I have always asked myself two fundamental questions regarding my amateur radio setups: Can it be simpler? Can it be more efficient?

For field operations, I really enjoy my Icom 705 GoBox. However, for hotel trips with strictly limited luggage, even this compact setup is still too heavy. Every year, it is my athletic goal to make it even cleaner and more compact. In doing so, I encounter a “first-world problem”: As an Apple user, I rely 95% on my iPhone and iPad for both professional and private life. Since I operate 95% in digital amateur radio, I need a setup that integrates seamlessly into this ecosystem.

One thing is clear: Carrying additional computers – even if I sometimes solved it with a Raspberry Pi5 USB-C gadget in the past – is no longer contemporary for me. And Windows? That is fundamentally not an alternative for me.

The good news: The software landscape for iOS and iPadOS has matured to the point where it enables full radio operation. Here is my current “Digital Stack”:

• N-76-App: BS HT
• APRS: APRS.fi
• FT4/FT8: iFTx
• WSPR: APRSWatch
• Winlink (RPR, Packet, Ardop): RadioMail
• Packet Radio: Packet Commander
• SAT Tracking: ISS Detector
• SSTV: SimpleSSTV
• Repeater Info: Repeaterbook
• HF Propagation: HamPulse

To power this software landscape, my current travel setup consists of:

• VHF/UHF: VERO VGC N-76 (with internal KISS TNC)
• HF: ELECRAFT KX2 (with internal antenna tuner)
• Interface: LiNK 500 (Soundcard, RPR TNC, and GPS Interface)
• The Brain: iPhone 15 Pro (thanks to USB-C!)
• Antenna: Dipole (2 x 5m)
• Mast: SOTABEAMS Carbon 6 (6m)
• Power: GOTOBI 18,400mAh Powerbank (with 5V and 12V output)
• Accessories: A set of suitable power and USB cables

This allows me to fully utilize my favorite operating modes while on the go. Everything is so compact that it fits into a few small bags. “Grab and go” is my motto – whether traveling, at QRP locations, or in a hotel room. I always carry the iPhone and the N-76 anyway. With this minimal addition, I can now be active on shortwave at any time. And yes, it works also good with my iPad pro.