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An HF scanner that interfaces with FLRig to automate frequency scanning for phone QSOs.
Both scanner-gui.py and scanner.py are programs that interact with FLRig to control radio transceivers via XML-RPC for QSO scanning. scanner-gui.py provides a GUI interface, while scanner.py is a command-line interface.
scanner-gui.py's GUI interface includes several functions to set the transceiver's frequency to different bands, using threading to run functions in the background. It connects to an FLRig server using a configurable hostname and port number, and sets the transceiver's mode, bandwidth, and initial frequency according to the selected band. Additionally, scanner-gui.py allows the user to adjust the scan's sensitivity to a specific dB and the step size of the scan in 100 Hz increments from 100 to 1000 Hz.
In contrast, scanner.py's command-line interface connects to an FLRig server running on the localhost:12345. It queries the user to set the band or uses the current frequency to select the mode, start, and end frequency, within the limits of General Class ham radio operators. If the current frequency or the user input doesn't match the supported bands, the program exits with an error message. The band limits and step size define the scanning configuration, with sensitivity set to 20 by default.
Overall, both programs provide different interfaces to interact with the same FLRig functionality, with scanner-gui.py offering a more user-friendly GUI interface, while scanner.py provides a lightweight command-line interface.
Code: https://github.com/jrobertfisher/flrig-hf-scanner
On the initial launch, FLRig HF Scanner needs to be connected to a FLRig Server. Enter the hostname/IP address and port number, then press Connect.
Check the FLRig configuration for the correct port number (e.g., 12345 by default).
When a successful connection is made, the version of the FLRig server will be displayed at the top next to Status.
Once a connection is established, select the band you wish to scan using the Bands buttons.
The band buttons will change the frequency on the radio and FLrig. Ensure FLrig is configured correctly and able to change the transceiver frequencies.
Notice: Changing the bands will also change the mode from lower side-band (LSB) to upper side-band (USB) for the frequency.
Use the dB Sensitivity slider to tune when the scanner stops on detected conversations. Lower numbers will increase sensitivity (scans will stop often), and higher numbers will decrease sensitivity (scans will stop less often).
Step Size will change the number of Hz the scan will use to step forward. 500 Hz will scan faster but could miss conversations.
During a scan, the current Signal dB is displayed. When a scan detects a signal, it shows the dB that triggered the scan to stop.
