By Roger Quintana, NJ2RQ | Luffy Ham Vault | September 22, 2026
Imagine carrying AllStarLink, EchoLink, DMR, Yaesu System Fusion, M17 and direct IAX node access in one application. Add live net transcription, contact logging, a worldwide net directory and hardware push-to-talk—and make the entire package free. That is the proposition behind QSO One.
Developed by Francesco “Frank” Catena, KD8JKK, QSO One is a unified internet-connected amateur-radio voice client for Windows and Android. It does not require a hotspot, a dedicated Raspberry Pi or a compatible digital handheld just to connect to one of its supported networks. More importantly, it combines communications with operating tools that can be useful to net control stations, mobile operators and amateurs who want to experiment with a new mode before investing in another radio.
QSO One became free for everyone in July 2026. By September it had reached the Microsoft Store and Google Play, adding convenient installation and updating to a project that continues to develop quickly. Here is what it actually does, what its advanced features mean in practice and where it fits alongside our existing radios.
Six connection options, one consistent operating screen
1. AllStarLink: Two ways to connect
AllStarLink is often associated with Asterisk-based repeater controllers, small personal nodes and worldwide linked hubs. QSO One speaks IAX2 and offers two distinct approaches. Web Transceiver (WT) Mode lets an eligible operator enter through the Web Transceiver service without operating a personal registered node. Node Mode uses the operator’s registered AllStar node number and credentials, enabling the familiar node-to-node experience. Searchable node listings, favorites, DTMF control, HamVOIP detection and automated connection-path selection make both approaches easier to manage.
Why is this important? A traveler can participate in an AllStar-connected net with a laptop or Android phone. An experienced node owner can use a software endpoint without carrying an additional radio interface. QSO One does not replace the RF coverage, repeater-control hardware or local resilience of a real radio node: it offers another way into the network.
2. IAX Direct: Private access to a particular node
IAX Direct deserves its own explanation because it is not simply another name for AllStarLink WT Mode. When a node operator provides the appropriate host, port, username and secret, QSO One can connect directly to that IAX2 endpoint without relying on a central node directory or WT relay. The developer lists compatibility with ASL3, HamVOIP and older ASL2 installations, including modern IAX2 call-token support.
This is especially useful for clubs, private hubs and system administrators who control access to a specific server. You still need credentials supplied by that server’s operator. It is not a method for bypassing someone else’s node security.
3. EchoLink: Familiar stations, fewer connection headaches
EchoLink has connected amateurs through computers, repeaters and RF gateways since the early internet-linked-radio era. Its weak spot for some mobile users is networking: cellular carriers and restricted Wi-Fi systems can prevent a conventional direct UDP session. QSO One attempts a direct EchoLink connection and can fall back to an EchoLink proxy when necessary. Its searchable station directory, favorites and DTMF capability are accessible from the same interface used for the other modes.
A validated EchoLink registration is still required. The benefit is a more flexible way to reach an EchoLink repeater or conference while away from home, not a change in EchoLink’s underlying licensing or station-access rules.
4. DMR: BrandMeister and TGIF without a codeplug
DMR can be intimidating the first time you encounter radio IDs, network passwords, talkgroups, time slots and codeplugs. QSO One reduces the software-access portion of that learning curve. It connects to both BrandMeister and TGIF, supports transmit and receive, remembers network credentials, and lets you browse a searchable talkgroup catalog. Switching talkgroups subscribes the software client as needed; the live last-heard view helps you locate activity before transmitting.
For example, a new operator can explore a worldwide talkgroup from a computer rather than first buying a DMR transceiver and programming an entire codeplug. Those who already own a DMR radio and hotspot gain a convenient second operating position. A DMR ID and the applicable network’s credentials are still necessary, and the application does not turn a computer into an RF DMR transmitter.
5. Yaesu System Fusion: Access YSF reflectors in software
QSO One can encode and decode System Fusion C4FM voice to communicate through supported YSF reflectors. Its searchable reflector directory and favorites make it possible to locate a network, connect and converse without a Fusion radio or hotspot. That is significant for amateurs interested in the mode but uncertain whether they want to buy more hardware, and for owners of Fusion equipment who want an additional internet-based endpoint.
An important distinction: YSF reflector access should not be confused with full native WIRES-X functionality or a promise of access to every Yaesu room. Operators should check whether their intended net has a supported YSF reflector or another available bridge.
6. M17: An open digital-voice alternative
M17 is built around open digital-voice technology and the openly available Codec 2 vocoder. QSO One provides M17 reflector and module selection, searching, favorites and software transmit/receive. Your callsign serves as your network identity rather than requiring a separate DMR-style ID.
M17 is particularly interesting because it offers a space for amateur-developed experimentation rather than tying digital voice to a proprietary codec ecosystem. QSO One also includes station-position-sharing map functionality associated with M17; Android location sharing is optional and off until enabled.
The advanced tools: Where QSO One becomes more than another voice client
Net Finder: Discover the activity rather than searching six separate systems
Finding a net is often harder than joining one. A club website may list a local time; a repeater directory may contain an outdated link; a Facebook announcement may be buried under months of posts. QSO One’s Net Finder brings schedules into a searchable directory with times displayed in the operator’s time zone. The public directory at qso1.net/nets includes nets advertised on AllStarLink, EchoLink, DMR, System Fusion, M17 and D-STAR. Operators and net organizers can submit listings or flag entries that have moved or gone inactive.
On supported connection types, the directory provides a direct route into the app. A D-STAR listing in Net Finder does not mean that QSO One currently includes a native D-STAR voice client. The app’s six stated connection options remain AllStarLink, IAX Direct, EchoLink, DMR, YSF and M17.
Net Runner: Live transcription and callsign capture
Net Runner may be one of QSO One’s most consequential features for regular net operators. It uses on-device speech-to-text to transcribe a net as it happens and attempts to identify callsigns automatically. Instead of scribbling every check-in while trying to monitor audio and run the net, an operator can use the transcript and automatically recognized callsigns as a working roster.
Think about a busy evening net: a weak station checks in, another station spells a callsign phonetically and several operators come through in succession. Having a running transcript provides a useful reference for the net-control operator and for participants who miss part of a transmission. However, automatic transcription can misunderstand callsigns, accents, phonetics or poor audio. Net control must still verify the roster and check-ins. Processing speech on the device is also a meaningful design choice for operators who prefer not to send every net recording to an outside transcription service.
Integrated logging, callsign lookup and ADIF export
QSO One includes a QSO log, callsign lookup using multiple sources and ADIF export. Rather than leaving the voice client to search for an unfamiliar callsign, you can look up available operator information within the application and keep a record of the contact. Exporting ADIF makes those records portable to compatible logging systems, including workflows that use QRZ Logbook or other desktop loggers.
Keep the operating method accurate in your log. An internet-only QSO through an app should not automatically be represented as a direct RF contact or assumed to qualify for every award. ADIF export means data portability; it does not mean that a particular award program will credit that contact or that QSO One uploads confirmations to every service.
Audio recording: A practical reference for nets and technical discussions
Built-in receive-audio recording allows an operator to revisit information exchanged during a net, such as an equipment setting, an event announcement or a callsign that was missed the first time. The developer describes adjustable retention periods, with starred recordings preserved rather than expiring on the ordinary schedule. Inform participants when appropriate and follow applicable laws and the rules of the net or system before recording or distributing audio.
Better receive audio and physical push-to-talk
On some nets the difference between the quietest and loudest station can be substantial. QSO One’s automatic received-audio leveling raises quieter voices and restrains excessively loud ones, with voice detection intended to prevent background hiss from swelling during pauses. The feature can be disabled if you prefer the unprocessed received audio.
Operators are not limited to tapping an on-screen button. QSO One supports desktop spacebar PTT, Bluetooth and BLE push-to-talk accessories, compatible PoC-style hardware and certain Zello-style button devices. On Android, a foreground service is designed to keep an established connection running while you switch applications or lock the display; cellular reconnection logic addresses transitions between networks. Hardware behavior varies by phone and accessory, so test your own combination before relying on it during a mobile net.
Station maps, badges and other refinements
Recent releases have also introduced a station map, country flags in DMR displays, accessibility improvements, badges and operating trophies. These are secondary to reliable audio, but they make the application feel more like an integrated operating environment than a simple microphone-and-speaker utility. If you enable location sharing, review the privacy implications first: the developer states that Android M17 position sharing is opt-in.
Why it matters for the future of amateur radio
QSO One’s significance is not that it replaces amateur RF. It is that it lowers the cost and complexity of entering several established digital and internet-linked communities. A newly licensed ham can find an active net on a quiet evening. A club can point newcomers toward supported systems without first requiring a hotspot purchase. An operator traveling with a laptop can stay in touch with a home AllStar hub. A net-control station can combine a connection, searchable schedules, transcription, callsign lookup and logs in one place.
It also highlights a question our hobby must answer thoughtfully: how do we use internet-connected systems to encourage participation while continuing to teach antennas, propagation, spectrum, direct RF communication and emergency preparedness? An application dependent on cellular data or broadband cannot replace a well-engineered repeater or simplex station when communications infrastructure fails. Used alongside RF equipment, however, software access can introduce more people to the voices, clubs and technical experimentation that make amateur radio distinctive.
What you need, what it costs and how to start
- License and account: Hold a valid amateur-radio license, then create a free QSO One account with your callsign at qso1.net.
- Install: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and Android 8.0 or newer are supported. The Windows application is available through the Microsoft Store; the Android version launched on Google Play in September 2026. Official direct downloads are also available through the QSO One download page.
- Select a network: Choose AllStar WT or registered Node Mode, EchoLink, IAX Direct, BrandMeister/TGIF DMR, YSF or M17. Supply any separate credentials the chosen network requires.
- Find a conversation: Search nodes, talkgroups or reflectors, or use Net Finder to identify a scheduled net. Try the tools for logging, callsign lookup or Net Runner after you are comfortable with the connection.
As of September 22, 2026, the application and its operating features are free, supported by optional contributions. The developer offers voluntary supporter levels, but the communications and advanced features are not reserved for paying members. iOS, macOS and Linux editions are planned and should not be mistaken for currently released versions.
My takeaway: For anyone who enjoys linked repeaters, digital voice or organized nets, QSO One makes it simpler to explore multiple communities without committing to a new piece of hardware for every network. Its greater promise is bringing the everyday work of amateur radio—finding activity, checking into nets, recognizing callsigns and preserving useful information—together in one operating environment.
73 de Roger, NJ2RQ
Product information and availability checked September 22, 2026. Official references: QSO One features, developer announcement, Net Finder directory, and download and platform details. This is independent editorial coverage, not a sponsored endorsement.
Leave a Reply