MercuryLuxPc
A cross-platform desktop application for monitoring and controlling the KM3KM Mercury LUX amplifier with enhanced telemetry, remote access, and flexible UI options.
Overview
MercuryLuxPc is a cross-platform desktop application for monitoring and controlling the KM3KM Mercury LUX solid-state amplifier. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux (including the Raspberry Pi 5) and provides significantly more functionality than the default KM3KM desktop app.
Built with Qt 6 (C++17+), MercuryLuxPc offers real-time telemetry visualization, TCP/IP remote access, optional TLS-encrypted WebSocket communication, and a flexible user interface tailored for both local station operation and fully remote setups.
The application supports running multiple instances, making it a powerful companion for operators with more than one Mercury LUX amplifier in the station.
At a Glance
- • Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux (RPi-5 tested)
- • Serial + TCP/IP remote connectivity
- • Optional TLS encryption (wss://)
- • Real-time telemetry visualization
- • Built-in updater & TLS cert generator
- • Multiple instances / amplifiers supported
Key Features
Serial Communication
- Connects to Mercury LUX via USB serial
- Auto-detects available COM ports
- Initializes amplifier and enables telemetry
- Supports manual calibration
- Automatically reconnects when amp is powered back on
TCP/IP Remote Connectivity
- Optional TCP/IP support: Disabled / Server / Client
- User-defined WebSocket address and port
- Secure WebSocket with TLS (wss://)
- Full two-way telemetry & control
- Client state clears immediately if server closes
TLS Encryption
- Optional TLS with self-signed or CA-issued certs
- File-based certificate & key loading
- No recompilation required to change certs
- Built-in self-signed TLS certificate generator
Built-In Updater
Help → Check for Updatesmenu item- Checks GitHub for the latest release
- Prompts user and downloads updated version
Telemetry & Visualization
- Forward / Reflected Power, SWR, Return Loss
- Drain Voltage & Current, Temperature, Efficiency
- Band, Antenna, Fan, Standby/Operate, Alarms
- On-Air indicator (bold white text on red)
- PowerBar widgets with thresholds & color transitions
- Meter modes: Live, Peak, Hold, None
- EMA smoothing & SSB/CW-friendly cadence updates
Settings & UI
- Selectable units (Watts/dBm, °C/°F, etc.)
- Serial, WebSocket & TLS settings persisted
- Calibration values for power and current
- Hot-reload of settings at runtime
- Dark/Light theme support
- User-selectable app font (family/size/weight)
- Custom antenna labels (e.g. “Vertical”, “Hexbeam”)
Instance Management
- Run multiple instances for multiple amplifiers
- Each instance has isolated settings & state
- Instance number selectable on startup
Host-to-Amplifier Commands
- Request 8-part status string
- Enter / Exit standby (operate mode)
- Reset alarms
- Select ANT-1 / ANT-2 / ANT-3
- Set fan mode: normal or max
Hotkeys & Logging
- User-configurable hotkeys for common actions
- Optional global shortcuts (Win / macOS / X11)
- Log viewer dialog with real-time messages
- Clear log and filter by session
System Requirements
MercuryLuxPc is designed to run on modern desktop operating systems:
- Windows 10 / 11
- Linux (tested on Raspberry Pi-5 & Ubuntu)
- macOS
Installation
Windows
- Packaged as a Windows installer (
.exe). - Download the latest Windows release from GitHub Releases.
- Run the setup executable and follow the wizard.
- Launch from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
- Uninstall via Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
Linux
- Packaged as a compressed tarball (
.tar.gz). - Choose the correct build:
x86_64oraarch64(RPi-5). -
Extract & install:
tar -xzf MercuryLuxPc_<arch>.tar.gz cd MercuryLuxPc_<arch>/<arch>_<version>/MercuryLuxPc ./install.sh - Launch via desktop menu or
./run.sh. - Uninstall with
./uninstall.sh.
macOS
- Packaged as a disk image (
.dmg). - Download and open the
.dmg, then drag the app to Applications. - If Gatekeeper prompts, use “Open Anyway” in Security & Privacy.
- Launch from Launchpad or the Applications folder.
- Uninstall by deleting
MercuryLuxPc.app.
Development & TLS
Development Stack
- Qt Toolkit, recommended Qt 6.x (e.g., 6.7.3)
- C++17 or newer
- Compiler: MinGW 64-bit (on Windows)
- Key modules: QtCore, QtGui, QtWidgets, QtSerialPort, QtWebSockets
- For TLS support: OpenSSL runtime libraries + valid cert/key pair
Generating Self-Signed TLS Certificates
MercuryLuxPc includes a built-in TLS certificate generator:
- Use
Tools → Generate TLS Certificateinside the app. - Generates
server.crtandserver.keysuitable for TLS.
Alternatively, you can generate certs manually using OpenSSL:
openssl req -x509 -newkey rsa:2048 -keyout server.key ^
-out server.crt -days 365 -nodesScreenshot
Example GUI view of MercuryLuxPc monitoring a live Mercury LUX amplifier.
License & Support
License
MercuryLuxPc is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 (LGPLv3). It is dynamically linked against the Qt libraries in order to comply with LGPL requirements.
Note: MercuryLuxPc is an approved third-party application by KM3KM Electronics. Use of this application does not void the amplifier warranty.
Support & Contact
Developed by Ray Faucher (KB1SO).
- QRZ: KB1SO on QRZ
- For bugs & feature requests: GitHub Issues (repository link TBD)
- For general discussion & feedback: GitHub Discussions
Your feedback helps improve MercuryLuxPc — thank you for testing, reporting, and sharing ideas!
Interested in MercuryLuxPc?
If you operate a KM3KM Mercury LUX amplifier or would like to explore enhanced monitoring, calibration, or remote operation features, reach out. Feedback from active LUX operators helps guide future releases and improvements.