With
Elwood (the creator of HamClock) now SK, HamClock is set to stop
functioning in June 2026. Fortunately, several alternatives and
workarounds exist for those looking to continue using similar features.
Here’s a summary based on my experience and research:
1. Open HamClock
- Feature-rich: Offers extensive customization and configuration.
- Spotting Control: Ability to turn off spotting to de-clutter the map.
- Setup: Easy setup process; remembers your preferences if saved.
- Full Screen: Can be run in full-screen mode.
- Updates: Regular updates with clear notifications and instructions.
- VOACAP Display: Improved propagation prediction display.
2. Hamtab
- Web-based: Runs in your browser for all OS’s.
- HamClock Themes: Includes a theme similar to Elwood's HamClock theme.
- Fewer Options: Less configurable than Open HamClock.
- Spotting Limitation: No clear option to remove all spots from the map.
- Map Interaction: Limited ability to click on the map for DX/solar info; can only click on spots.
- Solar Overlay: Not as detailed as Open HamClock, Open HamClock-backend or Bruce W4BAE HamClock.
3. HamVision
- Early Development: Still under heavy development; site is often in maintenance mode.
- Limited Configuration: Little to no configuration is possible at this stage.
- Updates: Latest info and updates are shared on their Facebook page.
4. HamClock me Online
- Web-based Version: Another browser option.
- Limited Testing: I haven’t explored this one deeply, but it’s worth checking to see if it meets your needs.
GitHub-Based Projects
- General Note: These require familiarity with GitHub, Docker, and self-hosting.
- Actively Updated: Closest in spirit to Elwood’s original HamClock.
- Setup Challenges: Can be tricky to get running if you’re not comfortable with GitHub/Docker.
- Mixed Results: I couldn’t get this running on my Pi4; the Mac OS version didn’t work due to OS version issues. Your experience may vary.
3. Keeping HamClock Alive
- Resource: Bruce (W4BAE) has compiled a detailed guide and history at his website.
- -b Flag: Elwood’s last version (4.22) introduced a back-end override (-b flag) letting HamClock point to an alternate server.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Bruce’s guide makes it straightforward to implement this workaround, and he’s responsive to questions.
- Result: I was able to set up a working HamClock on my Pi3b using this method. I kept my Pi4 still running Elwood's HamClock until I am happy with alternatives.
- Summary
While Elwood’s original HamClock will stop functioning, there are multiple alternatives and ways to keep similar functionality alive. Your best option depends on your technical comfort level and preferred features. For those wanting a near-identical experience, Bruce W4BAE’s method is highly recommended along with Open HamClock-Back-end. As for a one stop shopping I would recommend Open ham clock. Enter it in your browser and you are ready to go.
2 comments:
Thanks for posting this Mike, I didn't know so many hamclocks already exist. I saw an item on the dutch news that these days you don't need to have programming skills to build something like this, you just use AI and a complete website is build for you. With the right descriptions and wishes you want for a hamclock or whatever topic you have, you can build your own! 73, Bas
Good morning Bas and first off congrats on completing the CWops coarse. Yes AI is very interesting but you have to be careful. I have used it now and then with my Python coding projects. But it can screw things up as well. For example I did had a Python shut down program that also loaded all the ADIF files to the correct websites and submitted them for me. I wanted to change the order of 2 of the downloads in the program. Instead of cutt and paste I figured give it to AI to swap. Well I did and Preplexity AI gave me the new code but when I ran it things having nothing to do with the swaps were not working now, my radio would transmit, my Wi-Fi plugs turned off in the middle of the program. I found out fast you have to be careful.
73 and have a good week.
Mike
VE9KK
Post a Comment