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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →CatRadio is a desktop graphical interface for controlling amateur-radio receivers and transceivers through Hamlib. Its reported features include VFO tuning, primary and secondary VFO operation, split operation on radios that support it, and controls such as AF gain, RF gain, and squelch. Whether any particular control works depends on the radio and its Hamlib support.
What CatRadio does
LinuxLinks describes CatRadio as a graphical control application that uses Hamlib to communicate with supported radio equipment. The interface is intended for live operation: adjusting a radio’s settings from a computer rather than navigating every control on the radio itself. The reported controls include:
- Changing VFO frequency directly.
- Operating primary and secondary VFOs.
- Using split operation where the radio supports it.
- Adjusting AF gain, RF gain, and squelch where those controls are exposed and supported.
These are reported features, not a guarantee that every listed control is available on every radio. Consult the project’s current release information and radio-specific documentation before relying on a particular function. LinuxLinks’ CatRadio overview is dated October 3, 2026.
How CatRadio and Hamlib fit together
CatRadio is the graphical application; Hamlib is the control layer it uses. Hamlib describes itself as a shared software interface for radio and rotator control, allowing applications to work with supported equipment without each application implementing every manufacturer’s protocol separately. Its documentation covers operations such as setting frequency or mode and querying status, but the available operations depend on the device. Hamlib’s documentation explains this limitation.
#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
In practical terms, Hamlib can translate supported commands between an application and a radio, but it cannot add capabilities the radio does not have. The radio model, its firmware and CAT implementation, and the controls it exposes determine what can be operated through the software.
Live rig control is not memory programming
Radio control can mean two different things. CatRadio’s described purpose is live control of a rig through a command interface for functions such as frequency, VFO, mode, or other supported settings. That is different from reading or writing stored channel memories.
Rank #2
- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
Hamlib distinguishes radios controllable through a port and command protocol from models that only support cloning memory contents. A clone-only radio is not thereby CAT-controllable for live operation. Hamlib points users seeking memory programming toward CHIRP. See Hamlib’s explanation of rig control and clone-only radios.
What to check before connecting a radio
- Confirm the goal. If you want to change a live operating frequency or use VFO controls, verify the radio has CAT control. If you only need to program memories, look for software intended for cloning instead.
- Check the exact radio model. Confirm the model is supported by the relevant CatRadio release and Hamlib configuration, and that the particular controls you need are exposed. Do not infer support from a related model.
- Identify the radio’s interface. Determine whether it connects by serial, USB, or a supported network interface, and check the radio documentation for its CAT port, protocol, and required settings.
- Match the computer connection. Hamlib supports serial connections, USB, and network interfaces when the radio provides them. Some setups need a USB-to-serial converter; Hamlib’s README says such converters are well supported in its connection context, but that does not guarantee that any generic adapter works with a particular radio or CatRadio setup. Check port, cable, and driver requirements before buying or connecting one. Hamlib project README.
- Check the software and library versions. The CatRadio overview does not establish its exact release, supported operating systems, model matrix, or required or bundled Hamlib version. Hamlib’s README advises using the 4.7 branch until an individual application announces support for Hamlib 5, which has planned incompatible changes. That is general Hamlib guidance, not confirmation of CatRadio’s version requirements. Check the current Hamlib README and the CatRadio project’s release notes before installation.
How to decide whether CatRadio fits
Before installing, verify these points against the current project and radio documentation:
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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.
- Radio support: the exact model and the CAT functions you intend to use are supported.
- Computer support: the CatRadio release supports your operating system.
- Connection path: you have the required local serial/USB connection or a network interface supported by the radio and software.
- Purpose: you need live rig control, not only memory cloning.
- Hamlib compatibility: the version CatRadio requires is clear, especially if considering Hamlib 5.
The available CatRadio overview does not establish an official compatibility matrix or installation instructions, so those details should be confirmed in the current project documentation rather than assumed.
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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