Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The SmartScreen warning appears because ShackDesk apps are independently developed software that is new to Microsoft's reputation system. It is not an indication of a virus or malware. To proceed, click More info then Run anyway.

ShackDesk is preparing code signing for PortPane, starting with alpha releases. See the PortPane code signing policy for current status. In the meantime, you can verify the integrity of any download by checking the SHA-256 hash posted alongside each release on GitHub. PortPane source code is publicly available for anyone who wants to inspect it: github.com/Computer-Tsu/ShackDesk-PortPane.

ShackDesk apps are designed to work fully offline. No internet connection is required for any core feature. Apps will never silently connect to any server without your knowledge.

The only optional network activity is anonymous telemetry, which is strictly opt-in and disabled by default. You can review exactly what would be sent before anything leaves your machine using Help → View Collected Data.

No. ShackDesk apps do not collect your callsign, name, email address, IP address, hostname, or any personally identifiable information. Ever.

Optional telemetry (opt-in only) collects anonymous device identifiers — audio device and COM port names — to help improve hardware compatibility. See the Privacy page for full details.

Yes. ShackDesk apps are built specifically with EMCOMM deployments in mind. They are offline-first, lightweight, and do not require installation of additional runtimes beyond what ships with Windows. No background services, no startup delays, no internet dependency.

Requirements vary by app. PortPane requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit). Check each app's release page for specific system requirements.

PortPane requires the .NET 8 runtime, which ships with Windows 11. On Windows 10, Windows will prompt you to download it automatically if it is not already present. No third-party software is required.

COM port access is required to display active port assignments and switch between profiles. ShackDesk apps only read port information and switch assignments — they do not modify your radio's configuration or transmit anything over the air.

PortPane displays your current audio device and COM port assignments in one place and lets you switch between saved profiles with a single click. It is designed for digital mode operators who regularly switch between modes, software, or radios and need a fast, reliable way to get the right configuration loaded without hunting through Windows settings.

PortPane manages Windows audio device and COM port assignments at the system level — it works alongside any digital mode software. It does not integrate directly with any specific application; it simply ensures the right devices are assigned before you launch your software.

Open Help → View Collected Data. If you have opted into telemetry, you can send a report that includes your device identifiers to help us add it to the recognition database. You can also open a discussion on GitHub Discussions with your device's name and we will look into adding it.

RigCheck is a CAT communication diagnostic tool. It uses Hamlib to test serial communication with your radio and helps diagnose connection problems before or during an operating session. RigCheck is currently in development — no release is available yet.

No release date has been announced yet. Watch the GitHub repository for announcements.

MarkMySpot is a free web app that reads your GPS location and displays it in formats amateur radio operators use — Maidenhead grid square, decimal degrees, and DMS. One tap copies all three formats to your clipboard. It runs in any browser on Android or iPhone, works offline after the first load, and can be installed to your home screen as a PWA.

Learn more about MarkMySpot  ·  MarkMySpot FAQ & help

MarkMySpot needs your GPS coordinates to calculate your grid square and display your location. Your location is used only on your device — it is never sent to any server, never stored, and never shared. All calculations happen locally in your browser. There is no backend.

When the app first opens, tap Allow when your browser asks for location permission. If you need to re-enable permission later, see the location troubleshooting guide.

iPhone: You must use Safari — Chrome and other iOS browsers cannot install apps to the home screen. In Safari, tap the Share button (rectangle with arrow) → Add to Home Screen. Also make sure Safari has iOS location permission: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Safari → While Using the App.

Android: Open MarkMySpot in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) → Add to Home screen or Install app.

See the full installation guide for step-by-step instructions including Samsung Internet.

Some ShackDesk apps are open source. PortPane source code is publicly available on GitHub under the MIT License. You are free to inspect, build, and contribute to that code. See each app's page or repository for current licensing details.

Contributions are welcome. See the CONTRIBUTING.md file in each app's GitHub repository for guidelines. Community-maintained data files — such as the USB device database — are especially appreciated.

Yes. PortPane can be used by individual operators, clubs, and EMCOMM groups. ShackDesk also offers optional registration, personalization, and support for official builds.