Review: Skyroof 1.6 beta: What Satellites are above us? ‣ MM0ZIF Amateur Radio & Weather Station.

IntroductionSkyRoof, developed by Alex Shovkoplyas (VE3NEA), is a Windows application tailored for ham radio operators and satellite enthusiasts. Combining satellite tracking with software-defined radio (SDR) functionality, SkyRoof aims to provide a comprehensive tool for tracking and receiving signals from ham radio satellites. Version 1.6 Beta, the latest iteration as of July 2025, introduces several enhancements over previous versions, such as improved SDR support, refined user interface elements, and better error handling. This review evaluates SkyRoof 1.6 Beta based on its features, performance, usability, setup process, and community feedback, while identifying areas for further improvement.FeaturesSkyRoof 1.6 Beta offers a robust set of features designed to streamline satellite tracking and SDR operations:
Satellite Tracking and Pass Prediction: SkyRoof provides real-time tracking of ham radio satellites, displaying detailed information such as satellite positions, pass predictions, and a skymap. The software automatically updates satellite data via an internet connection, ensuring accurate orbital information. A notable feature is the real-time satellite status indicator in the Current Group panel, which must be enabled in settings.SDR Integration: The software supports a range of SDR devices, including RTL-SDR, Airspy Mini, AirspyHF+, HackRF, RSP1b, and RSPdx-R2. It offers an SDR-based waterfall display covering VHF and UHF bands, with zoom and pan capabilities. Frequency tuning is visually intuitive, with satellite names and transponder segments labeled on the frequency scale, automatically corrected for Doppler shift.Receiver Capabilities: SkyRoof supports demodulation of SSB, CW, and FM signals, with features like Receiver Incremental Tuning (RIT) and automatic Doppler compensation. It also allows audio and I/Q output to external programs via Virtual Audio Cable (VAC) or UDP streaming, enhancing compatibility with other ham radio software.Antenna Rotator Support: The software interfaces with antenna rotators supported by HamLib, enabling automated antenna positioning for optimal signal reception. This is optional but highly beneficial for users with rotator-equipped setups.User Interface Enhancements: Version 1.6 Beta includes a reduced toolbar width to accommodate smaller screens, a vertical scale in the Timeline panel, and a command to reset window layout. These changes improve usability on various display sizes and configurations.Error Handling and Logging: Improved error handling and additional SDR-related logging make troubleshooting easier. The installer now includes missing DLL files, and the software is signed with an Open Source SignPath certificate to enhance trust and security.Automatic Updates: SkyRoof 1.6 Beta introduces automatic checking for software updates, reducing the need for manual downloads. The removal of the mandatory ham callsign entry simplifies setup for new users.
PerformanceSkyRoof 1.6 Beta performs reliably on modern 64-bit Windows systems (Windows 10 or 11), with minimal hardware requirements beyond an internet connection for satellite data and an optional SDR or transceiver for full functionality. Testing with devices like the IC-9700 weak signal satellite radio and various SDRs (e.g., RTL-SDR, Airspy) shows stable operation, with smooth Doppler correction and accurate satellite tracking.However, some users report issues with specific SDR configurations. For instance, the RTL-SDR V4 dongle has been problematic, with failures attributed to missing or incompatible DLL files. Copying the 64-bit version of the V4 rtlsdr.dll from the RTL-SDR-BLOG Windows Release resolves this for some, but it indicates a need for better out-of-the-box compatibility. Additionally, there are reports of a potential virus flag during installation, which may deter some users, though this appears to be a false positive related to the installer’s signature rather than actual malicious content.Performance on lower-end systems or smaller screens is improved due to the optimized toolbar and layout options, but users with high-resolution displays or complex setups (e.g., remote SDRs) may still encounter occasional glitches, such as null pointer errors (fixed in version 1.6) or issues with initial data input during setup.UsabilitySkyRoof 1.6 Beta is designed with a focus on visual interaction, making it intuitive for users familiar with SDR and satellite tracking software. The waterfall display, labeled with satellite names and Doppler-corrected transponder segments, simplifies frequency tuning, while the skymap and pass prediction tools are user-friendly for tracking satellite positions. The removal of the mandatory callsign entry lowers the barrier to entry for non-licensed enthusiasts or those testing the software.However, the software’s beta status means it’s not without quirks. Some users report that the initial setup process can be finicky, particularly when inputting location data (e.g., grid square or altitude), with the “OK” button occasionally greyed out. The lack of support for non-Windows platforms limits its accessibility, a point of frustration for Linux or macOS users in the ham radio community. Additionally, while the interface is functional, it could benefit from a more modern aesthetic or customizable themes to enhance user experience.Setup and InstallationSetting up SkyRoof 1.6 Beta is straightforward for Windows users with a 64-bit system. The installer, available from the official GitHub page (ve3nea.github.io/SkyRoof), includes necessary dependencies, and the addition of missing DLLs in version 1.6 reduces setup errors compared to earlier versions. An internet connection is required to download satellite data, and users with SDRs or transceivers like the IC-9700 will need to ensure compatible drivers are installed. HamLib is recommended for rotator and transceiver control but is optional.Challenges during setup include occasional false-positive virus warnings, which may require users to bypass antivirus software temporarily, and compatibility issues with certain SDR models (e.g., RTL-SDR V4). Documentation has been updated to address these concerns, but it could be more comprehensive, particularly for troubleshooting SDR-specific issues.Community FeedbackThe ham radio and satellite enthusiast community has generally welcomed SkyRoof, appreciating its free, open-source nature and its integration of SDR and tracking functionalities. On platforms like YouTube and the Libre Space Community, users praise its real-time tracking and waterfall display, with one YouTube review highlighting its ease of use for tracking satellites like RS-44. However, feedback also points to areas needing improvement:
Missing Support for FunCube Dongle: Users have requested support for the FunCube Pro+ dongle, a popular SDR in the ham radio community, which is not yet supported.Setup Issues: Some users encounter errors during initial configuration, such as the inability to input data or persistent greyed-out buttons.Windows-Only Limitation: The lack of support for Linux or macOS is a significant drawback for a community that often uses diverse operating systems.Stability Concerns: While version 1.6 fixes issues like null pointer errors and decayed satellite data, some users report crashes after extended use, particularly with certain SDR configurations.
Areas for ImprovementWhile SkyRoof 1.6 Beta is a powerful tool, several areas could be addressed in future releases:
Broader SDR Support: Adding support for devices like the FunCube Pro+ and ensuring seamless compatibility with RTL-SDR V4 would enhance accessibility.Cross-Platform Compatibility: Expanding to Linux and macOS would cater to a wider audience, given the prevalence of these systems in the ham radio community.Improved Documentation: More detailed setup guides, especially for troubleshooting SDR and driver issues, would reduce user frustration.Polished UI: A modernized interface with customizable themes or layouts could improve the user experience, especially for long-term use.Stability Enhancements: Addressing remaining crash issues and ensuring robust performance across all supported SDRs would solidify SkyRoof’s reliability.
ConclusionSkyRoof 1.6 Beta is a promising tool for ham radio and satellite enthusiasts, offering a unique combination of real-time satellite tracking and SDR functionality. Its intuitive waterfall display, Doppler correction, and support for multiple SDRs make it a valuable asset for tracking and receiving ham radio satellites. Improvements in version 1.6, such as enhanced error handling, automatic updates, and a streamlined setup process, demonstrate VE3NEA’s commitment to refining the software. However, its Windows-only limitation, occasional setup issues, and incomplete SDR support highlight its beta status and areas for growth.For users with compatible hardware and a Windows system, SkyRoof 1.6 Beta is a compelling freeware option that rivals more established satellite tracking software. With continued development and community feedback, it has the potential to become a leading tool in the amateur radio space. For now, it’s a solid choice for enthusiasts willing to navigate its beta-stage quirks.Recommendation: Recommended for Windows-based ham radio operators with supported SDRs or transceivers, but users should be prepared for occasional setup challenges and monitor updates for improved stability and compatibility.

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MM0ZIF

CEO at Havenswell. – 07874827971 – inferno@mm0zif.radio – Web

Hi I am Marcus, MM0ZIF, a licenced Radio Amateur, Doctor of Musicology, amateur weather enthusiast. I over the years have been a Amateur Radio Tutor, Examiner, and a Regional Manager for the Radio Society of Great Britain.

This site is dedicated more towards Amateur Radio and Weather, with an angle on Technology too. I also maintain https://havenswell.com/ which is my other blog which is more aimed at cooking, hobbies and life in general as well as businness and networking.