Frequency Coordination
Keep channels, frequencies and rooms together on the Dispatch board, alongside station records, repeater directories and tactical map pins. Run as the Dispatch net host or connect as a Station.
Offline-first radio operations
Your radio.
A wider horizon.
Bring your Portable HRI-compatible Yaesu radio and local operations together. Coordinate frequencies, exchange messages, photos and files, and run local services from one offline-first console.
In development. The initial download is not yet available.
Backcountry DispatchSystem overview / 01
Portable HRI Yaesu radio
USB
Your local server
Runs locally
Works with offline data
Full data rate file transfers
Inside the software
A simplified setup for messaging and radio operations.
Coordinate a net, leave a message, move a file, or connect from your phone. These capabilities describe the current development software; the initial public download is still being prepared.
Messages, photos and files
Exchange GM text, photos and native files over radio. Photo and file transfers use full data rate mode. Transfer time depends on the file, radio and on-air conditions.
Local Services
Bring bulletin boards, stored messages, station information and radio-accessible services together. Local boards, topics, replies and attachments work without a radio connection; radio sharing is optional.
Repeater
Run a two-radio full-duplex repeater or a simplex parrot repeater for C4FM. Full-duplex mode receives on one radio while transmitting on the other; parrot mode records and replays a transmission. Configure frequencies and offsets for your setup.
Request notices and updates.
Set up text-message triggers for preconfigured auto replies, so stations can request notices and updates from your local server.
You choose the replies and when automatic responses are enabled. Reception depends on the radio link.
Connect with the X button.
A compatible radio can connect to the local server using its X button. Leave and check messages with the radio’s native voice and message interface.
The server computer and its USB-connected radio need to be running. Available services vary by radio and operating mode.
Your phone, on the local network.
The Android-first mobile app pairs with your local server over local Wi-Fi for messaging and voice push-to-talk (PTT) on supported, configured setups. The phone controls the server; the USB-connected radio remains the on-air link.
Voice PTT requires an enabled, ready server and radio session. The app is coming soon.
Battleship and chess, over the radio.
Challenge another Backcountry Dispatch station to Battleship or chess. Invitations, moves and game messages travel over the radio as text, with each player using a local server and its console.
Before you head out
Find your setup.
The current packaging process targets the platforms below. These are package targets, not a claim that public installers or platform certification are available today.
Desktop / x64
Windows
Setup executable and portable ZIP containing the application.
.exe / portable .zipDesktop / x64
Linux
Debian and Ubuntu package for amd64 systems.
.deb / amd64Small computer / ARM
Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi OS packages for 64-bit ARM and 32-bit ARMv7 systems.
.deb / arm64 · armhfWhat you’ll need
- A computer running one of the package-target systems, with a browser for the local console.
- For on-air operation: a Portable HRI-compatible Yaesu radio, a compatible USB cable, and a computer.
- For full-duplex repeating: two compatible radios and suitable RF isolation. Choose frequencies and offsets within your radios’ capabilities and the rules for your station.
Exact OS versions and minimum memory/storage requirements have not yet been published. Check the final release notes for the features and radio modes included in that build. No macOS installer is currently packaged.
Getting started
From download
to local console.
Once an approved public build is available, this is the packaged application’s setup flow. No source-code build is required for a packaged release.
Choose the right package
Use the installer for your operating system and architecture, or the Windows portable ZIP. Review the release notes, supplied license, and SHA-256 checksums before installation.
Install, then launch
On Windows, use the installed shortcut, or extract the portable ZIP and launch
backcountry-dispatch.exe. On Linux or Raspberry Pi, install the matching.debwith your package manager, then use the desktop launcher or runbackcountry-dispatch.Make it your station
The first launch opens the local dashboard when ready. Connect the compatible USB cable, select the appropriate Portable HRI mode, and configure your callsign and radio settings before on-air use. You can explore the dashboard and local data without a connected radio.
The trail ahead
Download.
Not quite at the trailhead.
Backcountry Dispatch is still in development. A public installer has not been published, and there is no download available from this site yet.
Public download unavailable
Public release checks and a public download destination are still pending. A verified installer link will be added here when available.
Review planned platformsAbout
The person
behind Dispatch.
I’m the person behind Backcountry Dispatch. My callsign is KJ7UDQ.
You can find me on Instagram:
@jaredringenberg.labs