These terms govern your use of OscarWatch. Please read them carefully. By creating an account or using our services, you agree to these terms and to our Privacy Policy.
Who we are
OscarWatch is operated by Peter Goodhall, trading as Magicbug.
Contact: privacy@oscarwatch.org
What these terms cover
These terms apply to the OscarWatch website, registered user accounts, the UHM (You Heard Me) packet reporting service, API access, documentation on this site, and related communications from us.
OscarWatch Tracker is separate open-source software published on GitHub. Downloading, installing, or using Tracker is subject to its own licence and is not covered by these website terms, although we may link to it from OscarWatch.
Using OscarWatch
You may use OscarWatch if:
- you are at least 13 years old
- you can form a binding agreement under applicable law
- you use the service lawfully and in line with these terms
OscarWatch is aimed at amateur radio operators and people interested in satellite operating tools. You are responsible for holding any licence or authority required for your radio activities in your country.
Your account
- You must provide accurate account information and keep your email address up to date.
- You are responsible for activity under your account and for keeping your password, passkeys, two-factor codes, and API tokens secure.
- If you add a callsign or gridsquare to your profile, it should reflect your station or intended operating identity.
- You must not share API tokens publicly or embed them in client software that others can extract.
- Tell us promptly if you suspect unauthorised access to your account.
Acceptable use
You must not:
- use OscarWatch in any unlawful way
- submit false, misleading, or manipulated UHM hearing reports
- attempt to disrupt, overload, scrape, or reverse engineer the service without permission
- use the API to harass other operators or to process data unrelated to legitimate satellite packet operating
- access another user's account or data without authority
- misrepresent your identity, callsign, or affiliation with OscarWatch or Magicbug
We may investigate misuse and suspend or terminate access where we reasonably believe these terms have been broken.
UHM (You Heard Me)
UHM is a real-time operating aid for packet digipeater satellites. It helps confirm whether decoded packet traffic was heard by another participating station during a pass.
- UHM does not replace your logbook or prove a contact for award or contest purposes.
- UHM results depend on client software, decoding, internet connectivity, and timely reporting.
- You should only report packet frames your station has actually decoded during a pass.
- We may suspend UHM API access for an account if reports appear abusive, automated without decoding, or harmful to the service.
More detail is in our UHM guide and UHM API documentation.
API access and integrations
If you use API tokens or build a client integration, you must follow the published API documentation, respect rate limits, and protect user credentials. We may change API behaviour, fields, or availability as the service develops. Where practical, we will try to avoid breaking existing integrations without notice, but we do not guarantee backward compatibility forever.
Service availability
OscarWatch is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We aim to keep the service running reliably, especially during busy passes, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted access, error-free operation, or that data such as satellite information, hearing reports, or match results will always be complete or current.
We may carry out maintenance, change features, limit access during abuse, or withdraw parts of the service.
Third-party services and software
OscarWatch links to or works alongside third-party projects, apps, and websites. These include open-source software, satellite data sources, and client programs such as GreenCube Terminal. We do not control third-party software or sites and are not responsible for how they operate.
Our liability
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or for fraud.
Subject to that, OscarWatch is a free hobby and community service. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any loss arising from:
- missed satellite contacts, failed QSOs, or operating decisions you make during a pass
- inaccurate or incomplete UHM match results, satellite data, or API responses
- loss of data, tokens, or account access
- actions of other users or third-party client software
- interruption, delay, or unavailability of the service
You use OscarWatch and act on the information it provides at your own risk.
Suspension and termination
You may stop using OscarWatch at any time. You may ask us to delete your account by contacting privacy@oscarwatch.org.
We may suspend or close accounts, revoke API access, or block requests if we reasonably believe you have breached these terms, created risk for other users, or harmed the service. Where practical, we will explain the reason.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. We will change the "Last updated" date when we do. If changes are significant, we may also notify registered users by email or through the site. Continued use of OscarWatch after changes take effect means you accept the updated terms.
Privacy
Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal data. It forms part of your relationship with us.
Law and jurisdiction
These terms are governed by the laws of Scotland. The courts of Scotland have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising from or relating to these terms or your use of OscarWatch, except where mandatory consumer protection law gives you rights in another jurisdiction.