Untethered Standalone Rig Orchestration & Ultra-Low-Latency Voice
A dual-controller wireless platform engineered to completely decouple the radio amateur from the physical transceiver faceplate. Featuring a dedicated handheld color remote control with full PTT speaker mic functionality, it provides an untethered 500-foot High-Quality audio codec operating radius (more than 5x the distance of Bluetooth) with an ultra-long-range fallback codec achieving up to 2 miles of reliable range (compared to typical 60-foot Bluetooth limits). Eliminating PC dependencies, ground loops, and front-panel regulator overloads through direct rear-apron accessory routing, ultra-low-latency audio streaming, and high-speed CI-V/RS-232 CAT protocol engines. Available with a target MSRP of $149, with pre-orders opening in Q3 2027!
#01 System Topology & Architecture
Dual-Node Distributed Pipeline
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ REMOTE HANDHELD UNIT │ │ BASE INTERFACE UNIT │
│ │ │ │
│ [ 4.3" TFT Color Touchscreen & GUI Engine ] │ │ [ Standard Industrial GX16-8 / GX16-10 Bulkhead Port ]│
│ └─ Dynamic layout matches connected rig │ │ ├── Plugs to Modular Rig Pigtail (Cables A,B,C,D) │
│ [ Li-ion 18650 Battery + USB-C PD Charging ]│ Audio Protocol │ └── Branches directly to: │
│ [ MAX4466 Electret Mic + Low-Noise Preamp ] │ (1 Mbps PHY, │ ├── Lead 1: Audio / PTT DIN Socket │
│ │ │ Opus frames, │ └── Lead 2: Serial CAT Rig Control Plug │
│ ▼ │ < 5 ms lag) │ │
│ [ Audio ADC1 / I2S DMA Engine ] │ ──────────────> │ [ Base Host Controller & Web Server Engine ] │
│ │ │ │ ├── CI-V / RS-232 Open-Collector CAT Driver │
│ ▼ │ <────────────── │ ├── Hardware PTT Keyer (2N7002 Logic-Level FET) │
│ [ Opus Real-Time Codec (16-24 kbps) ] │ │ ├── Baseband DAC Modulation Out (10:1 Pad + 1uF) │
│ [ Hardware PTT Switch & De-bounce State ] │ │ ├── Baseband Demod ADC In (1.65V Bias Network) │
│ [ Opus Decoder -> DAC -> PAM Audio Amp ] │ │ └── Squelch Sense (SQLS Active-Low Interrupt) │
│ │ │ │ ▲ │
│ ▼ │ └───────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┘
│ [ 4/8Ω Dynamic Field Speaker ] │ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CHASSIS USB TYPE-C FEMALE POWER PORT (5V) │
│ (Universal 5.1kΩ CC Pulldowns: Standard 5V Power) │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┐
│ Powers onboard low-noise 3.3V LDO & Controller from any │
│ standard USB wall wart, power bank, or bench USB port. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
#02 Master Compiled Feature Portfolio
Complete Feature RoadmapOne-Touch Net & Memory Recalls
One-touch buttons for regional repeaters, favorite simplex frequencies, or emergency nets (e.g., 146.520 MHz FM, 7.255 MHz LSB). A single tap simultaneously programs frequency, CTCSS/repeater offset, and IF filter profiles directly via CI-V BCD byte streams.
Mode & Band Quick Switching
Instant mode flips without stepping through multi-tier nested menus. Seamlessly switch from voice SSB to digital IF filter settings, or jump immediately to D-STAR digital voice (DV) modes with dedicated macros.
Power Output Governor
Enforce preset RF power limits (e.g., 5W QRP, 15W digital modes, 100W full legal) at the controller level. Protects external solid-state amplifiers, feedlines, or field LiFePO4 batteries during portable excursions.
Local Responsive Web VFO
Zero-install mobile web dashboard accessible from smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Renders live VFO frequencies, real-time S-meter signal strength readings, and a direct frequency numeric keypad.
Remote Power & Attenuation
Remote toggling and level adjustments for preamp, attenuator, noise blanker (NB), and digital noise reduction (NR) across the room or local network without touching the physical radio chassis.
REST & WebSocket API Engine
Exposes lightweight JSON API and WebSocket event streams (e.g., POST /api/set_freq?hz=14230000). Integrates rig control effortlessly into Home Assistant, Node-RED, or custom automated logging stations.
Automatic Antenna Matrix Switcher
Polls operating band broadcasts in real-time from CI-V. Drives onboard optoisolated relay drivers to automatically switch antenna feedlines (40m Dipole, 20m Vertical, VHF/UHF Collinear), preventing dangerous mismatched transmissions.
Band-Pass Filter & Tuner Sync
Selects relay-switched BPF filter banks or broadcasts band-data bytes over SPI/I2C to external automatic antenna tuners and homebrew transverters simultaneously with VFO adjustments.
Wireless Steering Wheel / PTT Macro
Pairs ultra-low-power Bluetooth LE buttons or wireless foot switches directly to the controller. Transmits instant CI-V PTT commands (0x1C 0x00 0x01) and DX split-frequency verification with zero cabling across the cockpit or shack desk.
Pre-Recorded Voice & CW Calling
Transmits CI-V packets triggering the IC-7100 internal voice memory banks (0x1A 0x01) and CW memory keyer channels (0x1A 0x02), automating repetitive CQ calling during contest pileups without operator voice fatigue.
Wireless Bidirectional PTT Speaker-Mic
A truly standalone wireless speaker-mic uniting the handheld remote and the base radio module across a dedicated high-speed wireless RF link. Integrates high-sensitivity MAX4466 microphone preamps, hardware audio squelch muting, and high-efficiency PAM Class-D amplifiers. Routes voice modulation and demodulation straight through the rear 13-pin ACC connector with dedicated FET PTT grounding, keeping the transceiver front panel completely free of wires.
Extended Out-of-Band LoRa Telemetry & Remote Command
Adding an onboard Semtech SX1262 LoRa transceiver elevates the rig control platform into a military-grade out-of-band remote operations console. When operators are well beyond 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi/Audio Protocol reach (such as hiking a ridge, sitting around a campfire, or operating in emergency response vehicles), the LoRa link maintains bidirectional control.
Adjust VFO frequencies, flip operating modes, swap antenna paths, and trigger PTT relays from miles away without requiring internet, cellular coverage, or repeaters.
Streams continuous telemetry packets back to your handheld: DC supply voltage, RF output forward/reflected power, SWR alerts, and heatsink temperature readings.
Injects out-of-band tactical text messages and GPS beacons into the base rig's APRS modem or D-STAR data channel directly from your handheld display.
Free 1-Year Subscription to RX Moni AI
Every early bird order includes a FREE 1-Year Subscription to our forthcoming, AI-powered RX Moni logging, recording, transcription, and notification service (currently in final testing stages). Automatically transcribe radio audio, log nets, your business frequencies or even your local first responders. Complete with tagging, sorting, filtering and receive instant smart alerts directly to your phone, desktop, email or SMS — an $85 retail value, completely free!
#03 Critical Engineering Constraint & Safety Solution
Hardware ProtectionFront Mic Jack Current Limitation Identified
Analysis of the Icom IC-7100 schematic proved that the front RJ-45 microphone connector Pin 1 (+8V DC) provides only 10–15 mA of regulated current. Because modern high-speed wireless transceivers draw current spikes of 250–350 mA during transmission, attempting to power the base node from the front jack causes destructive thermal overloads and perpetual brownout loops.
13-Pin ACC Rear Socket Integration
Moving all connections to the rear 13-pin DIN socket provides a dedicated switched +13.8V DC line (Pin 2) rated at 1.0 Amp. Dropped via an onboard buck regulator, this delivers limitless current and thermal headroom for the controller, audio preamps, and external relays.
- • Pin 2 (13.8V OUT): Main power feed (1.0A max)
- • Pin 5 (AF OUT): Fixed detector audio out (~100-300mV)
- • Pin 6 (SQLS): Active-low squelch carrier sense
- • Pin 11 (MOD IN): Transmit line audio (~100mV rms)
- • Pin 13 (SEND/PTT): Ground to key (2N7002 FET switch)
3.5mm Half-Duplex CI-V Bus Interfacing
The IC-7100 CI-V port operates as a single-wire bi-directional 5V bus with an internal pull-up. The controller interfaces safely without bus collision using an open-collector configuration:
- • Controller UART TX: Driven through 1N4148 diode (Cathode to TX)
- • Controller UART RX: Level-shifted / resistor divided to 3.3V
- • Software Echo Suppression: Filters local echo of TX bytes
- • Framing Format:
FE FE [To] [From] [Cmd] [Data] FD
#04 Universal Cross-Manufacturer Hardware Matrix
Icom vs Kenwood vs Yaesu vs Xiegu| Parameter | Icom (IC-7100 / 7300 / 706) | Kenwood (TS-590 / 2000 / 480) | Yaesu (FTDX-10 / FT-857 / 710) | Xiegu (G90 / X5105 / X6100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio & PTT Connector | 13-Pin Full-Size DIN | 13-Pin Full-Size DIN | 6-Pin Mini-DIN (DATA) | 8-Pin Mini-DIN (ACC) |
| Port Pin Mapping | Pin 13=PTT, Pin 11=MOD, Pin 5=AF | Pin 9=PTT, Pin 11=MOD, Pin 3=AF | Pin 3=PTT, Pin 1=DATA IN, Pin 5=AF | Pin 3=PTT, Pin 1=MIC, Pin 4=AF |
| DC Power Architecture | USB Type-C Female (5V @ 1A) | USB Type-C Female (5V @ 1A) | USB Type-C Female (5V @ 1A) | USB Type-C Female (5V @ 1A) |
| Rig Internal DC Tap (Optional) | Pin 2 13.8V @ 1.0A (Available) | Pin 6 < 100mA (Unusable) | None (0V on DATA jack) | Pin 6 8V < 100mA (Unusable) |
| CAT Physical Port | 3.5 mm Mono Jack (Remote) | DB-9 Female Serial Port | DB-9 Serial or 8-Pin Mini-DIN | 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Jack (COMM) |
| CAT Signal Electrical | Single-wire 5V TTL (Half-Duplex) | Dual-wire ±12V True RS-232 | Dual-wire ±12V RS-232 or 5V TTL | Dual-wire 3.3V/5V TTL (Full-Duplex) |
| Command Syntax | Binary Packed BCD (CI-V) | ASCII Terminated (FA...;) |
ASCII or 5-Byte Binary Frames | Icom CI-V Emulation (Addr 0x70/0x88) |
| ★ Exclusive Brand Perk | D-STAR Digital Voice Support Full CI-V framing integration for D-STAR DV routing, gateway links, and callsign displays. |
Direct CW Keyboard / Buffer
Native execution of Kenwood ASCII KY <text>; CAT keyer commands directly over serial.
|
Direct Scope / Sweeps
Live parsing of Yaesu high-speed SCP spectrum scope sweep frames into live waterfall.
|
Remote ATU Cycle & SWR Bridge One-tap remote internal antenna tuner trigger & live polling of forward/reflected RF power registers. |
Universal Modern Power Standard: USB Type-C Female Port (5V)
Rather than relying on older 2.1mm DC barrel plugs or drawing power through transceiver accessory ports, all Base Control Modules and Remote Handheld Units standardize on a robust USB Type-C female power port:
Bypasses Pin 2 completely. Running on independent USB-C 5V eliminates all RF noise feedback into the transceiver motherboard.
Kenwood ACC Pin 6 is limited to < 100mA. USB-C powers the controller safely from any standard 5V USB source with zero fuse-pop risk.
Yaesu DATA & CAT ports do not provide power rails. Universal USB-C supplies clean, isolated 5V directly to the onboard regulator.
Xiegu ACC Pin 6 outputs only 8V @ < 100mA. USB-C completely avoids pulling current through the G90's sensitive internal RF chokes.
Massive Field Operating Advantage: Can be powered by common phone chargers, shack USB multiport strips, 12V-to-USB car adapters, or USB-C power banks for portable/POTA/SOTA operations without requiring custom DC pigtails.
Universal GX16 Aviation Socket & Modular 2-Lead Pigtail Family
Because power is delivered cleanly through the dedicated chassis USB Type-C female jack, the GX16 aviation pigtail is streamlined to only 2 dedicated leads that plug directly into the transceiver:
GX16 Plug → Splits into 2 Leads:
- • Lead 1: 13-Pin Full-Size DIN (Audio & PTT)
- • Lead 2: 3.5mm Mono Plug (CI-V Serial)
GX16 Plug → Splits into 2 Leads:
- • Lead 1: 13-Pin Full-Size DIN (Audio & PTT)
- • Lead 2: DB-9 Female Serial (RS-232 CAT)
GX16 Plug → Splits into 2 Leads:
- • Lead 1: 6-Pin Mini-DIN (DATA Audio & PTT)
- • Lead 2: DB-9 / Mini-DIN Serial (CAT)
GX16 Plug → Splits into 2 Leads:
- • Lead 1: 8-Pin Mini-DIN (ACC Audio & PTT)
- • Lead 2: 3.5mm TRS Stereo (COMM Serial)
The Post-GX16 Crossover Boundary Architecture
A fundamental manufacturing decision: All pinout crossovers and level-conditioning happen strictly POST-GX16 (inside the removable cable hood itself). The Base Control Module PCB and chassis connector are permanently wired in one fixed, standardized configuration across every unit manufactured:
| GX16 Pin | Universal Base Signal | Cable A: Icom | Cable B: Kenwood | Cable C: Yaesu | Cable D: Xiegu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Chassis & Digital Ground | 13-Pin DIN Pin 8 (GND) | 13-Pin DIN Pin 8 (GND) | Mini-DIN Pin 2 (GND) | Mini-DIN Pin 2 (GND) |
| Pin 2 | Audio Shield Return Ground | 13-Pin DIN Pin 4 (GND) | 13-Pin DIN Pin 4 (GND) | Audio Shield GND | Audio Shield GND |
| Pin 3 | TX Modulation Audio Out | 13-Pin DIN Pin 11 (MOD) | 13-Pin DIN Pin 11 (PKD) | Mini-DIN Pin 1 (DATA IN) | Mini-DIN Pin 1 (MIC IN) |
| Pin 4 | RX Detector Line Audio In | 13-Pin DIN Pin 5 (AF OUT) | 13-Pin DIN Pin 3 (AF OUT) | Mini-DIN Pin 5 (AF OUT) | Mini-DIN Pin 4 (AF OUT) |
| Pin 5 | Hardware PTT Key Line (FET) | 13-Pin DIN Pin 13 (SEND) | 13-Pin DIN Pin 9 (PKS) | Mini-DIN Pin 3 (PTT) | Mini-DIN Pin 3 (PTT) |
| Pin 6 | Squelch / Carrier Sense | 13-Pin DIN Pin 12 (SQLS) | 13-Pin DIN Pin 1 (SQC) | N/C (Software Polled) | Mini-DIN Pin 5 (SQL) |
| Pin 7 | CAT Serial Transmit (TXD) | 3.5mm Tip (via 1N4148 Diode) | DB-9 Pin 3 (TXD RS-232) | CAT Plug TXD Pin | 3.5mm Ring (TXD TTL) |
| Pin 8 | CAT Serial Receive (RXD) | 3.5mm Tip (Half-Duplex) | DB-9 Pin 2 (RXD RS-232) | CAT Plug RXD Pin | 3.5mm Tip (RXD TTL) |
Every base unit enclosure has identical PCB traces, identical GX16 socket wiring, and identical USB-C power circuitry. Zero custom SKUs needed on the factory bench.
If an operator changes from an Icom IC-7100 to an FT-710 or Xiegu G90, they simply unscrew the GX-16 collar and snap on the new $20 cable. The base box and remote adapt immediately.
Any brand-specific conditioning (like CI-V diodes or RS-232 transceiver chips) are safely potted inside the cable hood, protecting the controller motherboard from foreign radio spikes.
D-STAR DV Mode & Routing Engine
Capitalizes on Icom's CI-V command set (0x1F) to manage D-STAR digital voice parameters. Remote operator can view callsigns, manipulate reflector gateways, and toggle DV memory channels directly from the 4.3" touchscreen. Fully self-powered from Pin 2.
Direct CW Keyboard & Buffer (KY Command)
Kenwood transceivers uniquely support direct ASCII CW keying over CAT using KY <text>;. Turns the controller and remote keyboard/touchscreen into a true CW keyboard terminal, keying the rig's internal hardware keyer on the fly.
Direct Spectrum & Waterfall Extraction
Yaesu transceivers expose raw FFT spectrum scope sweep frames over serial CAT via SCP. The base controller extracts sweeps at up to 10 FPS, passing FFT data over high-speed wireless to render a live panadapter and mini-waterfall on the 4.3" remote.
Remote ATU Tune & Real-Time SWR Bridge
Harnesses Xiegu's wide-range built-in antenna tuner over CI-V. Initiates one-touch remote antenna tuning cycles and polls real-time forward and reflected power registers to render an active SWR cross-needle meter directly on the 4.3" remote display.
Dual-Unit Distributed Control & Adaptive Remote GUI
The platform operates as a coordinated 2-unit system:
A base controller host equipped with a standard GX16-8 industrial port. Plugs into Cable A (Icom), Cable B (Kenwood), Cable C (Yaesu), or Cable D (Xiegu). Handles bidirectional isolated audio, hardware PTT switching, local Web VFO server, and protocol translation.
A wireless mobile station equipped with a 4.3" TFT color touchscreen, field speaker, electret mic, PTT toggle, and rechargeable Li-ion battery pack. Adaptive UI: Upon establishing a wireless link, the remote queries the base node's brand identity and dynamically configures its GUI—presenting D-STAR routing for Icom, a live CW ASCII keyboard buffer for Kenwood, an active waterfall for Yaesu, or an ATU tune/SWR monitor for Xiegu.
#05 Phased Execution Roadmap
System Development MilestonesCI-V Verification
Fabricate 3.5mm CI-V diode adapter cable. Flash BCD encoder sketch to controller. Confirm 19200 baud frequency read/write over serial.
ACC Harness & Power
Wire 13-pin DIN cable harness. Connect 13.8V rail to DC buck converter under 500mA load. Verify 2N7002 FET PTT keying on dummy load.
Baseband Audio
Inject 1kHz test sine from controller DAC through 10:1 resistor divider into Pin 11. Verify modulation depth and bias Pin 5 AF into ADC.
Audio Protocol Voice Transport
Lock peer-to-peer Audio Protocol to 1Mbps DSSS. Stream 16-24 kbps Opus voice packets with PTT flags. Implement local PAM amp muting during PTT.
RF Hardening & Enclosure
Shielded metal base enclosure with Type 31/43 ferrite chokes on DIN & serial lines. Handheld case with Li-ion battery and charge controller.