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For reliable ham-radio CAT control, match the settings on the computer and transceiver, and confirm that the cable or interface matches the radio port’s electrical signaling. Check the radio’s exact model and port manual before choosing baud rate, data framing, timeout, or RTS behavior: these values are not universal across radios.
Which CAT settings should match?
CAT (computer-aided transceiver) control lets software communicate with a compatible radio. For a serial connection, check the following on both the transceiver and the control program wherever each setting is configurable:
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- Port: Select the radio port the cable is actually connected to, then open the corresponding COM port in the software.
- Baud rate: Choose a rate supported by the radio and set the same rate in the software.
- Data framing: Match data bits, parity, and stop bits. Some radios fix some framing values rather than letting you change them.
- Timeout: Use a value supported by the radio and accepted by the software. A shorter timeout is not automatically more reliable.
- RTS or other control lines: Match the radio’s instructions with the software and interface requirements; do not assume RTS should always be enabled or disabled.
These settings are model- and sometimes port-specific. The FT-710 and FT-991A manuals, for example, document different CAT options, so treat their values as examples rather than defaults for other radios.
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Check the physical connection before changing settings
A matching COM port and baud rate cannot compensate for an electrically incompatible cable. Confirm the connector, selected radio port, and signaling level, and use an interface intended for that radio connection.
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Retevis RT95 Dual Band Mobile Radio, Ham Radio Base Station Starter kit
- 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
FT-710 CAT-3 is a 5 V TTL port
On the Yaesu FT-710, CAT-3 uses the TUNER/LINEAR jack and operates at 5 V TTL. Yaesu warns in its FT-710 CAT Operation Reference Manual: “Since the serial communication of this jack is 5V TTL level, it cannot be directly connected to the RS-232C terminal of the PC.” The manual names the optional CT-58 band data cable for preparing this connection. Do not assume an ordinary USB-to-serial lead is suitable simply because its connector fits.
Close the computer application before unplugging USB
For the FT-710, Yaesu also instructs users to close the computer application before disconnecting the USB cable. Follow the shutdown guidance for your own radio and interface as well.
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ICOM 7300 02 Direct Sampling Shortwave Radio Black
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
Use your radio’s supported values, not a universal preset
The options below illustrate why the exact manual matters. They apply only to the named radios and should not be copied blindly to another model.
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| Radio or procedure | Documented settings or guidance | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-710 | CAT-1, CAT-2, and CAT-3 offer 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, and 115200 bps. CAT-1 and CAT-3 default to 38400 bps; CAT-2 defaults to 4800 bps. The manual specifies asynchronous communication, one start bit, eight data bits, no parity, and one or two stop bits; CAT-2 fixes stop bits at one. Timeout options are 10, 100, 1000, and 3000 ms, with menus varying by port. | CAT-3 at the TUNER/LINEAR jack is 5 V TTL. Confirm the physical interface as well as the menu settings. See the FT-710 CAT manual. |
| Yaesu FT-991A | The CAT rate menu lists 4800, 9600, 19200, and 38400 bps. Timeout options are 10, 100, 1000, and 3000 ms. CAT RTS can be set to disable or enable. | These are FT-991A options, not a recommendation for every radio. Consult the FT-991A CAT reference manual and the interface/software documentation. |
| Kenwood TM-D710/RC-D710 firmware procedure | If communication errors persist despite correct parameters and settings, the procedure suggests slowing the rate to 19200 bps. | This is guidance for that firmware-update procedure, not a universal CAT default. See Kenwood’s amateur-radio software download page. |
Troubleshoot CAT errors in a useful order
- Identify the exact radio and port. Check the model’s manual and make sure the radio is configured to use the connector where the cable is attached.
- Verify the interface. Confirm that the cable or adapter matches the port’s electrical signaling level, not just its connector shape.
- Check the computer port. Select the COM port assigned to the connected interface in the CAT software.
- Match supported serial parameters. Set the same supported baud rate at both ends and match data bits, parity, stop bits, and timeout where those options are available.
- Check control-line behavior. Review the radio, program, and interface documentation for RTS or other flow-control requirements.
- Try another supported rate if errors remain. If the connection and settings are correct, a slower rate may help on some equipment. Kenwood’s 19200 bps recommendation applies specifically to its TM-D710/RC-D710 firmware procedure.
Change one setting at a time and retest; that makes it easier to identify which mismatch caused the failure. Use only values the radio supports.
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Xiegu G90 HF Radio Transceiver 20W SSB/CW/AM/FM SDR Structure with Built-in Auto Antenna Tuner
- 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.
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TH-9800D Quad Band 50W VHF 40W UHF Mobile Ham Radio Amateur Transceiver
- 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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BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO Tri-Band Ham Radio, Clear English Menus, 1,000 Memories, Updatable Firmware, Airband & NOAA Reception, USB-C Charging
- 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.
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