Feature Request

Enable third-party digital mode applications (FreeDV, WSJT-X, fldigi, JS8Call, etc.) to work through AetherSDR on Linux.

Background

On Windows, SmartSDR provides DAX (virtual audio channels) and SmartSDR CAT (virtual serial port with TS-2000 emulation) for digital mode apps. Linux has no equivalent. FreeDV already has a standalone FlexRadio AppImage that speaks VITA-49 directly, but a general solution would serve the broader digital mode ecosystem.

Proposed Implementation

1. DAX Audio Channels

Create PipeWire virtual audio devices that expose AetherSDR's VITA-49 RX/TX audio streams as standard audio sources/sinks. This allows any audio-based digital mode app to route audio through the radio.

• AetherSDR already decodes VITA-49 RX audio (PCC 0x03E3, float32 stereo 24kHz) and sends TX audio via DAX TX stream
• Need to create PipeWire virtual devices programmatically (or via pw-loopback)
• Support multiple DAX channels (1-4) matching SmartSDR's DAX channel concept

2. Hamlib/rigctld Interface

Implement a TCP server on port 4532 using the Hamlib rigctld protocol:

• F <freq> — set frequency
• f — get frequency
• M <mode> <passband> — set mode
• m — get mode
• T 1/0 — PTT on/off
• t — get PTT status

This is simpler than TS-2000 serial emulation and is what most Linux digital mode programs expect (WSJT-X, fldigi, JS8Call all support Hamlib).

Impact

This single feature would make AetherSDR the gateway for the entire Linux digital mode ecosystem on FlexRadio.

References

• FreeDV.org
• FreeDV FlexRadio integration
• Hamlib rigctld protocol

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