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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTo configure CatRadio, connect your transceiver’s CAT interface to the computer, identify the serial port it creates, then open Config > Radio and select the exact radio model, port, and matching baud rate. Icom users must also enter the radio’s CI-V address in hexadecimal without a trailing “h.” The right cable, speed, and protocol settings depend on the specific transceiver, so check its manual rather than copying another model’s values.
Before you open CatRadio
Check support for your radio and the feature you need
CatRadio is graphical software for controlling receivers and transceivers; it is not a radio or a universal hardware interface. It uses Hamlib, so check both the CatRadio project and the developer’s setup information for the relevant build, then confirm that Hamlib supports your exact radio and the control functions you intend to use. A listed model does not guarantee that every command or front-panel function is available.
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Choose the right cable and interface
CAT connections vary by radio. Some models have a built-in USB interface; older radios may use standard RS-232; others need a manufacturer-specific cable. A radio with RS-232 may require a USB-to-RS-232 adapter, while a non-standard radio connector may require the maker’s optional cable. Check the radio manual for the CAT port, connector, and interface requirements before buying anything: a matching USB plug alone does not establish compatibility.
If you connect over USB, install any driver required by the radio and your operating system. Then confirm that the operating system recognizes the radio or interface as a serial device. General CAT setup guidance likewise calls for compatible radio hardware, the correct cable, and a driver where applicable; see World Radio League’s CAT setup guide.
#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
Find the radio’s control settings
Look up the radio’s CAT baud rate and any model-specific protocol or menu settings in its manual. CatRadio’s speed must match the radio’s configured speed; there is no single baud rate that applies to every transceiver. Do not use a menu sequence or setting from a different model as a substitute.
Configure the radio in CatRadio
- Open the radio settings: In CatRadio, go to Config > Radio.
- Select the model: Choose your exact transceiver under Model. Available models and functions depend on the Hamlib radio definition in the installed build.
- Choose the serial port: Under COM Port, select the port the operating system assigned to the radio or USB-to-serial interface. The name and numbering vary by operating system; use the device shown for your connected radio, not a guessed port.
- Match the speed: Set Speed to the CAT baud rate configured in the transceiver. If you change the radio’s CAT speed, make the corresponding change in CatRadio.
- Set the refresh interval: CatRadio’s developer says 100–200 ms is generally adequate for smooth control without overloading the communications interface. This is setup guidance, not a measured guarantee for every radio. The developer suggests a longer interval for a slow radio or a shared/remote connection.
- Enter the CI-V address for Icom: In CI-V Address, enter the address specified for your radio in hexadecimal, leaving off a final “h.” Do not assume another Icom model uses the same address.
- Review full polling: The guide recommends leaving Full polling selected in normal use. If the controls become slow or unresponsive, try disabling it to reduce traffic on the communications port, then check whether responsiveness improves.
The developer’s page also lists Config > Setup for choosing the preferred VFO display interaction and light or dark theme. These are interface preferences, not CAT connection requirements.
Rank #2
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
Check that the connection works
Start with a low-risk check: see whether the frequency displayed in CatRadio updates when you turn the radio’s physical tuning dial. If that works, check another supported display or control function, such as mode. What CatRadio can show or control depends on the radio’s Hamlib support; do not assume every front-panel control is exposed.
If the connection does not work, check the setup in a controlled order rather than changing several values at once:
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.
- Confirm the selected CatRadio model matches the transceiver.
- Verify that you selected the serial port the operating system assigned to the radio or interface.
- Check the cable type, connection, and any required USB driver.
- Confirm CatRadio’s speed matches the radio’s CAT baud-rate setting.
- For Icom, recheck the CI-V address and hexadecimal format.
- If communication starts but the interface feels sluggish, review the refresh interval and full-polling setting.
Local connection or network sharing?
CatRadio’s developer describes both local and remote-radio connections and points to Hamlib’s rigctld for sharing a radio connection among Hamlib applications or using it over a network. Network setup and security details are not established in the cited CatRadio guidance, so do not treat rigctld as a secure remote-access solution by itself. For a network connection, consult current official Hamlib documentation and account for the security of your network design.
Check CatRadio’s current download before installing
Software packages and versions can change. At the time represented by the developer’s posted download page, Windows 64-bit, Windows 32-bit, and Raspberry Pi OS packages were listed as version 1.4.0, while the Ubuntu 64-bit package was listed as version 1.3.0. The 1.4.0 change log says Hamlib 4.6 beta was incorporated. These are release details from that page, not a guarantee that the same versions remain available; check the CatRadio developer page for the current package for your system before installing.
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
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.
