Quick Start – DXChrono Desktop Help

Download and run

1. Get the application

Download the latest release for your platform from the DXChrono Desktop releases page (e.g. GitHub Releases). You get a standalone executable:

Windows – DXChrono.exe
macOS – DXChrono-macOS-arm64.zip or DXChrono-macOS-x64-Intel.zip; unzip to get the DXChrono executable
Linux (x64) – DXChrono-Linux-x64.tar.gz; extract and run DXChrono
Raspberry Pi (Linux arm64) – DXChrono-Linux-arm64-RaspberryPi.zip; unzip and run the executable

2. Run DXChrono

Place the executable in a folder of your choice and run it (double-click on Windows/macOS, or ./DXChrono in a terminal on macOS/Linux). If you have not saved a license key yet, a DXChrono license window appears first: paste your key from the purchase email, optionally click Activate, then Continue to save and open the main app (see Integrations → License).

After that, the app uses your saved settings and may start in fullscreen; press F to switch to a window if you prefer.

DXChrono main window with world map, gray line, and widgets for clock, solar data, and HF band conditions — Main window in windowed mode with Clock, Solar Data, and HF Band Conditions panels.

macOS: If Gatekeeper blocks the app

macOS Gatekeeper may block DXChrono because it is from an unidentified developer. You’ll see a message that the app “cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.” Use one of these methods:

Recommended: Right‑click (or Control‑click) the DXChrono executable → Open. Click Open again in the dialog. macOS will remember your choice and allow the app to run from then on.
Alternative: Open Terminal, cd to the folder containing DXChrono, and run: xattr -cr DXChrono. This removes the quarantine attribute so the app can run. Then double‑click DXChrono or run ./DXChrono.

3. Configure your station (and optional license tweaks)

Press S to open Settings. In the Station tab enter:

Callsign – Your amateur radio callsign
Grid square – Maidenhead locator (e.g. IO91wm); the app will fill latitude/longitude
Or set Latitude and Longitude directly for your QTH

Click Save. Your settings are stored in config.yaml (next to the executable for packaged builds). To change the license key or startup validation later, use Settings → License.

Next steps

Enable any integrations you need (DX Cluster, Cloudlog, QRZ Logbook, satellites, etc.) from the Settings tabs, then save. See Controls for keyboard shortcuts and Integrations for setup details (including licensing).

Data freshness

Different panels refresh on different timers, so some values can lag behind others. Check and tune refresh intervals in Settings → Data if you want faster updates.

Keeping DXChrono up to date

New releases add features and fixes. DXChrono can check for a newer version in the background (see Settings → Data → Software updates). When a newer build is listed on the DXChrono website, you get a simple Update Available message with links to the download page and the changelog. You always download and install the new build yourself—nothing is installed automatically.

If you prefer not to check from the app, turn off Check for app updates in Settings → Data and visit desktop.dxchrono.com/download when you want to upgrade.

Common issues

Cloudlog Test fails – Check that the URL has no trailing slash, the API key is correct (Cloudlog: Admin → API Keys), and your network allows access. If you use a public slug for recent QSOs, ensure it is set in Cloudlog and entered in Settings.
N1MM not showing QSOs – In N1MM Logger+, go to Config → Config Ports and ensure Broadcast Data is sent to the same UDP port as in DXChrono (default 12060). Confirm Enable N1MM+ UDP and the port in Settings → N1MM, then Save.

For more fixes, see Troubleshooting.