Provided by: libhamlib-utils_4.6.5-5_amd64 
NAME
rigctl - control radio transceivers and receivers
SYNOPSIS
rigctl [-hiIlLnouV] [-m id] [-r device] [-p device] [-d device] [-P type] [-D type] [-s baud] [-c id]
[-t char] [-C parm=val] -Y [-v[-Z]] [command|-]
DESCRIPTION
Control radio transceivers and receivers. rigctl accepts commands from the command line as well as in
interactive mode if none are provided on the command line.
Keep in mind that Hamlib is BETA level software. While a lot of backend libraries lack complete rig
support, the basic functions are usually 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 separated 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 “rigctl -l”).
Note: rigctl (or third party software using the C API) will use radio model 2 for NET rigctl
(communicating with rigctld).
-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 device 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’, ‘PARALLEL’, ‘CM108’, ‘GPIO’, ‘GPION’,
‘NONE’, overriding PTT type defined 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.
-t, --send-cmd-term=char
Change the termination char for text protocol when using the send_cmd command.
The default value is ASCII CR (‘0x0D’). ASCII non-printing characters can be given as the ASCII
number in hexadecimal format prepended with “0x”. You may pass an empty string for no termination
char. The string “-1” tells rigctl to switch to binary protocol. See the send_cmd command for
further explanation.
For example, to specify a command terminator for Kenwood style text commands pass “-t ';'” to
rigctl. See EXAMPLE below.
-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
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 terminal in X or the cmd window in Windows. The output can be piped to
more(1) or less(1), e.g. “rigctl -l | more”.
-o, --vfo
Enable vfo mode.
An extra VFO argument will be required in front of each appropriate command (except set_vfo).
Otherwise, ‘currVFO’ is used when this option is not set and an extra VFO argument is not used.
-n, --no-restore-ai
On exit rigctl restores the state of auto information (AI) on the controlled rig.
If this is not desired, for example if you are using rigctl to turn AI mode on or off, pass this
option.
-i, --read-history
Read previously saved command and argument history from a file (default $HOME/.rigctl_history) for
the current session.
Available when rigctl is built with Readline support (see READLINE below).
Note: To read a history file stored in another directory, set the RIGCTL_HIST_DIR environment
variable, e.g. “RIGCTL_HIST_DIR=~/tmp rigctl -i”. When RIGCTL_HIST_DIR is not set, the value of
HOME is used.
-I, --save-history
Write current session (and previous session(s), if -i option is given) command and argument
history to a file (default $HOME/.rigctl_history) at the end of the current session.
Complete commands with arguments are saved as a single line to be recalled and used or edited.
Available when rigctl is built with Readline support (see READLINE below).
Note: To write a history file in another directory, set the RIGCTL_HIST_DIR environment variable,
e.g. “RIGCTL_HIST_DIR=~/tmp rigctl -IRq. When RIGCTL_HIST_DIR is not set, the value of HOME is
used.
-v, --verbose
Set verbose mode, cumulative (see DIAGNOSTICS below).
-Y,--ignore-err
Ignores rig open errors
-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.
-h, --help
Show a summary of these options and exit.
-V, --version
Show version of rigctl and exit.
-!, --cookie
Sets the cookie to be used for remote access security
-#, --skip_init
Skips most startup initialization.
- Stop option processing and read commands from standard input.
See Standard Input below.
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 radio itself may not support some
commands. In that case, the operation will fail with a Hamlib error code.
COMMANDS
Commands can be entered either as a single char, or as a long command name. The commands are not
prefixed with a dash as the options are. They may be typed in when in interactive mode or provided as
argument(s) in command line interface mode. In interactive mode commands and their arguments may be
entered on a single line:
M LSB 2400
Since most of the Hamlib operations have a set and a get method, a single upper case letter will be used
for set methods whereas the corresponding single lower case letter refers to the get method. Each
operation also has a long name; in interactive mode, prepend a backslash, ‘\’, to enter a long command
name all lower case.
Example: Use “\dump_caps” to see what capabilities this radio and backend support.
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.
Standard Input
As an alternative to the READLINE interactive command entry or a single command for each run, rigctl
features a special option where a single dash (‘-’) may be used to read commands from standard input
(stdin). Commands must be separated by whitespace similar to the commands given on the command line.
Comments may be added using the ‘#’ character, all text up until the end of the current line including
the ‘#’ character is ignored.
A simple example (typed text is in bold):
$ cat <<.EOF. >cmds.txt
> # File of commands
> v f m # query rig
> V VFOB F 14200000 M CW 500 # set rig
> v f m # query rig
> .EOF.
$ rigctl -m1 - <cmds.txt
v VFOA
f 145000000
m FM
15000
V VFOB
F 14200000
M CW 500
v VFOB
f 14200000
m CW
500
$
rigctl Commands
A summary of commands is included below (In the case of set commands the quoted italicized string is
replaced by the value in the description. In the case of get commands the quoted italicized string is
the key name of the value returned.):
Q|q, exit rigctl
Exit rigctl in interactive mode.
When rigctl is controlling the rig directly, will close the rig backend and port. When rigctl is
connected to rigctld (radio model 2), the TCP/IP connection to rigctld is closed and rigctld
remains running, available for another TCP/IP network connection.
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.
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’, ‘ECSSUSB’, ‘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 (Receiver 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 independently 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 independently 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.
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’, ‘ECSSUSB’, ‘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 backend 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 antennas as in the IC-7851. See your
manual for rig specific option 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 command line:
rigctl -m 3073 -r /dev/ttyUSB0 b "CQ CQ DE ME"
Yaesu example to send message#1:
rigctl -m 1035 -r /dev/ttyUSB0 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'
0x8b, get_dcd
Get 'DCD' (squelch) status: ‘0’ (Closed) or ‘1’ (Open).
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.
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
supported 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
supported 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_METER_WATTS’,
‘SLOPE_HIGH’, ‘SLOPE_LOW’, ‘SPECTRUM_ATT’, ‘SPECTRUM_AVG’, ‘SPECTRUM_EDGE_HIGH’,
‘SPECTRUM_EDGE_LOW’, ‘SPECTRUM_MODE’, ‘SPECTRUM_REF’, ‘SPECTRUM_SPAN’, ‘SPECTRUM_SPEED’, ‘SQL’,
‘STRENGTH’, ‘SWR’, ‘TEMP_METER’, ‘USB_AF’, ‘USB_AF_INPUT’, ‘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 [modelnum] -u | grep AGC levels"
or for Windows "rigctl -m [modelnum] -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’, ‘KEYERTYPE’, ‘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
supported 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
supported 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 Fct' 'Scan Channel'
Perform a 'Scan Fct' on a 'Scan Option'.
Scan Function is a token: ‘STOP’, ‘MEM’, ‘SLCT’, ‘PRIO’, ‘PROG’, ‘DELTA’, ‘VFO’, ‘PLT’.
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 backend 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 'readonly'
Get channel memory.
If readonly!=0 then only channel data is returned and rig remains 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/hamlib/rig.h, it should be possible to OR
these values together to do multiple resets at once, if the backend supports it or supports 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'.
_, get_info
Get misc information about the rig.
0xf5, get_rig_info
Get misc information about the rig vfo status and other info.
0xf3, get_vfo_info 'VFO'
Get misc information about a specific vfo.
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 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.
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 'Reply' 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 returned 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 requested is <= the number actually returned no timeout will occur. If
a char is provided it will be used to terminate reading the string so ';' is popular for
Kenwood/Yaesu commands for example.
The command argument can have no spaces in it. For binary protocols enter values as \0xAA\0xBB.
Expect a 'Reply' 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).
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 support 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 either 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 ritctld 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
ritctld. This can be dynamically changed while running.
get_separator
Get 'SeparatorChar'
Shows the current SeparatorChar
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.
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 IMPLEMENTED)
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
unknown (will timeout on read) Examples (note that a ; must be escaped 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 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 compatibility, deprecation, and
alternatives
hamlib_version
Returns Hamlib version with ISO8601 date/time
test Performs test routines. Under development.
set_gpio 'GPIO#'
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
freq_skip 'skip'
When 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
READLINE
If Readline library development files are found at configure time, rigctl will be conditionally built
with Readline support for command and argument entry. Readline command key bindings are at their
defaults as described in the Readline manual. rigctl sets the name “rigctl” which can be used in
Conditional Init Constructs in the Readline Init File ($HOME/.inputrc by default) for custom keybindings
unique to rigctl.
Command history is available with Readline support as described in the Readline History manual. Command
and argument strings are stored as single lines even when arguments are prompted for input individually.
Commands and arguments are not validated and are stored as typed with values separated by a single space.
Normally session history is not saved, however, use of either of the -i/--read-history or
-I/--save-history options when starting rigctl will cause any previously saved history to be read in
and/or the current and any previous session history (assuming the -i and -I options are given together)
will be written out when rigctl is closed. Each option is mutually exclusive, i.e. either may be given
separately or in combination. This is useful to save a set of commands and then read them later but not
write the modified history for a consistent set of test commands in interactive mode, for example.
History is stored in $HOME/.rigctl_history by default although the destination directory may be changed
by setting the RIGCTL_HIST_DIR environment variable. When RIGCTL_HIST_DIR is unset, the value of the
HOME environment variable is used instead. Only the destination directory may be changed at this time.
If Readline support is not found at configure time the original internal command handler is used.
Readline is not used for rigctl commands entered on the command line regardless if Readline support is
built in or not.
Note: Readline support is not included in the MS Windows 32 or 64 bit binary builds supplied by the
Hamlib Project. Running rigctl on the MS Windows platform in the ‘cmd’ shell does give session command
line history, however, it is not saved to disk between sessions.
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 information 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 developers.
EXIT STATUS
rigctl exits with:
0 if all operations completed normally;
1 if there was an invalid command line option or argument;
2 if an error was returned by Hamlib.
EXAMPLES
Start rigctl for a Yaesu FT-920 using a USB to serial adapter on Linux in interactive mode:
$ rigctl -m 1014 -r /dev/ttyUSB1
Start rigctl for a Yaesu FT-920 using COM1 on MS Windows while generating TRACE output to stderr:
> rigctl -m 1014 -r COM1 -vvvvv
Start rigctl for a Yaesu FT-920 using a USB to serial adapter while setting baud rate and stop bits:
$ rigctl -m 1014 -r /dev/ttyUSB1 -s 4800 -C stop_bits=2
Start rigctl for an Elecraft K3 using a USB to serial adapter while specifying a command terminator for
the w command:
$ rigctl -m 2029 -r /dev/ttyUSB0 -t';'
Connect to a running rigctld with radio model 2 (“NET rigctl”) on the local host and specifying the TCP
port, setting frequency and mode:
$ rigctl -m 2 -r localhost:4532 F 7253500 M LSB 0
BUGS
set_chan has no entry method as of yet, hence left unimplemented.
This almost empty section...
Report bugs to:
Hamlib Developer mailing list
COPYING
This file is part of Hamlib, a project to develop a library that simplifies radio, rotator, and amplifier
control functions for developers of software primarily of interest to radio amateurs and those interested
in radio communications.
Copyright © 2000-2011 Stephane Fillod
Copyright © 2000-2018 the Hamlib Group (various contributors)
Copyright © 2010-2020 Nate Bargmann
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
less(1), more(1), rigctld(1), hamlib(7)
COLOPHON
Links to the Hamlib Wiki, Git repository, release archives, and daily snapshot archives are available via
hamlib.org.
Hamlib 2020-09-09 RIGCTL(1)