There are multiple ways to have rig control.
This setup PDF shows how to use the FIOS Router, Dynamic DNS, and port forwarding to allow remote rig control. The Rig is ICOM 7300. USB to Win 11 Laptop Server running Wfview. Clients are Windows and Ubuntu for our core tests. Set up for SSB Only.
https://w3ft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/wfview_Server_Client_Net-Router-Setup-v1.pd
LIST OF REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE
🧰 Best Free Software for Remote HF Operation
1. Hamlib (rigctld)
- 🔧 Purpose: Core rig-control daemon that talks CAT to your HF radio.
- 💻 OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi.
- ⚙️ Use:
On the radio PC (local side):rigctld -m 2 -r /dev/ttyUSB0 -s 9600 -t 4532(change model-mfor your specific rig;/dev/ttyUSB0and baud rate accordingly)
Then connect from remote:rigctl -m 2 -r remotehost:4532 - 🧩 Integrates with: WSJT-X, fldigi, CQRLog, Log4OM, etc.
- 🛡️ Use through SSH tunnel or VPN for security.
2. wfview
- 🌐 Purpose: Full-featured GUI that controls and streams audio for many Icom radios (and soon Yaesu/Kenwood).
- 🎧 Features:
- Live RX/TX audio streaming
- Remote CAT control
- Panadapter/scope display (for supported rigs)
- Built-in rigctld emulation
- ⚙️ Typical Setup:
- wfview “Server” runs on the shack PC or Raspberry Pi.
- wfview “Client” connects from remote over LAN/Internet.
- Add password & TLS to secure it.
- 💸 Free & Open Source → https://wfview.org
3. FLRig
- 🎛️ Purpose: Lightweight, radio-control GUI by the fldigi author.
- 🧩 Integrates with: fldigi (digital modes), WSJT-X, JS8Call, and logging software.
- ⚙️ How to use remotely:
- Run FLRig on the shack PC.
- Access it via VNC, Chrome Remote Desktop, or Remote Desktop Connection.
- For audio, add a VOIP link (see below).
- 💸 Free → https://sourceforge.net/projects/fldigi/files/flrig/
4. Audio Transport (VOIP link)
If your control method doesn’t include audio (Hamlib, FLRig alone), use one of these free options:
- Mumble (low latency, encrypted)
- OBS Ninja / WebRTC (browser-based)
- PulseAudio RTP streaming (Linux)
- RemoteHams RCForb Client/Server (free, but requires registration)
5. Optional: Remote Desktop Layer
If you prefer operating exactly as if sitting at the radio PC:
- Chrome Remote Desktop (easy, secure, free)
- RustDesk (open-source TeamViewer alternative)
- TightVNC (classic, lightweight)
| Function | Software |
|---|---|
| Rig Control | Hamlib (rigctld) |
| GUI Control | wfview (or FLRig) |
| Audio Streaming | wfview built-in or Mumble |
| Logging/Digital Modes | fldigi, WSJT-X, JS8Call |
| Remote Access | SSH / VPN / Chrome Remote Desktop |
⚠️ Security Notes
- Never open port 4532 or radio control ports directly to the Internet.
- Use SSH tunneling (
ssh -L 4532:localhost:4532) or WireGuard VPN. - Change default passwords and restrict network access.
