Packet Commander
Help
Setup steps and troubleshooting for Packet Commander. Start here when something isn't working.
Getting Started
Install the app, enter your callsign, and connect your radio.
Finding Nodes
Directories and regional resources for discovering packet nodes.
Monitor
Decode and filter over-the-air traffic in real time.
Managing Nodes
Add, edit, and sync packet node entries across your devices.
TNC Pairing
Pair Bluetooth and TCP modems from Settings without iOS Bluetooth pairing.
Connecting
Open the connection sheet, verify details, and connect to a node.
Terminal
Full-screen sessions with file transfer, dictation, and themes.
Digipeaters
Configure digipeaters and location-aware routing paths.
Frequently asked questions
Apple devices About iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Will Packet Commander work with my iPhone?
See the list of supported iPhones.
Will it work with my iPad?
See the list of supported iPads.
Can I use Packet Commander on more than one device?
Yes. You can use the same license on any device that is signed in with your Apple ID.
What about older devices or iOS versions?
Packet Commander is built to take advantage of modern features available in iOS 18.x. Older devices and iOS versions are not supported and will not be in the future.
Are Apple Silicon Macs supported?
No. Packet Commander is designed with portability in mind and is optimized for iPhone and iPad use only.
Other platforms Other OS and hardware.
Will there ever be an Android version?
No.
Radios and modems Radio compatibility and Bluetooth.
Is my "XYZ" radio supported?
Only if it exposes a modem over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in a way that complies with the BLE KISS TNC specification. Otherwise, it is not compatible.
Does Packet Commander work with Digirig?
Yes, some models are supported. Due to iOS USB restrictions, traditional soundcard models like the Digirig Mobile cannot be used for PTT control. Only the Digirig Lite is supported.
Why can't the Kenwood TH-D74 or TH-D75 pair directly via Bluetooth?
The Kenwood TH-D74/D75 uses the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) to expose its internal modem. Apple does not allow iOS apps to use SPP; it only permits Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This creates an incompatibility. To work around this, the B.B. Link adapter was created. It acts as a bridge, converting SPP to BLE so that your Kenwood radio can communicate with Packet Commander.
Features Monitoring and other capabilities.
Is there a MHEARD or monitoring feature?
Yes, a monitor is available since version 1.1.
Still need help?
If something's not working or you think you've found a bug, join the conversation in the community forum.