CAT Integration

Description

Add computer-aided transceiver control for real-time frequency and mode detection during logging.

Current State

• Manual frequency and mode entry only
• No rig integration capabilities
• Static logging interface

Required Features

CAT Protocol Support

• Serial port communication (RS-232, USB)
• Popular CAT protocols:
  • Yaesu CAT
  • Icom CI-V
  • Kenwood TS Protocol
  • Elecraft K3/KX series
  • FlexRadio SmartSDR
• Generic Hamlib integration
• Custom protocol configuration

Real-time Data Retrieval

• Current frequency monitoring
• Current mode detection
• Power level reading
• VFO A/B status
• Filter bandwidth detection
• Antenna selection status

Auto-logging Features

• Automatic frequency/mode population
• Real-time frequency tracking
• Band auto-detection from frequency
• Mode validation and correction
• Auto-save contact when frequency changes
• Quick QSO templates

Rig Control Interface

• Frequency control from logging software
• Mode selection from interface
• Power level adjustment
• VFO control
• Memory channel access
• Band switching

Configuration Management

• Rig model selection and setup
• Serial port configuration
• Baud rate and protocol settings
• Polling interval configuration
• Connection testing utilities
• Multiple rig support

Connection Status

• Real-time connection monitoring
• Connection status indicators
• Automatic reconnection attempts
• Error logging and diagnostics
• Connection history tracking

Integration with Logging

• Live frequency display in logging interface
• Auto-populate new contact form
• Frequency change detection
• Band plan validation
• Out-of-band warnings

Advanced Features

• Frequency memory for quick QSY
• Band-following for contest operation
• Split operation support
• Digital mode interface integration
• Logging macros and automation

Hardware Support

Serial Interfaces

• Native serial port support
• USB-to-serial adapters
• Network-attached serial servers
• Bluetooth serial connections

Popular Rig Models

• Yaesu FT-991A, FT-dx series
• Icom IC-7300, IC-9700, IC-7610
• Kenwood TS-590, TS-890, TS-990
• Elecraft K3S, KX2, KX3
• FlexRadio 6000 series
• Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D legacy support

SDR Integration

• FlexRadio SmartSDR API
• HPSDR protocol support
• PowerSDR integration
• Generic SDR console support

Implementation Notes

• Use native serial port libraries or Hamlib
• Implement connection pooling for stability
• Add comprehensive error handling
• Support multiple simultaneous rig connections
• Consider cross-platform compatibility

Database Changes

• Add rig configuration tables
• Add CAT operation log tables
• Add frequency/mode history tracking
• Store rig-specific settings

Security Considerations

• Secure rig access control
• Connection encryption for network rigs
• User permission validation
• Audit logging for rig commands

UI Components

• Rig configuration wizard
• Live frequency/mode display
• Connection status indicators
• Rig control panel
• CAT settings interface

Acceptance Criteria

• Users can connect to supported transceivers
• Frequency and mode auto-populate from rig
• Rig control works bidirectionally
• Connection issues are handled gracefully
• Multiple rigs can be configured
• Real-time updates don't impact logging performance

Priority

Low - Advanced feature for serious contest/DX operators

Dependencies

• Serial port communication libraries
• Rig protocol documentation
• Hardware test equipment
• Cross-platform compatibility framework

Notes

• This is a complex feature requiring hardware testing
• Consider partnering with Hamlib project
• May require separate service/daemon for rig communication
• Should be optional and not impact basic logging functionality

Start by reviewing the existing logging interface, application dependencies, and database structure; the issue names no files or tests. Break the CAT, configuration, connection, and logging requirements into a smaller first milestone, then verify supported-rig connection, frequency/mode population, graceful errors, and performance against the acceptance criteria.