Mastering CI-V: Essential CLI Commands for Icom Radio Automation

CI-V Command Line Tool: A Beginner’s Guide to Ham Radio CAT Control

What it is

The CI-V Command Line Tool is a lightweight CLI utility for sending and receiving CI-V protocol commands to Icom radios. It enables computer control of frequency, mode, PTT, memory read/write, and other CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) functions over serial (USB/COM) or network interfaces.

Who it’s for

• New ham radio operators wanting simple automation and scripting
• Developers integrating Icom radio control into workflows or apps
• Contesting and logging users who need fast, scriptable rig control

Key features

• Send raw CI-V commands and receive responses
• Read/set frequency, mode, and VFOs
• Control PTT and keying for digital modes
• Read/write memory channels and settings
• Scripting-friendly (works in shell scripts, batch files, Python wrappers)
• Minimal dependencies; runs on Windows, macOS, Linux

Basic setup

1. Connect radio via USB or serial adapter and note its COM/tty device.
2. Install the tool (example methods):
   • macOS/Linux: install via package manager or download binary and chmod +x.
   • Windows: download executable and place on PATH.
3. Set correct serial parameters (commonly 19200–115200 baud depending on model, 8N1) and CI-V address if required by the radio.

Common commands (examples)

• Read frequency:

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  civtool –device /dev/ttyUSB0 –baud 19200 read-frequency 

• Set frequency:

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  civtool –device COM3 –baud 19200 set-frequency 14.074300 

• PTT on/off:

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  civtool –device /dev/ttyUSB0 ptt on civtool –device /dev/ttyUSB0 ptt off 

• Send raw hex command:

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  civtool –device /dev/ttyUSB0 raw 00 00 00 00 

(Replace civtool with the actual executable name; devices, baud, and command names vary by implementation.)

Tips & troubleshooting

• Confirm the CI-V address: some Icom rigs require setting the correct CI-V transceiver address (often 0xE0 for some models).
• Check serial port permissions on Unix (use udev rules or sudo).
• Use a terminal monitor (e.g., picocom, PuTTY) to verify bytes if the tool seems unresponsive.
• Verify baud and stop bits; mismatches cause no response.
• If using USB, ensure drivers (FTDI/Prolific) are installed.

Example simple script (bash)

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#!/bin/bash DEV=/dev/ttyUSB0 BAUD=19200 ./civtool –device \(DEV --baud \)BAUD set-frequency 7.040000 ./civtool –device \(DEV --baud \)BAUD ptt on sleep 5 ./civtool –device \(DEV --baud \)BAUD ptt off 

Further learning

• Read your Icom radio’s CI-V command reference for model-specific command codes and addresses.
• Explore community projects and open-source CI-V libraries for higher-level language bindings.