Auto-connect MIDI controller on startup¶
When AetherSDR launches, it can automatically reopen the last-used MIDI port so your controller is ready without manual intervention each session.
Before you start¶
- AetherSDR must have been built with MIDI support (
Settings > MIDI Mapping...must appear in the Settings menu). - Your MIDI controller must be physically connected and recognized by the operating system.
- You must have connected to the port at least once manually so that AetherSDR has a device to reopen. See Connect a MIDI controller.
Steps¶
- Go to
Settings > MIDI Mapping.... - In the Port: combo box, select your MIDI controller.
- Click Connect. The port status changes to show the connected device name.
- Check Auto-connect on startup.
AetherSDR saves both MidiPort and MidiAutoConnect immediately. On the next launch, the port reopens automatically without any further action.
What each control does¶
| Control | Kind | Behavior | Persisted setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port: | Combo box | Selects the MIDI input device to use | MidiPort |
| Refresh | Button | Rescans available MIDI ports | — |
| Connect | Button | Opens or closes the selected MIDI port | — |
| Auto-connect on startup | Checkbox | Reopens the saved MIDI port each time AetherSDR launches | MidiAutoConnect |
Using the MIDI Mapping dialog¶
The MIDI Controller Mapping dialog lets you configure a MIDI controller. Use the Category combo box to filter the Parameter list. Available categories include:
- All
- RX
- TX
- Phone/CW
- EQ
- Global
- Mode
- Band
- Filter
- Slice
- Display
- Frequency
Select a Parameter to assign, then click Learn to record a binding from your MIDI controller. In the Phone/CW category, three momentary (Gate) actions are available: Trigger straight key, Trigger CW Left Paddle, and Trigger CW Right Paddle. Legacy dotted IDs (cw.key, cw.dit, cw.dah) are automatically migrated on read.
The Bindings table shows existing bindings with per-row Invert, Relative, and delete (×) controls. Columns: Parameter, MIDI Source, Channel, Invert, Relative, (delete).
Use the Profile: combo box, Save, and Load buttons to manage named mapping profiles.
Tips¶
- If you unplug and replug the controller, click Refresh to repopulate the Port: list before clicking Connect.
- The port status and activity indicator update in real time. Confirm the activity indicator shows incoming messages before closing the dialog.
- The dialog remembers its size and position between sessions.
Troubleshooting¶
- Port list is empty after plugging in the controller — Click Refresh to rescan. If the port still does not appear, verify the operating system recognizes the device.
- Auto-connect does not work on the next launch — Confirm you clicked Connect and saw a connected status before checking Auto-connect on startup. The setting saves the most recently opened port name; if the device name changed (for example, on a different USB port on some systems), select the correct port manually, connect again, and re-check Auto-connect on startup.
Related¶
- Connect a MIDI controller
- MIDI Controller Mapping overview
- Record a new binding with Learn mode
- Save the current mapping as a named profile
- Triggers for CW straight key and paddles