def set_frequency(freq_hz): """Set VFO A frequency on FT-817 (freq in Hz, e.g., 14250000)""" freq_bcd = [] freq = freq_hz // 10 # FT-817 uses 10 Hz steps for _ in range(5): # 5 BCD bytes (8 digits) freq_bcd.append(freq % 100) freq //= 100 freq_bcd.reverse()
ser.write(cmd) time.sleep(0.05) # Read response: 0x01 + status resp = ser.read(2) return resp def get_frequency(): """Read current VFO A frequency from FT-817""" cmd = bytes([0x03, 0x00, 0x00]) # Read frequency command cmd += bytes([calc_checksum(cmd)]) ft-817 programming software
# Command: 0x01 0x00 + 5 BCD bytes + checksum cmd = bytes([0x01, 0x00] + freq_bcd) cmd += bytes([calc_checksum(cmd)]) def set_frequency(freq_hz): """Set VFO A frequency on FT-817
ser.write(cmd) time.sleep(0.05) resp = ser.read(8) # Response: 0x03 + 5 BCD bytes + checksum? if len(resp) >= 6: freq_bcd = resp[1:6] freq_hz = 0 for b in freq_bcd: freq_hz = freq_hz * 100 + (b >> 4) * 10 + (b & 0x0F) return freq_hz * 10 return None ser = serial.Serial(CAT_PORT, BAUD, bytesize=BYTESIZE, parity=PARITY, stopbits=STOPBITS, timeout=1) time.sleep(0.5) Example: Set to 14.250 MHz set_frequency(14250000) print("Frequency set to 14.250 MHz") Read back f = get_frequency() if f: print(f"Readback: f/1e6:.6f MHz") It handles memory channels, settings backup, and frequency
import serial import time CAT_PORT = 'COM3' # Change to your port (e.g., '/dev/ttyUSB0' on Linux) BAUD = 4800 BYTESIZE = 8 PARITY = serial.PARITY_NONE STOPBITS = serial.STOPBITS_TWO
I can’t directly generate or send you a working piece of programming software for the Yaesu FT-817, but I can give you a clear overview of your best real options—and provide a that does basic frequency/memory programming via the CAT interface. ✅ Official & Popular FT-817 Programming Software | Software | Platform | Notes | |----------|----------|-------| | Yaesu FT-817 Commander | Windows | Free, basic memory management | | HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe) | Windows | Paid, full CAT control + programming | | CHIRP | Win/Linux/macOS | Free, supports FT-817 (as FT-817ND) | | FT-817 Manager | Windows | Free, older but reliable | | Gqrx + Hamlib | Linux/macOS | Command-line programming possible | CHIRP is the most popular free option today. It handles memory channels, settings backup, and frequency upload/download. 🐍 Python Script: Read/Write Frequency via CAT (Example) This uses pyserial and the Yaesu CAT protocol (4800 baud, 8N2). It sets VFO A frequency and reads the current frequency.
def calc_checksum(cmd): """Calculate Yaesu checksum (two's complement of sum of bytes)""" total = sum(cmd) return (~total + 1) & 0xFF