The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To connect CatRadio, use the radio’s CAT-capable USB connection or its CAT serial port with the correct cable or adapter. In CatRadio, select the radio’s exact model, the computer’s CAT serial/COM port and the baud rate specified by the radio; Icom radios also require the CI-V address in hexadecimal. Check the radio manual first: a USB socket does not necessarily carry CAT control, and cable, driver and settings vary by model.
What CatRadio controls—and what it does not
CatRadio is a PC application that controls supported receivers and transceivers through Hamlib. Its project page describes local and remote connections and an interactive VFO; the commands available depend on the exact radio model and its Hamlib support, so general compatibility does not guarantee every control will work. See the CatRadio project page for its documentation and supported-radio information.
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The project page lists downloads for Windows 32-bit and 64-bit, Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu 64-bit. It shows CatRadio 1.4.0 for Windows and Raspberry Pi OS and 1.3.0 for Ubuntu 64-bit; these are the versions listed on that page, not a claim that they are the latest releases. Its documented installation approach is to download the package for your operating system, unpack it, launch the executable and configure the radio.
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CAT is the command-and-status link CatRadio uses to control the radio. Which cable works depends on the radio’s CAT connector and protocol—not simply on whether the radio has a USB port.
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| Connection | What to verify | Common consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Radio USB CAT | That the specific USB jack supports CAT, plus any required driver and radio menu settings. | Some radios enumerate one or more serial ports for control. Port labels and driver behavior vary by model and operating system. |
| Radio serial CAT | The connector, signaling standard, cable wiring, gender and pin count specified by the manual. | Some radios use standard RS-232; others require a manufacturer-specific interface cable. A generic USB-to-serial adapter may not be sufficient. |
Use the manufacturer’s manual to confirm the connector, protocol, supported functions and any required driver or menu setting. If connecting an older radio, verify its interface cable requirements rather than assuming a generic adapter will fit or work electrically.
Configure CatRadio
- Check the radio manual. Identify its CAT-capable connector, CAT protocol, supported baud rates, required driver and any setting that enables computer control.
- Connect the radio. Use its CAT-capable USB jack, or its CAT serial connector with the specified cable or an appropriate USB-to-serial interface. Power the radio as directed by its manual.
- Install the required driver. If the radio needs a manufacturer’s USB driver, install it before selecting a port. For example, Yaesu says the FT-991A requires its USB driver for computer remote control.
- Open Config > Radio in CatRadio. Select the exact radio model, its CAT serial/COM port, the radio’s specified baud rate and a refresh interval. For Icom, enter the CI-V address in hexadecimal without the trailing “h.”
- Set the refresh interval. CatRadio’s guide says 100–200 ms is generally sufficient. Use a longer interval for a slow radio, when sharing the connection with other software or when connecting through rigctld. If polling makes CatRadio slow or unresponsive, try disabling full polling.
- Connect and check for a response. Confirm that the status or frequency updates before relying on other controls. Individual functions depend on the radio and its Hamlib model.
FT-991A example: two documented CAT paths
The Yaesu FT-991A manual documents both a rear-panel RS-232C CAT jack and a direct USB connection. These instructions are specific to the FT-991A; do not assume another radio uses the same cable or settings.
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Using RS-232C
Connect to the rear-panel CAT jack with a straight serial cable—not a null-modem cable. Yaesu specifies the correct gender and pin count for the cable. Set menu item 028 GPS/232C SELECT to RS232C. Follow the FT-991A CAT Operation Reference Book for the radio’s connector and cable details.
Using USB
Connect the rear USB jack to the computer and install the Yaesu USB driver required for remote control. The FT-991A has a built-in USB-to-dual-UART bridge, so Yaesu’s documented direct USB connection does not require an external interface box. The same manual states: “A USB driver is required for remote control from a computer.”
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A CatRadio/FT-991 setup guide identifies the FT-991’s Enhanced serial port as its CAT port and describes a separate USB audio device. Treat that as an example, not a universal port label: use the port that actually appears on your computer for your radio and operating system. The guide is available in the CatRadio project documentation.
Keep CAT control separate from audio
A successful CAT connection does not configure audio. CAT carries radio commands and status; digital-mode or voice audio may use a separate USB audio device or an external audio interface. The FT-991 guide distinguishes its serial CAT ports from its USB audio device, and the ARRL remote-station overview treats radio control and audio interfacing as separate requirements. Configure the computer’s audio input and output separately if your use case needs audio.
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Using CatRadio through rigctld
CatRadio’s Hamlib workflow also describes rigctld as a way for multiple compatible programs to communicate with a radio over TCP. In that arrangement, rigctld is configured with the radio model, device path and baud rate; CatRadio connects using the NET rigctl model and the server address. Follow the current CatRadio project guidance and secure the network path before making radio-control services reachable beyond a trusted network.
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Troubleshoot a connection that fails or behaves unexpectedly
- No serial/COM port appears: Check the manufacturer’s driver instructions, USB cable, radio power and the operating system’s device list. The FT-991A, for example, needs Yaesu’s USB driver for computer remote control.
- A port appears, but CatRadio cannot connect: Confirm that you selected the CAT port rather than a separate PTT or audio port, selected the exact radio model and matched the baud rate configured for the radio.
- The connection is sluggish or intermittent: Check for competing software polling the radio and increase CatRadio’s refresh interval. Its guide specifically recommends a longer interval for slow radios and shared or network connections.
- Some controls do not work: The radio may not expose the command, or its selected Hamlib model may not implement it. Check the model’s supported capabilities instead of assuming every CatRadio control applies.
- CAT works, but digital-mode audio does not: Select and configure the radio’s audio device separately; CAT control is not audio routing.
- A legacy radio has an unusual connector: Use the interface cable specified for that radio rather than assuming a standard serial cable or generic USB adapter is compatible.
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