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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) control lets compatible software read or change supported settings on a ham radio transceiver. A computer sends model-specific commands through a connection the radio supports; the radio may then apply a setting or return its current value. To set it up, you need the right connection, any required driver, software that supports your radio, and that model’s command reference.
How CAT control works
CAT is a control link between a computer and a transceiver, separate from the radio’s RF signal path. A program sends a command through a supported data connection. The transceiver interprets it and may change a setting or send information back to the computer. The functions available depend on the radio and its command set.
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For example, Yaesu’s FT-950 CAT Operation Reference Book describes commands made up of an alphabetical command, parameters and a terminator. In that radio’s syntax, FA14250000; sets VFO-A to 14.250000 MHz; FA; requests the frequency reading. The radio returns an answer command with the value. These are FT-950 examples, not commands to try on other models without checking their documentation.
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What CAT can control—and what it does not guarantee
The FT-950 reference lists frequency, VFO, memory and other settings among its CAT capabilities. Other radios have their own command references, so neither the available functions nor command syntax should be assumed to match across brands or models. Consult your transceiver’s documentation to confirm that it supports the function you want to control.
#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
CAT control also does not, by itself, establish full remote operation. A basic control connection may not carry audio or provide every feature needed to operate a station over a network. Broader remote use may require separate radio capabilities, audio paths, networking or software, depending on the equipment. For instance, Yaesu lists documentation for an SCU-LAN10 network remote-control system for the FT-710, while Icom lists RS-BA1 control software for the IC-7610—separate offerings that should not be confused with a universal CAT feature.
What you need to connect a computer to your radio
There is no universal CAT cable. Connection types and setup requirements differ by transceiver. Yaesu’s FT-950 manual describes a rear-panel CAT jack with a built-in level converter and a straight serial cable—not a null-modem cable—for the setup it documents. Yaesu’s FT-710 support page lists a USB virtual COM port driver, while Icom’s IC-7610 page lists a USB driver and CI-V reference guide. These are examples for those models, not rules for every radio.
Rank #2
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
- Identify the exact radio. Note the model and, if relevant, its hardware revision.
- Check the manufacturer’s documentation. Find the model’s CAT or CI-V reference and operating manual.
- Confirm the interface. Check the physical port, cable type and wiring, and whether you need a USB serial or virtual COM port driver.
- Choose compatible software. Confirm that the control application supports both your radio and the interface you plan to use.
- Follow that model’s command reference. Do not copy command syntax from a different radio.
If you need an adapter or interface cable, verify it against your radio’s connector and electrical requirements before buying. A cable described generically as a “ham radio CAT cable” may not suit your model.
Manufacturer references and support examples
Manufacturer documentation is the best place to verify a particular radio’s connection and command support. Yaesu’s FT-710 product and support page lists a CAT Operation Reference Book, USB virtual COM port driver and SCU-LAN10 documentation. Icom’s IC-7610 product page lists a CI-V reference guide, USB driver and RS-BA1 Version 2 control software. The page displayed version 2.81 with an update date of June 16, 2026 when reviewed on October 4, 2026; check Icom’s page for current software details.
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.
Icom also provides an IC-7610 CI-V reference guide download page, illustrating why it is worth locating documentation for the precise model rather than relying on another radio’s command list.
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
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