HamlibServer Setup

📘 HamlibServer usage

The HamlibServer application provides a graphical interface for rigctld.exe, part of the Hamlib package.
It allows you to configure and start a CAT control server for your transceiver, manage multiple radio presets, and connect easily with applications like MiniBook.

🔧 1. Selecting Your Radio

  1. Start HamlibServer.exe.

  2. In the “Rig Model” dropdown, you’ll see a list of supported radios.

    • This list is loaded from data/rigs.ini.

    • Each entry corresponds to a Hamlib model number used internally by rigctld.

  3. Select the model that matches your transceiver (e.g., Icom IC-7300, Yaesu FTDX-10, Kenwood TS-590).

  4. Verify that the “Folder containing rigctld.exe” field points to the correct location, usually .\hamlib.

⚙️ 2. Setting Communication Parameters

Enter the communication settings that match your transceiver’s CAT configuration:

Setting Description
Serial Port The COM port where your radio is connected (e.g., COM3).
Baudrate The communication speed. Check your radio’s CAT settings.
Server Port The TCP port for rigctld (default 4532).
Data Bits Usually 8.
Stop Bits Usually 1.
Handshake Choose None, RTS/CTS, or XON/XOFF depending on your interface.
RTS/DTR Enable if your interface uses these lines (for PTT or CW keying).

💾 3. Creating a Preset

A preset stores all the communication and rig settings for quick access later.

  1. Enter all the desired parameters (port, baudrate, model, etc.).

  2. Click “New Preset”.

  3. Enter a name for the preset (e.g., IC-7300 Home or FTDX10 Portable).

  4. The preset will be saved to hamlibserver.ini and added to the Preset dropdown list.

📝 4. Editing an Existing Preset

  1. Select an existing preset from the dropdown list.

  2. Modify any settings (e.g., change COM port or baudrate).

  3. Click “Save Preset” to update it.

  4. The changes are written directly to hamlibserver.ini.

✏️ 5. Renaming a Preset

  1. Select the preset you want to rename.

  2. Click “Rename”.

  3. Enter the new preset name.

  4. The preset is updated both in the list and in the settings file.

🗑️ 6. Deleting a Preset

  1. Choose the preset you want to remove.

  2. Click “Delete Preset”.

  3. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

  4. The preset will be permanently removed from the list and from hamlibserver.ini.

▶️ 7. Starting the Server

  1. Verify all settings are correct.

  2. Click “Start Server”.

  3. HamlibServer launches rigctld.exe using your current configuration.

    • The status changes to “Server started” in green.

    • All input fields and preset controls are temporarily disabled.

  4. The server now listens for CAT connections on the defined TCP port (default localhost:4532).

⏹️ 8. Stopping the Server

  • Click “Stop Server” to safely terminate rigctld.

  • The status changes to “Server stopped” in red.

  • All controls become editable again.

⚙️ 9. Autostart Option

If you check “Autostart Server on startup”, HamlibServer will automatically:

  • Load the last used preset.

  • Start rigctld as soon as the application opens.

💾 Configuration Files

File Purpose
settings\hamlibserver.ini Stores all presets, last used preset, and Hamlib path.
data\rigs.ini Contains all supported rig names and their Hamlib model numbers.

✅ Summary:

  • Easily manage multiple transceiver configurations via presets.

  • Automatically launch rigctld with the correct parameters.

  • Integrates smoothly with MiniBook and other CAT-enabled applications.