Download the latest CAT command version
VarAC offers direct CAT command support for various RIGs. You can download the most updated CAT commands file here.
If you found a mistake in this file or want to contribute a set of CAT commands that is not listed here, please submit your request as a comment on this post.
Download link - Latest file version:
After downloading, unzip the file and place it in your VarAC installation directory
Customizing VarAC Rig control CAT file
VarAC Cat file was built from ground up as an open platform so YOU can tweak it or even create your own customized configuration.
The VarAC_Cat_command.ini file contains a set of definitions for each RIG.
Here is an example of an IC-7300 VarAC CAT configuration:
[Icom IC-7300]
CmdType=HEX
PTTOn=FEFE94E01C0001FD
PTTOff=FEFE94E01C0000FD
ModeUSB=FEFE94E026000100FD
ModeUSB_D=FEFE94E02600010102FD
ModeFM=FEFE94E0260005FD
ModeFM_D=FEFE94E02600050102FD
SetFreq_Data_method=BCD
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=FEFE94E02500{}FD
SetFreqVfoA_param_length=10
SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=FEFE94E02500FD
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Data_method=BCD
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Length=24
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=13
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Length=10
AntennaTuner=FEFE94E01C0102FD
VarACStartCmd=
VarACExitCmd=Now lets dive in to each of the parameters:
PTT and MODE commands:
CmdType=
Possible values: "HEX" or "TEXT"
Some rigs requires a text based commands to be sent (like all Kenwoods and some Yaesus) while other requires Hex-based commands like most Icoms. This parameter tells VarAC how to encode the command before sending it to the Rig.
PTTOn=
Triggers TX (engage PTT)
PTTOff=
Triggers RX (dis-engage PTT).
ModeUSB=
Sets Rig to USB mode.
ModeUSB_D=
Sets Rig to USB-D mode.
This mode/command is only available with modern rigs.
VarAC settings screen provides you with the option to choose if you want to use the USB or USB-D mode.
ModeFM=
Sets Rig to FM mode.
VarAC will put your RIG in FM mode only if you use VaraFM.
AntennaTuner= Fires the antenna tuner after frequency changes.
Under the VarAC settings screen you can set it to tune on EVERY frequency change or only during BAND SKIPS.
Only a few Rigs provide with a CAT command that activate the "Tune" operation of the rig.
Set frequency commands:
The default CAT commands provided set the VFO-A.
SetFreq_Data_method=
Possible values: "HEX" or "TEXT"
Some rigs has different formats for PTT/MODE commands and for "set-frequency" commands. But in most cases it will be the same as the "CmdType=" parameter.
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=
sets the Rig VFO-A to a desired frequency.
This command use a special characters as place holder "{}" (2 curly brackets) that VarAC uses to plug the actual frequency.
For example:
Icom IC-7300:
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=FEFE94E02500{}FD
Kenwood TS-850:
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=FA{};SetFreqVfoA_param_length=
Each rig has a different frequency range capability. Therefore it has a different frequency length format where it pads with Zeros the beginning of the frequency.
When VarAC plugs in the desired frequency into the "SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=" command, it will use this value to know how many Zeros in needs to pad to bring the frequency into a "fixed size format" (ex. with length of 14105000 --> 0014105000)
SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=
Some Rigs get the frequency number that is plugged to the "{}" placeholder but process it differently.
Most Rigs will take this frequency number as is. So in this case it means that the provided frequency number is in single Hertzs (ex - 14105000) so this parameter value in most cases is set to "1".
But some Rigs require the frequency number to be provided differently. For example:
Yaesu FT-100: SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=10 - which means that the number provided is in 10Hz skips so VarAC will need to divide the actual frequency by a factor of 10 before passing it to the RIG. 14105000 --> 1410500
Reading frequency commands:
Under the VarAC settings you can enable VarAC to read your current VFO frequency every X seconds.
If you do not use this feature you don't have to set these parameters.
Please note that some old Rigs does not provide with commands to read the current VFO frequency
The default CAT commands provided reads the VFO-A.
ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=
Read the Rigs current VFO-A frequency.
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Data_method=
Possible values: TEXT, BCD, BCFBE, BIN
Instruct VarAC how to interpret the output of the "ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=" command. Some rigs returns the frequency as clear text while other return in Binary or Hexadecimal format.
By rig type:
Kenwood rigs are always "TEXT"
Icoms are always "BCD"
Xiegus are always "BCD"
Yaesus are either "BCD" or "BCDE" depends on the model
Some TenTecs and some Yaesus are "BIN"
For HEX values:
BCD is Little endian
BCDBE is big endian
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_hz_res=
Similar to the "SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=" but on the reading frequency side.
It instructs VarAC on how to process the returning frequency number.
VarAC will multiply the number that returns with the number in this parameter to get to the frequency in Hz.
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Length=
The expected length of the entire output from the read frequency command (ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=).
This output in most cases includes many values that VarAC do not need so the next 2 parameters instruct VarAC where to find the actual frequency number.
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=
The position in the output of the read frequency command (ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=) in which the frequency number part begins.
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Length=
Similar to the "SetFreqVfoA_param_length=" but on the frequency reading side.
When parsing the output of the read frequency command (ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=), what is the expected length of the frequency number within the output.
Start/Exit VarAC commands
VarACStartCmd=
This command will be executed upon VarAC launch.
You can use it to set specific configuration in your Rig prior to using VarAC such as settings your preferred Filters, Notch, Antenna, NB level etc.
VarACExitCmd= This command is executed upon VarAC exit.
Use it to place you Rig in a preferred stated when existing VarAC.
Usually you would use it to revert any Rig states you enabled using the "VarACStartCmd=" command.
CAT command concatenaion
You can concatenate commands using the comma "," sign.
This would work only on the following commands: PTTOn, PTTOff, ModeUSB, ModeUSB_D, ModeFM
There are no limits to the number of commands you can concatenate.
Example #1:
When switching to USB_D (happens in every frequency change), and you also want to place DATA port of your IC-7300 to USB (not ACC):
ModeUSB_D=FEFE94E02600010102FD,FEFE94E01A05006703FDExample2:
If your rig support 2 antennas, you can Use one for TX and one for RX by concatenating an antenna switch CAT command to the PTT On/Off commands. This is an example for IC-7400:
PTTOn=FEFE66E0120000FD,FEFE66E01C0001FD
PTTOff=FEFE66E0120100FD,FEFE66E01C0000FDIf your rig is not listed on the VarAC default CAT file and you configured it on your own,
or you find errors in the default CAT file and you managed to fix it by yourself,
PLEASE be kind and share it with us by commenting down below so we can distribute this to all VarAC users.
Rig based configuration examples (by other VarAC users)
Some folks have shared screenshots from their VarAC setting screen that so you see what worked for them:
Icom
Yaesu
Kenwood
SDR
Elecraft
Xiegu
Other
For my IC-735, for frequency readback to work properly without parsing errors I had to change
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=7
to
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=11
Now it works correctly. Figure 15 on page 16-9 of the IC-735 Service Manual ID5428 pdf shows the "Displayed Frequency Field" starting in nibble 11, so this makes sense. In the VarAC_cat_commands.ini file Change Tracking section I see that the start position was changed from 11 to 7 at V6.1, and I noticed a previous discussion in the forum about it. Position value 11 is working for me, and matches the ICOM documentation, that's all I know. I bought this IC-735 new in 1991 and the firmware has never been updated.
Thanks much for your fine software,
73,
Craig N7RWB
Maybe someone can explain to me. I use a Icom 9100 for VarAC and the ini file is not working correctly. Modes don't work correctly especially "D" (data). Why is my ini file not have "CmdType=HEX" at the beginning and no hex commands?
Here is my file taken from VarAC:
[RIG_CONTROL]
RigPTTControlType=CAT
RigFreqControlType=CAT
RigCatFreqRead=OFF
RigCatFreqReadIntervalSeconds=2
SafetyPTTOffEveryMinute=OFF
PTTDisableAfterFreqChangeSeconds=0
FrequencyOffsetHZ=0
ActiveAntennaTunerFreqChange=OFF
ModeUSB_D=
FrequencySchedule=OFF
FrequencyScheduleCustomFilePath=
FrequencyListCustomFilePath=
LastFrequency=14.105.000
LastFrequencyLoadUponStartup=ON
UsbMode=USB-D
Thanks,
Todd
AL7PX
Buen dia,
con que comando CAT, funciona el FT-900.
Saludos.
Thank you. I'll include it in the next version
I've noticed that there's a Icom ID-52 in the list, but the settings weren't working for me on my radio. So here's a fixed configuration, tested on ID-52E with firmware 1.25, and as an extra, a configuration for ID-52E Plus, tested with firmware 1.00.
[Icom ID-52A/E]
CmdType=HEX
PTTOn=FEFEA6E01C0001FD
PTTOff=FEFEA6E01C0000FD
#USB&FM leads both to FM as there is no USB.
#the '_D' is for WIDE FM while without '_D' is narrow FM.
ModeUSB=FEFEA6E0060502FD
ModeUSB_D=FEFEA6E0060501FD
ModeFM=FEFEA6E0060502FD
ModeFM_D=FEFEA6E0060501FD
SetFreq_Data_method=BCD
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=FEFEA6E000{}FD
SetFreqVfoA_param_length=10
SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=FEFEA6E003FD
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Data_method=BCD
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Length=22
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=11
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Length=10
VarACStartCmd=
VarACExitCmd=
[Icom ID-52A/E Plus]
CmdType=HEX
PTTOn=FEFEB4E01C0001FD
PTTOff=FEFEB4E01C0000FD
#USB&FM leads both to FM as there is no USB.
#the '_D' is for WIDE FM while without '_D' is narrow FM.
ModeUSB=FEFEB4E0060502FD
ModeUSB_D=FEFEB4E0060501FD
ModeFM=FEFEB4E0060502FD
ModeFM_D=FEFEB4E0060501FD
SetFreq_Data_method=BCD
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=FEFEB4E000{}FD
SetFreqVfoA_param_length=10
SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=FEFEB4E003FD
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Data_method=BCD
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Length=22
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=11
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Length=10
VarACStartCmd=
VarACExitCmd=
I use a IC 718 and curious what one will I use for that one as rig control and for the unit
A tip for Omnirig IC-7300 users... When checking the frequency for a CQ call (slot sniffer), my IC-7300 took around 3 or 4 seconds to QSY, yet when releasing the slot sniffer button it changed back instantly.
The problem is related to the VFO selection in the settings box, make sure it is set for VFO A, not A + B
Attached image shows the correct setting.
73 Dave
I had to add a new radio in the VarAC_cat_commands for the Elecraft K4. The existing ELECRAFT file will not work with TCP and PTT. The three existing MODE command lines are not in the correct command format for the K4.
[Elecraft K4]
CmdType=TEXT
PTTOn=TX;
PTTOff=RX;
ModeUSB=MD$2;
ModeUSB_D=MD$6;DT$0;
ModeFM=MD$4;
SetFreq_Data_method=TEXT
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd=FA{};
SetFreqVfoA_param_length=11
SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=FA;
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Data_method=TEXT
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_hz_res=1
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Length=14
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=3
ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Length=11
AntennaTuner=SWT20;
VarACStartCmd=
VarACExitCmd=
the program does not see my radio ft-991A Why is this.
I'm EA4FG I have the kenwood ts-2000 I ask you to make drivers for the kenwood ts-2000 please
I await news in the email ea4fg.fermin@gmail.com
I'm using the Yaesu FT-1000MP Mark-V Field tranceiver with a SignaLink connected to the PACKETRADIO DIN connector. For this to work, the PKT-U (Packet USB) mode needs to be selected by pressing PKT for one second. Then the PKT and LSB buttons will light up (yes, no logic there). Any other mode selection will result in no transmit audio.
I never found a working CAT code to get the rig in this mode, so I avoid setting the mode via software.
To do this with VarAC, I use the section below with the Mode commands commented out (semi-colon).
73
Peter PA1POS
[Yaesu FT-1000MP MkV No-mode-change] CmdType=HEX PTTOn=000000010F PTTOff=000000000F ;ModeUSB=000000010C ;ModeUSB_D=000000090C ;ModeFM=000000060C SetFreq_Data_method=BCD SetFreqVfoA_Cmd={}0A SetFreqVfoA_param_length=8 SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=10 ReadFreqVfoA_Cmd=0000000310 ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Data_method=BIN ReadFreqVfoA_Result_hz_res=0.625 ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Length=64 ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Start_Pos=3 ReadFreqVfoA_Result_Freq_Length=8 AntennaTuner=0000000082 VarACStartCmd= VarACExitCmd=Control file for FT-757GX
Toggles dial lock on startup and exit. Command 04
[Yaesu FT-757GX]
CmdType=HEX
SetFreq_Data_method=BCD
SetFreqVfoA_Cmd={}0A
SetFreqVfoA_param_length=8
SetFreqVfoA_hz_res=10
VarACStartCmd=0000000004
VarACExitCmd=0000000004
Good day...
VarAC settings
Kenwood TS-2000
Interface: UnicomDual 2 ports: 8-9
Omnirig: rig1-TS-2000, COM-8, PTT-9
Omnirig: Cat command.ini TS-2000
Everything works well
😀
😀
OK, thank you........😀😀😄
please cat control TS-2000
🤣
soy EA4FG quisirea por favor que editen al gun archivo referente a la emisora KENWOOD -TS-2000 gracias 73 espero noticias suyas
I am having issues with a 847. Here is what I posted on FB
Hey all. In an attempt to learn a bit more I have played around with talking to another station. I have (well I think I have) set my FT847 up for rts ptt and cat control via serial. 1 cable. The ptt part works fine and I can see in the log it writinf to the comm port asking for the frequ the radio is at but nothing is coming back.
Has anyone else played around with an 847
I for a test simply put a slot frequency into vfo b and changed with that but now I can see what its meant to do I am really looking to get ths working
I have what I believe is the latest cat definitions
11/01/2024 08:45:54 - Cat command (HEX): 0000000003
11/01/2024 08:45:54 - Writing to com port
11/01/2024 08:45:54 - CAT cmd result:
11/01/2024 08:45:54 - CAT result after echo stripping:
11/01/2024 08:45:56 - Cat command (HEX): 0000000003
My Varachat keeps saying soundcard device is not ready. What does that mean?
I have no idea how to enable Rig Control. I have an FT857D with SignaLink and Windows 10 and an LDG external tuner. SignaLink and the tuner use up the ACC and DATA ports. I have downloaded and extracted the CAT file but don't understand what it is supposed to do. Is it supposed to autoconfigure VARAC rig control?
I have CAT with FT857 clicked and tested and nothing happens. I have downloaded, clicked and tried Omnirig and nothing happens. I have downloaded and tried FLrig and nothing happens but I'm pretty sure I couldn't figure out how to configure Flrig. I have clicked on VOX/none and that works: I just change the frequency manually.