That statement about the x5105 firming the love affair with low power ;QRP) resonates with me so much. Loved (and hated) my x5105 never owned or used the AMP but I guess its worth looking at too. Have a Yaesu FT857 now but kinda want the FX-4Cr and curious to know where it with in with your thoughts on the x6100 and G90
@@downsouthsafaris6788 I just spent a solid 2 months in Europe with using only the FX-4CR as my main rig. It’s absolutely great. Add a small ATU to it and I would say it’s as good as the G90 and better than the X6100 because of the 20 watts output in a small package. You won’t be sorry if you get one.
I've got 2 G90s and have thoroughly enjoyed them. One of them has run 24/7, with few exceptions, for close to 4 years. Use it with both my raspberry pi and my windows 11 desktop. Using the desktop's soundcard with the g90's i/q port and hdsdr, I get a full size waterfall and frequency graph with wider visible bandwidth and run the sound to the stereo speakers.
A former G-90 owner, loved it till it died. With no schematics and no repair service other than shipping back to Xiegu (and no real contact point), I will continue to buy radios with a factory service. Cant argue, they are fun radios with a boatload of features though.
I'm fairly new to the hobby, and the G90 has been my one and only HF radio, and with a mix of digital and phone, I've worked 126 DXCCs so far (SSB 92 DXCC). You can do a lot with 20W, and with that add challenge with low(ish) power makes it even more fun. With proposed changes to UK licensing to give Foundation licensee's a max power 20W (and in UK they have most HF bands full at Foundation), the G90 is a great starter rig and great entry price if you don't want to invest too much into a new hobby. And if/when you upgrade, a great portable rig!
I have to agree with you 100%. I own 2 G90's and an x5105. Also 2 GNR-1 digital filters from Xiegu. Everything just plays so well together. I love the brand and the value to get for the money. 73's and Keep up the good work!
Appreciate you sharing your videos. I just ordered a G90 on EBAY. Your experiences add greatly to motivational excitement for me to getting back on the air.
I LIKE the fact that you're not a shill for products like so many other ham channels. I commend you for that. Product pushers irritate me to no end. I also like your portable vertical antenna videos. Keep up the great job Walt!
I really enjoy your down to earth videos. Partly led me to purchase G90 down here in Sth Australia. I'm back on the air after a break of 40 years and having fun. The G90 is great for me. Also have a used Yaesu FT 7900 for 2m and 70cm, and a modified Tait 2 way radio on 6m. For HF I have an EFHW strung up to a tree out front, a home made J-Pole on 2 and 70cm and a home brew end fed vertical coaxial dipole on 6m. 73s Rob VK5KRM 😀
I agree with you 100 %.I have all the Xiegu radios and the Xiegu amp that you have.I love them as well.I think the build quality is very good and they perform great.All the people that berate the China radios need to look around and see most of the electronics in their homes are from China.
G90 and X5105 here too. Both have had a lot of use over the last three or more years and are still great fun to use. Those built-in ATU's have saved the day more than a few times. One thing you didn't mention about the G90 is the great TX audio quality. It regularly gets remarked upon when I'm using SSB. They're both great CW rigs too.
Great video, Walt! Just got the G90 on a Prime Day deal. Getting it set up this weekend. It's my upgrade from the (tr)USDX. Can't wait to get it on the air!
As a Pole, I love your sweatshirt. I'm also a user of the X6100, which is a great radio for me. The only downside is receiver overload, although it doesn't happen very often. I used to own a G90 back in the days, and I really regret selling it. One day I'm gonna buy myself another one when there's a good offer on it.
I love my G90, it’s probably my favorite radio. I have spent a lot of time in Poland. It’s a great country with the best people. Especially the military 😉
Just got a G90 and it ended up in my Jeep now, with the head mounted on the dash, via a bulletpoint mount. It's working excellent and I get the sound via the aux input over the stereo, bonus greatness. Had been toting my icom 705 in and out constantly or taking up space on seat. Currently running a terra flex gate mount, cb spring, a chameleon extension, slidewinder coil and a slightly cut-down stainless cb whip. The G90's 20 watts adds just enough extra oomph to the comprimised setup and it's DX'd to Russia, Italy, Bulgaria and reaches all across the US & Canada just fine (when bands are cooperating of course). Got a Mad Dog coil coming, to try, if it ever gets through US customs....
Walt - good video. I started back up in Ham radio 2 years ago with the G-90. My one big complaint was the small screen - tough on this retired guy's eyes. I bought the X6100 last October and have been real happy with it, excepting a couple of initial firmware issues, which Xiegu has mostly cleaned up. The X6100 is very portable, and its 10W output with a 10Ah battery suits my needs for portable / QRP operation. I use an IC-7300 in my home shack, but when I travel or go to local Ham functions, like my local Ham Club's monthly "Radio in the Park" meets, the X6100 can't be beat for portability combined with a solid feature set and long operation on an external battery. BTW, keep sending us those videos - I enjoy them very much. -73 de Hector, W1AQP
Great Video Walt, I have to say my G90 is a work horse. But when I travel to the UK/EU. I bring the FT817 or the FT857. They add the 2m/70cm bands. That the G90 doesn't have. When I head out to the city park. I use the G90 and the Alpha vertical antenna. What a great combination.
Hey Walt, I took your advice and got a G90. Wow! Tuning a simple G5RV 50 feet in the air, stretched E to W, in SC, USA, first 20 meter ssb contact was 900 miles away in West Texas, second was Slovenia and third was Vancouver, BC. Thanks for the tip. Thoroughly enjoyed your Polish antenna adventures. 73 de kb3nje.
Just got into ham radio recently despite having a license of one type or another for over 40 years. I have plenty of bills, and groceries aren't getting any cheaper, so I decided to go with the X6100 while it was on sale. I'm in a noisy urban environment so I had to immediately get the K9DP BCI filter (works great), and I added a microPA50 amp with an AT-100M tuner. I'm feeding into an end fed 148' wire using a 9:1 unum (nelson antennas), and it's just a little workhorse. Does Europe on FT8 with ease, and I've been able to do Australia, Japan, and South America as well. No remorse, for me or my wallet. R1CBU's firmware is a must also. Thanks for the video. Subscribed.
Brought my G90 out for a very quick POTA activation on Sunday with a minimalist setup. Wasn’t in the ideal location for RFI, but I was able to do what I needed to do. 73!
After years of QRO operating, DX, portable and POTA, you’ve demonstrated the ability of the meager 20W station to reach around the globe. I’ve made the leap and traded an “extra” portable rig for the G90 and GSOC combo. Arrives today! Here we go 😅
Nice video Walt. I just got my X6100, can't wait to use it. I am 78 and am going to clean house with about 60 years worth of "stuff " at the next club acution. Keeping it simple. It was a hard choice G90 or X6100. Thanks again. DE LEO K1ZEK.
Another great video. I saw the Xiegu amp in QST. With that setup, a ham can have 100W at home and the rig can be taken for QRP portable. It's also interesting how little space they take up. A good station can be set up in a very small space.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I see in the specs that it received 500khz to 30mhz. In addition to hamming, I also like to listen to shortwave broadcasters and some of the other signals that are on HF. Have you ever used it for listening to broadcasters? How well does it work for that?
Great video! Wish there were cheaper HF rigs when i first got my license, so I wouldn't have to wait a few decades for my second attempt in HF HamRadio. 😉 It's never been so easy than today to get on the air.
Love mine. The display is great. ATU will tune a wet noodle. DNR is nice. Be sure to carry the firmware update SD card in your kit. I had the radio lock up on me once, and refreshing the image from the SD card got me back on the air. One setting I'm fiddling with all the time is the RF gain. The speaker does suck - I also carry a little powered speaker with me. Oh, also, sometimes it will get REALLY hot if you are transmitting a lot.
I have the x6100 and the G90. They are great value for the price, but my two complaints are the front end overloading issue and the CW keyer is extremely finicky. Whenever I use the built in keyer my ability to send cleanly just plummets. These issues can be fixed with a PicoKeyer and a BCI filter though. I'm actually planning on selling my x6100 at the next hamfest because I don't use it enough to justify keeping it around. I have fancier QRP radios that I end up using (705, 818nd and KX2)
Walt, I've a G-90, but I'm new to HF and the features/terminology of HF radio - especially as pertains to the G-90. The manual is written for those who know what the different features are for, and whether or not to increase/decrease the values of the different functions to obtain desired results. There are just a few YT vids which are cursory at best, in this regard. I realize that you're not (yet) retired, and maybe don't have much spare time, but if you could produce an IN DEPTH vid of how to get the most out of the G-90, I, and I'm sure many others, would GREATLY appreciate it.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES riding the gain is something that few new hams are familiar with and it is quite necessary with the G90. Thanks for all you do, Walt. -Bruce N7BWB
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I, personally, would REALLY appreciate it! The questions of "What is it" "How to access it?", "When to use it", "How to use it (e.g. increase/decrease value)" are essential to fully understand how to use the G-90 (and other HF radios as well). You've proven to me that you possess a Masters in Communication of concepts, and I look forward to your informative treatise. Thank you!
The x5105 is my choice for portable......works like a handy talkie. Works well with the quarter wave antennas ( gra hf706t system) and a low transport profile. I've made great contacts pedestrian mobile......the g90 I have is a great sounding backup base radio. 73, kc3obq
My x5105 is one of my favorite radios. Great for digital and phone. I use a headset for voice, the built-in speaker is poor for sure. If I want more than QRP, I use either my FT857 or FT891. The x5105 & FT891 are both in my jump backpack and my solar generator will run both, an AREDN node and laptops at the same time for a weekend.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I really like the FT-891, once the myriad of options are set in the menus they typically don’t need to be changed. The options that you are likely to adjust are relatively easy to access. It is also a solid radio, although the current draw on receive is a full 1A which can suck a battery dry quickly. 🪫 Edit: forgot to mention a couple things in my posts: The x5105 can be easily set up for learning/practicing CW (I’m slowly getting there) as a local oscillator. There are mods for the FT-891 that allow removal of the stock power connector, replacing it with Anderson PowerPoles. I absolutely love this mod!
Totally agree! I am also a Xiegu addict. X5105, G90 and XPA125B here too. The cabling is a little bit of pain, but there must a some cons right :) Great video again! Thanks Walt! 73 de Michi OE8YML
You forgot to mention the G1M. It is a decent - small - compact QRP 5 watt radio with SDR screen. The problem is that Xiegu could of added more features like swr or voltage measurements or CW display ... but they didn't. However, my first real HF radio was the G90, something I still use regularly, although is it showing its sign of wear and tear. Thanks for your videos. I follow them all the time.
I just made my first contact with the xiegu g90 with a sloped 41 foot random wire and a 17 foot counterpoise,And I’m not even using a 9:1 Unun. Im starting to love the tuner.
Good radios Walt. I'm looking at the X6100 with a small 45w amp for portable and with that big 125 amp for home. I want to do alot of digital so a built in sound card, tuner and big screen is good for my ageing eyes.🤓👍
Hello ... I'm also with the Xiegu 6100 ... I like him a lot and I'm very happy If you operate only with 8 watts will save a lot on the battery and, most important, the radio will not heat up as much Thanks for sharing / 73 CR7BDO
Walt, I too am a fan of the Xiegu radios I have a the x6100, G106 and the G90. One thing on the x6100 when you’re using it don’t forget to turn off the internal charger keeps the radio from getting as hot. Additionally the only other issues I’ve had with the X6100 is an incompatibility USB wise with a few devices which I solved by using a simple small USB hub. And do not let windows update that ch342 driver. Cheers and 73 KC0AHE
Went into HRO last weekend to pick up an FT-891. Then the employee showed me the X-6100. Now I'm actually leaning towards the little 5w radio because of the ATU and display! I'm mostly looking for a QRP CW rig so I can start doing POTA
I also was leaning toward a G90, however the ft891 has proven quality and a factory 3yr warranty with North America service if needed.. which in the end sold me..
I'm a truck driver and I did a mars mod on the g90. It's the best radio I've ever owned when it comes to CB. Screw getting a radio peak in tuned. It's $200 cheaper to get a g90 with a kicker from eBay and g90 from Amazon. If you're running a CB radio in the truck, you're a dinosaur 🤣
Walt, I use a Heil headset with boom mic and the adaptor with my G 90 and have great audio and great reports on sound quality on the other end. Was like $75.00 all together.
Great video Walt, and a big coincidence, as my latest video was along similar lines and I mentioned also. It's not expensive to get into our hobby, but many think big rigs,amps and ants are a must these days, but boy you can get some great fun without spending a lot. 73 my friend. Brian zl3xdj.
Walt, great video. After watching you have all the fun with the G90 and your various antennas, I ordered one just this week. Can’t wait to get my hands on it! I like your videos please keep ‘em coming. Me and my friends are planning to operate much more portable setups this year. Question: do you think that the G90 has any serious heating problems without using an additional cooling fan? 73 KE8EC.
Thank you! You’re going to love that radio. If you’re running SSB or CW you’ll be fine and will never have any issues with heat. It’s digital modes that heats the G90 up to a bad point. I’ve used mine on the beach in 90 degree heat for hours and not had a problem. Yes it gets a little warm but nothing I’ve worried about. The radio is a little tank, I’ve basically beaten it up through sandy beaches and travel on airplanes and it’s still going strong. 73, Walt
Another great video! Do you have a recommendation for an external speaker for my G90? I’ve been using it a lot for POTA and having a front firing better speaker would be helpful.
I just ordered this one today, I’ve read some good reviews on it and it’s supposedly made for Xiegu radios: Xiegu GY03 3.5mm Plug Rectangular External Speaker with Stereo Sound for CB/Mobile/Ham Radio, HF Transceivers, Compatible with Xiegu X6100 G1M a.co/d/eX0NOEA
Hello Walt! Another great one, thanks. I too have the g90. Its a super fun little rig. I noticed a peculiarity resently in using the gsoc interface where I'm getting an audio feedback only on 40 meters. I switch back to the standard control head and the problem goes away. Thinking it may be an antenna issue with rf coming back, i switched from my efhw to my fan dipole. Same issue. This problem has just started and was wondering if you have ever heard of it. Many thanks!
Thanks! I haven’t heard of it, to be honest I’ve heard a lot of negative things about the GSOC and that’s why I haven’t gotten one. It does sound like an RF coming back issue to me. A quick way to see is to put a 1:1 choke at the antenna feedpoint if you don’t have one there already and see if the feedback goes away.
I had one, sold it because I wanted a "proper" radio and bought a FT891-2 years later I'm selling the FT891 to buy another G90-easy to use, as tough as an old nun,great power draw ,6ah battery lasts all day-20W is enough-miss it,so I'm going back
Thanks Walt, great video. I’m traveling overseas and my new G-90 will make it to my house before I do. Now to pick out antennas. The HF-360 you mentioned any thoughts on spray painting it camo to keep the neighbors and wife from complaining.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I just passed my AE and am looking at the G106 as a first HF radio to start. It seems promising for a budget radio especially with digital.
Great promotion! Like it. … and for all the Hams that won’t buy anything from Chine, don’t buy a car, because lots of the parts are coming from there….🤣👍🇨🇭
... yeah the G90 is hard to beat as a semi qrp radio...small form factor, easy to use, has an ATU built in and easy on the battery. Just tonight worked Uruguay with mine on 10.. the only signal on the band I could hear.. and calling CQ. 5X7...battery powered and on a $50 home brew EFHW antenna... what's not to like?.
Thanks Walt, I am on the journey of purchasing the G90 as it has all the requirements of the more expensive rigs and portable. Has anyone run the G90 with a inline linear amp as opposed to the Xiegu amp?
Just bought the X-6100, antenna is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I will be active again after almost 30 yrs downtime. Guess what I'll be doing on Thursday? :) Ken, KA8VLW
I had the 106, but I was unable to make any side band contacts. I could hear myself on an SDR but the sound was horrible and was just a hair above the noise floor. I was considering the 90, but then I got an older Yeasu 891 because I wanted the power (without spending on an amp but still operating on lower settings), ears and audio quality. I knew the 106 was marketed for digital use, but the base cost of it won't get you on digital without a bunch of hardware ("hidden cost") making it sort of a rip off when they market it for digital..still for a palm sized radio I was intrigued. I am not near salt water so I have zero advantages. I have a DX10 as my base so I wanted a portable unit when I travel. If I purchased a G90, I may have kept it but would have made some mods / improvements.
Interesting, I’ve never heard any great reports on the 106. I’ve been considering the Yaesu 891 for a long time. I’ll probably get one eventually. All the best and 73
Great video as usual 😀 I owned a G106 briefly. Maybe the firmware has improved, but the one I had just wasn't a good radio (It was early days though). Part of the problem was that it was sitting right next to my G90 which outclassed it in every respect. At the time it was $300 vs $450 and that extra $150 was worth it! Kudos to Radioddity, where both Xiegus came from. No hassle about returning the G106 at all.
Hey Walt, great video. I love the bigger knob on the G 90, where did you get it? I notice you don't use the fan on the G 90, any issues with heat as a result?
Thanks! Have never had an issue with heat as I just use my G90 for SSB. Got the knob on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/175758510967?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1UIt31UNSSviM5WKrb6-oPQ35&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=175758510967&targetid=1584739239974&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9008569&poi=&campaignid=19894961968&mkgroupid=148855406073&rlsatarget=pla-1584739239974&abcId=9307911&merchantid=6296724&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh8MkMsSQHepk1Dd0eOCDVJDC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5MDr0budgAMVm0lHAR1Q4A0lEAQYASABEgLCEvD_BwE
Walt, any chance you'd consider modifying your HF-360? If I had your setup with that very nice metal fire-escape groundplane, I would bypass the 9:1 UNUN and install a remote antenna tuner. Strap the tuner to the metal rail below the vertical. I strongly suspect that you're losing a lot of power in the coax due to the SWR. From what I see, this antenna is 18 ft tall. It will be a very LOW impedance on 40-80 and the 9:1 is only making that much worse, and increasing loss. You could use a hose clamp and a bit of wire to the top and extend its length as an "inverted L" for the lower bands. A remote ATU is by far the most effecient way IMO. Keep up the great work! 73
Yes I’ve considered doing something like that but have just been too lazy to crawl out the window and start working on it. It’s been out there for 3 years, I’m thinking it’s time for something else. Thanks for the great idea and outline, I might just do that. All the best my friend!!!
Hello, Great video. G90 is on the short list for my first HF radio. I'm working on my General license now. For a limited budget and wanting to travel (via automobile) with the G90, what first antenna would you recommend to use with the G90. Something that would be just at home in a park or at home. thanks
Thanks! You’ll love the G90, it’s a perfect radio to get going on HF as a General. Take a look at getting a small little portable end fed half wave antenna. You can roll it up and pack it easy, throw it up a tree or on a pole, out a window, etc. it’s multiband and versatile. A great antenna to work a lot of different bands and situations. All the best and 73, Walt K4OGO
G-90: the urge to tune up a toaster oven and xmit shall not be denied.
That’s so true!!!
That statement about the x5105 firming the love affair with low power ;QRP) resonates with me so much.
Loved (and hated) my x5105 never owned or used the AMP but I guess its worth looking at too.
Have a Yaesu FT857 now but kinda want the FX-4Cr and curious to know where it with in with your thoughts on the x6100 and G90
@@downsouthsafaris6788 I just spent a solid 2 months in Europe with using only the FX-4CR as my main rig. It’s absolutely great. Add a small ATU to it and I would say it’s as good as the G90 and better than the X6100 because of the 20 watts output in a small package. You won’t be sorry if you get one.
I've got 2 G90s and have thoroughly enjoyed them. One of them has run 24/7, with few exceptions, for close to 4 years. Use it with both my raspberry pi and my windows 11 desktop. Using the desktop's soundcard with the g90's i/q port and hdsdr, I get a full size waterfall and frequency graph with wider visible bandwidth and run the sound to the stereo speakers.
A former G-90 owner, loved it till it died. With no schematics and no repair service other than shipping back to Xiegu (and no real contact point), I will continue to buy radios with a factory service. Cant argue, they are fun radios with a boatload of features though.
I'm fairly new to the hobby, and the G90 has been my one and only HF radio, and with a mix of digital and phone, I've worked 126 DXCCs so far (SSB 92 DXCC). You can do a lot with 20W, and with that add challenge with low(ish) power makes it even more fun.
With proposed changes to UK licensing to give Foundation licensee's a max power 20W (and in UK they have most HF bands full at Foundation), the G90 is a great starter rig and great entry price if you don't want to invest too much into a new hobby. And if/when you upgrade, a great portable rig!
Absolutely! It’s a great portable rig!
I am so glad you like Xiegu. I bought a G90, and it works lovely on a 20 A/H battery.
Great radio!
Just bought a G90 second hand and made my first HF contact. I absolutely love it already.
Awesome! Congrats
Love the G90, with the built-in analyzer and auto tuner that will tune a trash can lid. A great little radio.
Same here, it’s a great radio.
Always enjoyable and informative Walt!
Thank you!!!
Truly, wonderful videos! You're a good teacher! Thank you!
Thank you so very much!!!!!
I have to agree with you 100%. I own 2 G90's and an x5105. Also 2 GNR-1 digital filters from Xiegu. Everything just plays so well together. I love the brand and the value to get for the money. 73's and Keep up the good work!
Love your content. I appreciate your in depth reviews and insight. Thanks
Thank you! 73, Walt
Appreciate you sharing your videos. I just ordered a G90 on EBAY. Your experiences add greatly to motivational excitement for me to getting back on the air.
Thank you so very much! You're going to love that radio!
I LIKE the fact that you're not a shill for products like so many other ham channels. I commend you for that. Product pushers irritate me to no end. I also like your portable vertical antenna videos. Keep up the great job Walt!
Thank you so much!!!
Great presentation
Thank you!! 73, Walt
I really enjoy your down to earth videos. Partly led me to purchase G90 down here in Sth Australia. I'm back on the air after a break of 40 years and having fun. The G90 is great for me. Also have a used Yaesu FT 7900 for 2m and 70cm, and a modified Tait 2 way radio on 6m. For HF I have an EFHW strung up to a tree out front, a home made J-Pole on 2 and 70cm and a home brew end fed vertical coaxial dipole on 6m. 73s Rob VK5KRM 😀
I agree with you 100 %.I have all the Xiegu radios and the Xiegu amp that you have.I love them as well.I think the build quality is very good and they perform great.All the people that berate the China radios need to look around and see most of the electronics in their homes are from China.
Great as always Walt!
Thanks so much Lewis!
I really like your GROM t-shirt. Your passion is infectious 😉Greatings from Poland!
Dziękuję bardzo
Greetings from the USA!
Like all four of my xiegus and looking forward to the new x6200. Thanks for video.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you Walt!
Thanks for watching!
I have the x5105 and the x1m and love em
I do have the Xiegu G90 for a few years, I LOVE HIM
Love mine too!
I can tell you're going to have a lot of fun with that radio!
Yes I am! I pretty much have fun with all my radios, I’m a complete nerd 😂😂😂
I have my first Xiegu ordered and on the way. The G90 will pair nicely with my 7300. Love the channel and content. Jeeps and amateur radio 👍🏽👍🏽
Thanks! you will love that G90!
Love your content!!!
Thank you so much!!!
G90 and X5105 here too. Both have had a lot of use over the last three or more years and are still great fun to use. Those built-in ATU's have saved the day more than a few times. One thing you didn't mention about the G90 is the great TX audio quality. It regularly gets remarked upon when I'm using SSB. They're both great CW rigs too.
That’s true, I get those audio reports all the time. Should have mentioned that
Great video, Walt! Just got the G90 on a Prime Day deal. Getting it set up this weekend. It's my upgrade from the (tr)USDX. Can't wait to get it on the air!
Thanks! That’s a big upgrade from the (tr)uSDX, you’ll see that quickly
Thanks Walt keep up good work. Thanks Keith Dalton WV4G.
Thanks Keith! 73
As a Pole, I love your sweatshirt. I'm also a user of the X6100, which is a great radio for me. The only downside is receiver overload, although it doesn't happen very often. I used to own a G90 back in the days, and I really regret selling it. One day I'm gonna buy myself another one when there's a good offer on it.
I love my G90, it’s probably my favorite radio. I have spent a lot of time in Poland. It’s a great country with the best people.
Especially the military 😉
I own two G90's , one for home and other for pota ! Both bought used from people who didn't like them .
Just got a G90 and it ended up in my Jeep now, with the head mounted on the dash, via a bulletpoint mount. It's working excellent and I get the sound via the aux input over the stereo, bonus greatness. Had been toting my icom 705 in and out constantly or taking up space on seat. Currently running a terra flex gate mount, cb spring, a chameleon extension, slidewinder coil and a slightly cut-down stainless cb whip. The G90's 20 watts adds just enough extra oomph to the comprimised setup and it's DX'd to Russia, Italy, Bulgaria and reaches all across the US & Canada just fine (when bands are cooperating of course). Got a Mad Dog coil coming, to try, if it ever gets through US customs....
Walt - good video. I started back up in Ham radio 2 years ago with the G-90. My one big complaint was the small screen - tough on this retired guy's eyes. I bought the X6100 last October and have been real happy with it, excepting a couple of initial firmware issues, which Xiegu has mostly cleaned up. The X6100 is very portable, and its 10W output with a 10Ah battery suits my needs for portable / QRP operation. I use an IC-7300 in my home shack, but when I travel or go to local Ham functions, like my local Ham Club's monthly "Radio in the Park" meets, the X6100 can't be beat for portability combined with a solid feature set and long operation on an external battery. BTW, keep sending us those videos - I enjoy them very much.
-73 de Hector, W1AQP
Thanks so much Hector! 73 de K4OGO
I put a Red Acrylic Display Cover on my XPA125B...much easier on the eyes !
I love my G90, I made a radio box around it with pi and monitor so I can ft8 or log calls in the box, it is a great radio.
Awesome!
Great Video Walt, I have to say my G90 is a work horse. But when I travel to the UK/EU. I bring the FT817 or the FT857. They add the 2m/70cm bands. That the G90 doesn't have. When I head out to the city park. I use the G90 and the Alpha vertical antenna. What a great combination.
Thanks! Yes that is a great combination
Got into QRP with the (tr)uSDX and now the G90 has taken over. Absolutely love it!!!
It’s a great radio!!
Enjoyed the video. I also have a G90 and X6100 and would agree with your experiences. Both are fun after a couple firmware updates.
Totally agree!
Great video Walt. The Xiegu brand is a great value for the new ham.
Thank you Paul!!!
Yep, saw the X6100 price on prime day and I’m having fun with it and the g90.
Awesome!!!
Hey Walt, I took your advice and got a G90. Wow! Tuning a simple G5RV 50 feet in the air, stretched E to W, in SC, USA, first 20 meter ssb contact was 900 miles away in West Texas, second was Slovenia and third was Vancouver, BC. Thanks for the tip. Thoroughly enjoyed your Polish antenna adventures. 73 de kb3nje.
Thanks!! You’re going to really enjoy that radio. 73 de K4OGO
Just got into ham radio recently despite having a license of one type or another for over 40 years. I have plenty of bills, and groceries aren't getting any cheaper, so I decided to go with the X6100 while it was on sale. I'm in a noisy urban environment so I had to immediately get the K9DP BCI filter (works great), and I added a microPA50 amp with an AT-100M tuner. I'm feeding into an end fed 148' wire using a 9:1 unum (nelson antennas), and it's just a little workhorse. Does Europe on FT8 with ease, and I've been able to do Australia, Japan, and South America as well. No remorse, for me or my wallet. R1CBU's firmware is a must also. Thanks for the video. Subscribed.
Thanks for watching! I’ve got the Nelson 9:1 as well, great unun!
Great video! I have the G90 and the XPA125B! I love the G90, I not yet use the amp!
Thanks!!!!
Brought my G90 out for a very quick POTA activation on Sunday with a minimalist setup. Wasn’t in the ideal location for RFI, but I was able to do what I needed to do. 73!
Awesome! 73!
AWESOME!!! 😋😋😋
Thank for watching! 73, Walt
After years of QRO operating, DX, portable and POTA, you’ve demonstrated the ability of the meager 20W station to reach around the globe. I’ve made the leap and traded an “extra” portable rig for the G90 and GSOC combo. Arrives today! Here we go 😅
You’re going to really enjoy that G90! All the best and good DX! Walt K4OGO
I got to be the one who made the thumps up this video to 1K 🙂 I Really like your videos Walt
Awesome! Thank you!
Nice video Walt. I just got my X6100, can't wait to
use it. I am 78 and am going to clean house with about 60 years worth of "stuff " at the next club acution. Keeping it simple. It was a hard choice G90 or X6100. Thanks again. DE LEO K1ZEK.
Thanks Leo! Have fun with that new radio!!!! 73, Walt
Thanks Walt, great video me son!
Thanks Jeff!!
Another great video. I saw the Xiegu amp in QST. With that setup, a ham can have 100W at home and the rig can be taken for QRP portable. It's also interesting how little space they take up. A good station can be set up in a very small space.
Thanks! Yes it’s a real simple and effective setup
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I see in the specs that it received 500khz to 30mhz. In addition to hamming, I also like to listen to shortwave broadcasters and some of the other signals that are on HF. Have you ever used it for listening to broadcasters? How well does it work for that?
@@redstickham6394 yes, it works great for SWL. I used my Xiegus all the time for both SWL and MW DXing when I was traveling in Europe.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES That's great to hear. Thanks!
Great video!
Wish there were cheaper HF rigs when i first got my license, so I wouldn't have to wait a few decades for my second attempt in HF HamRadio. 😉
It's never been so easy than today to get on the air.
Thanks!! I agree, it’s never been so easy!
Love mine. The display is great. ATU will tune a wet noodle. DNR is nice. Be sure to carry the firmware update SD card in your kit. I had the radio lock up on me once, and refreshing the image from the SD card got me back on the air. One setting I'm fiddling with all the time is the RF gain. The speaker does suck - I also carry a little powered speaker with me. Oh, also, sometimes it will get REALLY hot if you are transmitting a lot.
Thanks for the tip on the firmware SD card. 73, Walt K4OGO
I have the x6100 and the G90. They are great value for the price, but my two complaints are the front end overloading issue and the CW keyer is extremely finicky. Whenever I use the built in keyer my ability to send cleanly just plummets. These issues can be fixed with a PicoKeyer and a BCI filter though.
I'm actually planning on selling my x6100 at the next hamfest because I don't use it enough to justify keeping it around. I have fancier QRP radios that I end up using (705, 818nd and KX2)
G-90 Mine has already participated in two contests and is still amazing, I bought him a box and now I need ham stickers to put on it.
That’s awesome! Love my G90
Walt, I've a G-90, but I'm new to HF and the features/terminology of HF radio - especially as pertains to the G-90. The manual is written for those who know what the different features are for, and whether or not to increase/decrease the values of the different functions to obtain desired results. There are just a few YT vids which are cursory at best, in this regard. I realize that you're not (yet) retired, and maybe don't have much spare time, but if you could produce an IN DEPTH vid of how to get the most out of the G-90, I, and I'm sure many others, would GREATLY appreciate it.
That's a great idea, as soon as I can find the time I will try to do that. 73
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES riding the gain is something that few new hams are familiar with and it is quite necessary with the G90. Thanks for all you do, Walt. -Bruce N7BWB
@@Bdub1952 thank you Bruce!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES
I, personally, would REALLY appreciate it! The questions of "What is it" "How to access it?", "When to use it", "How to use it (e.g. increase/decrease value)" are essential to fully understand how to use the G-90 (and other HF radios as well). You've proven to me that you possess a Masters in Communication of concepts, and I look forward to your informative treatise.
Thank you!
The x5105 is my choice for portable......works like a handy talkie. Works well with the quarter wave antennas ( gra hf706t system) and a low transport profile. I've made great contacts pedestrian mobile......the g90 I have is a great sounding backup base radio. 73, kc3obq
Perfect choice of radios! 73, Walt K4OGO
I bought a X108G outdoor edition, then a G90, and very recently a X6100. I also own other brands .
My x5105 is one of my favorite radios. Great for digital and phone. I use a headset for voice, the built-in speaker is poor for sure. If I want more than QRP, I use either my FT857 or FT891. The x5105 & FT891 are both in my jump backpack and my solar generator will run both, an AREDN node and laptops at the same time for a weekend.
X5105 is one of my favorites too, I’ll probably get a FT-891 eventually
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I really like the FT-891, once the myriad of options are set in the menus they typically don’t need to be changed. The options that you are likely to adjust are relatively easy to access. It is also a solid radio, although the current draw on receive is a full 1A which can suck a battery dry quickly. 🪫
Edit: forgot to mention a couple things in my posts:
The x5105 can be easily set up for learning/practicing CW (I’m slowly getting there) as a local oscillator.
There are mods for the FT-891 that allow removal of the stock power connector, replacing it with Anderson PowerPoles. I absolutely love this mod!
Totally agree! I am also a Xiegu addict. X5105, G90 and XPA125B here too. The cabling is a little bit of pain, but there must a some cons right :) Great video again! Thanks Walt! 73 de Michi OE8YML
Thanks Michi! 73 de Walt K4OGO
You forgot to mention the G1M. It is a decent - small - compact QRP 5 watt radio with SDR screen. The problem is that Xiegu could of added more features like swr or voltage measurements or CW display ... but they didn't. However, my first real HF radio was the G90, something I still use regularly, although is it showing its sign of wear and tear. Thanks for your videos. I follow them all the time.
Thanks for watching, if I find an older G1M at a decent price I’ll probably pick it up and try it. Same with the newer G106
I just made my first contact with the xiegu g90 with a sloped 41 foot random wire and a 17 foot counterpoise,And I’m not even using a 9:1 Unun. Im starting to love the tuner.
Congrats! That tuner is amazing
Good radios Walt. I'm looking at the X6100 with a small 45w amp for portable and with that big 125 amp for home. I want to do alot of digital so a built in sound card, tuner and big screen is good for my ageing eyes.🤓👍
I’m with you on the aging eyes hahaha
Im considering to get x6100, and get back to HAM. BTW love your t-shirt :D Polish GROM
Take a look at the G90, cost less and I think it’s a much better radio. 🇵🇱
Hello ... I'm also with the Xiegu 6100 ... I like him a lot and I'm very happy
If you operate only with 8 watts will save a lot on the battery and, most important, the radio will not heat up as much
Thanks for sharing / 73
CR7BDO
Great information, thanks! 73, Walt K4OGO
Nice presentation. A new General friend has started out with the G90 and enjoying it.
Thanks! It’s a great rig to start with
Walt, I too am a fan of the Xiegu radios I have a the x6100, G106 and the G90. One thing on the x6100 when you’re using it don’t forget to turn off the internal charger keeps the radio from getting as hot. Additionally the only other issues I’ve had with the X6100 is an incompatibility USB wise with a few devices which I solved by using a simple small USB hub. And do not let windows update that ch342 driver. Cheers and 73 KC0AHE
Thanks for the info on the internal changer! Cheers and 73, Walt K4OGO
I sold my G90 and am kicking myself in the... But I'll be buying another real soon. Take care Walt and stay safe.
Thanks Mike!
X6100 Walt very nice radio, a lot of guys using them now along with the G90 this side of the pond. 73 M7CVK Tony.
I’m really looking forward to using the X6100 more. 73, Walt K4OGO
Went into HRO last weekend to pick up an FT-891. Then the employee showed me the X-6100. Now I'm actually leaning towards the little 5w radio because of the ATU and display! I'm mostly looking for a QRP CW rig so I can start doing POTA
It's funny you should say that, I was actually going to get a FT-891 too when I bought this.
I also was leaning toward a G90, however the ft891 has proven quality and a factory 3yr warranty with North America service if needed.. which in the end sold me..
I'm a truck driver and I did a mars mod on the g90. It's the best radio I've ever owned when it comes to CB. Screw getting a radio peak in tuned. It's $200 cheaper to get a g90 with a kicker from eBay and g90 from Amazon. If you're running a CB radio in the truck, you're a dinosaur 🤣
I've done the Mars mod as well. So easy to do.
Walt, I use a Heil headset with boom mic and the adaptor with my G 90 and have great audio and great reports on sound quality on the other end. Was like $75.00 all together.
Awesome, I was thinking about something like that for the home setup.
Love my g90. Been flirting with the x6100
Yeah I flirted for a while and finally broke down lol
Finally, someone not degrading the radio because it's made in China. Nice review, thanks.
Thank you! 73, K4OGO
Great video Walt, and a big coincidence, as my latest video was along similar lines and I mentioned also. It's not expensive to get into our hobby, but many think big rigs,amps and ants are a must these days, but boy you can get some great fun without spending a lot. 73 my friend. Brian zl3xdj.
Thanks Brian! I’ll have a watch of your video for sure! 73 my friend!
I just got a g90 and I am making an all digital kit. My ssb is a 891
Awesome!
Walt, great video. After watching you have all the fun with the G90 and your various antennas, I ordered one just this week. Can’t wait to get my hands on it! I like your videos please keep ‘em coming. Me and my friends are planning to operate much more portable setups this year.
Question: do you think that the G90 has any serious heating problems without using an additional cooling fan?
73 KE8EC.
Thank you! You’re going to love that radio. If you’re running SSB or CW you’ll be fine and will never have any issues with heat. It’s digital modes that heats the G90 up to a bad point. I’ve used mine on the beach in 90 degree heat for hours and not had a problem. Yes it gets a little warm but nothing I’ve worried about. The radio is a little tank, I’ve basically beaten it up through sandy beaches and travel on airplanes and it’s still going strong. 73, Walt
Congrats on the new rig, hope it brings you tons of fun. Is that a Yaesu 747gx sitting on the shelf?
Fire it up show the old lady some love. 73s...
Thanks! Yes that 747gx needs some work, I’m going to eventually re-cap it and start using it.
Nice T-shirt :)
Thanks! Been there and got the T-shirt 🇵🇱
Another great video! Do you have a recommendation for an external speaker for my G90? I’ve been using it a lot for POTA and having a front firing better speaker would be helpful.
I just ordered this one today, I’ve read some good reviews on it and it’s supposedly made for Xiegu radios: Xiegu GY03 3.5mm Plug Rectangular External Speaker with Stereo Sound for CB/Mobile/Ham Radio, HF Transceivers, Compatible with Xiegu X6100 G1M a.co/d/eX0NOEA
Hello Walt! Another great one, thanks. I too have the g90. Its a super fun little rig. I noticed a peculiarity resently in using the gsoc interface where I'm getting an audio feedback only on 40 meters. I switch back to the standard control head and the problem goes away. Thinking it may be an antenna issue with rf coming back, i switched from my efhw to my fan dipole. Same issue. This problem has just started and was wondering if you have ever heard of it. Many thanks!
Thanks! I haven’t heard of it, to be honest I’ve heard a lot of negative things about the GSOC and that’s why I haven’t gotten one. It does sound like an RF coming back issue to me. A quick way to see is to put a 1:1 choke at the antenna feedpoint if you don’t have one there already and see if the feedback goes away.
I really like the screen on that 6100. I have to agree that an external speaker would be a nice improvement. KO4HPC 73
Yeah I’m looking for a good speaker as we speak lol. 73 my friend
BTW very cool shirt you have there ;)
Thank you!
agn a great vido
Thank you so much!
I had one, sold it because I wanted a "proper" radio and bought a FT891-2 years later I'm selling the FT891 to buy another G90-easy to use, as tough as an old nun,great power draw ,6ah battery lasts all day-20W is enough-miss it,so I'm going back
You are spot on! I have never depleted my 6aH battery.
I have the X5105, have made some DX qrp contacts, Wa state to Japan and Qatar. Might have to try that amp you showed on the video. 73 KJ7WSL
The X5105 works well and pairs up perfectly with that amp. 73, K4OGO
Thanks Walt, great video. I’m traveling overseas and my new G-90 will make it to my house before I do. Now to pick out antennas. The HF-360 you mentioned any thoughts on spray painting it camo to keep the neighbors and wife from complaining.
Thanks, I think the HF-360 is pretty stealthy left white. It’s really a slim and decent looking antenna.
I keep getting drawn to the G90 but the G6100 would be easier to mount in the car. Let's hope the G6200 has 20 watt's.
I have both the G90 and X6100, trust me you'll be way more happier with the G90. Yes I'm hoping the X6200 has 20 watts, it will be perfect if it does.
I'd love it if you would do a review on the Xiegu G106.
I’ve been thinking about getting one, I’m sure I will eventually do that!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I just passed my AE and am looking at the G106 as a first HF radio to start. It seems promising for a budget radio especially with digital.
Great promotion! Like it.
… and for all the Hams that won’t buy anything from Chine, don’t buy a car, because lots of the parts are coming from there….🤣👍🇨🇭
Thanks! Roger that!
... yeah the G90 is hard to beat as a semi qrp radio...small form factor, easy to use, has an ATU built in and easy on the battery. Just tonight worked Uruguay with mine on 10.. the only signal on the band I could hear.. and calling CQ. 5X7...battery powered and on a $50 home brew EFHW antenna... what's not to like?.
It's a great little rig!
Like the Polish Army SF Unit. 👍🫡
Thanks Walt, I am on the journey of purchasing the G90 as it has all the requirements of the more expensive rigs and portable.
Has anyone run the G90 with a inline linear amp as opposed to the Xiegu amp?
Just bought the X-6100, antenna is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I will be active again after almost 30 yrs downtime. Guess what I'll be doing on Thursday? :)
Ken, KA8VLW
Awesome! Have fun and good DX! 73, Walt K4OGO
Nice video, as usual. I also worked both of those stations last week. Have fun, and watch out for Karens!😄73, Mike K3CxG
Thanks! I’ll definitely keep an eye out lol. 73!
I had the 106, but I was unable to make any side band contacts. I could hear myself on an SDR but the sound was horrible and was just a hair above the noise floor. I was considering the 90, but then I got an older Yeasu 891 because I wanted the power (without spending on an amp but still operating on lower settings), ears and audio quality. I knew the 106 was marketed for digital use, but the base cost of it won't get you on digital without a bunch of hardware ("hidden cost") making it sort of a rip off when they market it for digital..still for a palm sized radio I was intrigued. I am not near salt water so I have zero advantages. I have a DX10 as my base so I wanted a portable unit when I travel. If I purchased a G90, I may have kept it but would have made some mods / improvements.
Interesting, I’ve never heard any great reports on the 106. I’ve been considering the Yaesu 891 for a long time. I’ll probably get one eventually. All the best and 73
Great video as usual 😀
I owned a G106 briefly. Maybe the firmware has improved, but the one I had just wasn't a good radio (It was early days though).
Part of the problem was that it was sitting right next to my G90 which outclassed it in every respect. At the time it was $300 vs $450 and that extra $150 was worth it!
Kudos to Radioddity, where both Xiegus came from. No hassle about returning the G106 at all.
👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hey Walt, great video. I love the bigger knob on the G 90, where did you get it? I notice you don't use the fan on the G 90, any issues with heat as a result?
Thanks! Have never had an issue with heat as I just use my G90 for SSB. Got the knob on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/175758510967?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1UIt31UNSSviM5WKrb6-oPQ35&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=175758510967&targetid=1584739239974&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9008569&poi=&campaignid=19894961968&mkgroupid=148855406073&rlsatarget=pla-1584739239974&abcId=9307911&merchantid=6296724&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh8MkMsSQHepk1Dd0eOCDVJDC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5MDr0budgAMVm0lHAR1Q4A0lEAQYASABEgLCEvD_BwE
Thanks Walt. Will try to get the new knobs. It's tough with big hands and small radios.😉
Walt - Can you bottle some of that enthusiasm and sell it? You'd make a fortune my friend. Keep rocking. 73
I drink too much coffee at work during the day, that’s what it is haha. 73 my friend!
Ha! I've worked both those stations. 9A/N4XTT is running a remote station in Croatia iirc.
And still wanting a G90 someday lol.
Yes! You will love the G90 if you get one
Walt, any chance you'd consider modifying your HF-360? If I had your setup with that very nice metal fire-escape groundplane, I would bypass the 9:1 UNUN and install a remote antenna tuner. Strap the tuner to the metal rail below the vertical. I strongly suspect that you're losing a lot of power in the coax due to the SWR. From what I see, this antenna is 18 ft tall. It will be a very LOW impedance on 40-80 and the 9:1 is only making that much worse, and increasing loss. You could use a hose clamp and a bit of wire to the top and extend its length as an "inverted L" for the lower bands. A remote ATU is by far the most effecient way IMO. Keep up the great work! 73
Yes I’ve considered doing something like that but have just been too lazy to crawl out the window and start working on it. It’s been out there for 3 years, I’m thinking it’s time for something else. Thanks for the great idea and outline, I might just do that. All the best my friend!!!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES No sweat Walt. If you need any help, just ask. 73
Hello, Great video. G90 is on the short list for my first HF radio. I'm working on my General license now.
For a limited budget and wanting to travel (via automobile) with the G90, what first antenna would you recommend to use with the G90. Something that would be just at home in a park or at home.
thanks
Thanks! You’ll love the G90, it’s a perfect radio to get going on HF as a General. Take a look at getting a small little portable end fed half wave antenna. You can roll it up and pack it easy, throw it up a tree or on a pole, out a window, etc. it’s multiband and versatile. A great antenna to work a lot of different bands and situations. All the best and 73, Walt K4OGO
I have a "never used" xiegu G90 that is surplus to my needs. Interested?
Guy Hornbeck - AE6FE