What Is CommStat?
CommStat is a companion application designed to extend the capabilities of JS8Call by adding structured reporting, tracking, and visualization of stations operating on a network. It provides a practical way to collect, manage, and interpret STATREPs transmitted over HF, turning individual messages into actionable situational awareness.
CommStat is built for operators and groups who need clarity, coordination, and continuity when communications matter most.
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:
- Send consistent, structured status reports over JS8Call
- Receive and store reports from other stations
- Track participation across a net or operating period
- Visualize stations geographically for rapid awareness
- Maintain a local operational picture even when internet access is unavailable
- Groups messaging, ideal for preparedness and regional nets
- Send SMS or email via APRS gateways
Why CommStat Exists
JS8Call excels at reliable, low-signal digital communications. However, when operating as a group, important information is often scattered across multiple messages, logs, or operators.
CommStat addresses this gap by providing:
- Easy to use
- Clean, modernized layout
- Reports follow a predictable structure that is easy to read and interpret
- Incoming reports are stored locally for later review and reference
- Individual transmissions become part of a larger operational picture
- Net controllers and participants can quickly see who is active and what their status is
- Designed for off-grid and emergency operations
This makes CommStat well suited for emergency communications, preparedness groups, training exercises, and any situation where situational awareness is more important than casual messaging.
CommStat Core Capabilities
CommStat is designed to be simple to use while remaining operationally powerful. Features include:
- Fill out structured status reports using a straightforward interface designed for speed and clarity.
- Transmit and receive STATREPs directly over JS8Call without modifying the radio or digital mode workflow.
- Automatically store and organize incoming reports for later review.
- Track which stations are active, when they last reported, and what their current status is.
- Plot participating stations on a map to provide rapid situational awareness at a glance.
- All data is stored locally, keeping the operator in control of their information.
Cross-Platform & Radio-Friendly
CommStat runs on:
- Windows 10/11
- Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Mint and more — for x86_64 and ARM64.)
- macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)
CommStat connects with one, two or three instances of JS8Call on different TCP ports.
Ongoing development ensures expanding compatibility and new features.
Designed for Real-World Operations
CommStat was created with practical use in mind:
- Works in disconnected or degraded environments
- No reliance on external servers or cloud services
- Simple enough for field use, capable enough for coordination roles
- Supports both individual operators and organized networks
- 100% backward-compatible with all previous versions of CommStat
- Designed for preparedness, field operations, and real-world reliability
Whether you're supporting emergency networks, preparing for infrastructure loss, or simply enjoying long-distance digital communication, CommStat keeps you connected.
