What is UIChat?

UIChat is an Amateur Radio tool aimed at replicating the methodology behind FSQCall. Namely, selective calling and automated responses to certain "action characters" embedded in the message. The syntax is simple to learn, and there is a help page with all commands shown in case you need a reminder.

As of version 2, UIChat is a Java program and as such works on multiple operating systems and computer platforms including the RaspberryPi which comes with Java installed by default (in Raspbian).

UIChat is designed to be a "chat" application, but unlike FSQCall is not limited to one type of RF modem. Any KISS enabled modem (either TCP socket accessible or serial access) may be used. I have tested UIChat on HF packet at 300 baud, and others have used it on VHF/UHF packet at 1200 baud. UIChat marries up well with the Direwolf packet sound modem since it has KISS accessible on a TCP port and/or a serial port. A TNC-X, Direwolf and some FLDIGI test code are the only current test modems. Reports on others are highly valuable!

The UIChat GUI interface gives the user a recieved text area (when the user transmits a message is shown here also), a transmit text area where the user types his messages for sending, a "heard list" with time stamps of who is currently on frequency in reverse chronological order, and controls for Sounding which is a beacon that allows you to transmit a short message automatically periodically. Additionally, a character counter is included below the transmit text window to help you keep track of how long your message is.

Currently, UIChat uses AX.25 Un-numbered Information (UI) frames to send these messages between stations. A single digipeater may also be used.

UIChat has certain "action characters" which trigger a response to a properly formatted incoming message. For example, if my UIChat receives a message from ve1jot with the content "ab4mw?", then my station will automatically respond with, "ve1jot ab4mw online...". The "?" is an "action character" which triggers the sending of the station status message to the originating station. The " " (space) is also an action character that means, print this text to the screen.

Messages may also be written to my station's working directory in a file called "<RemoteCall>.msg" and be reviewed by the local station from inside the UIChat GUI. Use the View/Messages menu item to view a list of message files.

Messages may be repeated with the "!" action character. Messages may be relayed with the ";" action character. See the help in this Wiki for more information on these and other action characters.