CommStat-Improved

What Is CommStat?

CommStat is a hybrid RF and Internet communication platform designed to keep operators connected across radio and digital networks. It can integrate with JS8Call for over-the-air messaging, but it can also run independently using the Internet, allowing communication and situational awareness even when radio connectivity is unavailable.

Three Ways to Connect

CommStat gives operators flexibility in how they connect:

Radio Mode: Connect through JS8Call and transmit structured STATREPs over HF.
Internet Mode: Connect directly to other licensed operators using an internet connection such as Starlink.
Hybrid Mode: Run both simultaneously for maximum redundancy and reach.

This means you can operate:

From your home shack
From a vehicle using Starlink Mini
From the field with a laptop and portable power
With a minimalist Raspberry Pi + Starlink setup

Note: Because CommStat connects licensed amateur radio operators, an FCC (or equivalent national authority) callsign is required.

Situational Awareness for JS8Call Networks

CommStat is not a chat application and it does not replace JS8Call. Instead, it works alongside it by providing these features:

Structured, consistent status reporting (STATREPs)
Automatic storage of incoming reports
Participation tracking across nets or operating periods
Geographic visualization of active stations
Group messaging capabilities
SMS and email forwarding via APRS gateways (radio mode)
Local data storage with no cloud dependency

One, Two, or Three JS8Call Instances at the Same Time

A single instance of CommStat can connect to one, two, or three instances of JS8Call simultaneously, with each JS8Call instance running on a different TCP port and connected to different radios on a different frequency.

This allows a single operator to monitor multiple radios, multiple frequencies, and multiple networks at the same time from one CommStat installation.

Monitor more than one JS8Call frequency at once
Track reports across multiple nets
Maintain broader situational awareness from a single interface

Built for Field & Preparedness Operations

CommStat was designed for real-world reliability. Whether infrastructure is strong, degraded, or completely offline, operators can adapt.

Operate fully offline over HF radio
Operate fully online using Starlink or other internet
Automatically adapt as connectivity changes
No centralized cloud platform required
All operational data stored locally

This makes CommStat ideal for:

Emergency communications groups
Preparedness networks
Regional and national nets
Field exercises and training
Portable and expedition-style operations

CommStat Core Capabilities

Fast, structured report entry designed for clarity under pressure
Seamless integration with one, two, or three JS8Call instances
Standalone internet-based operator connectivity
Active station tracking and last-heard monitoring
Geographic map plotting for rapid operational awareness
Backward compatibility with previous CommStat versions
Designed for both individual operators and coordinated groups

Cross-Platform & Radio-Friendly

CommStat runs on:

Windows 10/11
Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Mint, Pi and more — for x86_64 and ARM64.)
macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)

Ongoing development ensures expanding compatibility and new features.

Why CommStat Exists

JS8Call is excellent for weak-signal digital communication. However, during group operations, important information often becomes scattered across logs and transmissions.

CommStat solves this by turning structured reports into a shared operational picture. Net control stations can immediately see who is active, when they last checked in, and what their reported status is — whether the connection came over HF, internet, or both.

CommStat brings clarity where it matters most.

The Origins of CommStat

CommStat was created by AmRRON members. Several individuals and groups including AmRRON, MPURN, PrepperNet were involved in the design and feature set. Over time Commstat has gained community adoption and is now being used by many ham radio operators and groups. CommStat is currently under development and new features are being intorduced on a regular basis.

Credits: