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Switching to linux for Ham radio?

Parod

Member
Joined
May 6, 2025
Messages
6
I've got aging Macs and a dying Windows PC running HRD, with Apple moving to M-series chips and retirement ahead, I'm thinking of keeping the iMac for legacy tasks and switching to Linux long-term. For hams using Linux full-time, how are you handling digital modes, rig control, and HRD-like functions?
 
A lot of Linux hams use WSJT-X and Fldigi for digital modes with Hamlib handling rig control. For logging, CQRLOG is a pretty decent choice. Theres no exact HRD equivalent, but with a bit of setup, these tools could really work well together and cover most of what HRD does

 
I've used WSJT-X a bit, so good to know it plays nice with Hamlib, I'll check out Fldigi and CQRLOG as I transition over
 
73 Linux is a package of ham-related applications that sits on a typical Debian Linux installation (like Ubuntu or Mint). Here's the link to the repo with a readme: https://github.com/km4ack/73Linux/tree/master

Jason/KM4ACK is the creator and is actively maintaining 73 Linux.

An old IBM Thinkpad running Mint is what I use with my G90 running js8call and wsjt-x and it works really well. I did pick up an Evolve III laptop for $98 running Windows for use in a portable/pota situation. It still has Windows on it and I'll give that a try. If it doesn't work well for me, I can always install Linux on it.
 
Personally, I like the Kubuntu distro of Linux. I think the GUI is more intuitive and an easier transition from Windoze. Good luck.
 
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