After digging into hamlib a bit, I've discovered an executable that will act as a virtual "translator": it will make your rig (FT-980 or other) appear as a TS-2000 to software programs trying to interface to it with CAT. This means that if the SW supports the TS-2000 ... it will at least partially support the FT-980. The software does NOT have to use Hamlib ... this translator is an independent program that will translate the raw "serial" streams en-route.
Caveats:
1. I have tried it yet.
2. It involves setting up a virtual com port. In Linus this is pretty easy. In windows it is more involved.
3. You have to install Hamlib on your machine.
4. Because the Hamlib FT-980 backend is Alpha, current functionality is very limited (frequency, mode, memories). We will hopefully address this ...
But ... I think there is great hope that a huge array of software might be available for use with our venerable FT-980 rigs. The TS-2000 is very widely supported I believe.
-Mat
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
Mat Breton N8TW