ZPTTLink

ZPTTLink is an open-source, cross-platform application that bridges Zello (running inside BlueStacks or Waydroid) with radio gateway hardware like the AIOC (All-In-One Cable). It enables seamless Push-to-Talk (PTT) control and audio routing, allowing users to link RF radios to Zello using only a computer.

This tool is ideal for GMRS and ham radio operators, emergency communications volunteers, and hobbyists who want to build a software-based radio gateway.

Features

• Compatible with AIOC, CM108-based, and other USB serial/audio radio cables
• Detects PTT signals via USB serial
• Simulates keypresses or mouse events to trigger Zello’s Push-to-Talk
• Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Minimal and simple (KISS — no GUI required)
• Audio routing via VB-Cable (Windows), BlackHole (macOS), or ALSA Loopback (Linux)

Requirements

• AIOC or compatible USB PTT/audio interface
• Python 3.8 or newer
• Zello installed inside BlueStacks or Waydroid

Python Dependencies

Install all dependencies with:

pip install -r requirements.txt

• Core: pyserial, pynput, sounddevice, numpy, loguru, platformdirs
• Windows: pycaw
• macOS: pyobjc
• Linux: pulsectl, pyalsa

Linux Notes

• ZPTTLink works with both ALSA and PulseAudio.
• If your system uses PipeWire, make sure the PulseAudio compatibility layer is enabled so pulsectl can function correctly.
• ALSA Loopback must be enabled for audio routing. See: ALSA Loopback Device.

Installation and Setup

1. Install Python:
   • Windows
   • macOS: Use Homebrew:

     brew install python

   • Linux: Use your package manager (example for Debian/Ubuntu):

     sudo apt install python3 python3-venv

2. Install virtual audio driver (choose your OS above).
3. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/maxhayim/ZPTTLink.git
   cd ZPTTLink

4. Create and activate a virtual environment:
   • Windows:

     python -m venv venv
     venv\Scripts\activate

   • macOS/Linux:

     python3 -m venv venv
     source venv/bin/activate

5. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

1. Activate your virtual environment:

   source venv/bin/activate

2. Run ZPTTLink:

   python -m zpttlink

3. Available commands:
   • help — Displays available commands and usage info
   • q or quit — Safely exits the program
4. Launch Zello inside BlueStacks or Waydroid:
   • Assign the same hotkey in Zello (e.g., F8 or F9)
   • Select the virtual audio driver as the microphone input
5. Press the PTT button on your radio cable (e.g., AIOC). ZPTTLink will detect it, simulate a keypress, and Zello will transmit your audio.

How It Works

ZPTTLink listens to the USB serial signal from your radio cable. When activated, it simulates a keypress or mouse event to trigger Zello in BlueStacks or Waydroid. Audio from your radio is routed using the virtual audio driver, creating a seamless RF-to-Zello link.

License

MIT License

Contributing

Pull requests are welcome. Open an issue first to discuss ideas or report bugs.

Related Projects

• AIOC – All-In-One Cable
• BlackHole (macOS)
• ALSA Utils / Loopback (Linux)
• BlueStacks
• Waydroid
• VB-Audio (VB-Cable)

Acknowledgments

Portions of this project are based on or inspired by the AIOC (All-in-one-Cable).
Zello® for Android is a trademark of Zello Inc., Android™ is a trademark of Google LLC, and both are used here solely for interoperability purposes. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.