VU3EXJ Ham Tools
Your Virtual Radio Shack — Start experimenting with amateur radio before you buy your first rig!
🎉 New Ham? Got your license but no radio yet? Perfect! You can already start making contacts, sending APRS beacons, and learning digital modes.
APRS Beacon
Send your position to the global APRS network instantly. No radio required!
Send Beacon →EchoLink Guide
Make real voice QSOs using your phone or computer via internet-linked repeaters.
Get Started →Ham Tools
Calculate APRS passcodes, find grid squares, and explore propagation maps.
Explore Tools →🚀 Your Ham Radio Journey Starts Here
💻 Tools You Can Use Without a Radio
| Tool | Purpose | How to Start |
|---|---|---|
| 🎙️ EchoLink | Make real voice QSOs via internet-linked repeaters | Download app, register with license, connect to nodes |
| 📡 APRS | Broadcast location and messages over packet network | Use our beacon tool or APRS.fi |
| 📻 WebSDR | Listen to live ham bands worldwide | Visit websdr.org and tune in |
| 🌍 VOACAP | HF propagation prediction | Plan DX contacts with propagation maps |
🔊 Connect Over EchoLink
EchoLink connects ham repeaters and operators over the internet using VoIP — real voice QSOs, authenticated by your license.
🛠️ How to Register:
- Go to echolink.org/validation
- Upload your license PDF or photo ID
- Wait for approval (usually 1–2 days)
- Log in using your Call Sign (no suffix)
📱 Apps to Try:
- • Android: EchoLink on Play Store
- • iPhone: EchoLink on App Store
- • Windows: EchoLink for PC
🎯 Popular Nodes:
- • INDIA Conference Server
- • Repeater nodes (-R or -L suffix)
- • Regional conference rooms
📻 Digital Voice Networks
Access D-STAR, DMR, Fusion, and M17 networks from your computer or phone:
🥜 Peanut by PA7LIM
RECOMMENDEDAccess D-STAR, DMR, Fusion & M17 networks + SSTV rooms from Android/Windows/Mac/iOS.
📱 Download:
🎯 Features:
- • D-STAR/DMR/Fusion reflectors
- • Local rooms (ENGLISH, SPANISH, etc.)
- • SSTV image sharing
- • Free for licensed hams
Getting Started: 1. Request your code at register.peanut.network 2. Download the app 3. Login with your callsign + Peanut code
🌐 BlueDV
Another digital voice app by PA7LIM for D-STAR, DMR access with AMBE hardware support.
Visit BlueDV →📡 pi-star Hotspot
Run your own digital hotspot with Pi-Star (MMDVM) for D-STAR, DMR, Fusion at home.
Learn Pi-Star →🎵 M17 Project
Open-source digital voice protocol - the future of digital amateur radio.
Explore M17 →🛰️ Try APRS Beaconing
Send a one-time position beacon even without a radio!
You'll need:
- • Your Call Sign + SSID (e.g., VU3EXJ-10)
- • Your APRS Passcode (generate it here)
- • Your Coordinates (use Google Maps or GPS)
- • Optional status text like "Bengaluru test beacon from VU3EXJ"
🧠 Learn and Experiment
Explore these resources to deepen your ham radio knowledge:
🌎 Upcoming Tools on This Site
APRS Beacon Sender
Live and working!
EchoLink Node Finder
Find active nodes near you
Grid Locator Tool
Maidenhead grid calculations
Propagation Map
Real-time band conditions
Repeater Directory
India-focused repeater list
Digital Modes Guide
FT8, JS8Call, DMR tutorials
📬 Contact & Contribute
Want to contribute tutorials, repeater info, or code? We'd love your help!
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