Getting Started

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Pycom Radio Controller allows you to control an Icom 9700 radio remotely via a USB serial connection. It is written in python and supplied as a executable so there's no need to install or maintain the python environment.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10/11 or MacOS (arm64)
  • Internet Connection
  • Audio software capable of using the USB audio. Sonobus for example.
  • ICOM-9700 radio connected via serial port (e.g., COM3)

Installation

Follow these steps to install the Pycom Radio Controller:

  1. Download the zip file for your operating system
  2. Extract the zip file to an appropriate location on your computer connected to the IC-9700
  3. Register and obtain a valid license key. Free version available.
  4. Update the configuration with your details, see below
  5. Run Pycom
Pycom Radio Controller Interface

Configuration

Replace placeholders with your specific details (e.g., serial port, callsign).

The application uses a config.ini file located in the {YOUR_HOME_DIR}/Pycom/config/ directory eg: /Users/steve/Pycom/config or C:\Users\steve\Pycom\config

Edit this file to match your setup:

[Radio]
type=ICOM-9700
port=COM3
baud=115200
rit_max=2

[Pycom]
pycom_license=YOUR_PYCOM_LICENSE_KEY
log_level=INFO

[Station]
station_callsign=YOUR_CALLSIGN
my_city=YOUR_CITY
my_country=YOUR_COUNTRY
my_dxcc=YOUR_DXCC
my_gridsquare=YOUR_GRIDSQUARE
my_iota=YOUR_IOTA
my_cq_zone=YOUR_CQ_ZONE
my_itu_zone=YOUR_ITU_ZONE
qsl_message=YOUR_QSL_MESSAGE

Valid log_levels are: DEBUG, INFO, WARNING, ERROR, CRITICAL

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.

Next, explore the Documentation section to connect your radio.