CatRadio is a desktop graphical application for controlling amateur-radio receivers and transceivers through Hamlib. Its reported features include VFO tuning, primary and secondary VFO operation, split operation on radios that support it, and common controls such as AF gain, RF gain, and squelch. Whether any feature works depends on the radio’s CAT capabilities and Hamlib support for that model.
What CatRadio does
LinuxLinks describes CatRadio as a graphical control application that uses Hamlib to communicate with supported radios. The interface is intended for live operation: changing settings on a connected receiver or transceiver rather than programming channel memories. The reported feature list includes:
- Interactive VFO frequency adjustment
- Primary and secondary VFO operation
- Split operation, when the radio supports it
- AF gain, RF gain, and squelch controls
These are reported capabilities, not a guarantee that every control is available on every radio. A control must be exposed by the radio and supported for that model through the software stack.
CatRadio and Hamlib are different things
CatRadio is the graphical application. Hamlib is the underlying software layer: its libraries give applications a more consistent way to communicate with radios and rotators despite differences in manufacturers’ control protocols. Hamlib documents operations such as setting frequency or mode and querying radio status, while noting that what can be done is limited by the connected device. Hamlib’s project README describes its purpose as providing shared libraries that help developers build amateur-radio equipment-control applications.
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#1 Best Overall
- Mini mobile two way radio; 1.54"D x 4.88"W x 6.42"H; easy to install on trucks; jeeps; RVs and other vehicles; use the RT95 as a base station at home or in the office; long range communication; RT95 ham radio with high gain antenna; to obtain long distance signal sources; communication is more convenient
- Microphone gain & dual speakers; adjust the microphone gain level appropriately to ensure clear and interference-free calls; with the built-in dual speaker design; the sound quality is full and penetrating; equipped with RCA output ports; can be directly connected to car audio systems; immersive in-car listening experience
- 180 degree rotatable TFT color screen; free adjustment of viewing angle; supports multi-level control of LCD brightness; clearly visible under strong light; no glare during night operation; illuminated front panel buttons and microphone buttons; clear operation buttons at night; suitable for all-weather use scenarios
- Dual band mobile transceiver; amateur radio display the dual frequencies; and monitor dual band signals (2m/70cm band) at the same time; quickly respond to key communication needs; and improve work efficiency and safety
- VFO fast frequency adjustment & CHIRP compatible; VFO mode supports instant frequency adjustment; no computer is required for outdoor travel; compatible with CHIRP open source software; one-click import/export of channel parameters; easy management of 200 storage channels; CTCSS/DCS; DTMF; 5Tone; power adjustment; etc
In practical terms, Hamlib can translate between an application’s request and a supported radio’s control protocol; it cannot add a capability the radio does not provide.
Live CAT control is not memory programming
Before choosing CatRadio, check what “radio control” means for your intended task. CAT control operates a radio through a port and command protocol, typically for functions such as frequency, mode, VFO, or PTT. Some radios instead expose only a way to clone memory contents. Hamlib’s documentation distinguishes clone-only radios from CAT-controllable rigs and points to CHIRP for the related memory-programming use case. A radio that can clone channels is not necessarily controllable live through CatRadio.
Rank #2
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
Check compatibility before connecting
- Identify the radio’s control interface. Consult the radio manual for its CAT port, protocol, and any required settings. A USB socket may provide CAT, audio, or another function; do not assume its purpose from the connector alone.
- Check model support. Confirm that the exact radio model and the commands you need are supported by the current CatRadio release and its Hamlib configuration. General Hamlib support does not establish that a particular CatRadio build includes the relevant support.
- Confirm the computer connection. Depending on the radio, the connection may be serial, USB, or a network interface such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Hamlib documents these connection types where the equipment provides them. If the radio requires a serial connection and the computer lacks a suitable port, a USB-to-serial adapter may be relevant; first verify the radio’s connector and protocol, adapter requirements, and computer drivers. No particular adapter is established as universally compatible or tested for CatRadio.
- Verify the software and Hamlib versions. Consult the current CatRadio project release and radio-specific documentation for supported operating systems, installation instructions, and the required or bundled Hamlib version. The exact CatRadio release, operating-system matrix, supported-radio list, and Hamlib version are not established here.
Hamlib’s project README currently advises users to stay on the 4.7 branch until individual applications announce support for Hamlib 5, which has planned incompatible changes. That is general Hamlib guidance, not confirmation that CatRadio uses or supports either branch. Check CatRadio’s own release notes before installing or changing Hamlib versions. Hamlib project README
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The available CatRadio overview, published by LinuxLinks on October 3, 2026, reports the application’s purpose and the controls listed above. It does not establish a verified release number, supported operating systems, model-by-model compatibility, or the Hamlib version CatRadio requires. For those details, use the current project release information alongside the radio’s own documentation rather than inferring compatibility from Hamlib alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Detachable Display Unit - The display unit and the radio body can be separated. This allows you to place the head remotely. FCC ID: 2BGMW-G90
- Wide Range Auto Antenna Tuner - Unlike other QRP radios, the G90 has a wide-range internal automatic antenna tuner so you can load up your favorite field antenna! The G90 also comes with a built-in mediumwave (AM broadcast) high-pass filter.
- Beautiful Color LCD Screen - All vital operating information is clearly visible in daylight conditions. 48KHZ wide spectrum display with waterfall gives you excellent awareness of the signal conditions around you.
- Easy to Use - You can use the Quick Mode button to turn on or off various functions. Instead of setting up different functions in the menu, you can directly adjust them by pressing corresponding function keys.
- We provide a 18 months warranty on Xiegu G90. As usual, if you modify the radio's hardware, the warranty is void. [Latest Firmware Version] - Firmware V1.81 is available on Radioddity official.
Rank #4
- Quad-Band Operation: The TH-9800D mobile radio frequency range: TX: 28-29.7 / 50-54 / 144-148 / 420-450 MHz, suitable for various communication scenarios. If you encounter any programming issues, please feel free to contact us via Amazon Message
- Dual Display & Cross-Band Repeat: The mobile ham radio display 2 frequencies simultaneously, supports cross segment relay function, enhances communication flexibility and coverage range
- High Power & Adjustable Output: Ham mobile transceiver delivers up to 50W output with multiple power settings (High/Mid/Low) for flexible operation
- Detachable Control Head: TH-9800D radio remote-mount faceplate for easy installation in vehicles; stores up to 800 alphanumeric memory channels
- Includes Programming Cable & Software: The radios comes with programming cable and software (also compatible with free CHIRP software) for convenient and efficient
Rank #3
- MENUS THAT MAKE SENSE. 1,000 MEMORIES. 10 NAMED ZONES. Built for amateur operators who want organized analog control. Use clear English menus and the full keypad for common changes; group home, travel, club, event, simplex, and receive channels as your plan grows.
- SCAN THE ZONES THAT MATTER. Choose which named zones scan together. Temporarily skip a busy channel without changing your saved scan list. Scanning is for conventional analog channels; it does not decode DMR/digital or trunked systems.
- MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE. Choose Name + Frequency in the two-channel view. Dual Watch alternates one receiver between the two displayed channels. Turn Dual Watch off and enable Single Watch for a full-screen view of one channel's name, zone, and frequency. Approximate dBm adds signal context.
- START ON THE RADIO. BUILD LARGER PLANS ON A COMPUTER. Make common changes from the keypad. For larger plans, use BTECH CPS or supported CHIRP-next with the separately sold PC03. Firmware updates require BTECH CPS, the PC03, and BTECH's matching instructions. USB-C charges the battery.
- TRI-BAND AMATEUR TRANSMIT. RECEIVE-ONLY LISTENING. Valid amateur authorization is required to transmit on amateur frequencies in the U.S.; use only supported amateur bands within your privileges. Airband AM, NOAA weather, and broadcast FM are receive-only.
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