CAT control for Linux

[KC1UUH]

Is CAT control for Linux on the horizon?

[K4AZE]

@KC1UUH Hey Doug,

The current cat control app will most likely be sunsetted when we launch the desktop app due to cat control being integrated natively into the desktop app. The desktop app will of course work on linux too

Thanks & 73
Brad K4AZE

[KC1UUH]

Desktop app? Wow, that sounds great.

You guys would be gods if you could make something on Linux that straightens out the com ports, in/out audio ports, levels etc. I’ve never experienced a more painful technical obstacle in my life as trying to get Flrig, Fldigi, Js8call, and Wsjtx all working happily. I’m on Linux Mint, with an Icom706mkiig, icom706, and a Yaesu FTDX-1200.

If you guys want to add me to your testing list I’d be happy to test things as I get time to, and can send you back feedback.

I’ve noticed you guys seem to really know what you’re doing. Your apps are excellent. Much appreciated. As you know, the radio space really needs help in this area.

73 Doug KC1UUH

[K4AZE]

@KC1UUH Hey Doug,

Thank you so much! It really means a lot to us! We are still a month or so out from launching the desktop app as we are finishing a major database upgrade at the moment. Once that is completed and launched we’ll be shifting focus on finalizing the desktop app.

Goto this page and just post a comment and i’ll get you access to the dev group :

BETA Testers Needed

Calling all WRL Members! Myself, Andy @N0APX, and the WRL team need some help. As our app grows, the functionality is getting more complex, and we need more help on testing. We are forming an internal testing group of people to help test new and existing features and make sure everything is working perfectly! Ideal internal testers are active operators with a keen eye for detail! As an internal tester, we will need help with 1) testing new features in our dev environments and 2) retesting ex…

Thanks & 73
Brad K4AZE

[KC1UUH]

Hi, any updated ETA on the new desktop app? Dying to get my radio talking to WRL but I don’t want to do that hairy “soon to be sunsetted” CAT integration thing.

[K4AZE]

@KC1UUH Hey Doug,

We are finishing up our major database upgrade and once that is released all hands will be on deck to finalize the desktop app.

Thanks & 73
Brad K4AZE

[K4AZE]

@KC1UUH

I am providing you a pre-release linux build of the cat control app below. This will be released on the site hopefully later today once we get the other builds complete for this updated release.

Here is the Ubuntu/Debian deb:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13AjUUKWmx_GFzx_XCr_5-gsSy7MYIstc/view?usp=sharing

Here is the Redhat/CentOS rpm:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UxaZzbhZzXev1kAfOYjDs93FALSJD2r2/view?usp=sharing

[KC1UUH]

Awesome will check it out. Thank you .

[WD3E]

Hello all, Running Debian 13 with WRL desktop and WRL Intergrations. CAT control doesn’t seem to be connecting to FT-710. Both applications detecting usb for Radio (/dev/tty/USB0 & USB1) Baud rate set to the rate set in the radio (FT-710 > Func > Operation Settings > General > (CAT 1 & 2 & 3) Rates are set to 38,400bps (Also tried other rates) with no success.

Any ideas?

[K4AZE]

@WD3E Hey Greg,

Your radio opens two com ports for your radio (a standard and an enhanced). You need to be using the enhanced com port. Unfortunately in linux it doesn’t tell you which is which though so you’ll have to try both. With that said you need to make sure you radio settings are set properly. First close the apps and then make sure you radio settings are set to the following:

MOD SOURCE to “AUTO”
“REAR SELECT” to “USB”
“CAT RATE” to “38400”
CAT TIME OUT TIMER to “100msec” (or even 200msec the default is too fast)
RTS needs to be OFF

Then open the desktop app or cat control app and set your baud rate, radio and com port (again you’ll have to try each one) and then connect the radio. I would suggest using the desktop app as it connects directly to the radio and will be more stable.

Thanks & 73
Brad K4AZE

[WD3E]

I figured out the issue.

Since the radio creates two new USB connections (/dev/ttyUSB0 & 1) the permissions were to restricted.

Had to create a dialout user group, associate users to the dialout group, and updatre the permission on the ttyUSB0 &1.

Steps taken to correct my CAT controll issue on Debian 13: Run from CLI with sudo su

• newgrp dialout
• ls -l /dev/ttyUSB0
• ls -l /dev/ttyUSB1
• usermod -aG dialout your_username
• groups your_username
• chmod 777 /dev/ttyUSB0
• chmod 777 /dev/ttyUSB1

This was the path I took using internet searching. Result worked for me.

If anyone help has a streamed line approach for a “standard user” account to succesfully connect to a rig. Please post below.

NOTE: I typically don’t operate with a user account that has Root permission, to improve security posture of my machine. Not all do that, but would be good practice and recommended.

Best of luck to all.

Peter / KB2HEX
CBRA Board Member