DXLens – iOS shortwave schedules, propagation context, logbook and Global SDR listening

[Muayyad]

Hi everyone,

I’m the developer of DXLens, a newly released iPhone/iPad application built for shortwave listeners, and I wanted to share it here because this is exactly the kind of community whose technical feedback would be useful.

The original problem was not simply “where can I find a shortwave schedule?” It was what comes next: with many scheduled transmissions, what should I try, what evidence supports that decision, and how do I move efficiently from the schedule to actual listening?

DXLens combines EiBi, Aoki/NDXC, and HFCC schedules while keeping source attribution and disagreements visible.

It also provides different On Air approaches, transmitter/path information, propagation evidence and assumptions, ionospheric and RF context, alerts, Custom views, and a reception logbook.

A broadcast can also be carried into Global SDR, where the app compares compatible public receivers and provides a native spectrum/waterfall listening session with tuning controls and local recording.

I have intentionally kept “scheduled,” “modeled,” and “actually heard” separate because I don’t think a schedule or forecast should be presented as proof of reception.

There are detailed real screenshots here:

DXLens · Find broadcasts worth hearing

Download:
Download DXLens

I’d particularly value feedback from experienced listeners on schedule reconciliation and whether the forecast/path evidence is presented in a technically useful way.

 

[pjxii]

I would be happy to try it but as an Android user it is not available to me

 

[Muayyad]

Thanks — I appreciate that.


At the moment DXLens is available only for iPhone and iPad, so unfortunately there isn’t an Android version yet.


I’m glad the idea itself caught your interest, though. Feedback from Android users is useful too, especially about which parts of the shortwave workflow would matter most if the app ever expanded to another platform.

 

[D31245]

Hello @Muayyad, I have downloaded the app and listening now. I like the interface. Very dense with a lots of useful choices and information.

Don’t know if this is an issue, but I cannot listen to the app in the background while i do other things in my iPhone. I have to reconnect in the app. Is there a setting to allow the app to run in the background?

 

[Muayyad]

Thanks for trying DXLens, and I’m glad you like the interface.


What you’re seeing is intentional at the moment rather than an iPhone setting you’ve missed.


Many of the public SDR receivers that DXLens connects to are shared resources. Some allow only a small number of simultaneous listeners, and some also impose session limits of around an hour.


Because of that, I chose not to keep a public receiver and its audio session running indefinitely in the background when DXLens is no longer being actively used. Doing so could occupy one of the receiver’s limited listener slots even though the user is doing something else on the phone.


When you return to DXLens, the receiver may therefore need to reconnect.


I’m continuing to evaluate the best balance between background listening convenience and being respectful of the limited capacity of public SDR receivers, so your feedback on this is very useful.


Thanks for giving the app a real try.

 

[D31245]

Great! Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense. I will continue to use and evaluate.

 

[vavolff]

I just downloaded the app and so far I really dig it. Right off the bat, I love the layout and the way information is presented. Your app will definitely come in handy for me as a tip off to what's currently on the air. I primarily monitor the utility/pirate side of HF, but this is great as to what I can shoot for when I'm in the mood for catching some broadcast action. Plus, the option for listening in app is just an added bonus and a win-win for me. I'll play with it more and I'll get back to you on any additional feedback I have (if any). You put in some strong work creating this app and I certainly appreciate your efforts!

 

[Muayyad]

I just downloaded the app and so far I really dig it. Right off the bat, I love the layout and the way information is presented. Your app will definitely come in handy for me as a tip off to what's currently on the air. I primarily monitor the utility/pirate side of HF, but this is great as to what I can shoot for when I'm in the mood for catching some broadcast action. Plus, the option for listening in app is just an added bonus and a win-win for me. I'll play with it more and I'll get back to you on any additional feedback I have (if any). You put in some strong work creating this app and I certainly appreciate your efforts!

Thanks, I really appreciate that! Glad the layout and the “what’s on now” side of DXLens is useful for you.


Definitely keep playing with it and let me know if anything feels off or could be improved — feedback from people who actually spend time on HF is especially helpful.


Also, the next update will add RTL-TCP support, so you’ll be able to use your own compatible RTL-SDR setup directly with DXLens as well. 📻


Thanks again for giving it a try!