ECTLogger TUI/Packet Radio Client

Status: Concept / Stretch Goal
Purpose: Terminal-based client for low-bandwidth and packet radio operations

Overview

A terminal-based client that communicates with the ECTLogger API, designed to work over:

Direct terminal (SSH, local console)
Packet radio (via TNC/terminal node controller)
Winlink (as a form-based message exchange)
Low-bandwidth links (HF digital modes, satellite)

This would enable net control operations in austere environments where web browsers aren’t available or bandwidth is extremely limited.

User Interface Concept

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    ECTLogger TUI Client                      │
│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│  │ NET: LA County ARES Training Net    Status: ACTIVE      ││
│  │ Freq: 147.435+ (Active) | 223.96 | D-STAR REF033C       ││
│  ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤│
│  │ #  │ CALL    │ NAME      │ STATUS │ FREQ    │ TIME     ││
│  │ 1  │ W6ABC   │ John      │ ✓ IN   │ 147.435 │ 19:02    ││
│  │ 2  │ KN6XYZ  │ Maria     │ ✓ IN   │ 223.96  │ 19:03    ││
│  │ 3  │ N6TEST  │ Bob       │ 👂 LSN │ 147.435 │ 19:05    ││
│  │ 4  │ K6EMT   │ Sarah     │ 🚨 TFC │ D-STAR  │ 19:07    ││
│  ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤│
│  │ CMD> _                                                   ││
│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Command Interface

Full Commands (Terminal Mode)

CMD> ci W6NEW John Pasadena        # Check in W6NEW
CMD> co W6ABC                       # Check out W6ABC
CMD> st W6NEW tfc                   # Set status to "has traffic"
CMD> freq 2                         # Switch active freq to #2
CMD> list                           # Refresh check-in list
CMD> chat Net is moving to 223.96   # Send chat message
CMD> close                          # Close the net
CMD> help                           # Show commands

Abbreviated Commands (Packet Mode)

For packet radio where bandwidth is ~1200 baud:

ECT>C W6NEW,JOHN,PASADENA,IN       # Check in
ECT>OK 5                            # Response: check-in #5
ECT>L                               # List check-ins
ECT>1:W6ABC:JOHN:IN:19:02
ECT>2:KN6XYZ:MARIA:IN:19:03
ECT>3:W6NEW:JOHN:IN:19:08
ECT>END

Packet Radio Optimizations

Compressed updates - Only send diffs, not full state
Abbreviated commands - C W6NEW J PASA instead of full text
Polling mode - Client requests updates vs WebSocket push
Message batching - Queue multiple check-ins, send in one burst
Offline queuing - Store commands when link is down, sync when connected

Tech Stack Options

Approach	Pros	Cons
Python + Rich/Textual	Matches backend, easy API integration	Requires Python runtime
Go + Bubble Tea	Single binary, fast, works everywhere	Separate codebase
Rust + Ratatui	Tiny binary, ultra-low resource	Steeper learning curve
Pure shell + curl	Works on anything with bash	Limited UI, tedious

API Endpoints (Already Available)

The existing ECTLogger API supports everything needed:

Endpoint	Purpose
`POST /api/auth/magic-link/request`	Auth (or add API key support)
`GET /api/nets/?status=active`	List active nets
`GET /api/nets/{id}`	Get net details
`POST /api/check-ins/nets/{id}/check-ins`	Check in station
`PUT /api/check-ins/{id}/status`	Update status
`PUT /api/nets/{id}/active-frequency`	Change active freq
`POST /api/chat/nets/{id}`	Send chat message
`PUT /api/nets/{id}/close`	Close net

Authentication Considerations

For automated/packet systems, consider:

API keys instead of JWT tokens (simpler for automated systems)
Station callsign auth - Trusted callsigns with pre-shared keys
Gateway mode - One authenticated station relays for others

Winlink Integration

Could work as a Winlink form-based message:

To: ECTLOGGER
Subject: CHECKIN

NET_ID: 42
CALLSIGN: W6ABC
NAME: John
LOCATION: Pasadena
STATUS: IN

A gateway service would parse incoming Winlink messages and submit to the API.

Use Cases

Field deployment - NCS runs TUI on laptop connected via packet
Remote check-ins - Field stations send check-ins via Winlink
HF operations - Low-bandwidth HF digital modes (JS8Call, Winlink)
Backup capability - When internet is down, packet network still works
Training - Practice packet operations with real-world application

Implementation Phases

Phase 1: Basic TUI

Read-only net view
Simple check-in command
Works over SSH

Phase 2: Full NCS Control

All net management commands
Real-time updates via polling
Status changes and frequency control

Phase 3: Packet Integration

Abbreviated command protocol
TNC integration (KISS protocol)
Offline queue and sync

Phase 4: Winlink Gateway

Form template for check-ins
Gateway service to process messages
Reply messages with net status

This concept supports ECTLogger’s mission of serving emergency communications where traditional internet connectivity may not be available.