Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

A Watch Only a Ham Can Use: What Is the GoodWatch?

GoodWatch is an open-source replacement-board project for select Casio calculator watches, adding programming tools and radio functions that vary by hardware revision.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

GoodWatch is an open-source project that turns a compatible Casio calculator watch into a programmable tool for amateur-radio experimentation. The reported GoodWatch20 build combined a 430 MHz beacon with an RPN calculator, hex editor and disassembler, all in the original watch case. It is a DIY replacement-board project—not a radio watch you can assume is ready to buy and wear.

What the GoodWatch does

Travis Goodspeed’s project replaces the circuit board in a compatible Casio calculator-watch case. The 2017 Hackaday account of GoodWatch20 describes a CC430F6137 microcontroller with an integrated radio subsystem. In that version, the watch’s functions included a low-power beacon in the 430 MHz band, an RPN calculator, a hex editor and a disassembler.

The project is more than a novelty radio transmitter: its firmware list includes ordinary watch functions such as a clock and stopwatch, alongside an RPN calculator, a hex memory viewer with disassembler, and radio functions on radio-equipped hardware. Adafruit’s December 2017 account also describes a serial debug monitor in the build it covered.

Hackaday recounts the reverse-engineering work behind the compact design, including probing the LCD connections while keeping the replacement board within the watch case. Those details describe the reported GoodWatch20 build, not a guarantee that every project revision has identical hardware or features.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Ham Radio Frequency Chart Quick Reference Cards - Band Plan Q Codes FT8 Phonetic Alphabet | Waterproof PVC Pocket Guide for POTA Portable | Amateur Accessories Comms Cards Ready Ham Gifts
  • COMPLETE HAM RADIO FREQUENCY CHART IN YOUR POCKET 4 waterproof PVC cards with 8 pages of essential ham radio band plan data. Covers HF VHF UHF frequencies, Q codes, phonetic alphabet, RST signal reports, QRP calling frequencies, FT8 guide, antenna formulas and portable station checklist. Connected on a steel wire ring for easy carry in your go bag or scrub pocket.
  • QUICK REFERENCE WITHOUT GRABBING YOUR PHONE Stop flipping through your arrl handbook mid-QSO. Each card is organized by topic so you find calling frequencies, band privileges and common Q codes in seconds. Works as a practical ham radio cheat sheet right next to your rig whether you are at your ham shack desk or out in the field doing portable operations.
  • BUILT FOR POTA SOTA AND FIELD DAY These pocket cards go where you go. PVC material is fully waterproof so rain and spills will not damage your radio comms cards. Compact enough to clip onto your backpack, toss in your go box or keep with your amateur radio equipment. The only ham radio accessories that survive a muddy picnic table.
  • CONFIDENCE FOR NEWLY LICENSED OPERATORS Just passed your exam but still memorizing band privileges? Flip to the right card and instantly confirm which frequencies your license class allows. Covers Technician through Extra class permissions so you never transmit where you should not. A better learning companion than any ham radio book or ham radio for dummies guide.
  • THE PERFECT HAM RADIO GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION Surprise a fellow ham with something they will actually use every single day. Ideal as amateur radio gifts for new licensees, POTA enthusiasts or preppers building a ready comms cards radio kit. Great for birthdays, Christmas, Field Day or just because. Practical, waterproof and small enough to wrap in a stocking.

Which Casio watches are compatible?

The project author identifies Casio module 3208, used in the CA-53W and CA-506 calculator watches, as the intended case and board fit. The repository explicitly excludes module 3228 Databank watches, which have four external buttons rather than two. A watch’s model name or appearance alone is not enough to establish compatibility: check its module before buying it as a donor.

A CA-53W or CA-506 listing refers to the donor watch, not a complete GoodWatch. The replacement PCB, firmware installation and builder’s work are separate parts of the project. The repository supplies hardware files, a bill of materials, datasheets and assembly documentation, but does not establish current retail availability for assembled boards or kits. See the GoodWatch project repository for the DIY files and compatibility notes.

Rank #2
BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO Tri-Band Ham Radio, Clear English Menus, 1,000 Memories, Updatable Firmware, Airband & NOAA Reception, USB-C Charging
  • MENUS THAT MAKE SENSE. 1,000 MEMORIES. 10 NAMED ZONES. Built for amateur operators who want organized analog control. Use clear English menus and the full keypad for common changes; group home, travel, club, event, simplex, and receive channels as your plan grows.
  • SCAN THE ZONES THAT MATTER. Choose which named zones scan together. Temporarily skip a busy channel without changing your saved scan list. Scanning is for conventional analog channels; it does not decode DMR/digital or trunked systems.
  • MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE. Choose Name + Frequency in the two-channel view. Dual Watch alternates one receiver between the two displayed channels. Turn Dual Watch off and enable Single Watch for a full-screen view of one channel's name, zone, and frequency. Approximate dBm adds signal context.
  • START ON THE RADIO. BUILD LARGER PLANS ON A COMPUTER. Make common changes from the keypad. For larger plans, use BTECH CPS or supported CHIRP-next with the separately sold PC03. Firmware updates require BTECH CPS, the PC03, and BTECH's matching instructions. USB-C charges the battery.
  • TRI-BAND AMATEUR TRANSMIT. RECEIVE-ONLY LISTENING. Valid amateur authorization is required to transmit on amateur frequencies in the U.S.; use only supported amateur bands within your privileges. Airband AM, NOAA weather, and broadcast FM are receive-only.

GoodWatch20 and GoodWatch30 are not the same radio revision

Frequency descriptions depend on the board revision. Hackaday’s 2017 article describes GoodWatch20’s beacon in the 430 MHz band. The project repository describes the GoodWatch20 family as having narrower 433 MHz filters, while calling GoodWatch30 the current hardware revision and describing its filters as covering 300 MHz to either 500 MHz or 915 MHz. Those figures describe project hardware, not a promise that every board supports every function across that range.

The repository lists Morse and GFSK transmitters, an OOK transmitter, a frequency counter and UART access to the radio for radio-equipped watches. Before building around a particular frequency or feature, check the exact board revision and its documentation; “GoodWatch” alone does not identify the filter or radio capabilities of a specific board. The project identifies TI MSP430 GCC packages as its compiler toolchain.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Baofeng Radio UV-5RM Ham Radio Handheld UV5R Walkie Talkies Long Range
  • 【Professional Dual-Band Ham Radio with Expanded Frequency Coverage】This advanced handheld transceiver features a wide receiving range (108-136MHz, 136-174MHz, 220-260MHz, 350-390MHz, 400-520MHz) while transmitting on licensed ham bands (144-148MHz & 420-450MHz). Operate with confidence knowing it meets FCC standards (FCC ID: 2AJGM-5RH). The 1.77-inch color display and 999 memory channels simplify navigation, while the ergonomic design ensures comfortable extended use. Fully compatible with CHIRP programming software for easy frequency management.
  • 【Flexible Charging System with High-Capacity Battery】 Each radio includes a 2504mAh rechargeable battery, USB-C charging cable, and desktop charging base. Charge conveniently from multiple sources: wall outlets, power banks, laptops, car adapters, or any USB port. Enjoy extended operating time and reliable performance during long outdoor adventures or emergency situations.
  • 【Intelligent Frequency Copy Function】Simplify setup with the one-touch frequency cloning feature. Quickly duplicate settings from another compatible walkie-talkie, eliminating complex programming steps and ensuring seamless team communication without technical expertise.
  • 【NOAA Weather Alert & Emergency Survival Radio】 Stay ahead of severe weather with built-in NOAA receiver that provides real-time alerts for hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms. This critical feature makes it an essential survival gear component when cellular networks fail during emergencies or extreme weather conditions.
  • 【Enhanced Audio Kit for Demanding Environments】 Includes a high-quality speaker microphone that delivers crisp audio transmission while keeping hands free. Perfect for noisy conditions like construction sites, outdoor events, or emergency response scenarios. The complete package supports various outdoor activities including hunting, camping, hiking, skiing, and road trips.

What the antenna and battery claims mean

The 2018 Chaos Communication Camp program described the watchband as a random-wire antenna for a 70 cm transceiver and said the design aimed for years of battery life from a CR2016 coin cell. These are claims in the event description, not independently measured endurance results. They should not be treated as a guaranteed battery life or as a specification for every revision or use pattern.

What to check before starting a build

  • Confirm the module: look for module 3208 in a CA-53W or CA-506 donor; do not assume a 3228 Databank is compatible.
  • Identify the board revision: GoodWatch20-family and GoodWatch30 filtering differ, so match the documented revision to the intended radio use.
  • Plan for a DIY project: a donor watch is not a finished GoodWatch, and assembled-board or kit availability is not established by the project documentation.
  • Use the project files: consult the repository’s hardware, bill of materials, datasheets and assembly documentation before sourcing parts or beginning assembly.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Who the GoodWatch is for

The GoodWatch makes sense for a ham or electronics hobbyist who wants to experiment with a compact, programmable radio platform and is willing to work with replacement hardware and firmware. It is not a straightforward alternative to a conventional digital watch: compatibility is specific, radio capabilities vary by revision, and the available documentation describes a build project rather than a ready-made retail product.

Best Value
Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
  • Frequency Range: 144-148MHz, 420-450MHz. Please kindly know that UV-5R would not transmit without this frequency range.
  • 128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby, A/B band independent operation, High/Low TX power selectable: Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
  • High/Low TX power selectable: Busy channel lock-out(BCLO),128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby, A/B band independent operation, Keypad Lock. Voice companding: 50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS coder & tone searching, Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades VOX selectable. Large LCD Display, Emergency Alert: 12.5KHz Switchable, LED Flashlight: High/Low RF Power Switchable, Support manually program. Easy to program via PC. Support CHIRP quick programming
  • Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades VOX selectable. Large LCD Display
  • Emergency Alert: 25KHz/12. 5KHz Switchable, LED Flashlight: Hight /Low RF Power Switchable
Rank #4
Retevis Ailunce HS4 10 Meter Radio, SSB CW AM FM PA Ham Radio Base Station
  • Versatile communication modes; this ham radio supports CW/SSB (USB, LSB)/FM/AM/PA modes to adapt to various communication needs; meet everything from local conversations to long-distance DX contacts and contest operations
  • High-power 10 meter radio; high power mobile transceiver breaks through communication limitations; delivers stable long-distance transmission with strong signal penetration; perfect for amateur radio enthusiasts and professional operators
  • Clear audio with noise reduction; advanced noise reduction and ASQ auto squelch effectively filter out background interference; with adjustable RF gain, this mobile ham radio delivers crisp, clear voice quality even in noisy driving conditions
  • Dual watch function; monitor two channels at the same time with dual watch; making it easier to keep track of important signals; a practical feature for amateur radio users who need multitasking efficiency
  • SWR Protection & voltage protection; intelligent SWR monitoring and 13.8–15.9V voltage protection; help safeguard the radio from antenna mismatch and unstable vehicle power; extending equipment life during daily operation

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  2. Lot2Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
  3. Lot3A Philosophical Guide to Building the Perfect Watch CollectionBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.