0x00 Introduction
In recent research, we have explored how to remotely transmit and receive signals via the internet in order to meet the needs of remote radio operation. The key challenges involved in enabling remote control of radio systems for communication include:
How to receive radio signals.
How to transmit a signal to a radio station.
How to control a radio.
How to connect a radio to the internet.
How to configure software for decoding (such as JTDX, FLDIGI, etc.).
6. (Optional) How to obtain detailed operational status information for the radio station.
Ultimately, rcforb was chosen to solve problems 1, 2, and 3. Problem 4 was solved by setting up a virtual LAN using zerotier. Problem 5 can be solved using a virtual audio card. Finally, problem 6 was solved using the video output interface built into the radio, along with a USB capture card.
The following equipment is required for the scheme described in this article:
Windows 10 or later as the master control system for the radio station.
A USB cable to connect to a radio.
USB video capture card + radio video output cable
An environment with internet access
A Windows machine acting as a remote client.
The following details will be provided regarding the specific approach I used.
0x01 rcforb and zerotier
As the core component of the remote solution, rcforb provides integrated remote control, remote audio broadcasting, and remote radio simulation functionality. There are many tutorials available online regarding the use and configuration of this software; therefore, we will not repeat them here. Please refer to:This articleConfigure the server and client.
In addition to rcforb, flrig also provides the ability for remote control of radio stations, but it cannot solve the problem of transmitting and receiving audio signals remotely. This document initially used the flrig solution, but was unable to complete the audio signal transmission from jtdx→flrig→remote radio station, so this technology route was abandoned.
It is worth noting that wfview is also a remote radio control solution. However, as of September 30, 2025, it does not yet support the FT-710. However, based on its update branch release information, the open-source community is actively promoting the adaptation of various Yaesu radios.This articleThe radio adapter process mentioned may be completed quickly, and I expect full support to be available in version 2.20. After implementing control of the FT710 within wfview, I will continue testing the usability of the wfview solution.
Zerotier facilitates communication between two hosts. It allows the creation of a virtual local network between two hosts, enabling them to connect directly, bypassing intermediate subnets. Zerotier has two deployment methods: one involves using nodes provided on the official website to establish the network, and the other involves building your own planet node for faster networking. The main difference between these two methods lies in the waiting time during the networking process and the latency after the network is established. This solution uses the self-built planet method, with an estimated latency of approximately 120ms. For information on Zerotier deployment options, please refer toThis article
The rcforb system has good support for the 710. The configuration on the radio's control panel is as shown in the following diagram, for reference:
On the client side, a virtual K3 device was created to facilitate software connections for other data modes. The specific configuration is as follows:
Connecting with fldigi/jtdx
After configuring rcforb and connecting via the client, the radio's audio output is by default connected to the client's speaker, while the radio's input is by default connected to the client's microphone. In contrast, in JTDX or FLDigi, the input and output are completely reversed. To achieve the purpose of exchanging outputs and shielding external computer sounds, this article uses the free software VBCABLE. After installing the client, you can configure the audio options in rcforb to correspond to the virtual device, thereby completing the conversion of input and output.
For example, on the software side, we use JTDX. For device selection, we choose K3. The port is simulated as a COM port at the client end, and other configuration parameters such as baud rate are:
With this, we have successfully achieved remote operation of the radio and integration with jtdx.
0x03 Remote spectrum and remote click operations
Currently, remote operation is implemented using a remote desktop solution. This utilizes the screen output function of the FT-710 in conjunction with a USB video capture card, and plans are underway to directly operate the radio using KVM after the KVM system is available, eliminating the need for a remote desktop. More details on this will be provided once the KVM system is installed.
Finally, here's a picture of me listening to the radio remotely from my desk:
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