--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Shortwave Broadcast Schedules" developer_entity: "Black Cat Systems" bundle_id: "com.blackcatsystems.SWBCsked" app_store_id: "476090163" category: "Lifestyle" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Paid" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS" app_last_updated: "2017-01-11" report_date: "2026-04-02" report_version: "1.6" total_reviews: 237 overall_rating: 4.5 confidence: "low" confidence_score: 0.3 data_age_days: 35 intelligence_version: 2 nemesis: "Shortwave Schedule" competitor_count: 11 tags: ["lifestyle", "paid", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "shortwave", "radio", "listeners"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/com-blackcatsystems-swbcsked" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" last_verified: "2026-04-16T19:29:30.783Z" --- # Shortwave Broadcast Schedules App Audit > **TL;DR:** Shortwave Broadcast Schedules is a lifestyle app by Black Cat Systems, rated 4.5/5 by 237 users, available on iOS. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** — Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Shortwave Broadcast Schedules is a lifestyle app by Black Cat Systems. ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Black Cat Systems - **Category:** Lifestyle - **Target Audience:** Shortwave radio listeners (SWL) and radio hobbyists who require an organized, portable reference for international broadcast schedules and station logging. - **Platforms:** iOS - **Version Audited:** 1.6 - **Audit Date:** 2026-04-02 - **Signal Count:** 0 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** Low (0.3/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 476090163 - **Bundle ID:** com.blackcatsystems.SWBCsked - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-04-02 ## Executive Snapshot Shortwave Broadcast Schedules is a specialized utility app designed for the Shortwave Listener (SWL) community. It serves as a comprehensive database for over 11,000 longwave, mediumwave, and shortwave radio stations, offering real-time on-air status, station logging, and advanced filtering. The app positions itself as a professional-grade tool for hobbyists who require offline-capable, organized reference material for international broadcasting. Currently holding a #72 position in the Paid Lifestyle category (US), the app demonstrates steady market relevance within its niche. Its primary differentiator is the combination of a massive, searchable database with a built-in personal logbook, effectively replacing traditional paper-based logging methods. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Comprehensive Broadcast Database:** Access to over 11,000 longwave, mediumwave, and shortwave radio station schedules. - **[Differentiator] Real-time On-Air Status:** Visual indicator (bold text) for stations currently broadcasting, allowing for quick identification. * *User Intent:* Users expect intelligent, adaptive experiences that learn from their behavior. - **[Differentiator] Personal Logbook:** Built-in logging system to track heard stations with SIO, frequency, time, and personal notes. * *User Intent:* Users want visibility into their own performance and progress. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Paid - **Tiers:** One-time purchase of $3.99 - **Price:** iOS: $3.99 - **Analysis:** The app utilizes a straightforward one-time purchase model, positioning itself as a professional utility tool for radio hobbyists rather than a recurring subscription service. ## SWOT Analysis **Core Strengths:** - Extensive, specialized database of 11,000+ stations. - Integrated logging system that replaces manual paper logs. - Simple, one-time purchase model. - Established reputation within the niche radio hobbyist community. **Critical Frictions:** - Lack of recent UI/UX updates. - No social integration or community-sharing features. - Limited visual appeal compared to modern SDR-based apps. **Growth Levers:** - Integration with modern SDR hardware. - Cloud-syncing for logs to allow multi-device access. - Community-driven crowdsourced updates for station frequency changes. **Market Threats:** - Modern SDR apps that combine scheduling with live visual spectrum analysis. - Free, web-based databases that are becoming more mobile-responsive. - Potential for abandonment if the database is not kept updated. ## Rivals Landscape {#rivals} > Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals. ### Shortwave Broadcast Schedules vs Shortwave Schedule — Head to Head - **Shortwave Schedule** by HF Radio Apps: Direct competitor providing real-time international shortwave broadcast schedules and frequency tracking. - **SWBC Schedule** by Radio Hobbyist Tools: Offers an identical feature set focused on station frequency lists and on-air status for shortwave listeners. ### Contenders (Strong Challengers) - **KiwiSDR** by KiwiSDR: Provides remote access to software-defined radios, allowing users to listen to the stations listed in the schedule. - **HamLog** by Pignology, LLC: Competes on the logging functionality, allowing users to track contacts and stations heard with detailed metadata. - **RadioLog** by DXer Software: Focuses specifically on the logging and database management aspect of the shortwave hobby. ### Peers (What They Do Better) - **TuneIn Radio** by TuneIn: Broadcasting app that provides access to thousands of live radio stations, though lacks the specific shortwave frequency database. - **Scanner Radio** by Gordon Edwards: Provides access to live audio streams of public safety and radio communications, appealing to the same radio hobbyist demographic. - **Ham Radio Prep** by Ham Radio Prep: Targets the same radio enthusiast audience with educational content for licensing and technical proficiency. - **EchoLink** by Synergenics, LLC: Connects amateur radio stations over the internet, serving the broader radio communication community. ### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative) - **SDR Touch** by SDR Touch Labs: Modern interface for software-defined radio that is gaining traction for its visual spectrum analysis capabilities. - **DX Cluster** by DX Cluster Systems: A newer, community-driven platform for real-time reporting of radio station activity and propagation conditions. ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Shortwave Broadcast Schedules is an established lifestyle app that is a paid app. With a 4.5/5 rating from 237 reviews, it shows polarized user reception. **Strategic Opportunity:** While Shortwave Broadcast Schedules benefits from extensive, specialized database of 11,000+ stations., its vulnerability lies in lack of recent ui/ux updates.. A challenger could exploit this by focusing on integration with modern sdr hardware.. **Best for:** Shortwave radio listeners (SWL) and radio hobbyists who require an organized, portable reference for international broadcast schedules and station logging. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | | Total Reviews | 237 | | Confidence | Low | | Pricing Model | Paid | | Platforms | iOS | | Key Features | 3 analyzed | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Shortwave Broadcast Schedules** (this app) | 4.5/5 | N/A | Black Cat Systems | | [Tinder Dating App: Date & Chat](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/tinder-dating-app-date-chat) | 4.2/5 | Upset | Tinder LLC | | [Alarmy - Loud alarm clock](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/alarmy-loud-alarm-clock) | 4.8/5 | Excited | Delight Room Co., Ltd. | | [Swiftime](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/swiftime) | 4.5/5 | Excited | MEDIANO Co.,Ltd. | | [AlarmMon ( alarm clock )](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/alarmmon-alarm-clock) | 4.7/5 | Frustrated | Malang Studio Co. Ltd, | | [Alarmie: Easy Rise Alarm Clock](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/alarmie-easy-rise-alarm-clock) | 4.4/5 | Mixed | Jintian Wang | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Black Cat Systems - **Website:** [https://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad-iphone-ipod-touch-shortwave-ham-amateur-radio-app/Shortwave-Broadcast-Schedules-swbc-dx-swl-ham-radio-short-wave-radio-world-band-shortwave-broadcast-international-radio.html](https://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad-iphone-ipod-touch-shortwave-ham-amateur-radio-app/Shortwave-Broadcast-Schedules-swbc-dx-swl-ham-radio-short-wave-radio-world-band-shortwave-broadcast-international-radio.html) - **Social:** [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/BlackCatSystems) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shortwave-broadcast-schedules/id476090163?uo=2) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad-iphone-ipod-touch-shortwave-ham-amateur-radio-app/Shortwave-Broadcast-Schedules-swbc-dx-swl-ham-radio-short-wave-radio-world-band-shortwave-broadcast-international-radio.html) - **Sources:** Developer website content, About us / company information, App store metadata. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Tinder Dating App: Date & Chat*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/tinder-dating-app-date-chat) (Tinder LLC) — 4.2/5 Rating | Terrible Sentiment - [*Alarmy - Loud alarm clock*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/alarmy-loud-alarm-clock) (Delight Room Co., Ltd.) — 4.8/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*Swiftime*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/swiftime) (MEDIANO Co.,Ltd.) — 4.5/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*AlarmMon ( alarm clock )*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/alarmmon-alarm-clock) (Malang Studio Co. Ltd,) — 4.7/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment - [*Alarmie: Easy Rise Alarm Clock*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/alarmie-easy-rise-alarm-clock) (Jintian Wang) — 4.4/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment - [*Watch Faces App - Wallpapers*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/watch-faces-app-wallpapers) (Justin Craig) — 4.6/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*Watch Faces by MobyFox*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/watch-faces-by-mobyfox) (Mobyfox Studios) — 4.7/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*HeartDistance*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/com-example-heartdistance) (Connexa GmbH (CH)) — N/A Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*Google Opinion Rewards*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/google-opinion-rewards) (Google) — 4.7/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*Xbox Family Settings*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/xbox-family-settings) (Microsoft Corporation) — 4.1/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 3-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Feature & Positioning Extraction** — Analyzes app metadata, developer website content, and version history to identify key features, target audience, and competitive positioning. 2. **Sentiment Analysis** — Processes user reviews (minimum 5 reviews required) to extract praise themes, complaint themes, and overall sentiment with evidence quotes. 3. **Intelligence Synthesis** — Combines stages 1 & 2 with App Store rankings to produce SWOT analysis, executive summary, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.3/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 0 - **Data Sources:** developer website, company about page, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 6 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/com-blackcatsystems-swbcsked) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.