Stationhand
Free trial
Try Stationhand free for 14 days
Install it on your own Windows PC, Mac or Linux server and run a real station – beat-matched mixing, scheduling, live studios, your website and app. No card needed.
Check your email
We've sent your install link to . Open it on the computer that will run your station – it shows exactly what to do.
While you wait, have a look at what you need. Can't see the email in a few minutes? Check your spam folder, or get in touch.
Before you start
What you need
A computer that can stay switched on – the station plays from it around the clock – and a decent internet connection.
Windows PC
- Windows 10 (version 2004 or newer) or Windows 11 – Windows 11 22H2 or newer recommended
- Hardware virtualisation switched on (it usually is: Task Manager → Performance → CPU)
- 8 GB of memory or more
- An administrator account
The install link gives you a small installer (Stationhand-Station-Setup.exe) – run it and paste the link.
Mac
- macOS 13 Ventura or newer – Apple silicon (runs natively) or Intel
- 16 GB of memory or more recommended (8 GB works for lighter use)
- An administrator account, and a user that stays signed in
The install link gives you one command to paste into Terminal – it adds anything that's missing.
Linux server
- A 64-bit Linux server – Ubuntu, Debian and similar
- 8 GB of memory or more
- Root access (the installer adds Docker if it's missing)
The install link gives you one command to run with sudo.
Every station also needs
- Disk space: about 30 GB for Stationhand, plus room for your music.
- Upload speed: Stationhand serves your listeners itself – each listener at 128 kbps uses about 0.15 Mbit/s of upload (10 listeners ≈ 1.5 Mbit/s). A wired connection is best.
- Your music: on the same computer or a drive it can reach – Stationhand reads your folders as they are.
- For live shows: a microphone and headphones – presenters can go live from any web browser.
Not sure? Tick installation support (£35) on the form and we'll do it with you.
The small print, in plain words
Trial terms
- 14 days, free. Your trial starts when your station is installed and links up – not when you fill in the form. Your install link works for 14 days.
- Need longer? “Request more time” in your station's console adds 7 days straight away, once. After that, ask us – we'll look at every request.
- When the trial ends, your station goes off air until you choose a plan. Nothing is deleted: your music, schedule and settings stay on your computer, ready to carry on.
- One trial per station. Reinstalling doesn't restart the clock.
- Your station stays yours. It runs on your computer; it checks in with us to keep its licence and updates current. See our privacy policy.
- Music licences are yours to arrange. A trial doesn't include PPL or PRS for Music licences – see what UK stations need.
- Installation support is optional – £35, one-off – and we'll arrange it with you.
Questions
Good to know
Does the trial cost anything?
No – the 14 days are free, and we don't ask for a card. Installation support is optional, at £35.
What happens after 14 days?
Your station goes off air until you choose a plan – Self-hosted is £20 a month and your trial station simply carries on. Nothing is deleted. Need longer to decide? “Request more time” in the console adds 7 days, once.
Which computer should I use?
One that can stay switched on – the station plays from it around the clock. A spare PC or Mac, or a small server, is ideal; a laptop that goes home with someone isn't.
Can I try it without installing anything?
A hosted trial is coming soon – we'll run the station for you on our servers. Tell us you're interested, or try the live demo now.