Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
BandOpticon Geo lets you scan reported amateur-radio activity around the world by band and mode, then open a larger map to inspect particular connections. It displays reports from PSKreporter, so it is a way to explore observed activity—not a direct measurement of all propagation or a guarantee that a contact will work.
What BandOpticon Geo shows
BandOpticon Geo is a browser-based visualiser that presents PSKreporter data geographically. Its carousel arranges bands in separate map tiles, making it easier to compare where reports are appearing across bands for selected modes. The tiles use colors to distinguish stations that are transmitting reports, receiving reports, or doing both.
The project runs in JavaScript in your browser and requires no download. Its creator says the tool was built to make multi-band and filtered views easier to assemble than they were directly in PSKreporter; that is the creator’s stated motivation, not an independent usability comparison. (BandOpticon Geo)
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to scan activity and inspect a band
- Open BandOpticon Geo in a browser. The project describes the tool as browser-based and intended to support mobile use. It does not publish a supported-browser list or a precise data-refresh interval.
- Choose the mode or modes you want to view. The carousel’s band tiles show reports for the selected mode choices; activity can look different when you change them.
- Compare the band tiles. Scan their geographic spread and station colors to see where the reporting network is showing transmit-only, receive-only, or two-way reporting activity.
- Open a band tile for a closer look. The larger map offers filters and connection overlays, including options to focus on connections involving a callsign or compare home callsigns.
- Refine the map view. Use zoom-to-activity or choose a map projection, then apply the connection filters that suit your question.
What reciprocal connections mean
A reciprocal connection represents two stations reporting that they heard one another: station A heard station B, and station B heard station A. BandOpticon describes these paths as more likely to support a QSO than one-way spots. Treat reciprocity as a useful indication of reported two-way reception, not a promise that you can complete a contact; conditions and operating circumstances can still matter. (BandOpticon Geo)
#1 Best Overall
- Mini mobile two way radio; 1.54"D x 4.88"W x 6.42"H; easy to install on trucks; jeeps; RVs and other vehicles; use the RT95 as a base station at home or in the office; long range communication; RT95 ham radio with high gain antenna; to obtain long distance signal sources; communication is more convenient
- Microphone gain & dual speakers; adjust the microphone gain level appropriately to ensure clear and interference-free calls; with the built-in dual speaker design; the sound quality is full and penetrating; equipped with RCA output ports; can be directly connected to car audio systems; immersive in-car listening experience
- 180 degree rotatable TFT color screen; free adjustment of viewing angle; supports multi-level control of LCD brightness; clearly visible under strong light; no glare during night operation; illuminated front panel buttons and microphone buttons; clear operation buttons at night; suitable for all-weather use scenarios
- Dual band mobile transceiver; amateur radio display the dual frequencies; and monitor dual band signals (2m/70cm band) at the same time; quickly respond to key communication needs; and improve work efficiency and safety
- VFO fast frequency adjustment & CHIRP compatible; VFO mode supports instant frequency adjustment; no computer is required for outdoor travel; compatible with CHIRP open source software; one-click import/export of channel parameters; easy management of 200 storage channels; CTCSS/DCS; DTMF; 5Tone; power adjustment; etc
How to interpret a blank area
A blank part of the map does not prove that propagation is impossible there. The display depends on reports contributed to PSKreporter, the stations participating in reporting, the selected mode and filters, and whether a report is available at that moment. A secondary explanation of PSKreporter likewise notes that missing observations can reflect a lack of active reporting stations, mode selection, or no report at the time. (F5KEE, September 23, 2026)
Use the map to answer a narrower question: where are reports currently showing for this selection, and which reported paths merit a closer look? It cannot establish the full extent of propagation or predict whether a particular contact will succeed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Detachable Display Unit - The display unit and the radio body can be separated. This allows you to place the head remotely. FCC ID: 2BGMW-G90
- Wide Range Auto Antenna Tuner - Unlike other QRP radios, the G90 has a wide-range internal automatic antenna tuner so you can load up your favorite field antenna! The G90 also comes with a built-in mediumwave (AM broadcast) high-pass filter.
- Beautiful Color LCD Screen - All vital operating information is clearly visible in daylight conditions. 48KHZ wide spectrum display with waterfall gives you excellent awareness of the signal conditions around you.
- Easy to Use - You can use the Quick Mode button to turn on or off various functions. Instead of setting up different functions in the menu, you can directly adjust them by pressing corresponding function keys.
- We provide a 18 months warranty on Xiegu G90. As usual, if you modify the radio's hardware, the warranty is void. [Latest Firmware Version] - Firmware V1.81 is available on Radioddity official.
Rank #4
- Quad-Band Operation: The TH-9800D mobile radio frequency range: TX: 28-29.7 / 50-54 / 144-148 / 420-450 MHz, suitable for various communication scenarios. If you encounter any programming issues, please feel free to contact us via Amazon Message
- Dual Display & Cross-Band Repeat: The mobile ham radio display 2 frequencies simultaneously, supports cross segment relay function, enhances communication flexibility and coverage range
- High Power & Adjustable Output: Ham mobile transceiver delivers up to 50W output with multiple power settings (High/Mid/Low) for flexible operation
- Detachable Control Head: TH-9800D radio remote-mount faceplate for easy installation in vehicles; stores up to 800 alphanumeric memory channels
- Includes Programming Cable & Software: The radios comes with programming cable and software (also compatible with free CHIRP software) for convenient and efficient
Rank #3
- MENUS THAT MAKE SENSE. 1,000 MEMORIES. 10 NAMED ZONES. Built for amateur operators who want organized analog control. Use clear English menus and the full keypad for common changes; group home, travel, club, event, simplex, and receive channels as your plan grows.
- SCAN THE ZONES THAT MATTER. Choose which named zones scan together. Temporarily skip a busy channel without changing your saved scan list. Scanning is for conventional analog channels; it does not decode DMR/digital or trunked systems.
- MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE. Choose Name + Frequency in the two-channel view. Dual Watch alternates one receiver between the two displayed channels. Turn Dual Watch off and enable Single Watch for a full-screen view of one channel's name, zone, and frequency. Approximate dBm adds signal context.
- START ON THE RADIO. BUILD LARGER PLANS ON A COMPUTER. Make common changes from the keypad. For larger plans, use BTECH CPS or supported CHIRP-next with the separately sold PC03. Firmware updates require BTECH CPS, the PC03, and BTECH's matching instructions. USB-C charges the battery.
- TRI-BAND AMATEUR TRANSMIT. RECEIVE-ONLY LISTENING. Valid amateur authorization is required to transmit on amateur frequencies in the U.S.; use only supported amateur bands within your privileges. Airband AM, NOAA weather, and broadcast FM are receive-only.
Rank #2
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
When to use the carousel or the detail map
- Use the carousel for breadth: a quick geographic scan across several bands for the selected mode or modes.
- Use the detail map for focus: closer inspection of one band, callsign-related connections, reciprocal reports, zoom behavior, or projection.
- Compare reporting directions: one-way reports show an observation in one direction; reciprocal reports show observations in both directions and are a more suggestive—but not conclusive—sign of a potentially workable path.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
