--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "ShackPilot: Ham Radio Remote" developer_entity: "Lukasz Skierkowski" bundle_id: "ca.skierkowski.ShackPilot" app_store_id: "6760430670" category: "Utilities" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Subscription" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS" app_last_updated: "2026-10-10" report_date: "2026-10-14" last_verified: "2026-10-14T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "1.12" total_reviews: 1 overall_rating: 5 sentiment: "Thrilled" sentiment_score: 90 confidence: "low" confidence_score: 0.3 top_praise_theme: "Bluetooth headset integration allows remote radio operation that feels like sitting at the physical station" review_sample_size: 2 total_review_count: 2 analyzed_review_count: 2 data_age_days: 31 momentum_velocity: "maintenance" intelligence_version: 2 tags: ["utilities", "subscription", "thrilled sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "amateur", "radio", "operators"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/shackpilot-ham-radio-remote" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # ShackPilot: Ham Radio Remote Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Utilities · Subscription - **Signal**: Rating 5 · Sentiment Thrilled - **Recent focus**: Bluetooth headset integration allows remote radio operation that feels like sitting at the physical station (top praise) > **TL;DR:** ShackPilot: Ham Radio Remote is a utilities app by Lukasz Skierkowski, rated 5/5 by 1 users, with Thrilled user sentiment (90/100), available on iOS. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** ShackPilot: Ham Radio Remote maintains Thrilled user sentiment (5/5 from 1 review), with users consistently praising bluetooth headset integration allows remote radio operation that feels like sitting at the physical station. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 5/5 (1 review) | | **User Mood** | Thrilled | | **Category** | Utilities | | **Developer** | Lukasz Skierkowski | | **Pricing** | Subscription | | **Platforms** | iOS | | **Confidence** | Low (0.3/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 31d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Lukasz Skierkowski - **Category:** Utilities - **Target Audience:** Amateur radio operators seeking to operate their base station transceivers remotely from mobile devices. - **Platforms:** iOS - **Version Reviewed:** 1.12 - **Report Date:** 2026-10-14 - **Signal Count:** 2 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** Low (0.3/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 6760430670 - **Bundle ID:** ca.skierkowski.ShackPilot - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-10-14 ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** ShackPilot is a remote-control application for amateur radio transceivers, enabling mobile operation of base stations on iOS and macOS. **Why users hire it:** It removes the requirement for dedicated hardware or Windows-based software, allowing operators to manage their station from any location with internet access. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Direct Yaesu Transceiver Control:** Native CAT control for FT-710 and FT-991A models without external software or hardware adapters. - **[Standard] Hamlib Integration:** Frequency, mode, and VFO control for Icom, Kenwood, and other brands via rigctld server. - **[Differentiator] Built-in Digital Modes:** Eight modes including FT8, JS8, and SSTV with auto-sequencing and logging. ## Market Position {#market-position} ShackPilot occupies a niche in the Utilities category for amateur radio, currently maintaining a 5.0-star rating. The focus on native Yaesu integration differentiates it from generic remote-control tools that require complex hardware setups. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Subscription - **Tiers:** 2-week free trial, Monthly subscription - **Analysis:** Subscription model funds ongoing development of new radio and mode support, gated after a 14-day trial. ## 🟢 User Sentiment (Low Confidence: 2 of 2 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 5/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 5.0/5 (1 ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Thrilled ### Top Praises - **Bluetooth headset integration allows remote radio operation that feels like sitting at the physical station** - **Guided Access integration prevents accidental input during extended remote radio monitoring sessions on mobile devices** - **VPN tunnel compatibility allows secure remote radio access without exposing control services to the public internet** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Proprietary direct-drive support for Yaesu models - Built-in digital mode processing removes external software - Secure VPN integration enables private shack access **Growth Levers:** - WSPR mode support would capture signal-reporting enthusiasts ## What's New - **Latest (v1.12, 3 days ago):** Introduced SQL handling and performance improvements for the FTDX10. ## App Momentum (Maintenance) {#momentum} - Shipped SQL handling and FTDX10 improvements. - Maintains steady maintenance cadence. > **Cadence:** 2 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 3 days since last update · 38 days avg between updates ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} ShackPilot: Ham Radio Remote is an utilities app. It holds a 5/5 rating from 1 review. > **Bottom Line:** ShackPilot secures its position by integrating complex digital modes directly into the mobile interface, which removes the need for external software. Prioritizing WSPR support will address the primary user request and further differentiate the app from generic remote-control alternatives. **Best for:** Amateur radio operators seeking to operate their base station transceivers remotely from mobile devices. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [INVEST] Ship WSPR mode support because users explicitly request it for signal reporting → increase user retention ### Outlook: Stable The amateur radio remote-control market is consolidating around apps that offer all-in-one digital mode support. ShackPilot is well-positioned to lead this segment by continuing to refine its native transceiver control, which provides a more stable experience than generic Hamlib-based competitors. - 🟢 The latest release (v1.12) improved SQL handling and FTDX10 performance, demonstrating active technical maintenance of the core control logic. - ⚪ User feedback is limited but highly positive, focusing on the authenticity of the remote experience via Bluetooth PTT integration. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 5/5 | | Total Reviews | 1 | | Sentiment | Thrilled (90/100) | | Confidence | Low | | Pricing Model | Subscription | | Platforms | iOS | | Key Features | 3 analyzed | | Outlook | Stable | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **ShackPilot: Ham Radio Remote** (this app) | 5/5 | Thrilled | Lukasz Skierkowski | | [Sota Connect: Secure Network](https://marlvel.ai/apps/fi-catconnect-sota) | 4.9/5 | N/A | Cat Connect | | [V2Box - V2ray Client](https://marlvel.ai/apps/v2box-v2ray-client) | 4.6/5 | n/a | techlaim | | [App For Siri Commands Tips](https://marlvel.ai/apps/app-for-siri-commands-tips) | N/A/5 | N/A | Anh La Phan Son | | [avoVPN Desktop](https://marlvel.ai/apps/avovpn-desktop) | N/A/5 | N/A | Avocado VPN Technologies | | [Bin Days - Bin Reminder](https://marlvel.ai/apps/bin-days-bin-reminder) | N/A/5 | N/A | Vicki Partridge | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Lukasz Skierkowski ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store ID:** 6760430670 - **Sources:** App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Sota Connect: Secure Network*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/fi-catconnect-sota) (Cat Connect) · 4.9/5 Rating - [*V2Box - V2ray Client*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/v2box-v2ray-client) (techlaim) · 4.6/5 Rating - [*App For Siri Commands Tips*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/app-for-siri-commands-tips) (Anh La Phan Son) · N/A Rating - [*avoVPN Desktop*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/avovpn-desktop) (Avocado VPN Technologies) · N/A Rating - [*Bin Days - Bin Reminder*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/bin-days-bin-reminder) (Vicki Partridge) · N/A Rating - [*Controller Tester FGC*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/controller-tester-fgc) (Aaron Lowe) · 5.0/5 Rating - [*Fusvob VPN : Super VPN 2026*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-toplinkc-foxexcellent) (Fuxin Technology) · 4.5/5 Rating - [*Gear Ratio Calculator & RPM*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/cog-gear-ratio-calculator) (Linh Phan Nhat Khanh) · N/A Rating - [*MDflow Web Clipper*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/mdflow-web-clipper) (DataOps, s.r.o.) · N/A Rating - [*NordVPN: VPN Fast & Secure*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-nordvpn-nordvpn) (Nordvpn S.A.) · 4.7/5 Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is ShackPilot compatible with radios other than Yaesu? Yes, ShackPilot supports hundreds of other radios including Icom, Kenwood, and Elecraft through the free rigctld server. ### Does ShackPilot require extra hardware to work? No, ShackPilot connects to your radio via USB on your shack Mac, eliminating the need for extra network adapters or hardware. ### Can I use ShackPilot away from home? Yes, you can connect to your shack Mac over a VPN of your choice to operate your radio from anywhere. ### What digital modes are supported? ShackPilot includes eight built-in digital modes: FT8, FT4, JS8, CW, RTTY, Olivia, SSTV, and Packet. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.3/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 2 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, 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:** 31 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/shackpilot-ham-radio-remote) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.