Posts Tagged ‘Ham clock Raspberry Pi’

HamClock lives on


 

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.
  1. Open HamClock Back-end
  • 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. 

The Pi is cooked

 

Ham Clock setup page 

A very long time ago I purchased a Raspberry Pi3 and at the time I was excited about experimenting with it but work got in the way, and it was put on the self. About 4 years ago and retired, I blew the dust off it and loaded Ham Clock on it. I have been using it ever since and found it has some very handy information for when I am contesting. The other day I turned on the Pi3, and it started to load, but I was then met with a black screen and the message "unable to load". I turned it off and back on and this time everything loaded except Ham Clock and for some reason it reverted to the setup page. I tried again to reboot, but Ham Clock still showed the setup page. I entered all my information again and was good to go...until I started the Pi3 the next day, when I booted the Pi3 nothing appeared on the screen and the LED lights on the Pi3 were flashing on and off very erratically. I changed out the SD card, reloaded the OS and after some investigation, I concluded the Pi3 was done. I now have a Pi4b on its way here and should be here on Sunday.


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