aethersdr / aethersdr/AetherSDR
Native KPA1500 Network Integration for Aether SDR
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- C++
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Description
Request preparation
- I used an AI assistant to help structure this request
- I checked for existing issues covering the same feature
What would you like?
Feature Request: Native KPA1500 Network Integration for Aether SDR
Summary
Add support for controlling the Elecraft KPA1500 amplifier entirely over Ethernet, so it integrates directly into Aether SDR alongside the Flex 8600. The goal is to eliminate two physical cables from the KPA1500: the PTT/keying line and the USB-to-Serial CAT cable. Both functions move to the network.
Background
As of KPA1500 firmware 3.07, the amplifier supports keying (PTT) over Ethernet. It also exposes full CAT control over TCP/IP on port 1500. This means everything currently done over hardware lines can be done over the LAN, which is a better fit for a station where the Flex 8600 is already network-based.
Full command syntax is in the Elecraft programming reference:
https://ftp.elecraft.com/KPA1500/Manuals%20Downloads/KPA1500ProgrammingReferenceV3.pdf
Requested Capabilities
Network keying (PTT over Ethernet) — Key the amp via its Ethernet interface instead of a hardwired PTT cable, synchronized with Aether SDR's transmit state.
CAT control over TCP port 1500 — Open a TCP/IP connection to the KPA1500 on port 1500 for status and command exchange, replacing the USB-to-Serial link. This should cover the standard operational set: power on/standby, operate/standby mode, band data, forward/reflected power and SWR readback, fault/status monitoring, and temperature.
Tuner control — Integrate the KPA1500's internal ATU into Aether SDR: initiate a tune, select/bypass the tuner, and read back tuner state, so tuning is driven from within the app rather than at the amp's front panel.
Antenna selection — Expose the KPA1500's antenna switching so the operator can select antennas from Aether SDR, keeping antenna choice part of the same integrated control surface.
Configuration
Let the user enter the KPA1500's IP address and confirm port 1500, with a connection test/status indicator. Handle reconnect gracefully if the link drops, and make sure transmit is inhibited if the amp connection is lost so the radio never keys into an unready amp.
Benefit
One clean, all-network station: the Flex 8600 and KPA1500 both controlled by Aether SDR over the LAN, with no PTT or serial cabling running to the amplifier, and tuner plus antenna control folded into a single interface.
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
Start by reviewing the existing Flex 8600 integration and the Elecraft KPA1500 programming reference linked in the issue. Define the network connection on TCP port 1500, configuration and reconnect behavior, and the requested keying, CAT, tuner, antenna, and safety controls. Done means the KPA1500 can be operated over Ethernet from Aether SDR with transmit inhibited when the connection is unavailable.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- cpp
- Domain
- desktop, networking
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Quiet
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 28/100