You can use amateur radio networks without owning a physical radio. QSO One and Z3DMR turn a supported phone or computer into an internet-connected push-to-talk client. They are useful for licensed amateurs who are travelling, cannot install an aerial, want to try a digital mode before buying hardware, or need an accessible way to join a net.
No radio does not mean no licence
These apps are designed for licensed amateur radio operators. To transmit, you need a valid callsign and must follow the rules and access requirements of every network you use. DMR normally also needs a personal DMR ID and network credentials. Your phone does not transmit RF, but a linked repeater or gateway may retransmit your audio over amateur frequencies.
QSO One or Z3DMR?
| Feature | QSO One | Z3DMR |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms now | Android 8+; Windows 10/11 64-bit; iPhone/iPad public beta through TestFlight (iOS/iPadOS 16+) | Android 7+ |
| Main purpose | One client for several amateur voice networks | DMR-focused internet transceiver |
| Networks/modes | AllStarLink, EchoLink, IAX Direct, DMR, YSF, M17 and P25 | DMR masters using Homebrew or Open DMR Terminal |
| Licence | Valid amateur radio licence and callsign | Valid amateur radio licence and callsign |
| DMR requirement | DMR ID and the chosen network's credentials for DMR use | Seven-digit DMR ID and the chosen network's credentials |
| Cost | Free; optional supporter contributions | Free; official site says no ads or in-app purchases |
| Best for | Operators wanting several networks in one app | Android users wanting a detailed DMR-only interface |
QSO One: AllStar, EchoLink, DMR, YSF, M17 and P25
What it does
QSO One is a modern software client built by KD8JKK. It combines several amateur radio internet networks in one interface and provides on-screen, keyboard or compatible Bluetooth push-to-talk.
It can connect through AllStarLink Node or Web Transceiver modes, operator-issued IAX Direct credentials, EchoLink, several DMR networks, YSF reflectors, M17 reflectors/modules and P25 talkgroups.
What you need
- A valid amateur radio licence and callsign.
- A free QSO One account using your email address and callsign.
- Android 8 or later, 64-bit Windows 10/11, or an iPhone/iPad that meets the Apple TestFlight beta requirements.
- A microphone, speaker or headset and a reliable internet connection.
- Separate network accounts where required—for example EchoLink validation, AllStarLink credentials or a DMR ID.
Current platform availability
QSO One has full releases for Android and Windows. A public iPhone and iPad beta is also available through Apple TestFlight. This is pre-release test software rather than the finished public App Store version; QSO One's own download page still lists the full iOS release as coming soon. Apple currently requires iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 or later for TestFlight iOS/iPadOS apps, and the developer may apply additional device, OS, build or tester limits.
How to get started with QSO One
- Confirm your licence and callsign. The official service requires a valid amateur radio callsign to operate.
- Create a free QSO One account. Register at the official site using your email address and callsign.
- Install the app. Use Google Play for Android or the Microsoft Store for Windows. Direct APK and Windows downloads are available after signing in. For iPhone or iPad, follow the TestFlight beta steps below.
- Choose a network. Select AllStarLink, EchoLink, IAX Direct, DMR, System Fusion/YSF, M17 or P25.
- Add that network's details. Requirements differ: EchoLink needs a validated EchoLink account; DMR needs your DMR ID and network access; IAX Direct needs credentials from the node operator.
- Check audio before transmitting. Select the correct microphone and speaker, use headphones if possible, listen first, identify with your callsign and keep the first over short.
How to install the QSO One beta on iPhone or iPad
- Check your device. Apple currently requires iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 or later for iOS/iPadOS TestFlight apps. QSO One can set stricter tester criteria, and places or compatible builds may not always be available.
- Install Apple's TestFlight app. Download TestFlight from the App Store on the iPhone or iPad you want to use.
- Open the QSO One invitation. On that device, visit the official QSO One public beta link. Tap View in TestFlight if Apple shows that option.
- Join and install. In TestFlight, tap Accept, then Install. A returning tester will see Update or Open instead.
- Sign in and configure QSO One. Open the beta, sign in with your QSO One account and licensed callsign, then add the separate credentials required by the amateur network you want to use.
- Keep the beta updated. TestFlight builds are available for up to 90 days from upload. Enable automatic updates or install the latest build when TestFlight alerts you. Beta software may change, expire or contain faults, so report problems through TestFlight.
If you cannot see Install: check that TestFlight is installed, the invitation is open on a compatible iPhone or iPad, and the device meets any criteria shown under Learn More. Public beta places and active builds are controlled by the developer.
Privacy tip: network passwords are credentials. Do not post them in screenshots, forums or support messages. QSO One's credential syncing is optional; read the official privacy page before enabling it.
Z3DMR: a software DMR transceiver on Android
What it does
Z3DMR is produced by Radio Amateur Club Z37CPR. It connects directly to compatible DMR master servers using the Homebrew repeater protocol or Open DMR Terminal (ODTP). It provides group and private calls, talkgroup directories, profiles, favourites, activity, hardware/Bluetooth PTT support and optional APRS features.
The app uses an on-device MD-380 AMBE vocoder. The required firmware is downloaded once when first needed.
What you need
- A valid amateur radio licence and callsign.
- A personal seven-digit DMR ID registered to your callsign.
- Android 7.0 or newer and an internet connection.
- Authorised access to a compatible DMR master.
- The master or hotspot security password required by that network.
- Microphone permission; notifications are used for status and incoming calls.
How to get started with Z3DMR
- Obtain your DMR ID. Register through RadioID using your licensed callsign if you do not already have a seven-digit personal ID.
- Install Z3DMR. Google Play is the simplest route. The developer also provides an official APK archive for manual installation.
- Allow the required permissions. Microphone access is needed for transmit audio. Optional features request their own permissions when enabled.
- Download/test the vocoder firmware. Let the app fetch the MD-380 vocoder component when first required, then use its firmware self-test if needed.
- Create a profile. Enter a profile name, your callsign, DMR ID and an ESSID where the selected protocol requires one.
- Choose the master and enter its password. Pick a server from the app directory or add an authorised custom Homebrew/ODTP server. Use the password issued or configured for that network.
- Select a talkgroup, connect and listen first. Check that the channel is clear before PTT. Use a time-out timer and avoid long overs.
BrandMeister users: use the personal hotspot security password from BrandMeister SelfCare—not your SelfCare login password. Other networks may use different authentication, so follow their own instructions.
How to connect QSO One or Z3DMR to CumbriaCQ
These are the simplest app routes into CumbriaCQ. You still need a valid amateur radio licence and callsign. For DMR, use your own registered seven-digit DMR ID and the current settings on the CumbriaCQ DMR setup page.
QSO One: use System Fusion / YSF
The easiest QSO One route is through the CumbriaCQ YSF reflector.
- Open System Fusion / YSF in QSO One.
- Open the reflector or room directory and use its search.
- Search for CumbriaCQ or reflector number 23534.
- Select the matching CumbriaCQ room and tap Connect.
- Listen first. When the room is clear, use PTT and identify with your licensed callsign.
Quick route: QSO One → System Fusion / YSF → search CumbriaCQ or 23534 → Connect.
Z3DMR: use the CumbriaCQ DMR master
The best Z3DMR route is a direct Homebrew profile for the CumbriaCQ DMR master.
- Open the CumbriaCQ Own DMR master setup page.
- In Z3DMR, open Profiles and add a new profile.
- Choose or add a Homebrew master and copy the current host, port and network password from the setup page.
- Enter your licensed callsign and your own seven-digit DMR ID. Follow the setup page's current no-ESSID rule; do not append extra digits.
- Select talkgroup 23534, save the profile and connect.
- Listen first, then identify with your callsign before transmitting.
Quick route: Z3DMR → Profiles → CumbriaCQ DMR master → talkgroup 23534.
Which amateur radio app should I choose?
Choose QSO One if…
- You want AllStar, EchoLink, DMR, YSF, M17 and P25 in one app.
- You use Windows, Android, or want to test the iPhone/iPad beta through TestFlight.
- You want a simpler route across several network types.
Choose Z3DMR if…
- You mainly want DMR on an Android device.
- You want detailed DMR profiles, talkgroups, private calls and activity.
- You need Homebrew or ODTP support and understand the master credentials.
There is no harm in installing both. Start with receive/listen time, check network rules, set sensible audio levels and make a short, clearly identified first call.
Ham radio app FAQ
Can I use a ham radio app without an amateur radio licence?
Not for transmitting on the amateur networks covered here. QSO One and Z3DMR are intended for licensed amateur radio operators. You need a valid callsign and must follow each network's rules.
Can I use DMR without a radio or hotspot?
Yes. Both apps can encode and decode DMR audio in software and connect over the internet. You still need a registered DMR ID and authorised network access.
How do I connect QSO One to CumbriaCQ?
Open System Fusion / YSF in QSO One, search the reflector directory for CumbriaCQ or 23534, select the matching room and connect. Listen first, then identify with your callsign before transmitting.
How do I connect Z3DMR to CumbriaCQ?
Follow the CumbriaCQ Own DMR master setup, create a Homebrew profile in Z3DMR using your callsign and seven-digit DMR ID, then select talkgroup 23534.
Is QSO One available for iPhone or iPad?
Yes, as a public beta through Apple TestFlight. Install TestFlight on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 or later, open the QSO One public beta invitation, then tap Accept and Install. It is test software; QSO One still lists the finished public iOS release as coming soon.
Is Z3DMR available for iPhone or Windows?
No. Z3DMR is currently an Android app. Its official documentation requires Android 7.0 or newer.
Does my phone transmit an amateur radio signal?
No. The app sends audio and signalling over the internet. A connected repeater, gateway or reflector may retransmit it over RF, so normal amateur operating standards still apply.
Do these apps replace emergency communications?
No. They depend on a working phone/computer, power and internet connection. They are hobby-radio clients, not a substitute for 999, 112 or resilient RF equipment.
Official sources and accuracy
- QSO One: official features
- QSO One: official downloads and system requirements
- QSO One: privacy policy
- Apple TestFlight: official QSO One public beta invitation
- Apple App Store: TestFlight
- Z3DMR: official website
- Z3DMR: official setup and operating documentation
- RadioID: DMR ID registration
QSO One and Z3DMR names and interface screenshots belong to their respective developers. Screenshots are reproduced here to identify and explain the apps; CumbriaCQ is independent and is not affiliated with either developer.
Accuracy note: platforms, network support and app requirements can change. This guide was checked against the official sources above on 2 November 2026. Always confirm the latest details on the developer's own site and comply with your licence and network rules.