Recommended Free Tools
Choose CatRadio if you want a free, graphical control panel for a supported radio; choose Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) if you want rig control as part of a wider station-software suite. Neither choice guarantees the same functions on every transceiver: check your exact radio, the controls it exposes, and your connection setup before deciding.
How the two applications differ
| Factor | CatRadio | Ham Radio Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Free, multiplatform graphical radio-control software built on Hamlib. CatRadio project page | Rig Control is one module in a suite that also includes logging, digital communications, satellite tracking, and rotor control. HRD product page |
| Control features | Interactive VFO and controls such as RIT/XIT, split, CW keyer speed, FM repeater options, and meters are described on the project page; availability depends on radio support. CatRadio project page | Configurable control layout, favorites, BandScope for compatible radios, panadapter support for selected radios, and virtual serial port support for complex setups. HRD product page |
| Radio compatibility | Depends on the radio model and the functions Hamlib exposes for it. Check Hamlib model support and CatRadio’s current information. CatRadio project page | HRD’s product and support pages give different overall totals—“over 100” and “over 180” radios, respectively—so use its current model list to confirm a specific rig. HRD product page HRD support |
| Connection considerations | Supports local or remote connections according to the project page; confirm what your radio and intended setup support. CatRadio project page | HRD support says CAT control requires a serial connection between radio and computer. Cable, driver, port, and radio settings vary by model. HRD support |
| Licensing information | The developer describes CatRadio as free. CatRadio project page | HRD describes a perpetual license with optional 12-month New Features & Support renewals; radio entitlements and access to new features have conditions. Check the current terms before buying. HRD support |
The available product information does not establish a current, directly comparable purchase price for both applications. HRD’s suite breadth is useful only if you want its additional tools; it is not evidence that every operator needs them.
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Check whether your radio is supported
Compatibility counts are a starting point, not a guarantee for an individual model. HRD’s product page says “over 100 radios,” while its support page says “over 180.” The pages frame the totals differently, and they do not reconcile them. Confirm your exact radio in HRD’s current model list and in the radio’s own documentation. HRD product page HRD support HRD radio list
CatRadio uses Hamlib, so support depends on the Hamlib model definition and on which commands the radio makes available. A feature shown in CatRadio’s general feature list may not be available with every transceiver. Verify both the model and the particular controls you intend to use. CatRadio project page
#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
Compare the controls you actually use
When CatRadio may be enough
CatRadio’s project page describes an interactive VFO, local or remote connections, and functions including RIT/XIT, split, CW keyer speed, FM repeater offset and tone options, and meters. Its release history also records features such as automatic connection and power-on, a high-SWR indicator, peak hold, and debug mode. These descriptions are not a guarantee that every control works with every radio; check the support for your model and the current release information. CatRadio project page
When HRD’s control interface may suit you
HRD describes a customizable control layout and favorites, plus BandScope for compatible radios and panadapter support for selected radios. It also describes virtual serial-port support for complex setups and centralized COM-port management for station applications, including WSJT-X. Check radio and setup compatibility for the particular feature you need. HRD product page
Rank #2
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
Decide whether you need HRD’s wider suite
HRD identifies five modules: Rig Control, Logbook, Digital Master (DM-780), Satellite Tracking, and Rotor Control. If you want those tools to work alongside rig control within HRD, that integration can make the suite a practical fit. If your need is only a graphical panel for controlling a supported radio, the other modules may not add value for you. HRD support
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCheck the CAT connection before setup
HRD support states that CAT control requires a serial connection between the radio and computer. That does not mean every radio uses the same cable or settings: a radio may use USB virtual COM, a separate serial connection, or another model-specific arrangement. Follow your radio manual for the interface, driver, COM port, and CAT settings. HRD support
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.
- Identify the radio’s CAT interface. Check its manual for connector type, whether USB presents a virtual COM port, and any required driver.
- Confirm the software’s connection method. For HRD, follow its serial-connection guidance and current COM-port instructions. For CatRadio, confirm the local or remote method you plan to use.
- Check the radio’s CAT settings. Use the radio manual for port selection and communication settings rather than assuming defaults.
- Test the specific functions you need. Verify that frequency, mode, meters, or other intended controls are exposed for your radio.
Do not assume a generic USB-to-serial CAT cable will work with every transceiver. Match the cable and interface to the radio’s connector, chipset and driver requirements, using the radio maker’s guidance. HRD support
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check HRD licensing before purchasing
HRD’s support information describes a perpetual license and optional 12-month New Features & Support renewals. It says radios supported before version 6.10 remain available regardless of renewal status; radios added after version 6.10 require an active support entitlement when added, subject to the stated renewal rules. Because entitlements and terms can change, verify the current licensing information before purchase. HRD support
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
Which one fits your station?
- Consider CatRadio if you want a free, standalone graphical controller and your radio and required controls are supported.
- Consider HRD Rig Control if its configurable interface or radio-specific features match your setup, or if you want rig control integrated with HRD’s logging, digital, satellite, and rotor modules.
- Pause and verify first if you are unsure about CAT support, the radio-to-computer connection, or HRD’s current licensing terms.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
