Frequently asked questions
Do you need the internet? Does the other station need Open Signal? What frequency, where are your files, and how do you move to a new computer?
Do I need the internet to use Open Signal?
No — the radio side (SSTV, digital, photo-over-RF, text) is fully offline. Internet adds the extras: hybrid sends, the map/presence, profiles, galleries, reception reports and updates.
Does the other station need Open Signal?
For analogue SSTV, no — any SSTV software receives it. Photo, digital and hybrid modes need Open Signal at both ends.
What frequency should I use?
The app defaults to 144.550 MHz (2 m). Set whatever your local activity uses in Settings — with CAT connected, the app follows your VFO anyway.
Is my data private?
Presence (callsign, grid, frequency) is visible while you’re on air — that’s the point of the map. Published pictures are opt-out (turn publishing off any time). Settings backup stores your portable config against your callsign; sign-in codes are one-use and expire in minutes.
Why does my picture look different after sending in SSTV?
Analogue SSTV is lossy by nature. Use Photo mode for pixel-perfect delivery between Open Signal stations.
Can I run it on a Raspberry Pi / Mac?
Not today. Windows 10/11 and 64-bit desktop Linux (x64) are supported. The Pi (ARM) and macOS aren’t built yet.
Where are my files?
Windows: %APPDATA%\OpenSignal. Linux: ~/.config/OpenSignal. Settings, galleries, the log database and every received picture as a plain file.
How do I move to a new computer?
Install, run the wizard, sign in — profile and portable settings restore automatically. Re-pick your audio devices (deliberately not carried over). See Sign in and restore.
The GIF I sent arrived as a still. Why?
You sent it via SSTV or digital — those transmit stills by nature. Hybrid and photo modes carry the file intact and keep the animation. Details.
Who runs the service?
Open Signal is a trading name of Gander Web Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company no. 14990387. The same company invoices licences, holds the account data and publishes the terms, privacy policy and refund policy. Who runs Open Signal sets out who bills you, where your data sits and how to reach a person.
New to Open Signal?
Start with the overview — what it does, the honest status, and how the pieces fit together.