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.
New to Open Signal?
Start with the overview — what it does, the honest status, and how the pieces fit together.