Overview
Pycom Radio Controller is a python application that communicates to the IC-9700 via your network or via a USB serial cable using the CI-V protocol. It is capable of completely controlling the radio with few exceptions. Built into the software is:
- A main display panel
- Audio and RF level control
- Preamp control
- Local memory
- First class satellite support
- Callsign lookup and logging functionality
- A rigctld server for doppler control and other third-party software integration
- Meters and waterfall
If you are connecting to the radio via USB audio is available via the USB connection and is separate from the application. If you're connecting via the network, then full audio support is available within the application.
Radio Setup
- SET > Connectors > CI-V > CI-V Address = A2h
- SET > Connectors > CI-V > CI-V Transceive = ON
Additional set up if connecting via USB. A focused worthwhile read: Configuring Icom radios for USB Operation
- SET > Connectors > CI-V > CI-V USB Port = Unlink to [REMOTE]
- SET > Connectors > CI-V > CI-V USB Echo Back = ON
- SET > Connectors > CI-V > CI-V USB Baud Rate = 115200
Network Ports
If you need to set up your firewall allowing access to your radio you will need to allow UDP ports 50001,50002 and 50003. Pycom can additionally connect to a S.A.T controller if you have one which needs access to port TCP 80
Configuration
From the application Settings menu select 'Manage Radios' to add, remove and modify radios or 'Configuration' to update application config.
Manage Radios
This pop-up window allows you to manage your radios. You will need to have at least one radio configured here before you can connect in the application. Take care to make sure the port and baud rate are correct if you are configuring a USB connected radio. You can use the circular selection button to select your default radio which is shown on start-up.
Make sure to Add or Update the radio before closing the window so it can be saved for future use. When you start Pycom, you are shown the connection tab on start-up, from there you can make quick connection modifications but they're not persisted between restarts.
Application Configuration
Make sure to add your callsign and license.
From here you can also control the listen port for the integrated Rigctld server and the RC-28 controller configuration including the server address and port number (server:port) if you are using it remotely.
You can find log files that may assist in debugging in the following location:{YOUR_HOME_DIR}/Pycom/logs/pycom.log or access them from the help menu item. You can turn on additional logging such as debug if you encounter issues. UDP log level network connectivity is very verbose and so it's controlled separately.
Default RIT bandwidth is -9.99 to 9.99 kHz. You can use RIT Max to narrow the bandwidth so there is less sensitivity on the slider.
PTT & Read Only allows you to make the Rigctld server read only with the exception of PTT via CAT
The settings in the station tab are used when creating and uploading ADIF logs.
The final configuration screen allows you to enter your credentials for QRZ, HamQTH, Cloudlog and Logbook of the World services.
Unfortunately for QRZ lookups; although the ADIF log file will be complete and work just fine, if you want a picture for the QSO and detailed lookup information you will need to be subscribed to the XML data subscription.