✅ Recommendation: Use arcOS for Digital Ham Radio
We recommend arcOS, a Linux distribution purpose-built for amateur radio, as the preferred operating system for digital operations across HF, VHF, and UHF. Whether you’re working FT8, Winlink, packet, or APRS — in the shack or in the field — arcOS delivers a ready-to-operate platform with minimal setup.
arcOS is the official ham radio operating system of the Society for Progress Amateur Radio Club (SPARC).
🔧 Why arcOS?
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Preloaded with Essential Tools
Includes WSJT-X (FT8), JS8Call, Pat (Winlink), FLDigi, Direwolf, Xastir, and more — preinstalled and preconfigured. -
Supports All Bands
Built for HF, VHF, and UHF digital modes, including APRS, packet radio, and VARA FM/HF. -
Portable and Flexible
Runs well on laptops and low-power devices — great for home stations, mobile rigs, and go-kits. -
Minimal Setup
Skip the install headaches. arcOS comes ready to connect to your radio, control it via CAT or audio interface, and start operating. -
Ham-Focused Design
Features built-in GPS tools, NTP time sync, rig control (hamlib), and grid square awareness — everything a digital operator needs. -
Community-Driven
Developed and maintained by amateur radio operators with regular updates and active community support.
🏁 Get Started
Official Website:
🌐 https://arcos-linux.com
Download ISO:
📥 https://sourceforge.net/projects/arcos-linux/
Flash to a USB stick or SD card using balenaEtcher or Rufus, boot up, and get on the air — digitally.