The Tool Desk
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What CAT control needs to work
CAT lets software read information from or send commands to a transceiver through a serial connection, often provided by a USB interface or a radio’s virtual COM port. Both ends must agree on the radio’s control protocol and connection settings. As the microHAM MK manual puts it, “Although most modern radios implement some form of serial control, nearly every radio implementation is different.”
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That difference matters: two radios from the same manufacturer may expose different ports or require different menu choices, and available controls can also depend on the application. Use the exact radio model and follow both the radio and software documentation rather than copying settings from another station.
Work through the connection in order
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Confirm radio and protocol support
In the control application, select the exact supported radio model or the appropriate CAT protocol. Check the radio’s own control settings, including a CI-V address when applicable. A generic or similar-looking model selection may not use the right commands or options. The microHAM MK manual describes why radio-control support and configuration vary by device.
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Identify the CAT-control port
On Windows, connect the radio or interface and open Device Manager. Expand Ports (COM & LPT) to see which COM ports are present. If no relevant port appears, check whether the radio requires a USB driver and whether it is installed.
Some radios create more than one virtual COM port. Do not assume that the first or only visible port is the CAT port: another may be intended for PTT, CW, or other functions. Consult the radio manual and the application’s radio-connection instructions to identify the port for control. The N1MM supported-radio manual documents model-specific port assignments, including cases where one port handles radio control and another handles keying or other functions.
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Make the baud rates match
Set the application’s baud rate to the same value configured in the radio for CAT, CI-V, or PC control. A mismatch can prevent communication even when the selected COM port is correct. Do not choose a rate based on a general rule; check the radio and application documentation for the specific model and task.
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Check the remaining serial and radio settings
Compare both sides for data bits, parity, stop bits, RTS/DTR, handshaking, and any radio-specific address or menu option. A cable may not carry the RTS/DTR signaling wires a chosen configuration expects, and some radios assign different functions to different ports. The N1MM radio documentation notes that port behavior can depend on the cable’s signaling wires.
The microHAM MK manual gives 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and two stop bits as one example configuration. Treat those as an example, not a default for other radios or software. Change settings only with the relevant documentation in hand.
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Check radio-specific examples carefully
Different application guides may give different values even for the same radio because they describe different software or use cases. World Radio League’s setup guide lists 38400 baud, a 100 ms CAT timeout, and CAT RTS off for the Yaesu FTdx101D/MP, FTdx10, and FT-710. Its IC-7300 example lists CI-V address 94h and 9600 baud for USB. Those are settings in that guide for the named radios, not general defaults.
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Rule out another application using the port
Close other logging, programming, or rig-control programs that may already have opened the same physical serial port, then retry. CAT4OM’s documentation advises against having unrelated applications open the same physical port directly. If multiple programs need radio access, use a serial-sharing server or virtual-port arrangement that is supported by the programs and radio. The World Radio League troubleshooting guide names rigctld and virtual COM splitters as possible approaches; check compatibility before setting one up.
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Retest one change at a time
After each adjustment, check whether the application can read frequency or mode, or issue its documented test command. Changing one setting at a time makes it easier to identify what restored communication and avoids introducing new mismatches.
Choose an interface that fits the station
If the computer cannot connect to the radio’s built-in USB interface, a compatible USB-to-serial CAT interface or adapter may be needed. Check the radio’s connector and protocol, the interface type, operating-system driver support, and whether the task needs control lines such as RTS or DTR. A cable that fits physically is not necessarily compatible with the radio or the required signaling.
When comparing connection options, check the details that determine whether they will work:
- Does the software support the exact radio model or protocol?
- Which physical or virtual port carries CAT control, and which ports are assigned to other functions?
- Does the cable or interface expose any RTS/DTR lines the setup requires?
- Can the radio and software be configured for matching baud and framing settings?
- Is a suitable driver available for the operating system?
- Will only one application use the port, or is supported sharing required?
When the connection still fails
The general checks above cannot identify a station-specific fault without its configuration. For a useful diagnosis, gather the radio model and firmware, operating system, cable or interface, port shown by the OS, selected application and radio profile, radio-side CAT settings, application serial settings, and exact error or observed behavior. Check the radio and software manuals against those details before changing additional settings.
Quick Recap
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