AetherSDR is a Linux-native client for FlexRadio Systems transceivers that communicates directly using the SmartSDR protocol.
Written in Qt6 and C++20, it’s designed to give Linux operators a full-featured desktop interface for controlling compatible radios, monitoring spectrum and waterfall displays, handling transmit and receive functions, and integrating with digital mode and station control tools without relying on Wine or a virtual machine.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Supports multi-slice operation with independent transmit assignment and diversity mode.
- Offers multi-panadapter viewing with multiple layout options and per-pan display controls.
- Provides full RX/TX controls including filters, AGC, DSP, equalization, mic controls, ATU, TUNE, and MOX.
- Includes client-side noise reduction, a real-time CW decoder, and GPU-accelerated spectrum and waterfall rendering.
- Supports DAX virtual audio channels and DAX IQ streaming for use with digital mode applications.
- Features SpotHub integration for DX Cluster, RBN, WSJT-X, POTA, and FreeDV Reporter spots.
- Enables SmartLink remote operation for accessing radios over WAN connections.
- Includes CAT control, MIDI mapping, FlexControl USB tuning knob support, and serial PTT/CW keying.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/ten9876/AetherSDR
Support:
Developer: ten9876
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

AetherSDR is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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