Auto-Startup program(s) at boot - on # Virtual Desktop

[Fester Bestertester]

I use my Pi3 as a 24/7 beacon to the Amateur Radio APRS system (look that one up!), and would like to have it auto-start the program xastir on Virtual Desktop #4 at boot so I don't have to do a daily check. The command is in the Path (at /usr/bin) so I envisage a script such as:
xastir & :4
with the :4 denoting the destination desktop number. Is such possible? and if so, how/where to invoke it?

Cheers
FBt

[klricks]

I use my Pi3 as a 24/7 beacon to the Amateur Radio APRS system (look that one up!), and would like to have it auto-start the program xastir on Virtual Desktop #4 at boot so I don't have to do a daily check. The command is in the Path (at /usr/bin) so I envisage a script such as:
xastir & :4
with the :4 denoting the destination desktop number. Is such possible? and if so, how/where to invoke it?

Cheers
FBt

As always do update before attempting to install anything:

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sudo apt update

If you haven't already then install openbox config then configure as many desktops as you need.

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sudo apt install obconf

Now install wmctrl

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sudo apt install wmctrl

Make a file like this:

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nano /home/pi/switcher

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sleep 1
wmctrl -s 3
sleep 1
pcmanfm 
sleep 1
wmctrl -s 0

The above example will start filemanager on desktop 3 then switch back to desktop 0
Note Desktops are numbered 0 1 2 3.....
You may need to adjust the sleep times if the programs starts on the wrong desktop.
You can run this from the comand line to test:

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bash /home/pi/switcher

Edit autostart

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nano /home/pi/.config/lxsession/LXDE-pi/autostart

Add this to the end of what's there:

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@bash /home/pi/switcher

I tested with logout and back in and it works as written above. As mentioned sleep timers may need to be adjusted if reboot or full power on does not work correctly.

[scruss]

fyi, TPTB say that “We don't support multiple desktop switching (it was removed in wheezy)”.

Created an accessibility issue for this: Adding Desktop Pager removes ability to switch/move/resize/close windows · Issue #1336 · raspberrypi/documentation