Create the OmniRig virtual COM pair
Before configuring OmniRig, make sure the COM17/COM16 virtual COM pair exists, or adjust both ShackMaestro and OmniRig to use the pair you created. Skip this step if your station is not using OmniRig.
Purpose
OmniRig can act as a CAT-sharing layer for compatible station software.
Many ham-radio programs know how to talk to OmniRig. In a ShackMaestro station, ShackMaestro owns the physical USB connection to the radio. OmniRig is an optional CAT-sharing layer: it connects to ShackMaestro through a virtual COM pair, and applications such as WSJT-X, Log4OM, and SDR Console can then use OmniRig for shared CAT control.
Planning: If you use OmniRig, a COM17/COM16 virtual pair is a common starting point. One side is used by ShackMaestro’s OmniRig bridge and the opposite side is selected in OmniRig.
Current release note: OmniRig is optional. If you do not use it, disable OmniRig in ShackMaestro Radio Settings and remove it from any program/profile startup list.
Steps
If you use OmniRig, configure it after ShackMaestro and ShackScope are working.
Verify ShackMaestro radio control
Confirm ShackMaestro can read and control the radio through the physical USB COM port. ShackMaestro should be the only program opening that physical radio port.
Install OmniRig if needed
Install OmniRig from the official OmniRig page only if your station uses OmniRig-aware software through this path.
Configure Rig 1 to use the virtual COM pair
In OmniRig, select the opposite side of the ShackMaestro OmniRig virtual COM pair, not the physical radio USB COM port. Confirm baud rate, CI-V address, data bits, parity, stop bits, and RTS/DTR settings match the station setup.
Configure third-party software to use OmniRig
In applications such as WSJT-X, Log4OM, or SDR Console, select OmniRig rather than opening any COM port directly.
Test one application at a time
Add only one OmniRig client at first. Confirm frequency/mode tracking before adding the next program.
Startup path
Confirm the OmniRig program path in ShackMaestro.
ShackMaestro’s default program list includes OmniRig using its typical installation path. If OmniRig was installed somewhere else, update the path in ShackMaestro before relying on auto-start.
Troubleshooting
Common OmniRig issues.
Frequency does not track
Confirm the radio type, virtual COM path, CI-V address, and baud rate all match the station setup.
COM port conflict
OmniRig should not open the physical radio USB COM port directly. That port belongs to ShackMaestro.
Multiple apps behave oddly
Test with one OmniRig client first, then add other applications gradually.
Recommended workflow
Add one piece at a time.
First verify the ShackMaestro-to-radio connection and ShackScope. After that, configure OmniRig and other station software one step at a time.