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To configure CatRadio, connect your radio through its supported CAT interface, then choose the correct model, computer serial port, and matching baud rate in Config > Radio. For an Icom transceiver, also enter its CI-V address in hexadecimal without a trailing “h.” The exact cable, speed, address, and radio-menu settings depend on the transceiver model.
Before you configure CatRadio
CatRadio is graphical PC software for controlling receivers and transceivers; it is not a transceiver or a universal hardware interface. Its radio-control support uses Hamlib, so check both that your exact model is supported and that the functions you need are available for it. The CatRadio project and the developer’s documentation point users to Hamlib’s supported-radio list.
- Identify the CAT connection. Depending on the radio, control may use built-in USB, a standard RS-232 port, or a manufacturer-specific connector and cable. Older radios with standard RS-232 may need a USB-to-RS-232 adapter; some non-standard ports need the radio maker’s optional cable. Confirm the port and protocol in your radio’s manual before buying an adapter or cable.
- Install any required driver. If the radio or adapter needs a driver, install the one appropriate for your operating system, then confirm that the radio appears as a serial device. The general CAT setup guide from World Radio League also identifies compatible hardware, cabling, and applicable drivers as prerequisites.
- Look up the radio’s CAT settings. Find its baud rate and any model-specific protocol or menu requirements in the radio manual. CatRadio and the transceiver must use matching baud rates; another radio model’s settings are not a reliable substitute.
Configure the radio in CatRadio
- Open the radio settings: in CatRadio, select Config > Radio.
- Choose the model: select your exact transceiver under Model. Available controls depend on the radio definition and its Hamlib support.
- Select the serial port: under COM Port, choose the device the operating system assigned to the radio or its USB-to-serial interface. Do not select a port based only on its number; verify which one appeared when you connected the radio.
- Match the speed: set Speed to the baud rate configured on the transceiver. There is no single correct speed for every radio.
- Set the refresh interval: CatRadio’s developer says 100–200 ms is generally sufficient for smooth control without overloading the communications interface. This is setup guidance, not a guarantee for every model or connection. Increase the interval for a slow radio or shared/remote connection.
- Enter the CI-V address for Icom: type the address assigned to your specific radio in hexadecimal, without adding a final “h.” Find the address in the radio’s manual or configuration; do not assume it is the same as another Icom model.
- Choose polling behavior: leave Full polling selected under normal conditions, as the guide recommends. If the interface is slow or unresponsive, try disabling it; full polling increases traffic on the communications port.
In Config > Setup, you can choose the VFO display interaction and light or dark theme. These are interface preferences, not requirements for CAT communication.
Check the connection
After applying the settings, confirm that CatRadio communicates with the transceiver. A useful first check is whether the displayed frequency changes when you turn the radio’s physical tuning dial, if that function is supported. Then check a low-risk control or display, such as tuning or mode. Do not assume CatRadio exposes every control available from the radio’s front panel.
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- 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
If the connection does not work, check one item at a time:
- Is the exact radio model selected?
- Is the chosen COM port the device assigned to the connected radio or adapter?
- Is the cable appropriate for the radio’s CAT connector and signaling, and is its driver installed if required?
- Does CatRadio’s speed match the radio’s configured baud rate?
- For an Icom radio, is the CI-V address correct and entered in hexadecimal without “h”?
- Does the radio require an additional CAT or CI-V menu option to enable control?
Which cable and connection path should you use?
The radio’s connector and control interface determine the cable—not simply whether the computer-side plug is USB. A USB-native radio may connect directly, while standard RS-232 CAT may require a USB-to-RS-232 adapter. A non-standard radio port can require a manufacturer-specific cable. Compare options by confirmed model compatibility, connector and protocol, and driver support for your operating system.
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- 100W (25W AM) Output power
- 0.030-74.800 RX frequencies
- Receiver type: Direct sampling
CatRadio’s developer also describes local and remote-radio connections and points to Hamlib rigctld for sharing a connection among Hamlib applications or using a radio over a network. The available setup guidance does not establish network security details, so do not treat rigctld as a secure remote-access solution without checking its current official documentation and securing the network design.
Check CatRadio’s current download for your operating system
Download options and versions can change. The developer’s page currently documents Windows 64-bit and 32-bit packages at version 1.4.0, Ubuntu 64-bit at version 1.3.0, and Raspberry Pi OS at version 1.4.0; the 1.4.0 change log says Hamlib 4.6 beta was incorporated. Treat these as release-page details, not a promise that the same versions remain available: check the CatRadio download page before installing, and verify compatibility against the build you plan to use.
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- 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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- 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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- 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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