Morse Runner

Invented in the 1830’s, the Morse code was one of the most used means of communication. Nowadays, with so many ways to keep in touch with friends and family, the Morse code is rarely ever used.

Morse Runner is a small program that plays the role ofcontest simulator. With many similar competitions being run around the globe, the app is sure to come in handy for numerous people.

The programhas a compact interface and an intuitive layout. However, inexperienced users might need some time to figure out all of its functions.

Basically, what Morse Runner does is to simulate a contest, complete with pileups and interference from other participants. The app lets you enable a few options under “Band Conditions”. For instance, itcan simulate interference from other running stations (QRM), electrostatic interference (QRN) and fluctuations in signal strength (QSB), just to name a few.

The audio buffer size can also be adjusted by changing the “bufsize” value in the program’s configuration file (INI format). The default setting is 3, but users can modify this to values from one to five. An increased buffer size assures a smoother audio experience, without clicks and interruptions, while a lower buffer size improves the response time to keyboard commands.

Morse Runner can simulate four competition modes, such as “Pile-Up”, where a random number of stations call you after you send a CQ, “Single Calls”, where a single station calls you as soon as you finish the previous QSO. The last two are called “WPX Competition, which is similar to “Pile-Up” and “HTS Competition” that emulates the IARU High Speed Telegraphy competition rules.

The bottom line is that Morse Runner is a nice program if you are passionate about the type of competitions it is built for.