Hey Ham2K team and community,
I’d like to propose Apple Shortcuts integration for PoLo — and make a case for why this would be one of the coolest features you could add for field operators.
The Problem
Solo activations are a juggling act. Right now, operators manually handle tasks like:
- Setting up a new PoLo operation before keying up
- Self-spotting on POTA Spots / SOTA Watchdog
- Exporting ADIF and uploading to POTA/SOTA servers
- Posting activation summaries to social media
Every extra tap is friction that takes you away from making QSOs — especially painful with cold hands on a summit.
The Proposal
Add a polo:// URL scheme to expose key PoLo actions to Apple Shortcuts. Suggested operations:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
Create operation |
Start a new activation pre-filled with reference, mode, band |
Get operation |
Read current operation data (reference, QSO count, bands) |
Self-spot |
Post current freq/mode/reference to spot networks |
Export logs |
Trigger ADIF export to Files or share sheet |
Get current stats |
Return QSO count, duration, bands worked |
QSY / QRT |
Change frequency or close the activation |
The community builds their own Shortcuts — the dev team just provides the hooks. No backend changes, no ongoing maintenance.
Workflows This Unlocks
Activation Launcher
One tap before you key up: sets Focus mode, opens PoLo pre-filled with your reference, and starts the operation. Zero manual setup.
Satellite Activity Launcher
One tap starts a new operation pre-filled with satellite name, uplink/downlink frequencies, and mode. Perfect for timed LEO passes where every second counts.
Self-Spot on Arrival
Pulls current frequency, mode, and reference from your radio, updates the operation, and fires a spot — all without touching PoLo manually.
One-Tap Closeout
End activity → export ADIF → upload to POTA/SOTA → back up to iCloud. Five steps become one.
Social Media Summary
Auto-composes a post with live stats from PoLo:
Just wrapped another activation!
K-1234 |
42 QSOs |
20m/40m |
SSB |
67 min
Thanks to all the chasers! Logged with Ham2K PoLo
#POTA #SOTA #HamRadio
Apple Watch Complication
Live QSO count and one-tap self-spot from your wrist — no need to unlock your phone mid-activation.
All of this is buildable using Apple’s free Shortcuts app — no coding required.
Would love to hear from the community: which of these workflows would you build first?
73 de YT3MW