Handmade amateur radio inventions by ZL1CVD

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Unique CatTouch
4" color IPS display & touch screen controller..
For FT-991, FT991A, FT-DX10, FT-DX101D, FTdx101MP, FTdx1200 & FT-710
In stock & shipping now.

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CatKnobz
6 user programmable knobs..
For Yaesu FT-991, FT-991A, FT-DX10, FT-DX101D & FTdx101MP
In stock & shipping now.

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The original CatDisplay
3.5" color IPS display...
For Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, FT-897 & FT-100/D
In stock & shipping now.

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For builders & integrators.. CatKDU
3.5" color IPS display & touch screen controller..
For FT-991, FT991A, FT-DX10, FT-DX101D, FTdx101MP, FTdx1200
Limited stock, shipping now.

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2ndCat
Adds another CAT port..
For Yaesu FT-857 & FT-897 only
In stock & shipping now.

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CatTouch

Informative, multifunctional, touch control, no computer needed..

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For FT-991, FT991A, FT-DX10, FT-DX101D, FTdx101MP, FTdx1200 & FT-710

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Easy set up, no computer required & simple to use.
Multiple screens show important settings.
Change many settings with touchscreen stylus.
Unique microphone and speaker equalizer setup.
Visualize SWR response for optimal performance.
Voltmeter to monitor transceiver power supply.
Includes CAT cable & touch screen stylus
This video shows it in action..
Note: FT-710 may still face CAT issues despite latest Yaesu firmware update.
John (W1XQ) advises MSHV is a reliable WSJT-X alternative with no issues.

CatTouch guides & explanation for each screen..
Setup Guide..
BAR screen..
CLK screen..
MTR screen..
SPK screen..
MIC screen..
SWR screen..
WiFi screen..
CFG screen..
JPG screen..
Latest FAQs can be found here
eHam.net reviews
2E0BAF review

More MTR screen details here..
Default power up screen which you can change.
Meters have pedestal bar graph.
Change settings via touch buttons down the side.
IF plot shows shift, width, APF, notch & contour - great for FT991A.
Displays transceiver Zulu (GMT/UTC) & local time.
Voltmeter for SOTA / POTA / field day battery monitoring.

More BAR screen details here..
Large vivid BAR meters are ideal for quick information.
Perfect for digital modes like FT8, FT4, Etc.
Change settings via touch buttons down the side.

More MIC screen details here..
Displays parametric microphone equalizer based on transceiver settings.
Touch screen changes frequency & level for each band.
TX bandwidth for selected mode shown in red.
Mode automatically updated by transceiver - can also be selected.
Automatically shows PARA or PPARA based on transceiver MIC EQ & PROC settings.
These settings can be saved or loaded from internal EEPROM or SD card.
CatTouch can be used to transfer settings between compatible transceivers.
Settings stored in small, easy to email, text files.

More SPK screen details here..
Drag a curve to change levels (base/mid/treble).
Touching SSB,AM,Etc shows speaker equalizer for chosen mode.
Red lines show LCUT & HCUT freq / slope if turned on.
FTdx10 & FT-710 are the only models with speaker equalizer.

More CLK screen details here..
Works with all models that have an internal clock.
Local is calculated from transceiver UTC time.
Set local offset on CFG screen (+/- 14 hours, 15 min increments).
Clock is great for SOTA / POTA / field day & log book entries.

More WiFi screen details here..
Handy 2.4GHz WiFi channel scanner.
Ideal to find least congested channel.

More SWR screen details here..
Plots SWR response for the currently tuned band.
Tests & graphs 40 points.
If SD card inserted, stores & graphs prior measurements so you can compare!
Watch this video..

More CFG screen details here..
This screen allows you to customize & calibrate Cattouch.

More JPG screen details here..
Slide show 480x320 JPG images from SD Card.
Great for displaying awards, QSL cards, Etc.

Pops up to calibrate the touch screen.
Touch as close as possible to the arrow point.
Use the provided stylus & be as accurate as practical.





On/Off button for external DC power
Easy power connection via 2.1mm jack or screw terminals
FT-710 version has no power switch, socket or screw terminals

To update Firmware, download latest version at bottom of page
Watch this video..
Unzip the file & copy CatTouch.fw to FAT32 formatted SD card
This firmware file must be in root folder like D:\CatTouch.fw
Unmount / eject SD card from computer to close file
On FT-710 turn off transceiver & leave CatTouch connected< br/> All other models unplug CAT cable from CatTouch
Insert the card into CatTouch & turn it on (FT-710 turn on transceiver)
CatTouch automatically finds new firmware on SD Card & installs
Do not turn off CatTouch or remove the SD card until it has finished & restarted
Once new firmware installed, Calibrate Touch screen shows
You MUST use the provided stylus & touch each arrow when prompted
If you touch wrong area, touch calibration will detect an error & repeat the process until you get it correct
The trick with calibrating the screen is to put your glasses on & use the provided stylus
The screen has a resistive touch panel so the stylus must be hard & smooth so as to not scratch the screen. A soft stylus will not work.

Specifications

All models

Includes: 1m CAT cable & Touch screen stylus
Display: 4.0" IPS TFT Resistive Touchscreen
Voltmeter: Measures CatTouch DC voltage; 0.1V resolution; updates each minute
CAT Connection: 232C version RJ45 (CISCO console cable compatible)
CAT Speed: 4800, 9600, 19200 (default) & 38400
SD Card: SDSC or SDHC; 2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB; FAT16 or FAT32 format only
Zulu/GMT/UTC Time: Updated from transceiver clock settings
Local Time: User definable -14 to +14 hours; 15 minute intervals
Micro B USB: Used for monitoring CAT commands & development
Case Construction: 3D printed biodegradable PLA; Not suitable for direct sunlight
Size (WxHxD), Weight: 120mm x 70mm x 90mm; 180g

CatTouch 232C version

Compatibility: FT-991, FT-991A, FT-DX10, FT-DX101D, FTdx101MP & FTdx1200
Operating Voltage: 7V to 30V DC or 5V via Micro B USB
Operating Current: 150mA on WiFi screen drops to under 100mA on all other screens
Power Connection: 2.1mm DC jack; screw terminals; Micro B or C USB; POS from CatKnobz
POS (Power Over Serial): YES (DB9F: +V Pin 7 & 8; GND Pin 5 & Shell)

CatTouch TTL version

Compatibility: FT-710 only
DC Connections: Powered by FT-710 CAT port, no external power required
POS (Power Over Serial): Not supported

Downloads

Instructions..
CatTouch Install Guide
CatTouch Install Guide (Français by F4DYK)
Latest firmware..
CatTouch Firmware v2.46 released 10th July 2024
Data..
Power Over Serial (POS) Information
CatTouch RS232 CAT Cable wiring
3D Printing..
Original CatTouch Case (STL)
Latest CatTouch Case (STL)
Alternative CatTouch Case by KD9WNR

CatKnobz

Provides intuitive and versatile control..

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For FT-991, FT-991A, FT-DX10, FTdx101D, FTdx101MP
Sorry, no version for FT-710 yet

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Introducing CatKnobz – the game-changer for Yaesu transceivers.
Six user programmable knobs & OLED display.
Easily adjust key settings without navigating multiple menus.
Tailor your setup to suit different operating conditions (FT8, SSB ragchew, CW, Etc).

Watch this video..

Select correct version prior to ordering..

Six customizable knobs for easy setup
Turning a knob adjusts transceiver settings
Change knob function effortlessly, just press and turn
OLED display indicates the active setting
Simple installation and user-friendly operation
User-friendly alternative to navigating menus
Plugs into the 232C CAT port with pass-through capability
Daisy chain multiple CatKnobz units
Compatible with CatTouch
Power Over Serial – one unit powers all
Eco-friendly PLA 3D printed bracket
Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures
Handmade in New Zealand

CatKnobz OLED Display Labels and Descriptions

Display	Description
AGC	AGC Speed (Off, Fast, Mid, Slow, Auto)
AMC	Microphone AMC Level *
APF	APF Level
BAND	Band Up / Down
CTR FRQ	Contour Frequency
CTR LVL	Contour Level
CTR WIDTH	Contour Width *
CW PCH	CW Pitch
CW SPD	CW Keyer Speed
DNR	DNR Level
IPO AMP1/2	Switch between IPO, Amp1, Amp2
MEM	Memory Up/Down
METER	TX Meter CMP, ALC, PO, SWR, ID, VDD
MIC LVL	Microphone Gain
MODE	Modulation Mode
MONI	Monitor Level (sidetone)
NB	Noise Blanker Level
NTCH	Notch Filter Frequency
PROC	Microphone Speech Processor Level
RF GAIN	Receiver RF Gain Level
RF PWR	TX Power (+/- 2W Increments)
SCP LVL	Scope Level *
SCP MODE	Scope Mode *
SCP PEAK	Scope Peak *
SCP SPAN	Scope Span *
SCP SPD	Scope Speed *
SHFT	IF Shift Frequency
SQLCH	Squelch Level
VFO	VFO Up / Down
VOLUME	AF Volume
VOX Anti	Microphone Anti VOX Gain *
VOX DLY	Microphone VOX Delay
VOX LVL	Microphone VOX Gain
WDTH	IF Width
	* Some settings are not supported by FT991/A

CatKnobz & CatDisplay232 with FT991A
Side view of CatKnobz on FT991A
Underview of CatKnobz on FT991A
CatKnobz on FTdx10
CatKnobz connected to CatTouch. Power is applied to CatKnobz & it powers CatTouch via Power Over Serial.

Specifications

Includes: 1m CAT cable
Size (WxHxD): 205mm x 39mm x 37mm
Weight: 130g
Display: 0.91" OLED
DC Connection: 2.1mm Jack (center positive) + Screw type DC Terminals
Operating Voltage: 7V DC to 30V DC via 2.1mm Jack
Operating Current: 150mA
CAT Speed: 4800, 9600, 19200 (default)& 38400
CAT Input: RG45
CAT Output (Pass Through Port): YES, DB9 Male, speed same as input CAT port
POS (Power Over Serial): YES (DB9F: +V Pin 7 & 8; GND Pin 5 & Shell)

Downloads

Instructions..
CatKnobz Instructions (latest v5.1 firmware)
Latest Firmware..
Latest CatKnobz Firmware v5.1 (2nd June 2024)
CatKnobz Firmware Update Instructions
Data..
Power Over Serial (POS) Information
CatKnobz RS232 CAT Cable wiring
3D Printing..
CatKnobz 3D Bracket FT991 STL file
CatKnobz 3D Bracket FTDX10 STL file

Instructions for older models..
Old CatKnobz Generic Instructions
Old CatKnobz Generic Instructions (Français by F4DYK)
Old CatKnobz FTdx10 Instructions
Old CatKnobz FTdx10 Instructions (Français by F4DYK)
Firmware for older models..
Old CatKnobz Generic Firmware v4.7
Old CatKnobz Ftdx10 Firmware v4.3

The original CatDisplay

Innovative radio tech by ZL1CVD

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For FT-817/ND, FT-818ND, FT-857/D, FT-897/D, FT-100/D

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Watch this video..

Select correct version prior to ordering.. Instantly see most settings
Ideal for the visually impaired
Makes transceivers easier to use
Compact, easy to install, easy to use
Helps with faulty displays missing lines
Handmade in New Zealand
Biodegradable PLA 3D printed case
Not suitable for direct sunlight or hot cars
S-Meter is indicative for HF only
Meters are indicators only and not calibrated
Supports Analog S-Meter output
Watch this video..

Specifications

Size (WxHxD):100mm x 65mm x 29mm
Weight:120g
Display:3.5" TFT
CAT Connection:Mini-Din 8
CAT Speed:Automatic (4800, 9600, 38400); FT100/D is fixed 4800
Power Source:CAT or 2.1mm DC jack
DC Connection:2.1mm Jack, center positive
Operating Voltage:5V via CAT or 7V to 30V DC via 2.1mm Jack
Operating Current:150mA

CatDisplay with FT-897
CatDisplay for FT-857 or FT-897
CatDisplay for FT100
CatDisplay connected to FT-897D via 2nd CAT port Click here for a great bundle deal!
All models support flip or inverted screen

Downloads

CatDisplay FT-817/818/857/897 Instructions
CatDisplay FT-817/818/857/897 Instructions (Français by F4DYK)
CatDisplay FT-857/897 Screens
CatDisplay FT-857/897 Screens (Français by F4DYK)
CatDisplay FT-100/100D Instructions
CatDisplay FT-100/100D Instructions (Français by F4DYK)
Older CatDisplay (slide switch) 3D STL Files
Latest CatDisplay (push button) 3D STL Files

CatMeters

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For FT-450, FT-950, FT-991, FT-2000, FT-DX10, FT-DX101,FT-DX1200, FT-DX3000, FT-DX5000, FT-DX9000

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Watch this video..
Instantly see settings
6 easy to read analog meters
Easy to read indicators down the middle
Contour, APF, Notch, Shift & Width indicators
Displays date & time on compatible transceivers
Sold assembled & tested with CAT cable
Compact, easy to install, easy to use
Monitor ALC, COMP, SWR, W & A while you TX!
Handmade in New Zealand
Works with CatKnobz
Biodegradable PLA 3D printed case
Not suitable for direct sunlight or hot cars
Meters are indicative only & not calibrated
Does not work with CatDisplay232
With Analog S-Meter output
Watch this video..

CatMeters with FTDX10

Specifications

Size (WxHxD):100mm x 65mm x 29mm
Weight:120g
Display:3.5" TFT
CAT Connection:RG45
CAT Speed:19200 (default) or 38400
CAT Powered:NO
Power Source:2.1mm DC jack or CatKnobz via Power Over Serial (POS)
DC Connection:2.1mm Jack, center positive
Operating Voltage:7V to 30V DC via 2.1mm Jack or CatKnobz
Operating Current:150mA
Tested with FT-991A, FTDX10 & FTDX101. Not all models supported all features

CatMeters screen
CatDisplay232, FT991A & CatKnobz - CatMeters & FTDX10
Support flipped or inverted screen

Downloads

CatMeters Instructions
CatTouch Instructions (Français by F4DYK)
Power Over Serial (POS) Information

CatMeters Case STL
CatMeters RS232 CAT Cable wiring

CatDisplay232

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For FT-450, FT-950, FT-991, FT-2000, FT-DX10, FT-DX101,FT-DX1200, FT-DX3000, FT-DX5000, FT-DX9000

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Watch this video..
Less use of menus
Instantly see most settings
Ideal for the visually impaired
Makes transceivers easier to use
Contour, APF, Notch, Shift & Width
Monitor ALC, WATTS & SWR while you TX
Compact, easy to install, easy to use
Works with CatKnobz
Does not work with CatMeters
S-Meter is indicative for HF only
Biodegradable PLA 3D printed case
Not suitable for direct sunlight or hot cars
Handmade in New Zealand
Meters are indicators only and not calibrated
Supports Analog S-Meter output
Watch this video..

CatDisplay232

Specifications

Size (WxHxD):100mm x 65mm x 29mm
Weight:120g
Display:3.5" TFT
CAT Connection:RG45
CAT Speed:19200 (default) or 38400
CAT Powered:NO
Power Source:2.1mm DC jack or Power Over Serial (POS)
DC Connection:2.1mm Jack, center positive
Operating Voltage:7V to 30V DC via 2.1mm Jack
Operating Current:150mA
Indicators work with FT-991A, some are not supported by other models

CatDisplay232 screen
CatDisplay232 with FT-991A Click here for a great bundle deal!
CatDisplay232 with CatKnobz & FT-991A FT991 bracket by Mike K0MTB Click here to download 3D bracket design
Support flipped or inverted screen

Downloads

CatDisplay232 Instructions
CatDisplay232 Instructions (Français by F4DYK)
Power Over Serial (POS) Information

CatDisplay232 Screen
CatDisplay232 Compatibility
CatDisplay Case STL (slide switch)
CatDisplay Case STL (push button)
CatDisplay232 RS232 CAT Cable wiring

2ndCAT

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For FT-857, FT-857D, FT-897 & FT-897D only

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Watch this video..
Easy to install adapter
Includes short microphone port cable
Same socket & CAT signals as rear port (RXD, TXD, GND)
Works independent to rear CAT port
Handmade in New Zealand

FT-857 & FT897 are great "shack in a box" transceivers.
With digital modes like FT8 now so popular, a second CAT port is often needed.
If the rear CAT port is taken up with a tuner or linear, 2ndCat provides that much needed 2nd CAT port.

Easy set up

Unplug microphone & connect up 2ndCAT adapter as pictured
Select CAT in Microphone Select extended menu #059
Set desired baud rate in CAT RATE extended menu #019

2ndCat connected to FT897 & CatDisplay Click here for a great bundle deal!
2ndCat supplied with short microphone cable
To transceiver microphone socket & 2nd CAT port No 13.8V output here - only serial TX/RX CAT data
To microphone only Microphone Up/down buttons no longer work

CatKDU

Mainly for builders & integrators..

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For FT-991, FT-991A, FTdx10, FTdx101D & FTdx101MP only

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CatKDU is a mini version of the popular CatTouch.
Does everything CatTouch does in a smaller package.
Compact 3.5” IPS resistive touch screen.
Small 85mm x 54mm x 20mm footprint.
No case, just the CatKDU module for building into things.
Supplied with Stylus, CAT cable & startup guide.
Refer to CatTouch for full list of features, screens, firmware, Etc.
Power connection is 2.1mm DC jack or POS (Power Over Serial) only.

CatKDU BAR screen..
CatKDU MTR screen..
CatKDU rear view..
What is included with CatKDU

About

Turning ideas into quality radio gear..

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Welcome to Catmeters.com & CatKnobz.com,
..where passion meets craftsmanship in the world of amateur radio.
This isn't a faceless corporation; it's just me, Chris ZL1CVD..

Located in Timaru, New Zealand
Timaru grew from an 1839 whaling station established at Patiti Point.
Present-day population is over 48,500.

My station includes Yaesu FT-100D, FT-818ND, FT-857, FT-897D, FT-710, FT-991A, FTdx10, FTdx101D, FT-1000MP MkV Field, and various handheld transceivers.
In addition to exploring different communication methods, I find joy in collecting and restoring military radio equipment.
Test equipment includes Rohde & Schwarz CRTU-RU, CMU200, HMO1002, NGMO1, NGMO2, Aeroflex 7100, IFR1900, Agilent E6621A, HP 8924, and Bird 43 with slugs & loads.

But my true devotion lies in developing innovative amateur radio products.
From CatDisplay, CatTouch, CatMeters to CatKnobz, each creation underscores my dedication to enhancing the radio experience for both novice and seasoned operators alike.

Days are a blend of designing, soldering and programming.
Beyond the technical aspects, I enjoy sharing my knowledge & assisting like-minded individuals.

Remember, my friends, the joy isn't just in picking up the phone to contact someone globally;
it's about creating that connection, sharing experiences and extending kindness.

So, as you explore my offerings, stay safe, stay well, and remember the essence of amateur radio

73 de Chris ZL1CVD.

..look beyond your bubble, embrace new experiences, constantly learn, and above all, be kind.

Shipping

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All orders are shipped by NZ Post Air Mail

This is an insured & tracked service to all countries that have a postal system

Orders are shipped within 2 working days unless otherwise stated

When your order is shipped, PayPal or eBay will email you a tracking number

Make sure you check the email you registered with PayPal or eBay

It takes 10 to 25 working days for your order to arrive

You can track your order on this NZ Post website page

Often NZ Post will hand your order over to your postal service...
Australia Post (Australia)
Canada Post (Canada)
Deutsche Post (Germany)
Japan Post (Japan)
Royal Mail (United Kingdom)
USPS (United States Postal Service)

Lost parcels are extremely rare
I will only lodge an inquiry if quoted delivery time for your country has passed

Contact ZL1CVD

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I'm always eager to hear from fellow amateur radio enthusiasts!

Your feedback and constructive criticism are invaluable to me as I work to improve my products and services.

I encourage you to reach out to me with any comments or suggestions you may have

Whether you've had a great experience using my products, or if there's something you think I could be doing better, I want to know

To get in touch, please look me up on QRZ.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

Bundle Deals

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CatDisplay + 2ndCat
for FT-857, FT-857D, FT-897 & FT-897D
Watch this video..
US$150 + $20.75 SHIPPING
Includes 1x CAT cable, 1x short RJ45 MIC Cable
No power supply included

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CatKnobz + CatTouch
For FT-991, FT991A, FT-DX10, FT-DX101D, FTdx101MP, FTdx1200
Watch this video..
US$270 + $23.50 SHIPPING
Includes 2x CAT cables, 1x Stylus
No power supply included

Which Bracket?

Generic FTdx10

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2x CatTouch
For FT-991, FT991A, FT-DX10, FT-DX101D, FTdx101MP, FTdx1200
Watch this video..
US$280 =FREE SHIPPING=
Includes 2x CAT cables, 2x Stylus
No power supply included

CatTouchUSB

Informative, multifunctional, touch control, built-in PC sound card.

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For FT-891

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This discounted early release of CatTouchUSB is currently under development.
Sold as is, & advertised feature set will change over time.
Documentation and Instructions may be incomplete or subject to change as development progresses.
User Requirements be familiar with your computer and prepared to perform USB firmware updates.
Feedback, bug reports & suggest improvements are important and will be addressed when they can.
Firmware Updates will be released at the bottom of this page. You will not be notified of updates; it is your responsibility to check for them.
By purchasing this development product, you agree that you understand it is not a finished product and that there may be unavoidable flaws.
If this is not acceptable, do not purchase this product until a completed version is released.

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Color Touch Screen – easy to see & adjust rig settings.
Built in Sound Card – no need for external RIGblaster, SignaLink, Etc
Multiple meters – easy transmit monitoring
Single USB PC connection – CAT & audio
Stand alone operation - can be used without PC

Product Overview

Compact and Portable: Small, lightweight, and powered by the transceiver, integrates easily into existing setups and is great for out & about.
Interactive Color Touchscreen: Directly interfaces with the Yaesu FT-891, offering intuitive access to settings and clear visual feedback, bypassing complex menu structures.
Voice Annunciation: Provides audible confirmation of the current frequency, enhancing operational accuracy and convenience.
Easy Connectivity: Connects easily to both the transceiver and computer, with most modern computers requiring no tricky driver installation.
Integrated Audio and CAT: Built-in audio DAC and serial UART, compatible with WSJT-X, eliminating the need for external interfaces like SignaLink.
Powerful Microcontroller: Ensures robust processing capabilities for smooth, efficient operation. No PC needed—just turn on the transceiver, and CatTouchUSB is ready to work.