IRCB

 The application to operate CB radio equipment via voice from your computer. 

Key Features

This program is developed by and property of Acuántico Power. Its distribution outside this page is not allowed.
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Thanks for choosing IRCB!  Wishing you good radio!

Setup and installation

Installing FFmpeg: in the program’s own folder you’ll find the file install-ffmpeg.bat. Run this file as administrator to automatically download and install FFmpeg on the system. This step is required for macros and Roger beep to work correctly.

File structure

The package has the following structure. The config.json file is created automatically the first time you start the program.

IRCB/
|– ircb.exe
|– install-ffmpeg.bat
|– images/
| |– ircb.ico
| |– back.jpg
|– rbeep/
| |– beep1.mp3
| |– beep4.mp3
|– config.json

Keep the folder names images and rbeep as they are. The executable looks for resources at these relative paths.

First run

1. Run install-ffmpeg.bat as administrator if you haven’t installed FFmpeg yet.
2. Connect the CH340 interface and check that Windows assigns it a COM port.
3. Double-click ircb.exe.
4. Open the Settings button to select audio devices, COM port and media resources.
5. Save. On restart, the configuration stored in config.json will be used.

Main interface

Top area

• Settings: opens the general configuration window.
• About: shows the installed version and a shortcut to acuanticopower.com/ircb.
• Window/Screen: toggles between windowed and full-screen mode.

Center panel

The center of the interface is taken up by the audio level sliders. From here you control the balance between the configured inputs and outputs. They’re displayed over the selected background image.

Bottom controls

• PTT button: located right below the sliders. Turns red when transmission is active.
• Macro buttons: found below the PTT. Each macro shows its status with a distinct color and locks the manual PTT until it finishes.

Settings window

General settings

• Language: select the desired language.
• COM Port: choose the port assigned to the CH340. The program validates the connection when saving.
• Background image: select any .jpg file inside images.

Audio and devices

Select the PC’s and the radio’s input and output devices separately. Changes are stored for future launches.

Transmission macros

1. Assign an audio file to each macro (.mp3, .wav or .ogg formats).
2. Set repetitions and intervals to automate messages.

Roger beep

• Selection: the dropdown includes all files in rbeep along with the Off option to disable it.
• Test button: plays the sound on the device assigned to the radio without opening any console windows.
• Updating: to add new beeps, copy the file into rbeep and restart the application.

Using macros

1. Press the desired macro button (located below the PTT).
2. The program activates the PTT, plays the audio and respects the configured repetitions and intervals.
3. When finished, the PTT returns to its previous state.

Recommendations

• Normalize all audio files to avoid clipping.
• Keep macros under three minutes to avoid tying up the channel.
• Keep backup copies of critical audio files on external storage.

Testing and selecting a Roger beep

The test playback goes through the speakers feeding the radio, so the operator hears exactly what recipients will hear.

1. Select a file from the dropdown.
2. Press Test to hear it instantly.
3. Adjust the volume from the external audio interface or the Windows mixer.

If you change files in rbeep while the program is open, reopen Settings to refresh the list.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Diagnosis	Recommended action
The COM port does not open.	The CH340 is in use by another program or lacks permission.	Close other applications, disconnect and reconnect the interface, or change the COM number in Device Manager.
A macro cannot be heard.	The configured output device does not match the active hardware, or FFmpeg is missing.	Check the Audio section in Settings and confirm that FFmpeg was installed correctly with install-ffmpeg.bat.
Audio cuts out or is distorted.	The file level is too high or the interface is clipping.	Reduce the gain in your mixer or export the file again with 6 dB of headroom.
The Roger beep does not play.	The selected option is Off, the file was deleted, or FFmpeg is missing.	Choose another file from the menu and make sure you have run install-ffmpeg.bat.

Changelog

10/27/2025

IRCB-v1.3
Release with Roger Beep function. The auto-call function is replaced with 4 customizable macros. A theme system is added to change the font color and background image. New background images. The PTT system is replaced to avoid Windows conflicts that occasionally required reinstalling the serial driver.

08/14/2025

IRCB-v1.2
With a fix to reduce the time delay between releasing the PTT and returning to RX state after the RB finished playing. Not published.

06/21/2025

IRCB-v1.1
To celebrate 500 downloads and the first anniversary, with the implementation of the Roger Beep function. Never published due to personal dissatisfaction with how the RB worked.

07/11/2024

IRCB-v1.0. First version released. A tool built around simplicity in every aspect.

Related station tools

If you are planning your station, begin with Your first amateur radio rig. For uSDX control and SDR reception, see the PoorSDR4All wiki; to keep a general or 11-metre/CB contact log, use NMN1M.