# PulseModem A

> Send & receive AX.25 APRS

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1424005647](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1424005647)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1424005647`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Pulsely Consulting
- **Category:** Travel
- **Rating:** 3.40 / 5 (39 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.0.7
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-09
- **First published:** 2018-08-13
- **Size:** 14 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-21
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsemodem-a/id1424005647)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.pulsemodem.com/pages/privacy-policy/](https://www.pulsemodem.com/pages/privacy-policy/)

## Description

Completely rebuilt in SwiftUI. Live APRS-IS feed, real-time map, GPS beaconing in background, country flags, and Mic-E decoding all in one app, with watchOS support

PulseModem A is the APRS client for licensed Amateur Radio operators on iPhone and iPad.

Connect to the global APRS-IS network and watch nearby stations appear on a live map in real time — each one drawn with its authentic APRS symbol icon and a country flag derived from its callsign prefix.

LIVE APRS-IS FEED
- Connects to rotate.aprs.net with a geographic filter centred on your GPS location
- Displays raw packets as they arrive, colour-coded by type
- Auto-connect on launch — PulseModem A is ready before you finish your coffee
- Decodes uncompressed, Base91 compressed, and Mic-E packets (common in Kenwood and Yaesu radios)

INTERACTIVE MAP

- Every station plotted with its real APRS symbol PNG — car, hiker, weather station, digipeater, and hundreds more
- Tap any pin to see a callout; tap the callout to open the full station detail
- Centres on your location at city level the moment a GPS fix is available
- Your own beacon appears on the map immediately after sending

STATION LIST
- Full searchable list of received stations
- Country flag next to every callsign, resolved from the standard cty.dat prefix database
- iPad split-view: select a station on the left, see full details on the right
- One tap to look up any callsign on QRZ.com — right inside the app, no browser switch

GPS BEACONING
- Send your position to the APRS network with a single tap
- Choose your station symbol from a searchable visual grid of all APRS symbols
- Add an optional comment to your beacon packet
- Encoded in Base91 compressed format for maximum compatibility

SETTINGS & COMPATIBILITY
- Callsign and passcode stored securely in the Keychain
- Upgrading from an earlier version? Your callsign, passcode, and preferences carry over automatically
- Adjustable filter radius, fallback coordinates for GPS-denied environments
- Supports receive-only mode (passcode -1) — no transmit license required to monitor

REQUIREMENTS
A valid amateur radio license is required to transmit on APRS. Anyone may receive and monitor.

RF Receive and RF Transmit (direct audio-port TNC operation) are under re-development and will return in an upcoming update.

APRS is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga.

## Rankings

- #215,758 — Overall

## Review summary

PulseModem A is praised for being free and easy to use, letting you TX via RF with an iPhone and any radio and connect to APRS-IS. Reviewers highlight a clean interface and the ability to use RF or Internet for APRS. However, recurring issues include RF decode/receive problems and transmissions not appearing in the app, setup/connectivity glitches (swapped host/password fields), missing essential features (auto beacon, messaging), and occasional crashes. Overall it’s a solid free entry point with room for feature improvements and reliability enhancements.

### Pros

- Free app
- TX via RF with iPhone and any radio; no need for an expensive TNC
- Works with APRS-IS / TCP/IP connectivity
- Clean/simple, easy-to-use interface

### Cons

- RF receive/decode not working as expected; own transmissions not visible in the app
- Connection/setup issues due to swapped/mislabelled host/password fields and difficulty connecting with valid callsign
- Missing essential features like auto-beacon and messaging interface (no periodic beacon, no messaging)
- Stability issues including crashes and inability to open the app on some devices

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1424005647)