Choose CatRadio if you want a free, graphical CAT-control application for a supported radio; choose Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) if you want rig control as part of a broader suite that also includes logging, digital communications, satellite tracking, and rotator control. Neither choice guarantees the same controls for every transceiver. Check your exact radio model, connection method, and must-have functions before deciding.
How the two applications differ
CatRadio is a multiplatform graphical radio-control application based on Hamlib. HRD Rig Control is the CAT-control component of a commercial suite of five station applications. This is primarily a difference in scope, not evidence that one controls every radio better.
| Consideration | CatRadio | Ham Radio Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Graphical control of a supported radio, using Hamlib. | Configurable rig-control software within a larger station suite. |
| Other suite applications | The cited project page describes radio control; it does not establish an equivalent integrated suite. | HRD identifies Rig Control, Logbook, Digital Master (DM-780), Satellite Tracking, and Rotor Control. |
| Connection and compatibility | Project documentation describes local and remote connections; available controls depend on the radio and Hamlib support. | HRD support says CAT control requires a serial connection between radio and computer. Setup depends on the radio and its interface. |
| Price comparison | The project page describes CatRadio as free. | A comparable current purchase price is not established here; check HRD’s current licensing terms before buying. |
Check your radio and the controls you need
Start with the exact model, not a headline support total. HRD’s pages give different totals—“over 180 radios” on its support page and “over 100 radios” on its Rig Control page—so those claims should not be treated as a single reconciled count. HRD says its model list changes with releases. Use the current list to confirm your radio: Ham Radio Deluxe support and HRD Rig Control.
CatRadio relies on Hamlib, so compatibility and the controls available for a particular transceiver depend on what Hamlib exposes for that model. Check the project information and the relevant Hamlib model support before choosing: CatRadio by PianetaRadio.
#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
Compare the functions you actually use. CatRadio’s project page lists VFO operation, common radio levels, meters, and controls related to CW and FM. Its release notes also describe options such as RIT/XIT, split operation, sub-VFO handling, CW keyer speed, and FM repeater offset and tone. These are not a promise that every radio exposes every function. HRD lists a configurable control layout and favorites; BandScope and panadapter features are for compatible or selected radios.
Decide whether you need HRD’s wider station suite
HRD identifies five modules: Rig Control, Logbook, Digital Master (DM-780), Satellite Tracking, and Rotor Control. If you want several of these tools working together, their inclusion in one suite may be useful. If your job is only to operate a supported radio through a graphical control panel, the additional modules may not matter. See HRD’s support overview for the module list.
Rank #2
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
HRD also describes virtual serial port support for complex setups and central COM-port management for station applications including WSJT-X. If you plan to share a radio connection with other software, confirm the intended port arrangement in the current Rig Control guidance rather than assuming multiple applications can use the same port directly.
Confirm the CAT connection before installing
CAT control needs a working data connection between the computer and radio. HRD’s support documentation says a serial connection is required; depending on the radio, that may involve a USB virtual COM port, a physical serial connection, or a network service for software that supports it. The appropriate cable, driver, COM port, and radio settings are model-specific.
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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.
- Check the radio manual. Identify the CAT connector, supported interface, required radio settings, and any driver the manufacturer specifies.
- Confirm the software’s connection method. For HRD, follow its current serial connection guidance. For CatRadio, verify whether the required local or remote connection is supported for your radio.
- Set up and test the port. Use the port and communication settings specified for the radio and software. If the application cannot connect, check the selected port, driver, radio CAT settings, and whether another program is occupying the connection.
- Verify the functions you depend on. Confirm that essential controls and meters work with your specific radio, not just that the application can connect.
A USB-to-serial CAT cable may be needed, but there is no universal cable recommendation: match its connectors and interface requirements to your radio, and follow the radio maker’s guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Understand HRD’s license terms
HRD’s support article describes a perpetual license and optional 12-month New Features & Support renewals. It says radios supported before v6.10 remain available regardless of renewal status, while radios added after v6.10 require an active support entitlement when added, subject to the stated renewal rules. These terms can affect whether a particular radio is covered, so verify the current conditions directly with HRD support before purchase. The reviewed product information does not establish a current like-for-like purchase price for both applications.
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.
