Report preparation

• I used the AI-assisted bug report tool (Help → Support → File an Issue)
• I have attached a support bundle or log file

What happened?

This is a BUG REPORT (regression: "It didn't use to be that way").

Bug: Function key macros (F1-F12) for CWX/DVK only work when their side panels are open

What happened

The F1–F12 keyboard shortcuts to fire CWX or DVK macros no longer work unless the corresponding CWX or DVK side panel is currently open/visible in the UI. The software does not automatically select or trigger the correct macro system based on the active slice's mode (CW vs. voice/Digital Voice Keyer).

What I expected

F1–F12 should always trigger the appropriate macro (CWX when in CW mode, DVK when in voice modes) regardless of whether the side panels are visible. This worked in previous versions.

Steps to reproduce

1. Connect to a FlexRadio (e.g., FLEX-8600).
2. Create/tune a slice to CW mode → ensure CWX macros are configured.
3. Close/hide the CWX side panel (and DVK panel).
4. Press F1–F12 → no macro fires.
5. Open the CWX panel → F-keys now work.
6. Switch slice to a voice mode, close DVK panel, repeat → same failure.

Environment

• AetherSDR (current main, post-DVK/CWX implementation) version 26.5.1
• Windows 11
• FlexRadio 8600 transceiver (firmware 4.2.18/ SmartSDR protocol v1.4)

Suggested labels: bug, audio, GUI, CWX, DVK

What did you expect?

No response

Steps to reproduce

1. Connect to radio
2. while in CW mode and when the CWX window is not open, press a function key with a macro assigned to it
3. Nothing will transmit
4. The same test can be completed while in an SSB mode and when DVK side panel isn't open
5. Nothing will transmit

AetherSDR version

26.5.1

Radio model & firmware

FLEX-8600 4.2.18

Operating system

Windows

OS version and hardware

Windows 11