HamClock Launcher

A GUI launcher for HamClock on Macs

HamClock versions are included — no other installation required

This release includes HamClock version 4.22

In memory of Elwood Downey, WB0OEW (SK) — creator of HamClock. His work continues to serve the amateur radio community.
HamClock Launcher Screenshot

Download v1.2

Total GitHub downloads
total downloads (all versions)
Download for Apple Silicon (M series) Download for Intel Macs
Note: Choose the version that matches your Mac's processor. Not sure which one? Click the Apple menu → About This Mac to check your processor type.
📋 View Release Notes

Overview

HamClock Launcher is a macOS desktop application that simplifies launching and managing HamClock instances. It captures and displays HamClock's output in real-time, making it easy to monitor the application's status and debug any issues.

Following the passing of Elwood Downey (WB0OEW, SK) in early 2026, HamClock Launcher has been updated to support alternative backend servers through the OpenHamClock-Backend community project and other hamclock servers. This ensures that the HamClock continues to function for the amateur radio community.

Features

📺 Multiple Resolutions

Choose from 800x480, 1600x960, 2400x1440, or 3200x1920

📊 Real-time Monitoring

View HamClock's output as it runs

🌐 Browser Integration

One-click browser launch

🔒 Safe Shutdown

Prompts before closing if running

🖥️ Backend Server Selection

Use the legacy ClearSkyInstitute server or connect to an OpenHamClock server

The first available replacement backend can be use by specifying hamclock.com:80 as the new backend sever. More servers will be online very soon!

📋 Output Management

Copy, select all, and auto-limiting of output

Requirements

Installation

Using the DMG Installer

  1. Download the appropriate DMG file for your Mac (see download buttons above)
  2. Open the DMG file
  3. Drag HamClockLauncher to your Applications folder
  4. Launch the application — HamClock binaries are already included
✨ DMG files include all HamClock binaries — No additional downloads needed! The installer includes all four HamClock versions (800x480, 1600x960, 2400x1440, and 3200x1920) ready to use.

Usage

  1. Launch the Application: Open HamClockLauncher from your Applications folder
  2. Select HamClock Version: Choose your preferred display resolution
  3. Select Backend Server: Choose the ClearSkyInstitute legacy server or enter a custom OpenHamClock server address (hostname:port)
  4. Start HamClock: Click "Start HamClock"
  5. Open in Browser: Click "Open in Browser" to view HamClock at http://localhost:8081/live.html
  6. Stop HamClock: Click "Stop HamClock" when finished

Menu Options

Edit Menu

Help Menu

Known Issues

macOS TSM Warnings

When launching HamClock on macOS, you may see warnings like:

TSMSendMessageToUIServer: CFMessagePortSendRequest FAILED(-1) to send to port com.apple.tsm.uiserver

These warnings are harmless and related to macOS's Text Services Manager. They do not affect HamClock's functionality and can be safely ignored.

macOS Airport Command Missing

On newer versions of macOS, the airport command used by HamClock to report WiFi signal strength is missing or deprecated. HamClock still works normally; it simply will not display WiFi signal strength. Messages like the following can be ignored:

sh: /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport: No such file or directory

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. Copyright © 2025–2026 Hubert Hickman.

About HamClock

HamClock was created by Elwood Downey (WB0OEW, SK) and is available at clearskyinstitute.com. HamClock is licensed under the MIT License.

Author

Hubert Hickman
Email: hubert.kf0vwd@yahoo.com

View on GitHub →