FlexRadio Discovery Proxy

Current Version: v3.0.0
Status: ✅ Production Ready

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Quick Start

1. Download or Clone

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/FlexRadio-Discovery-Proxy.git
cd FlexRadio-Discovery-Proxy

2. Configure

Edit config.ini:

• Server: No changes needed (defaults work)
• Client: Set Server_Address to your server's IP address

3. Run Server (at radio location)

python FRS-Discovery-Server.py

or double-click FRS-Discovery-Server.bat (Windows)

4. Run Client (at SmartSDR location)

python FRS-Discovery-Client.py

or double-click FRS-Discovery-Client.bat (Windows)

5. Start SmartSDR

Your radio should appear in the chooser!

For detailed setup: See HEALTH_CHECK_GUIDE.md and TROUBLESHOOTING.md

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What's New in v3.0.0

🚀 Major Simplification - Socket Mode Only

• Removed: File-based mode (cumbersome and slower)
• Focus: TCP socket streaming only
• Result: Simpler, faster, more reliable
• Latency: Sub-second real-time communication

✅ Streamlined Architecture

• Direct TCP connection between server and client
• No file system dependencies
• No cloud sync required
• Cleaner codebase

✅ Minimal Logging

• Log files only written at startup and shutdown
• Reduced disk I/O for better performance
• All operational info still shown on console

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Previous Versions

v2.x (Deprecated - File Mode)

• Supported both socket and file modes
• File mode required shared storage (OneDrive, Dropbox, network shares)
• More complex configuration
• Higher latency with file mode

v1.x (Archived)

• Generated synthetic packets
• Single-location deployment
• See archive/v1.x/ for historical reference

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Architecture

v3.x uses a streamlined client-server model:

Server Component

• Runs at remote location where FlexRadio is located
• Captures real VITA-49 discovery packets from radio
• Streams packets to connected clients via TCP
• File: FRS-Discovery-Server.py

Client Component

• Runs at local PC where SmartSDR is running
• Connects to server via TCP socket
• Receives packets in real-time
• Rebroadcasts packets locally for SmartSDR
• File: FRS-Discovery-Client.py

Network Requirements

• VPN or direct network connection between locations
• TCP port 5992 accessible (configurable)
• UDP port 4992 for FlexRadio discovery (standard)

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Use Cases

Perfect For:

✅ VPN Access - Access your FlexRadio over VPN from anywhere
✅ Remote Operation - Operate from home, work, mobile
✅ Multiple Locations - Multiple clients can connect to one server
✅ Real-Time - Sub-second latency for discovery packets

Not Needed For:

❌ Same Subnet - If SmartSDR and radio are on same network
❌ Direct Network - If discovery packets already broadcast across your network

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Why v3.x?

Advantages Over v2.x

Feature	v2.x	v3.x
Socket Mode	Optional	Standard
File Mode	Supported	Removed
Latency	1-30s (file)	<1s (socket)
Configuration	Complex	Simple
Dependencies	File system	Network only
Setup Time	30 min	15 min
Reliability	Good	Excellent

Advantages Over v1.x

Feature	v1.x	v3.x
Packet Type	Synthetic (fake)	Authentic (real)
Configuration	Manual setup	Auto-detects radio
Radio Status	Static	Real-time
Multi-Radio	Difficult	Easy
Health Checks	No	Yes
Support	❌ Deprecated	✅ Active

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Installation

Requirements

• Python 3.7+ on both server and client machines
• Network connectivity between server and client (VPN or direct)
• FlexRadio on same subnet as server

Quick Setup

1. Clone or download this repository

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/FlexRadio-Discovery-Proxy.git
   cd FlexRadio-Discovery-Proxy

2. Configure config.ini

   • Set Server_Address on client to your server's IP
   • Adjust ports if needed (default 5992)

3. Run server at radio location

   python FRS-Discovery-Server.py

4. Run client at SmartSDR location

   python FRS-Discovery-Client.py

5. Start SmartSDR - Your radio should appear!

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Documentation

Essential Reading

• HEALTH_CHECK_GUIDE.md - Diagnostics and troubleshooting
• TROUBLESHOOTING.md - Common issues and solutions
• INDEX.md - Complete documentation index

Reference

• RELEASE_NOTES_v3.0.0.md - Current release notes
• ENHANCEMENTS_ROADMAP.md - Future plans
• L3VPN_SOLUTION_GUIDE.md - VPN setup guide

Archive

• archive/ - Previous versions (v1.x, v2.x)

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Support

⚠️ Important Notice

This software is NOT officially supported by FlexRadio Systems, Inc., its employees, or its help desk. This is an independent community tool.

For official FlexRadio support: https://www.flexradio.com

Community Support

• GitHub Issues: Report bugs or request features
• Discussions: Share experiences and solutions
• Pull Requests: Contributions welcome!

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License

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details

Copyright (c) 2026 Chris L White (WX7V)
Based on original work by VA3MW (2024)

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Credits

• Original Concept: VA3MW (v1.x)
• v2.x/v3.x Development: WX7V
• FlexRadio VITA-49 Protocol: FlexRadio Systems, Inc.

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Quick Links

Document	Purpose
HEALTH_CHECK_GUIDE.md	Diagnostic tools and health checks
TROUBLESHOOTING.md	Fix common problems
RELEASE_NOTES_v3.0.0.md	What's new in v3.0
L3VPN_SOLUTION_GUIDE.md	VPN setup guide
INDEX.md	Complete documentation index

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Version 3.0.0 - Socket-Only Edition
Simpler. Faster. Better.