There are many free software programs available for shortwave listeners and ham radio operators. Some popular options include:
- HDSDR: A software-defined radio (SDR) program that allows users to listen to and record shortwave radio signals. It is compatible with a wide range of SDR hardware.
- SDR#: Another SDR program that is popular among shortwave listeners and ham radio operators. It has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, including support for multiple SDR hardware devices.
- Ham Radio Deluxe: A comprehensive logging, rig control, and digital modes software package.
- Fldigi: A digital mode software that allows users to transmit and receive text and data messages over the air. It is commonly used by ham radio operators for digital modes such as PSK31 and RTTY.
- WSJT-X: A software suite that includes several digital modes specifically designed for weak-signal communication, including FT8, JT65, and JT9. It is popular among ham radio operators for making contacts in challenging propagation conditions.
- CHIRP: A program for programming and managing amateur radio repeaters and frequencies. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
There are many other free software programs available as well, each with its own specific features and capabilities. It is worth exploring different options to find the one that best meets your needs and interests.
Here is a nice list of software utilities for the shortwave listener and ham radio operators
Most of this free software for amateur radio or shortwave runs on Windows platforms.
- RFSim99 – Free RF Design Software
- AppCAD – Free RF Design Tool
- WinSmith – Smith Chart software (for Windows 32-bit)
- TX-line – Transmission Line Calculator
- AWR 4nec2 – Free 2D and 3D Antenna Software
- Qucs – Free RF Circuit Simulator
- LTspice – Free Spice Simulator
- Sonnet Lite – Free EM Software
- Feko Lite – Free EM Software
- Ansoft Designer SV – Free RF Circuit Simulator
- CST Student Edition – Free EM Simulator
- TonneSoftware – Free RF Software’s
- SMWLink – Free MW Link and Satellite Software
- ADIsimPLL – Free PLL Simulation Software
- ADIsimRF – Free RF System Design Tools
- FilterLab – Free Active Filter Design Software
- CircuitMaker – Free Spice Simulator
- Micro-Cap – Free Circuit Simulator
- MPLAB-Mindi – Free Analog Simulator
- SimSmith – Smith Chart Tool
- Smith v4.1 – Smith Chart and S-Parameter Tool
- RF & Microwave – Graphical Design Tools
- Amanogawa – Interactive RF Java Applets
- DL5SWB – Toroid Ring Core Calculator
- Toroids.info – Online Toroid Calculator
- Dishal – Free Crystal Ladder Filter Software
- Afar Communications – RF Link Budget Calculator
- Murata – Online RF Components Characteristics
- Johanson – RF Components Modeling Program
- Afreet Software Inc. – Free Ham Radio Software
- MultiSIM Education – Free Spice Simulator
- RF Wireless World – RF Converters and Calculators
- Pasternack – RF Calculators and Conversions
- Planar Spiral Coil Inductor Calculator
- Online LC Filter Design – WA4DSY
- Online RF Calculators – VK2ZAY
- Impedance Calculators – Mantaro
- Qorvo – RF Design Calculators and Tools
- SIMetrix/SIMPLIS – Free Circuit Simulator
- NgSpice – Free Mixed Mode Simulator
- All About Circuits – RF Tools and Calculators
- PCB Calculator – Impedance, Crosstalk, Current
- Coaxial Cable and Matched Loss Calculator
- Online Calculators for DIY Coil Winding
- Micro-Cap – Free Spice and Schematic Software
- OwenDuffy – Online RF Calculators