Linux and ham radio go together very well. They share much of the same spirit of freedom, independence, and "do it yourself" attitude. Perhaps not surprisingly, there is a great deal of radio-related software available for Linux, much of it high quality, FreeSoftware, and free of charge. Some of this software is interesting even to non-hams - satellite tracking programs, for instance, or PC programs for listening to special modes, or for receiving WEFAX (weather faxes). Linux also offers a great deal of engineering-related software, such as circuit-design and diagramming programs.

Linux is beginning to get broader attention in the amateur radio community. See, for instance, "Digital Dimension", March 2004 QST, where Stan Horpeza WA1LOU writes, "In the days that followed the posting of my Linux Surfin' columns, I received more mail than about anything I've written in over a quarter of a century."

GNHLUG usually has a booth at Hosstraders Hamfest, to spread the word about Linux and GNHLUG, and (when possible) to demonstrate radio-related Linux software. If you were at Hosstraders, got a CD or talked to a GNHLUG member, and have questions, or need help, please consider joining one of our MailingLists (the "discuss" list is an open forum, suitable for asking questions), or perhaps attending one of the meetings held by OurChapters.

More information on radio-related software for Linux is available at many sites on the Web, including:

Software Directories

These sites are directories (listings) of radio-related software for Linux. If you are looking for a program to do a particular thing, try looking here.

• http://radio.linux.org.au -- this is the website we print out and bring with us to Hosstraders
• http://www.n9nu.net/linux/linux.php -- another listing, with an emphasis on the Mandrake distribution

Debian-Ham

http://debianham.sunsite.dk

Debian-Ham is a floppy-based Linux ham radio software system. It was conceived as an alternative to to K1EA's well-known "CT" program for Microsoft Windows.

Debian Dxpedition Disk

http://home.iae.nl/users/reinc/dxpedition_disk.html

This is a CD-based system designed for ham radio operations, especially DX Expeditions. It relies upon the use of a USB Memory Drive (commonly called "key drives" or "pen drives") to store data, config files, and the logging program TLF. It enables anyone to slip a CD into a laptop and boot into a Linux system with ham radio software loaded without touching the hard drive. TLF is a very full featured contest loging program, and worth using at the base station as well.

Knoppix-plus-ham

A German ham has created a customized version of the Knoppix CD-based Linux system which includes many ham applications ready to run, complete with icons on the desktop. Hubert (the author) has done a wonderful job with this project. The CD boots into a KDE desktop and there are many ham programs ready to run, as well as programs for using GPS. It has all the standard Knoppix applications as well.

He has just created an English-based version which is not yet on the servers, but Ed Lawson, a GNHLUG member, has received a privately-distributed copy for testing. If you would like a copy, please contact Ed Lawson via email: k1vp@grizzy*REMOVE*.com