[Hamlib-developer] ARDC Hamlib improvement project

[Mikael N. <mik...@fa...>]

Hello all Hamlib developers and enthusiasts!

This is an announcement of a new ARDC-funded project that aims to:

1) improve Hamlib release quality by implementing an automated test framework for Hamlib device backends

2) add support for software-defined radios (with I/Q data streams) and network-controlled rigs, targeting the FlexRadio protocol and the Icom network protocol (that wraps the Icom CI-V protocol, audio streams and waterfall spectrogram data)

The project is managed by Finnish amateur radio club OH3AA (Hämeenlinnan Radioamatöörit ry) in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The primary developers are club members Jouni OH3CUF and me, Mikael OH3BHX. Hamlib release manager Nate N0NB has expressed his support for the project and we are happy to collaborate with him and any other active Hamlib contributors.

For more information about project background, please see:

- the ARDC grant: https://www.ardc.net/apply/grants/2025-grants/hamlib-stability-enhancements-and-sdr-transceiver-support/

- the Open Collective page: https://opencollective.com/hamlib-stability-enhancements-and-sdr-transceiver-support

All project-related discussion and progress tracking will happen in Hamlib GitHub issues. This is to make the project and its status easier to follow for everyone. While we do announce some of the project milestones here on the mailing list, we will keep all the technical discussion and decisions within GitHub issues.

We've already documented the high-level structure of the project on Hamlib GitHub project page:

https://github.com/orgs/Hamlib/projects/1/views/1

Initial plans for the automated test framework are already available in Hamlib issue https://github.com/Hamlib/Hamlib/issues/1939 - please have a look, all feedback is welcome!

The test framework is currently in the early stages of development with a private ("throw-away") proof-of-concept codebase implementation that is able to run simple tests for the Icom CI-V, Kenwood CAT, and Yaesu NEWCAT protocols using both the simulator mode and device mode.

The next step (milestone 2 in the project plan) is to clean up the codebase for publication and to make the framework functional for full testing of at least two rigs: Icom IC-7610 and Kenwood TS-480 - to represent two commonly used CAT protocols. After this, the framework code will be open for public review and contribution. As the this ARDC Hamlib improvement project progresses, the framework will be updated to support new rigs, protocols and features.

We estimate the project duration to be around 7-9 months with the last milestone being ready after summer 2026.

73,
Mikael OH3BHX