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 |
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.
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.