weechat-radio:$
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weechat-radio:$ guides

Hands-on how-tos. Start at the top if this is your first time. Concepts and reference are in docs.

Start here

Try it with two computers

No radio, or two cheap walkie-talkies. Hear a message travel as sound.

new to radio →

5-minute start

Install, pick a name, send a test chat. No radio needed.

begin here →

Downloads

Copy one command. Windows, Mac, and Linux.

install →

Antennas

Size, height and bands, with calculators.

HF antennas

Dipole, end-fed, vertical, loop or beam: how long, how high, which bands.

calculator →

VHF and UHF antennas

From the handheld whip to a collinear on the roof: sizes and range.

calculator →

Get started

Your first ten minutes, no radio needed.

5-minute start

Install, pick a name, send a test chat. No radio needed.

Try it with two computers

No radio, or two cheap walkie-talkies. Hear a message travel as sound.

Troubleshooting

Administrator PowerShell, a slow install, and a PC clock that is off.

Install on your computer

Each system, a Pi gateway, and WeeChat.

Windows setup

PowerShell install, then the chat window.

macOS setup

One-line installer, then the chat window.

Linux setup

Install, then USB radio permission if you need it.

Raspberry Pi gateway

An always-on station on a Pi and a Digirig, run from a phone browser.

WeeChat

Use the WeeChat program instead of the built-in window.

Connect a radio

Add a radio for when the internet is down.

Pick a radio path

Four setups. Choose the picture that matches your station.

Supported radios

Pick your radio by name: X6100, G90, FT-710, QDX and more.

VR-N76 / UV-PRO over Bluetooth

Radios with a built-in TNC. No cable at all.

Handheld + Digirig

A walkie-talkie and a USB sound cable.

Any radio with VOX

A headphone cable. The radio keys when it hears tones.

HF rig with CAT

A big HF radio the computer can control over USB.

Plan a contact

Which band, frequency and power for a path.

Path planner

Drop two pins. Get a calling frequency, USB or FM, and a power.

Calling frequencies

Suggested VHF and HF spots. Check your band plan first.

Band plan

Every band from 160m to 23cm, plus CB and PMR446, to scale.

Also in docs → How it works · Signals and modes · For developers and hub operators