Sometimes, all it takes is a quick browse through the internet to discover something useful for our amateur radio hobby. That’s how I came across POTACAT while reading Amateur Radio Weekly. It caught my attention because it combines several ham radio tools in one application and, even more interestingly, offers the ability to operate your radio remotely over the internet.
POTACAT is an application for Windows, macOS, and Linux that brings together spots from various sources, including POTA, SOTA, DX Cluster, and PSKReporter. It allows you to find active stations, view them on a map, and, with a compatible setup, automatically tune your transceiver to the desired frequency. The program also supports digital modes such as FT8 and FT4, along with QSO logging and integration with other popular amateur radio logging software.
What caught my attention the most, however, is ECHOCAT. It allows you to control your radio remotely and make voice contacts over the internet using your phone or a web browser. In practice, this means you can leave your HF transceiver in your home shack and, while away, connect to it from your phone, listen to received signals, speak into your phone’s microphone, and transmit through your own radio. You can also control the radio, including changing frequencies, without having to sit directly in front of it. Of course, this requires the appropriate configuration of your computer, radio, and internet connection.
This could be especially useful for operators who have a permanent antenna installation at home but would like to use it while traveling or from another location. Instead of taking all your equipment with you, you just need your phone and an internet connection.
The basic version of POTACAT is free, although some extras, including the native mobile app and optional remote-access services, may require payment. Overall, it looks like an interesting option for operators who want to combine station spotting, radio control, logging, and remote operation in one environment. I’m planning to take a closer look at what this software can do.
Find the program and more information here: https://potacat.com/
73!