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Installation Guide

Installing RimuSDR on Linux

Step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing RimuSDR, RimuDAX, and RimuCAT on supported Linux distributions.

Download Packages Installation Steps

Debian · Ubuntu · Raspberry Pi · AppImage

Download Packages

Choose the package format that matches your system architecture and distribution.

Debian Package

Debian/Ubuntu (.deb)

Native packages for Debian-based distributions.

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and newer
  • Linux Mint 22.2+
  • Debian 13+
  • Pop!_OS 24.04+
  • Zorin Core 18+
AppImage

AppImage

Portable format that works across many Linux distributions.

  • No installation required
  • Self-contained application
  • Run from any location
  • Works on most distributions
Requirements

System Requirements

Minimum requirements for running RimuSDR.

  • Dual-core 2.0 GHz CPU or faster
  • 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
  • 500 MB disk space
  • 1920×1080 display resolution
  • Ethernet preferred (WiFi supported)

Package Information

RimuSDR, RimuDAX, and RimuCAT are available in two package formats to support different Linux distributions and use cases.

RimuSDR

RimuSDR

Core application - must be installed first.

  • .deb: rimusdr_<version>_amd64.deb
  • .deb (Pi): rimusdr_<version>_rpi.deb
  • AppImage: RimuSDR-<version>-x86_64.AppImage
  • AppImage: RimuSDR-<version>-aarch64.AppImage
RimuDAX

RimuDAX

Digital Audio eXchange - virtual audio channels.

  • .deb: rimudax_<version>_amd64.deb
  • .deb (Pi): rimudax_<version>_rpi.deb
  • AppImage: RimuDAX-<version>-x86_64.AppImage
  • AppImage: RimuDAX-<version>-aarch64.AppImage
RimuCAT

RimuCAT

Computer Aided Transceiver - virtual serial ports.

  • .deb: rimucat_<version>_amd64.deb
  • .deb (Pi): rimucat_<version>_rpi.deb
  • AppImage: RimuCAT-<version>-x86_64.AppImage
  • AppImage: RimuCAT-<version>-aarch64.AppImage

Installing .deb Packages

Debian packages (.deb) provide native system integration for Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Raspberry Pi OS.

Method 1: GUI Installation

1. Download the package
Download the appropriate .deb file for your system:
  • amd64 — standard PCs
  • rpi — Raspberry Pi (64‑bit)
Save the file to your Downloads folder.
2. Install the package (Graphical Method)
Double‑click the .deb file.

Depending on your Linux distribution, one of the following may appear:
  • Ubuntu App Center
  • Software Center / Software Installer
  • GDebi (Linux Mint)
  • Pop!_Shop (Pop!OS)
  • Archive Manager (Debian, Elementary, or some Ubuntu variants)

If an installer opens:
Click Install and enter your password when prompted.

If the file opens as a folder or archive:
Some systems do not associate .deb files with an installer. If you see the package contents instead of an Install button, use the Command Line Installation method below. It works on all systems.
Important Notes About App Center

On Ubuntu systems that use App Center:

  • InstallationApp Center can install .deb files
  • UpdatesApp Center does not manage updates for .deb packages
  • For updatesYou must manually download and install the new .deb file or use the command‑line method

Method 2: Command Line Installation

The command‑line method is the most reliable way to install .deb packages on all Debian‑based systems, including Ubuntu, Pop!OS, Linux Mint, Debian 12/13, Elementary OS, and Raspberry Pi OS. It works even when graphical installers do not.

For amd64 systems (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)
cd ~/Downloads
sudo apt install ./rimusdr_<version>_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./rimudax_<version>_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./rimucat_<version>_amd64.deb
For Raspberry Pi OS
cd ~/Downloads
sudo apt install ./rimusdr_<version>_rpi.deb
sudo apt install ./rimudax_<version>_rpi.deb
sudo apt install ./rimucat_<version>_rpi.deb

ⓘ  Note: "Unsandboxed" Download Message

When installing the RimuSDR package with: 

sudo apt install ./rimusdr_1.1.3_amd64.deb

Some systems may show a message about the download being performed "unsandboxed." This happens when the installer is launched from a user folder such as ~/Downloads. It does not indicate a problem with the package, and installation completes normally.

  • The message is harmless.
  • It does not affect security or functionality.
  • No action is required and RimuSDR will function normally.

If you prefer to avoid the message entirely, you can install from a world‑readable directory such as /tmp using the same command.

After .deb Installation
  • Launch from menuApplications appear in your system menu
  • Command lineRun rimusdr, rimudax, or rimucat
  • UpdatesManaged through system package manager
  • Desktop integrationFull system integration with icons and file associations

Installing AppImage Packages

AppImage is a portable application format that works across many Linux distributions without system installation. Available for x86_64 and aarch64 systems (not available for Raspberry Pi).

Step 1: Download and Make Executable

Make AppImages executable (all three)
cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x ./RimuSDR-*.AppImage
chmod +x ./RimuDAX-*.AppImage
chmod +x ./RimuCAT-*.AppImage

Step 2: Run the Applications

Run directly from Downloads
./RimuSDR-*.AppImage
./RimuDAX-*.AppImage
./RimuCAT-*.AppImage
Or move to ~/.local/bin/ for easy access
mkdir -p ~/.local/bin
mv RimuSDR-*.AppImage ~/.local/bin/
mv RimuDAX-*.AppImage ~/.local/bin/
mv RimuCAT-*.AppImage ~/.local/bin/
After AppImage Setup
  • No system integrationAppImages don't appear in system menus by default
  • Run directlyExecute the .AppImage file to launch
  • PortableCan be moved anywhere or run from USB drive
  • UpdatesManual - download new version when available

Activate Your License

After installation, you'll need to activate RimuSDR with your license code. Visit the activation page for detailed instructions and troubleshooting help.

Activation Guide
Uninstalling
Warning: Deactivate your license before uninstalling. Go to Help → Deactivate License in RimuSDR to free up the license for use on another machine.
  • Remove RimuSDRsudo apt remove rimusdr
  • Remove RimuDAXsudo apt remove rimudax
  • Remove RimuCATsudo apt remove rimucat
  • Remove configrm -rf ~/.config/rimu-systems
  • Remove logsrm -rf ~/.local/state/rimu-systems

Need Help?

If you encounter issues during installation, check the Support page for troubleshooting guides and contact information.

Visit Support
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