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RIGCTLD(1) Hamlib Utilities RIGCTLD(1)

NAME
rigctld - TCP radio control daemon

SYNOPSIS
rigctld [-hlLouV] [-m id] [-r device] [-p device] [-d device] [-P type]
[-D type] [-s baud] [-c id] [-S char] [-T IPADDR] [-t number]
[-C parm=val] [-X seconds] [-v[-Z]]

DESCRIPTION
The rigctld program is a radio control daemon that handles client re-
quests via TCP sockets. This allows multiple user programs to share
one radio (this needs more development). Multiple radios can be con-
trolled on different TCP ports by use of multiple rigctld processes.
Note that multiple processes/ports are also necessary if some clients
use extended responses and/or vfo mode. So up to 4 processes/ports may
be needed for each combination of extended response/vfo mode. The syn-
tax of the commands are the same as rigctl(1). It is hoped that
rigctld will be especially useful for client authors using languages
such as Perl, Python, PHP, and others.

rigctld communicates to a client through a TCP socket using text com-
mands shared with rigctl. The protocol is simple, commands are sent to
rigctld on one line and rigctld responds to get commands with the re-
quested values, one per line, when successful, otherwise, it responds
with one line "RPRT x", where `x' is a negative number indicating the
error code. Commands that do not return values respond with the line
"RPRT x", where `x' is `0' when successful, otherwise is a negative
number indicating the error code. Each line is terminated with a new-
line `\n' character. This protocol is primarily for use by the NET
rigctl (radio model 2) backend.

A separate Extended Response Protocol extends the above behavior by
echoing the received command string as a header, any returned values as
a key: value pair, and the "RPRT x" string as the end of response
marker which includes the Hamlib success or failure value. See the
PROTOCOL section for details. Consider using this protocol for clients
that will interact with rigctld directly through a TCP socket.

Keep in mind that Hamlib is BETA level software. While a lot of back-
end libraries lack complete rig support, the basic functions are usu-
ally well supported.

Please report bugs and provide feedback at the e-mail address given in
the BUGS section below. Patches and code enhancements sent to the same
address are welcome.

OPTIONS
This program follows the usual GNU command line syntax. Short options
that take an argument may have the value follow immediately or be sepa-
rated by a space. Long options starting with two dashes (`-') require
an `=' between the option and any argument.

Here is a summary of the supported options:

-m, --model=id
Select radio model number. Defaults to dummy rig.

See model list (use "rigctld -l").

Note: rigctl (or third party software using the C API) will use
radio model 2 for NET rigctl (this model number is not used for
rigctld even though it shows in the model list).

-r, --rig-file=device
Use device as the file name of the port connected to the radio.

Typically /dev/ttyS0, /dev/ttyS1, /dev/ttyUSB0, etc. on Linux,
COM1, COM2, etc. on MS Windows. The BSD flavors and Mac OS/X
have their own designations. See your system's documentation.

Can be a network address:port, e.g. 127.0.0.1:12345

The special string "uh-rig" may be given to enable micro-ham de-
vice support.

-p, --ptt-file=device
Use device as the file name of the Push-To-Talk device using a
device file as described above.

-d, --dcd-file=device
Use device as the file name of the Data Carrier Detect device
using a device file as described above.

-P, --ptt-type=type
Use type of Push-To-Talk device.

Supported types are `RIG' (CAT command), `DTR', `RTS', `PARAL-
LEL', `CM108', `GPIO', `GPION', `NONE', overriding PTT type de-
fined in the rig's backend.

Some side effects of this command are that when type is set to
DTR, read PTT state comes from the Hamlib frontend, not read
from the radio. When set to NONE, PTT state cannot be read or
set even if rig backend supports reading/setting PTT status from
the rig.

-D, --dcd-type=type
Use type of Data Carrier Detect device.

Supported types are `RIG' (CAT command), `DSR', `CTS', `CD',
`PARALLEL', `CM108', `GPIO', `GPION', `NONE'.

-s, --serial-speed=baud
Set serial speed to baud rate.

Uses maximum serial speed from radio backend capabilities (set
by -m above) as the default.

-c, --civaddr=id
Use id as the CI-V address to communicate with the rig.

Only useful for Icom and some Ten-Tec rigs.

Note: The id is in decimal notation, unless prefixed by 0x, in
which case it is hexadecimal.

-S, --separator=char
Use char as separator instead of line feed.

The default is `\n'. Recommend using $ or @ as they work on
both Unix and Windows.

-T, --listen-addr=IPADDR
Use IPADDR as the listening IP address.

The default is ANY (0.0.0.0).

rigctld can be run and connected to like this:

rigctld
rigctl -m 2
rigctl -m 2 -r 127.0.0.1
rigctl -m 2 -r localhost
rigctl -m 2 -r 192.168.1.1 (local IP address)
rigctl -m 2 -r ::1 (on Linux rigctld doesn't listen on IPV6 by default)

rigctld -T 127.0.0.1
rigctl -m 2 (binds to all interfaces)
rigctl -m 2 -r 127.0.0.1 (bind only to 127.0.0.1)
Exceptions:
rigctl -m 2 -r localhost (only works if localhost is IPV4 address)

rigctld -T localhost (will set up on IPV4 or IPV6 based on localhost)
rigctl -m 2
rigctl -m 2 -r localhost
rigctl -m 2 ip6-localhost
Exceptions:
rigctl -m 2 -r 127.0.0.1 (only works if localhost is IPV4 address)
rigctl -m 2 -r ::1 (only works if localhost is IPV6 address)

On Linux only where ip6-localhost is fe00::0:
rigctld -T ip6-localhost
rigctl -m 2 -r ip6-localhost

-t, --port=number
Use number as the TCP listening port.

The default is 4532.

Note: As rotctld's default port is 4533, it is advisable to use
even numbered ports for rigctld, e.g. 4532, 4534, 4536, etc.

-L, --show-conf
List all config parameters for the radio defined with -m above.
Will exit if no -r is given. Note the dummy device has no serial
parameters.

-C, --set-conf=parm=val[,parm=val]
Set configuration parameter(s). Some common ones are:
async:True enables asynchronous data transfer for backends that support it. This allows use of transceive and spectrum data.
auto_power_on:True enables compatible rigs to be powered up on open
auto_power_off:True enables compatible rigs to be powered down on close
auto_disable_screensaver:True enables compatible rigs to have their screen saver disabled on open
dcd_type:Data Carrier Detect (or squelch) interface type override
dcd_pathname:Path name to the device file of the Data Carrier Detect (or squelch)
disable_yaesu_bandselect:True disables the automatic band select on band change for Yaesu rigs
dtr_state:ON turns on DTR, OFF turns it off, Unset disables it
freq_skip:!=0 skips setting freq on TX_VFO when in RX and on RX_VFO when in TX -- for use with gpredict and rigs that do not have TARGETABLE_VFO
lo_freq:Frequency to add to the VFO frequency for use with a transverter
post_write_delay:Delay in ms between each command sent out
ptt_share:True enables ptt port to be shared with other apps
ptt_type:Push-To-Talk interface type override
ptt_pathname:Path name to the device file of the Push-To-Talk
ptt_bitnum:Push-To-Talk GPIO bit number
retry:Max number of retry
rts_state:ON turns on DTR, OFF turns it off, Unset disables it
twiddle_timeout:For satellite ops when VFOB is twiddled will pause VFOB commands until timeout
twiddle_rit:Suppress get_freq on VFOB for RIT tuning satellites
timeout:Timeout in ms
write_delay:Delay in ms between each byte sent out
tuner_control_pathname:Path name to a script/program to control a tuner with 1 argument of 0/1 for Tuner Off/On

Use the -L option above for a list of configuration parameters
for a given model number.

-u, --dump-caps
Dump capabilities for the radio defined with -m above and exit.

-l, --list
List all model numbers defined in Hamlib and exit.

The list is sorted by model number.

Note: In Linux the list can be scrolled back using Shift-
PageUp/Shift-PageDown, or using the scrollbars of a virtual ter-
minal in X or the cmd window in Windows. The output can be
piped to more(1) or less(1), e.g. "rigctld -l | more".

-o, --vfo
Enable vfo mode.

An extra VFO argument will be required in front of each appro-
priate command (except set_vfo). Otherwise, `currVFO' is used
when this option is not set and an extra VFO argument is not
used.

See chk_vfo below.

-v, --verbose
Set verbose mode, cumulative (see DIAGNOSTICS below).

-W, --twiddle_timeout=seconds
Enables timeout when VFO twiddling is detected. Some functions
will be ignored.

Should only be needed when controlling software should be
"paused" so you can move the VFO. Continuous movement extends
the timeout.

-w, --twiddle_rit=seconds
Suppress VFOB getfreq so RIT can be twiddled.

-x, --uplink=option
1=Sub, 2=Main

For GPredict use to ignore get_freq for Sub or Main uplink VFO.

Should allow downlink VFO movement without confusing GPredict or
the uplink.

-Z, --debug-time-stamps
Enable time stamps for the debug messages.

Use only in combination with the -v option as it generates no
output on its own.

-A, --password
Sets password on rigctld which requires hamlib to use
rig_set_password and rigctl to use \password to access rigctld.
A 32-char shared secret will be displayed to be used on the
client side. (NOT IMPLEMENTED)

-R, --rigctld-idle
Will make rigctld close the rig when no clients are connected.
Normally remains connected to speed up connects.

-b, --bind-all
Will make rigctld try to bind to first network device available.

-h, --help
Show a summary of these options and exit.

-V, --version
Show version of rigctld and exit.

Note: Some options may not be implemented by a given backend and will
return an error. This is most likely to occur with the --set-conf and
--show-conf options.

Please note that the backend for the radio to be controlled, or the ra-
dio itself may not support some commands. In that case, the operation
will fail with a Hamlib error code.

COMMANDS
Commands can be sent over the TCP socket either as a single char, or as
a long command name plus the value(s) space separated on one `\n' ter-
minated line. See PROTOCOL.

Since most of the Hamlib operations have a set and a get method, a sin-
gle upper case letter will be used for set methods whereas the corre-
sponding single lower case letter refers to the get method. Each oper-
ation also has a long name; prepend a backslash, `\', to send a long
command name all in lower case.

Example (Perl): "print $socket "\\dump_caps\n";" to see what the ra-
dio's backend can do (Note: In Perl and many other languages a `\' will
need to be escaped with a preceding `\' so that even though two back-
slash characters appear in the code, only one will be passed to
rigctld. This is a possible bug, beware!).

Note: The backend for the radio to be controlled, or the radio itself
may not support some commands. In that case, the operation will fail
with a Hamlib error message.

Here is a summary of the supported commands (In the case of set com-
mands the quoted italicized string is replaced by the value in the de-
scription. In the case of get commands the quoted italicized string is
the key name of the value returned.):

F, set_freq 'Frequency'
Set 'Frequency', in Hz.

Frequency may be a floating point or integer value.

f, get_freq
Get 'Frequency', in Hz.

Returns an integer value and the VFO hamlib thinks is active.
Note that some rigs (e.g. all Icoms) cannot track current VFO so
hamlib can get out of sync with the rig if the user presses rig
buttons like the VFO. rigctld clients should ensure they set
the intended VFO or use vfo mode.

M, set_mode 'Mode' 'Passband'
Set 'Mode' and 'Passband'.

Mode is a token: `USB', `LSB', `CW', `CWR', `RTTY', `RTTYR',
`AM', `FM', `WFM', `AMS', `PKTLSB', `PKTUSB', `PKTFM', `EC-
SSUSB', `ECSSLSB', `FA', `SAM', `SAL', `SAH', `DSB'.

Passband is in Hz as an integer, -1 for no change, or `0' for
the radio backend default. IC7300 can use 1,2,3 to select which
filter to use

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Mode token will return a space separated list of radio backend
supported Modes. Use this to determine the supported Modes of a
given radio backend.

m, get_mode
Get 'Mode' and 'Passband'.

Returns Mode as a token and Passband in Hz as in set_mode above.

V, set_vfo 'VFO'
Set 'VFO'.

VFO is a token: `VFOA', `VFOB', `VFOC', `currVFO', `VFO', `MEM',
`Main', `Sub', `TX', `RX', `MainA', `MainB', `MainC', `SubA',
`SubB' `SubC'.

In VFO mode (see --vfo option above) only a single VFO parameter
is required:

$ rigctl -m 2029 -r /dev/rig -o

Rig command: V
VFO: VFOB

Rig command:

v, get_vfo
Get current 'VFO'.

Returns VFO as a token as in set_vfo above.

J, set_rit 'RIT'
Set 'RIT'.

RIT is in Hz and can be + or -. A value of `0' resets RIT (Re-
ceiver Incremental Tuning) to match the VFO frequency.

Note: RIT needs to be explicitly activated or deactivated with
the set_func command. This allows setting the RIT offset inde-
pendently of its activation and allows RIT to remain active
while setting the offset to `0'.

j, get_rit
Get 'RIT' in Hz.

Returned value is an integer.

Z, set_xit 'XIT'
Set 'XIT'.

XIT is in Hz and can be + or -. A value of `0' resets XIT
(Transmitter Incremental Tuning) to match the VFO frequency.

Note: XIT needs to be explicitly activated or deactivated with
the set_func command. This allows setting the XIT offset inde-
pendently of its activation and allows XIT to remain active
while setting the offset to `0'.

z, get_xit
Get 'XIT' in Hz.

Returned value is an integer.

T, set_ptt 'PTT'
Set 'PTT'.

PTT is a value: `0' (RX), `1' (TX), `2' (TX mic), or `3' (TX
data).

t, get_ptt
Get 'PTT' status.

Returns PTT as a value in set_ptt above.

S, set_split_vfo 'Split' 'TX VFO'
Set 'Split' mode.

Split is either `0' = Normal or `1' = Split.

Set 'TX VFO'.

TX VFO is a token: `VFOA', `VFOB', `VFOC', `currVFO', `VFO',
`MEM', `Main', `Sub', `TX', `RX'.

s, get_split_vfo
Get 'Split' mode.

Split is either `0' = Normal or `1' = Split.

Get 'TX VFO'.

TX VFO is a token as in set_split_vfo above.

I, set_split_freq 'Tx Frequency'
Set 'TX Frequency', in Hz.

Frequency may be a floating point or integer value.

i, get_split_freq
Get 'TX Frequency', in Hz.

Returns an integer value.

K, set_split_freq_mode 'TX Frequency' 'TX Mode' 'TX Passband'
Set 'TX Frequency' , 'TX Mode' and 'TX Passband'. See
set_split_mode for more information.

k, get_split_freq_mode
Get the current split settings.

X, set_split_mode 'TX Mode' 'TX Passband'
Set 'TX Mode' and 'TX Passband'.

TX Mode is a token: `USB', `LSB', `CW', `CWR', `RTTY', `RTTYR',
`AM', `FM', `WFM', `AMS', `PKTLSB', `PKTUSB', `PKTFM', `EC-
SSUSB', `ECSSLSB', `FA', `SAM', `SAL', `SAH', `DSB'.

TX Passband is in Hz as an integer, or `0' for the radio backend
default.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
TX Mode token will return a space separated list of radio back-
end supported TX Modes. Use this to determine the supported TX
Modes of a given radio backend.

x, get_split_mode
Get 'TX Mode' and 'TX Passband'.

Returns TX Mode as a token and TX Passband in Hz as in
set_split_mode above.

Y, set_ant 'Antenna' 'Option'
Set 'Antenna' and 'Option'.

Number is 1-based antenna# (`1', `2', `3', ...).

Option depends on rig. For Icom it probably sets the Tx & Rx an-
tennas as in the IC-7851. See your manual for rig specific op-
tion values. Most rigs don't care about the option.

For the IC-7851, FTDX3000 (and perhaps others) it means this:

1 = TX/RX = ANT1 FTDX3000=ANT1/ANT3
2 = TX/RX = ANT2 FTDX3000=ANT2/ANT3
3 = TX/RX = ANT3 FTDX3000=ANT3
4 = TX/RX = ANT1/ANT4
5 = TX/RX = ANT2/ANT4
6 = TX/RX = ANT3/ANT4

y, get_ant 'Antenna'
Get 'Antenna'

A value of 0 for Antenna will return the current TX antenna

> 0 is 1-based antenna# (`1', `2', `3', ...).

Option returned depends on rig. For Icom it is likely the RX
only flag.

b, send_morse 'Morse'
Send 'Morse' symbols. For Yaesu rigs use memory# (1-5 for most
rigs) or up to 50 char message (which will use memory#1)

Example from rigctld socket:
b CQ CQ DE ME
Yaesu example to send message#1 from rigctld socket:
b 1

0xbb, stop_morse
Stop sending the current morse code.

0xbc, wait_morse
Wait for morse to finish -- only works on full break-in.

0x94, send_voice_mem 'Msgnum'
Have rig transmit internal message 'Msgnum'

0xab, stop_voice_mem
Stop transmission of internal message

0x8b, get_dcd
Get 'DCD' (squelch) status: `0' (Closed) or `1' (Open).

0x8d, set_twiddle 'Timeout'
Set the twiddle 'Timeout' in seconds.

0x8e, get_twiddle
Get the twiddle 'Timeout' in seconds.

R, set_rptr_shift 'Rptr Shift'
Set 'Rptr Shift'.

Rptr Shift is one of: `+', `-', or something else for `None'.

r, get_rptr_shift
Get 'Rptr Shift'.

Returns `+', `-', or `None'.

O, set_rptr_offs 'Rptr Offset'
Set 'Rptr Offset', in Hz.

o, get_rptr_offs
Get 'Rptr Offset', in Hz.

C, set_ctcss_tone 'CTCSS Tone'
Set 'CTCSS Tone', in tenths of Hz.

c, get_ctcss_tone
Get 'CTCSS Tone', in tenths of Hz.

D, set_dcs_code 'DCS Code'
Set 'DCS Code'.

d, get_dcs_code
Get 'DCS Code'.

0x90, set_ctcss_sql 'CTCSS Sql'
Set 'CTCSS Sql' tone, in tenths of Hz.

0x91, get_ctcss_sql
Get 'CTCSS Sql' tone, in tenths of Hz.

0x92, set_dcs_sql 'DCS Sql'
Set 'DCS Sql' code.

0x93, get_dcs_sql
Get 'DCS Sql' code.

0x95, set_cache 'Timeout'
Set cache timeout in ms.

0x96, get_cache
Get cache timeout in ms.

0x97, uplink 'Uplink'
Set the uplink VFO to 'Uplink' (1=Sub, 2=Main).

N, set_ts 'Tuning Step'
Set 'Tuning Step', in Hz.

n, get_ts
Get 'Tuning Step', in Hz.

U, set_func 'Func' 'Func Status'
Set 'Func' and 'Func Status'.

Func is a token: `ABM', `AFC', `AFLT', `AIP', `ANF', `ANL',
`APF', `ARO', `BC2', `BC', `COMP', `CSQL', `DIVERSITY', `DSQL',
`DUAL_WATCH', `FAGC', `FBKIN', `LOCK', `MBC', `MN', `MON',
`MUTE', `NB2', `NB', `NR', `OVF_STATUS', `RESUME', `REV', `RF',
`RIT', `SATMODE', `SBKIN', `SCEN', `SCOPE', `SEND_MORSE',
`SEND_VOICE_MEM', `SPECTRUM', `SPECTRUM_HOLD', `SQL', `SYNC',
`TBURST', `TONE', `TRANSCEIVE', `TSQL', `TUNER', `VOX', `VSC',
`XIT'.

ABM -- Auto Band Mode
AFC -- Auto Frequency Control ON/OFF
AFLT -- AF Filter setting
AIP -- RF pre-amp (AIP on Kenwood, IPO on Yaesu, etc.)
ANF -- Automatic Notch Filter (DSP)
ANL -- Noise limiter setting
APF -- Audio Peak Filter
ARO -- Auto Repeater Offset
BC -- Beat Canceller
BC2 -- 2nd Beat Cancel
COMP -- Speech Compression
CSQL -- DCS Squelch setting
DIVERSITY -- Diversity receive
DSQL -- Digital modes squelch
DUAL_WATCH -- Dual Watch / Sub Receiver
FAGC -- Fast AGC
FBKIN -- Full Break-in (CW mode)
LOCK -- Lock
MBC -- Manual Beat Canceller
MN -- Manual Notch
MON -- Monitor transmitted signal
MUTE -- Mute
NB -- Noise Blanker
NB2 -- 2nd Noise Blanker
NR -- Noise Reduction (DSP)
OVF_STATUS -- Read overflow status 0=Off, 1=On
RESUME -- Scan auto-resume
REV -- Reverse transmit and receive frequencies
RF -- RTTY Filter
RIT -- Receiver Incremental Tuning
SATMODE -- Satellite mode ON/OFF
SBKIN -- Semi Break-in (CW mode)
SCEN -- scrambler/encryption
SCOPE -- Simple bandscope ON/OFF
SEND_MORSE -- Send specified characters using CW
SEND_VOICE_MEM -- Transmit in SSB message stored in memory
SPECTRUM -- Spectrum scope data output ON/OFF
SPECTRUM_HOLD -- Pause spectrum scope updates ON/OFF
SQL -- Turn Squelch Monitor on/off
SYNC -- Synchronize VFOs
TBURST -- 1750 Hz tone burst
TONE -- CTCSS Tone TX
TRANSCEIVE -- Send radio state changes automatically ON/OFF
TSQL -- CTCSS Activate/De-activate RX
TUNER -- Enable automatic tuner
VOX -- Voice Operated Relay
VSC -- Voice Scan Control
XIT -- Transmitter Incremental Tuning

Func Status is a non null value for "activate" or "de-activate"
otherwise, much as TRUE/FALSE definitions in the C language
(true is non-zero and false is zero, `0').

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Func token will return a space separated list of radio backend
supported set function tokens. Use this to determine the sup-
ported functions of a given radio backend.

u, get_func 'Func'
Get 'Func Status'.

Returns Func Status as a non null value for the Func token given
as in set_func above.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Func token will return a space separated list of radio backend
supported get function tokens. Use this to determine the sup-
ported functions of a given radio backend.

L, set_level 'Level' 'Level Value'
Set 'Level' and 'Level Value'.

Level is a token: `AF', `AGC', `AGC_TIME', `ALC', `ANTIVOX',
`APF', `ATT', `BAL', `BAND_SELECT', `BKINDL', `BKIN_DLYMS',
`COMP', `COMP_METER', `CWPITCH', `ID_METER', `IF', `KEYSPD',
`METER', `MGC', `MGF', `MGL', `MICGAIN', `MONITOR_GAIN', `NB',
`NOTCHF', `NOTCHF_RAW', `NR', `PBT_IN', `PBT_OUT', `PREAMP',
`RAWSTR', `RF', `RFPOWER', `RFPOWER_METER', `RFPOWER_ME-
TER_WATTS', `SLOPE_HIGH', `SLOPE_LOW', `SPECTRUM_ATT', `SPEC-
TRUM_AVG', `SPECTRUM_EDGE_HIGH', `SPECTRUM_EDGE_LOW', `SPEC-
TRUM_MODE', `SPECTRUM_REF', `SPECTRUM_SPAN', `SPECTRUM_SPEED',
`SQL', `STRENGTH', `SWR', `TEMP_METER', `USB_AF', `USB_AF_IN-
PUT', `VD_METER', `VOXDELAY', `VOXGAIN'.

The Level Value can be a float or an integer value. For the AGC
token the value is one of `0' = OFF, `1' = SUPERFAST, `2' =
FAST, `3' = SLOW, `4' = USER, `5' = MEDIUM, `6' = AUTO. Note
that not all values work on all rigs. To list usable values do
rigctl -m MODEL_ID -u | grep "AGC levels"
or for Windows
rigctl -m MODEL_ID -u | find "AGC levels"

Level units
0.0-1.0 where 0=0% and 1.0=100% (except for BAL where 50% is center)
AF, ALC, ANTIVOX, BAL, COMP, MICGAIN, MONITOR_GAIN, NOTCHF_RAW, NR, RF, RFPOWER, RFPOWER_METER, USB_AF, VOXGAIN

Amps
ID_METER(A)

dB
NL, COMP_METER, PREAMP, ATT, SLOPE_LOW, SLOPE_HIGH, SPECTRUM_REF, SPECTRUM_ATT, STRENGTH

Degrees(temperature)
TEMP_METER(C)

Hz
CWPITCH, IF, NOTCHF, PBT_IN, PBT_OUT, SPECTRUM_EDGE_LOW, SPECTRUM_EDGE_HIGH, SPECTRUM_SPAN

Seconds
VOXDELAY(ds), BKINDL(ms), BKIN_DLYMS(ms)

Raw info from rig
RAWSTR, BANDSELECT (subject to change -- index right now but may convert to band name)

SWR
SWR

Volts
VD_METER

Lookup - if level shows 0/0/0 then it's probably a lookup value
METER RIG_METER_XXXX 1=SWR, 2=COMP, 4=ALC, 8=IC, 16=DB, 32=PO, 64=VDD, 128=Temp
AGC 0=None, 1=SuperFast, 2=Fast, 3=Slow, 4=User, 5=Medium, 6=Auto
Note: Not all AGC values may be available -- see AGC Level in dumpcaps (e.g. rigctl -m 1035 -u | grep AGC)
SPECTRUM_MODE 0=None, 1=Center, 2=Fixed, 3=Center Scroll, 4=Fixed Scroll
SPECTRUM_AVG rig specific

METER -- SWR,COMP,ALC,IC/ID,DB,PO,VDD,TEMP or can use the numbers above in Lookup l METER returns the meter number=name

Watts
RFPOWER_METER_WATTS

WPM
KEYSPD

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Level token will return a space separated list of radio backend
supported set level tokens. Use this to determine the supported
levels of a given radio backend.

l, get_level 'Level'
Get 'Level Value'.

Returns Level Value as a float or integer for the Level token
given as in set_level above.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Level token will return a space separated list of radio backend
supported get level tokens. Use this to determine the supported
levels of a given radio backend.

P, set_parm 'Parm' 'Parm Value'
Set 'Parm' and 'Parm Value'.

Parm is a token: `AFIF', `AFIF_ACC', `AFIF_LAN', `AFIF_WLAN',
`ANN', `APO', `BACKLIGHT', `BANDSELECT', `BAT', `BEEP', `KEYER-
TYPE', `KEYLIGHT', `SCREENSAVER', `TIME'.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Parm token will return a space separated list of radio backend
supported set parameter tokens. Use this to determine the sup-
ported parameters of a given radio backend.

ANN -- "Announce" level, see ann_t
APO -- Auto power off, int in minute
BACKLIGHT -- LCD light, float [0.0 ... 1.0]
BEEP -- Beep on keypressed, int (0,1)
TIME -- hh:mm:ss, int in seconds from 00:00:00
BAT -- battery level, float [0.0 ... 1.0]
KEYLIGHT -- Button backlight, on/off
SCREENSAVER -- rig specific timeouts
AFIF -- 0=AF audio, 1=IF audio -- see IC-7300/9700/705
BANDSELECT -- band name, e.g. BAND160M, BAND80M.... a ? instead
of band will show band possibilities
KEYERTYPE -- Icom keyer type 0,1,2 or STRAIGHT,BUG,PADDLE

p, get_parm 'Parm'
Get 'Parm Value'.

Returns Parm Value as a float or integer for the Parm token
given as in set_parm above.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Parm token will return a space separated list of radio backend
supported get parameter tokens. Use this to determine the sup-
ported parameters of a given radio backend.

B, set_bank 'Bank'
Set 'Bank'.

Sets the current memory bank number.

E, set_mem 'Memory#'
Set 'Memory#' channel number.

e, get_mem
Get 'Memory#' channel number.

G, vfo_op 'Mem/VFO Op'
Perform a 'Mem/VFO Op'.

Mem/VFO Operation is a token: `CPY', `XCHG', `FROM_VFO',
`TO_VFO', `MCL', `UP', `DOWN', `BAND_UP', `BAND_DOWN', `LEFT',
`RIGHT', `TUNE', `TOGGLE'.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Mem/VFO Op token will return a space separated list of radio
backend supported Set Mem/VFO Op tokens. Use this to determine
the supported Mem/VFO Ops of a given radio backend.

g, scan 'Scan Function' 'Scan Channel'
Perform a 'Scan Function' on a 'Scan Channel'.

Scan Function is a token: `DELTA', `MEM', `PLT', `PRIO', `PROG',
`SLCT', `STOP', `VFO'.

Scan Option is an integer.

Scan Option for Yaesu rigs 0=STOP, 1=UP, 2=DOWN.

Scan Option for Icom rigs is a channel number to program with G
otherwise not used.

Scan Option for Kenwood rigs is not used.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Scan Fct token will return a space separated list of radio back-
end supported Scan Function tokens. Use this to determine the
supported Scan Functions of a given radio backend.

H, set_channel 'Channel'
Set memory 'Channel' data.

Sets memory channel information

h, get_channel 'Channel' 'readonly'
Get channel memory.

If readonly!=0 then only channel data is returned and rig re-
mains on the current channel. If readonly=0 then rig will be
set to the channel requested.

A, set_trn 'Transceive'
Set 'Transceive' mode.

Transceive is a token: `OFF', `RIG', `POLL'.

Transceive is a mechanism for radios to report events without a
specific call for information.

Note: Passing a `?' (query) as the first argument instead of a
Transceive token will return a space separated list of radio
backend supported Transceive mode tokens. Use this to determine
the supported Transceive modes of a given radio backend.

a, get_trn
Get 'Transceive' mode.

Transceive mode (reporting event) as in set_trn above.

*, reset 'Reset'
Perform rig 'Reset'.

Reset is a value: `0' = None, `1' = Software reset, `2' = VFO
reset, `4' = Memory Clear reset, `8' = Master reset.

Since these values are defined as a bitmask in include/ham-
lib/rig.h, it should be possible to OR these values together to
do multiple resets at once, if the backend supports it or sup-
ports a reset action via rig control at all.

0x87, set_powerstat 'Power Status'
Set 'Power Status'.

Power Status is a value: `0' = Power Off, `1' = Power On, `2' =
Power Standby (enter standby), `4' = Power Operate (leave
standby).

0x88, get_powerstat
Get 'Power Status' as in set_powerstat above.

0x89, send_dtmf 'Digits'
Set DTMF 'Digits'.

0x8a, recv_dtmf
Get DTMF 'Digits'.

0xac, set_conf 'Token' 'Value'
Set 'Token' to 'Value'.

0xad, get_conf 'Token'
Get value of 'Token'.

_, get_info
Get misc information about the rig.

0xf5, get_rig_info
Get misc information about the rig vfo status and other info.

0xf1, halt
When issued inside rigctl it quits it; when issued by another
client it quits rigctld instead.

0xf3, get_vfo_info 'VFO'
Get misc information about a specific vfo.

0xf4, get_vfo_list
Get the names of the available VFOs.

0xf6, get_modes
Get all supported bandwidths for all modes.

0xf7, get_mode_bandwidths 'Mode'
Get bandwidths of 'Mode'. See also get_modes.

dump_state
Return certain state information about the radio backend.

1, dump_caps
Not a real rig remote command, it just dumps capabilities, i.e.
what the backend knows about this model, and what it can do.

TODO: Ensure this is in a consistent format so it can be read
into a hash, dictionary, etc. Bug reports requested.

Note: This command will produce many lines of output so be very
careful if using a fixed length array! For example, running
this command against the Dummy backend results in over 5kB of
text output.

VFO parameter is not used in 'VFO mode'.

2, power2mW 'Power [0.0..1.0]' 'Frequency' 'Mode'
Returns 'Power mW'.

Converts a Power value in a range of 0.0...1.0 to the real
transmit power in milli-Watts (integer).

'Frequency' and 'Mode' also need to be provided as output power
may vary according to these values.

VFO parameter is not used in VFO mode.

3, dump_conf
Not a real rig remote command, it just dumps the current config-
uration with allowed ranges of values.

4, mW2power 'Power mW' 'Frequency' 'Mode'
Returns 'Power [0.0..1.0]'.

Converts the real transmit power in milli-Watts (integer) to a
Power value in a range of 0.0 ... 1.0.

'Frequency' and 'Mode' also need to be provided as output power
may vary according to these values.

VFO parameter is not used in VFO mode.

w, send_cmd 'Cmd'
Send a raw command string to the radio.

This is useful for testing and troubleshooting radio commands
and responses when developing a backend.

For binary protocols enter values as \0xAA\0xBB. Expect a 'Re-
ply' from the radio which will likely be a binary block or an
ASCII string depending on the radio's protocol (see your radio's
computer control documentation). If you are testing a protocol
like SmartSDR where there are spaces in the commands use quote,
e.g. w "C0|set slice 0 tx=1"

The command terminator, set by the send-cmd-term option above,
will terminate each command string sent to the radio. This
character should not be a part of the input string.

W, send_cmd_rx 'Cmd' nbytes_or_terminator_char
Send a raw command string to the radio and expect nbytes re-
turned or the terminator char (e.g. ;).

This is useful for testing and troubleshooting radio commands
and responses when developing a backend. If the # of bytes re-
quested is <= the number actually returned no timeout will oc-
cur. If a char is provided it will be used to terminate reading
the string so ';' is popular for Kenwood/Yaesu commands for ex-
ample.

The command argument can have no spaces in it. For binary pro-
tocols enter values as \0xAA\0xBB. Expect a 'Reply' from the
radio which will likely be a binary block or an ASCII string de-
pending on the radio's protocol (see your radio's computer con-
trol documentation).

The command terminator, set by the send-cmd-term option above,
will terminate each command string sent to the radio. This
character should not be a part of the input string.

set_clock 'DateTime'
Set 'DateTime'

Sets rig clock -- note that some rigs do not handle seconds or
milliseconds. If you try to set sec/msec and rig does not sup-
port it you will get a debug warning message. Format is
ISO8601. Formats accepted allow for 2-digit or 4-digit time
zone
YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS.SSS+ZZ (where +ZZ is either -/+ UTC offset HH)
YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS.SSS+ZZZZ (where +ZZZZ is either -/+ UTC offset HHMM)
YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS+ZZ
YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS+ZZZZ
YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM+ZZ
YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM+ZZZZ
YYYY-MM-DD (sets date only)
local (sets both clocks to local time)
utc (sets both clocks to utc time)
Note: Icom rigs expect you to set local time and the hours off
to UTC. So...4PM EST example would be 2021-12-01T16:00:00-0500
But...if you want to display GMT you must set the clock for GMT
with zero UTC offset. Hopefully Icom will allow displaying ei-
ther clock in the future

Note: Kenwood rigs only allow setting local clock, and then only
if not autoset by NTP. Trying to set clock when NTP is in use
will set the offset, but not the time - and no error status will
be returned. Time displayed on the auxiliary clock is solely
determined by UTC and the aux offset.

get_clock
Get 'RigTime'

Gets rig clock -- note that some rigs do not handle seconds or
milliseconds. Format is ISO8601 YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS.sss+ZZ
where +ZZ is either -/+ UTC offset

chk_vfo
Get 'Status'

Returns Status as 1 if vfo option is on and 0 if vfo option is
off. This command reflects the -o switch for rigctl and rigctld
and can be dynamically changed by set_vfo_opt.

set_vfo_opt 'Status'
Set 'Status'

Set vfo option Status 1=on or 0=off This is the same as using
the -o switch for rigctl and rigctld. This can be dynamically
changed while running.

set_separator 'SeparatorChar'
Set 'SeparatorChar'

Change rigctld response to use a special char instead of newline
(recommend #). Handy for node-red's tcprequest node. This can
be dynamically changed while running.

get_separator
Get 'SeparatorChar'

Shows the current SeparatorChar.

pause 'Seconds'
Pause for the given whole (integer) number of 'Seconds' before
sending the next command to the radio.

password 'Password'
Sends password to rigctld when rigctld has been secured with -A.
Must use the 32-char shared secret from rigctld. (NOT IMPLE-
MENTED)

set_lock_mode 'Locked'
Turns mode lock on(1) or off(0) (only when using rigctld).
Turning on will prevent all clients from changing the rig mode.
For example this is useful when running CW Skimmer in FM mode on
an IC-7300. Clicking spots in a spotting program will not
change the VFOA mode when lock is on. So "set_lock_mode 1" when
CW Skimmer is started and "set_lock_mode 0" when CW Skimmer is
stopped.

get_lock_mode
Returns current lock mode status 1=On, 2=Off (only useful when
using rigctld)

send_raw 'Terminator' 'String'
Can send ASCII string or 0xnn values or xnn values -- there can
be no spaces in the command string. Possible terminator values
are CR, LF, ;, ICOM, 0-100 (bytes to read), or -1 meaning un-
known (will timeout on read) Examples (note that a ; must be es-
caped in Unix/Linux):

For Windows & Unix/Linux we have a new colon-separated format
for hex digits
send_raw icom 0xFE:0xFE:0x94:0x03:0xFD Note: colon-separated does not have to be escaped on Unix/Linux
send_raw -1 0xFE:0xFE:0x94:0x03:0xFD
send_raw 14 0xFE:0xFE:0x94:0x03:0xFD
Note that ASCII commands still require escaping the semicolon on Unix/Linux
send_raw \; FA\;MD\;
For Windows:
send_raw ; FA;MD;
send_raw icom 0xFE;0xFE;0x94;0x03;0xFD
send_raw -1 0xFE;0xFE;0x94;0x03;0xFD
send_raw 14 0xFE;0xFE;0x94;0x03;0xFD
For Unix/Linux
send_raw icom 0xFE;0xFE;0x94;0x03;0xFD
send_raw \; FA\;MD\;
send_raw -1 0xFE;0xFE;0x94;0x03;0xFD
send_raw 14 0xFE;0xFE;0x94;0x03;0xFD

client_version 'String'
Client can send its version to rigctld and get feedback on com-
patibility, deprecation, and alternatives

hamlib_version
Returns Hamlib version with ISO8601 date/time

test Performs test routines. Under development.

set_gpio 'GPIO#' '0/1'
Sets GPIO1, GPIO2, GPIO3, GPIO4 on the GPIO ptt port Can also
use 1,2,3,4

get_gpio 'GPIO#'
Reads GPIO1, GPIO2, GPIO3, GPIO4 on the GPIO ptt port Can also
use 1,2,3,4

skip_init
Skips rig initialization -- useful when executing commands with
rigctl to speed up things

PROTOCOL
There are two protocols in use by rigctld, the Default Protocol and the
Extended Response Protocol.

The Default Protocol is intended primarily for the communication be-
tween Hamlib library functions and rigctld ("NET rigctl", available us-
ing radio model `2').

The Extended Response Protocol is intended to be used with scripts or
other programs interacting directly with rigctld as consistent feedback
is provided.

Default Protocol
The Default Protocol is intentionally simple. Commands are entered on
a single line with any needed values. In practice, reliable results
are obtained by terminating each command string with a newline charac-
ter, `\n'.

Example set frequency and mode commands (Perl code (typed text shown in
bold)):

print $socket "F 14250000\n";
print $socket "\\set_mode LSB 2400\n"; # escape leading '\'

A one line response will be sent as a reply to set commands, "RPRT x\n"
where x is the Hamlib error code with `0' indicating success of the
command.

Responses from rigctld get commands are text values and match the same
tokens used in the set commands. Each value is returned on its own
line. On error the string "RPRT x\n" is returned where x is the Hamlib
error code.

Example get frequency (Perl code):

print $socket "f\n";
"14250000\n"

Most get functions return one to three values. A notable exception is
the dump_caps command which returns many lines of key:value pairs.

This protocol is primarily used by the "NET rigctl" (rigctl model 2)
backend which allows applications already written for Hamlib's C API to
take advantage of rigctld without the need of rewriting application
code. An application's user can select rotator model 2 ("NET rigctl")
and then set rig_pathname to "localhost:4532" or other network
host:port (set by the -T/-t options, respectively, above).

Extended Response Protocol
The Extended Response protocol adds several rules to the strings re-
turned by rigctld and adds a rule for the command syntax.

1. The command received by rigctld is echoed with its long command name
followed by the value(s) (if any) received from the client terminated
by the specified response separator as the first record of the re-
sponse.

2. The last record of each block is the string "RPRT x\n" where x is
the numeric return value of the Hamlib backend function that was called
by the command.

3. Any records consisting of data values returned by the radio backend
are prepended by a string immediately followed by a colon then a space
and then the value terminated by the response separator. e.g. "Fre-
quency: 14250000\n" when the command was prepended by `+'.

4. All commands received will be acknowledged by rigctld with records
from rules 1 and 2. Records from rule 3 are only returned when data
values must be returned to the client.

An example response to a set_mode command sent from the shell prompt
(note the prepended `+'):

$ echo "+M USB 2400" | nc -w 1 localhost 4532
set_mode: USB 2400
RPRT 0

In this case the long command name and values are returned on the first
line and the second line contains the end of block marker and the nu-
meric radio backend return value indicating success.

An example response to a get_mode query:

$ echo "+\get_mode" | nc -w 1 localhost 4532
get_mode:
Mode: USB
Passband: 2400
RPRT 0

Note: The `\' is still required for the long command name even
with the ERP character.

In this case, as no value is passed to rigctld, the first line consists
only of the long command name. The final line shows that the command
was processed successfully by the radio backend.

Invoking the Extended Response Protocol requires prepending a command
with a punctuation character. As shown in the examples above, prepend-
ing a `+' character to the command results in the responses being sepa-
rated by a newline character (`\n'). Any other punctuation character
recognized by the C ispunct() function except `\', `?', or `_' will
cause that character to become the response separator and the entire
response will be on one line.

Separator character summary:

`+' Each record of the response is appended with a newline (`\n').

`;', `|', or, `,'
Each record of the response is appended by the given character
resulting in entire response on one line.

These are common record separators for text representations of
spreadsheet data, etc.

`?' Reserved for help in rigctl.

`_' Reserved for get_info short command

`#' Reserved for comments when reading a command file script.

Note: Other punctuation characters have not been tested! Use at
your own risk.

For example, invoking a get_mode query with a leading `;' returns:

get_mode:;Mode: USB;Passband: 2400;RPRT 0

Or, using the pipe character `|' returns:

get_mode:|Mode: USB|Passband: 2400|RPRT 0

And a set_mode command prepended with a `|' returns:

set_mode: USB 2400|RPRT 0

Such a format will allow reading a response as a single event using a
preferred response separator. Other punctuation characters have not
been tested!

The following commands have been tested with the Extended Response pro-
tocol and the included testctld.pl Perl script:

set_freq, get_freq, set_split_freq, get_split_freq, set_mode,
get_mode, set_split_mode, get_split_mode, set_vfo, get_vfo,
set_split_vfo, get_split_vfo, set_rit, get_rit, set_xit,
get_xit, set_ptt, get_ptt, power2mW, mW2power, dump_caps.

DIAGNOSTICS
The -v, --verbose option allows different levels of diagnostics to be
output to stderr and correspond to -v for BUG, -vv for ERR, -vvv for
WARN, -vvvv for VERBOSE, or -vvvvv for TRACE.

A given verbose level is useful for providing needed debugging informa-
tion to the email address below. For example, TRACE output shows all
of the values sent to and received from the radio which is very useful
for radio backend library development and may be requested by the de-
velopers.

EXAMPLES
Start rigctld for a Yaesu FT-920 using a USB-to-serial adapter and
backgrounding:

$ rigctld -m 1014 -r /dev/ttyUSB1 &

Start rigctld for a Yaesu FT-920 using a USB-to-serial adapter while
setting baud rate and stop bits, and backgrounding:

$ rigctld -m 1014 -r /dev/ttyUSB1 -s 4800 -C stop_bits=2 &

Start rigctld for an Elecraft K3 using COM2 on MS Windows:

$ rigctld -m 2029 -r COM2

Connect to the already running rigctld and set the frequency to 14.266
MHz with a 1 second read timeout using the default protocol from the
shell prompt:

$ echo "\set_freq 14266000" | nc -w 1 localhost 4532

Connect to a running rigctld with rigctl on the local host:

$ rigctl -m2

SECURITY
No authentication whatsoever; DO NOT leave this TCP port open wide to
the Internet. Please ask if stronger security is needed or consider
using a Secure Shell (ssh(1)) tunnel.

As rigctld does not need any greater permissions than rigctl, it is ad-
visable to not start rigctld as "root" or another system user account
in order to limit any vulnerability.

BUGS
The daemon is not detaching and backgrounding itself.

Multiple clients using the daemon may experience contention with the
connected radio.

Report bugs to:

Hamlib Developer mailing list
<hamlib-developer@lists.sourceforge.net>

COPYING
This file is part of Hamlib, a project to develop a library that sim-
plifies radio, rotator, and amplifier control functions for developers
of software primarily of interest to radio amateurs and those inter-
ested in radio communications.

This is free software; see the file COPYING for copying conditions.
There is NO warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

SEE ALSO
kill(1), rigctl(1), ssh(1), hamlib(7)

COLOPHON
Links to the Hamlib Wiki, Git repository, release archives, and daily
snapshot archives are available via hamlib.org <http://www.hamlib.org>.

Hamlib 2026-01-06 RIGCTLD(1)

Want to link to this manual page? Use this URL:
<https://man.freebsd.org/cgi/man.cgi?query=rigctld&sektion=1&manpath=FreeBSD+Ports+15.1.quarterly>

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