RimuSDR for Linux — Now Available

NV0E · April 10

Hi everyone,

I’m happy to share that RimuSDR, the new Linux‑native software suite for FlexRadio users, is now officially available.

After extensive testing with a dedicated group of operators, the software has reached a stable, production‑ready state. The initial release includes a comprehensive feature set covering virtually all functionality operators rely on today, along with the companion tools:

RimuDAX — digital audio exchange
RimuCAT — CAT control for logging, digital modes, and automation

You can download the release, view screenshots, and read the full feature overview here:

https://rimusystems.com/rimusdr

Thank you to everyone who tested, provided feedback, and helped shape the first release. I’m looking forward to hearing how it works for you.

KD0RC · April 10

Congratulations Simon! I just downloaded 1.1.3 for the Raspberry Pi. I will give it a shot this evening.

WX7Y · April 10

Great experience so far, I have not fully tested the CAT and DAX but it looks great, Kinda bothers me there are only 2 CAT ports available, Looks like a very close clone of SmartSDR in operation and settings.

After trying to get a few CAT programs working easily and reliably on AetherSDR on Linux, I can tell you it is a very difficult task but possible and is getting better, and if the RimuDAX and RimuCAT pans out to work as good as they look it will be a game changer on Linux.

I have ran it on Linux Ubuntu 24.04, and on my raspberry Pi5 and both run really well and graphics on the Ubuntu Linux computer are outstanding, except on the Pi5 SmartLink won't sign in and shuts down the Program.

Good Job Simon on building something that we have waited for for more than 12 years.

73

Bret WX7Y

NV0E · April 11

Bret, thank you for the detailed feedback. I’m really glad to hear RimuSDR is running well for you on both Ubuntu and the Pi5, and that the graphics performance stands out.

CAT is still early and the current limit of two CAT port protocols is just the initial implementation. I will be expanding it soon.

The Pi5 SmartLink crash is especially helpful. I will contact you directly to gather more information.

And a fun bit of trivia: you were actually the very first person to purchase RimuSDR after launch. I really appreciate you jumping in right away and giving it such a thorough workout.

Thanks again for taking the time to test it and share your impressions. It has been a long wait for Linux users, and it is great to see it running well on your systems.

WX7Y · April 11

Simon, Please add the FDVU and FDVL modes to RimuSDR so we can use the FreeDV-FlexRadio.appimage to give us Freedv on ALL 6000 and 8000 Radios. SmartSDR has it as does AetherSDR, I have ran this for several Months and it really works well. Below is the Information Page.

https://github.com/drowe67/freedv-gui/releases/tag/v2.2.1

I have it running here on the same computer that I have RimuSDR on and also on my Node-red Raspberry Pi as a backup, (Only one at a time) as long as the computer is on the same network the Radio will find it.

So please add these FreeDV modes as I use them Daily.

73

Bret WX7Y

Joe Herreweyers · April 11

I am brand new to Linux having just starting to explore it earlier this week. Will this program run efficiently under WSL. It seems to me to be a starting point as I explore Linux and the program/Apps available. It would also also seem to provide the option to run my 6700 and 8600 on the same PC and monitor cluster.

Thank you, Joe N9EMC

NV0E · 2:42AM

Hi Bret, I'll take a look at the FreeDV modes. It sounds quite interesting.

NV0E · 2:54AM

Hi Joe, WSL will probably turn out to be problematic for this kind of software.

WSL uses a NAT layer that isolates it from the host network, and that can interfere with radio discovery unless you start adding bridged‑adapter workarounds. Even then, it’s not always consistent. That alone makes it a shaky starting point.

TX/RX audio is another issue. WSL doesn’t expose audio devices in a way that works well for low‑latency streaming, so RimuDAX is unlikely to behave correctly there. RimuCAT would be even more difficult, since WSL doesn’t provide real serial ports and its virtualized networking stack behaves differently enough that CAT bridging is likely to break.

If you want to explore Linux, a lightweight VM or a small dual‑boot partition will give you a much smoother experience than WSL for anything involving radios, audio, or CAT. Dual‑boot in particular avoids all the virtualization quirks and gives you a clean, native environment to work with. I’ve set up a dual‑boot with Windows and Linux myself, and I find I spend most of my time in Linux now, only flipping back to Windows when I need an application that only exists there.

RimuSDR for Linux — Now Available

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