

[@kokohenker9439]

Iam intrest in Winlink for Mac but Cant find a Easy Solution 73 From Germany

[@hamradiotube]

Someone else asked that question. I've not used Winlink but a simple search on Yahoo (I know right?) "winlink for Mac" brought this up. www.wg1v.org/posts/2023-12-27-Winlink-and-Pat-on-M1-Mac/ Oddly I didn't see it on Google.

[@bravocharlie011074]

Wow, CHIRP on Mac. Where can i find the download link? Thanks

[@hamradiotube]

Google Chirp Download. archive.chirpmyradio.com/chirp_next/next-20240511/

[@bravocharlie011074]

@@hamradiotube thank you so much

[@terrynichols3040]

What os is on the mac air..

[@hamradiotube]

It came with Ventura. I could upgrade to Sonoma if I wanted too.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

mmmm….the cheapest macbook air from Apple is $999 , where did you get that older M1 version ?

[@hamradiotube]

That's the new model. I couldn't find the one I have on Amazon so I went to Walmart and got mine. www.walmart.com/ip/Apple-MacBook-Air-13-3-inch-Laptop-Space-Gray-M1-Chip-8GB-RAM-256GB-storage/609040889?athbdg=L1200&from=/search

[@lstavenhagen]

Yes, excellent. I'm also a long time Mac head and accustomed to being neglected by the ham software community. But looks like not anymore! 73, AI5QA

[@hamradiotube]

Other than when I first got into ham radio, I've never felt left out due to a lack of programs on Mac for radio. There's maybe not as many as Winblows, but the ones that are out there are pretty darn good. I absolutely love RUMlogNG! Ham Radio Deluxe has been teasing a Mac version for a couple years now but it has not come to fruition yet. They've offered me a product key when it comes out, but honestly, I don't know if I'd actually switch away from RUMlogNG. To be fair, I haven't really used HRD either, but I do know of its capabilities. Sure, there's still a couple things that I need a windows computer for like programing my Icom or Yaesu radios with their respective software, but the times I need it are very few and far between.

[@lstavenhagen]

@@hamradiotube Well I'm a "retread" - just got my ticket back a couple weeks ago, so the last time I was in ham radio was about a decade ago. The mac has come a long way since then, thank goodness! I'm using HAMRS and hope to figure out FT8 one of these days hi hi, 73

[@hamradiotube]

Lol retread! Welcome back to the hobby. I've got a video on FT8 that might help you out too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKqapoiHi5aqiLcsi=MyDv9OcY8KggDYo-

[@lstavenhagen]

@@hamradiotube Yeah I've seen it - it's great! I just need to review it again. BTW, I'm in Bryan, so Huntsville and Bastrop parks are ones I plan to activate in POTA soon as I get my portable act together. I may email you for details on what to do there. Tnx es 73, Lucien, AI5QA

[@hamradiotube]

@@lstavenhagen I was just at Bastrop a couple weeks ago. This video might help a little. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoPFeX2jfN6qlas

[@dougdaniels]

Are you going to let Tank use it?

[@hamradiotube]

Haha, you got jokes! No. Never.

[@don_n5skt]

@@hamradiotube 🤣

[@allanjones4283]

Shouldn't have to AirDrop anything or any DB. It's 2024, not 2004.

[@allanjones4283]

Annnnnd yep, we live in the Apple world.

[@blahdiadem]

I love apple but Yaesu does not like to play nice like the Icom stuff.

[@hamradiotube]

See I never had that problem. Yaesu FT-450, and 891 worked just fine for me on Mac. I do use Icom more, but they both work.

[@SteveBerwick]

I'm not even a Windows hater, but for some reason the MS+Intel conglomerate cannot figure out how to make Software+CPU that doesn't *suck battery* like there's no tomorrow. I don't understand how none of their higher-ups have any clue about how a 'portable device' is supposed to function!! Macbook Air for the win!

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Some days I swear you can read my mind. Just a few days ago I was pondering if I should get a 13" Macbook Air for portable radio. Please, please don't make videos about the other things I think about! I want to keep up the illusion that I'm a somewhat decent human.

[@ik04]

And it can run Linux, too!

[@hamradiotube]

Just because it can, doesn't mean it should lol!

[@charleswoods4830]

But Apple tends to hold their resale value significantly more than PCs

[@hamradiotube]

That they do.

[@N4TNA]

This is a general observation and is not 100% accurate, but generally most of the hams I know that are Apple users prefer Icom radios. Most of the hams I know that use Windows and Android phones prefer Yeasu radios. Am I the only one who noticed this or is it a more widespread generalization?

[@hamradiotube]

I have both and have used them both on Mac. I don't thing the brand of radio has anything to do with it.

[@N4TNA]

@@hamradiotube you've mentioned in at least a few videos that you prefer the menu structure of Icom radios over Yeasu. I also own both Mac and Windows machines and both Icom and Yeasu radios. I'm the exact opposite as you. I don't like Icom's menu structure and prefer Yeasu's menus. With the exception of the FTM-500DR, Yeasu engineers must have been high that day. I hate Mac OS I only tolerate it because Adobe can't seem to make any of it's products work as good on Windows as they do on Mac OS. Like I said it's just a general observation and I'm not saying either one of us are right or wrong for liking what we like I just noticed the coincidence that Mac users like Icom better and Windows people prefer Yeasu. Another observation is that a lot of the Linux guy's where I live are Kenwood fans.

[@ZeroHarry]

Mike, this video is very bias towards Mac. You offered no reason why Windows sux! No problem at all, I can offer many reasons why Windows sux! Just noticed that Apple now released the M3 Macbook Air. Good on you for being a HAM & Mac user!

[@hamradiotube]

yeah they released that a while ago, but it's a bit more expensive than I need.

[@RoelandJansen]

Neh. Crap.

[@snokones]

Ugh Mac

[@hamradiotube]

Hahaha! I was thinking of you when I made this video!

[@montantico]

Thank you!!! Also a mac user on ham radio!!! 73´s de HI3MPC

[@PendejoRyan]

Im not mad. Im just disappointed.

[@hamradiotube]

Don't be. Be happy that I'm happy. And be happy that there is a better OS than Windows, who actually stole the whole windows idea from Apple. So there's that...

[@PendejoRyan]

@@hamradiotube are you sure you've got that right? Apple stole almost all of their ideas for their hardware and software. Look at the mouse: they stole it from Xerox.

[@craigheinze2789]

​@@hamradiotube Who stole the idea from Xerox. (I use Arch btw)