Walt, Thank you for giving us a tour on the basics of the Xiegu G90. Researching the Xiegu G90 is how I first found you a month ago. I passed my Technician License today and now I am studying for my General. I am denying myself from from purchasing the Xiegu G90 until I pass my Amateur Extra Exam which should be in the next month. I absolutely love your channel and passion for HF amateur radio and diy antennas. My 80 year old Father who is a PHd in Electrical Engineering just visited me in Florida for two weeks. We watched every video you ever made on antennas and my Dad really got a kick out of them. He worked for Collins Radio for 30 years and was the lead engineer for the first wireless internet transmission through Packet Switching in 1977. Thank you Walt for all the great videos Brother!
Frankly, I wouldn't worry too much about going "Extra". I just got my General after having a no-code Tech for 30 years. It's got way more band privilege than I'll ever need. Looking at what you get as an Extra, it looks more like bragging rights (which isn't bad in itself) than any new band privilege. A lot of work for little return. At 78, I'll be a General till I'm looking at the underside of the grass . . . 🤣
Thanks for the nice short video, Walt. I have been subscribed for the past year or more and am mostly interested in the antennas you experiment with (keep it up!). That being said, I have always thought the G-90 would be fun to have, but having 2 other field radios, I had a hard time justifying getting one.... until my 891 was stolen from my car following a POTA activation. So, I turned a bad situation into a good one and got the G-90 yesterday! I hooked it up at home and made 2 quick contacts, the first 2 stations that I tried. It's fun to see how 20 watts works. I'm looking forward to getting out in the field with a wire and the G-90. Thanks for all you do to inspire others in the hobby. Much appreciated!
Hello Walt. I made my very first QSO today!! I used my G90 and the Rybakoff antenna on a 10 meter spiderbeam pole. I had 4 counterpoise wires. I’m in SW Ohio and I reached Riverside California. That’s 2,160 miles away. Thank you for helping me with all of your content and enthusiasm.
I got my G90 yesterday. Hooked it up to my resonant 20 M speaker wire (Thanks Walt) Turned on the the radio and got Slovenia right away. Same antenna (thanks Walt) I got Melbourne Australia. We chatted for a few minutes. He was stunned that I had speaker wire. I was using my 7300 but was at 50 Watts !!
I recently bought a G90 because of your enthusiasm for radio. I took it to Australia and made some contacts. I agree it’s a great radio to travel with. Thanks again!
Great radio! Thanks to you I bought one! The last time I bought a radio because a certain ham on youtube said it was great was Bob Heil who had just acquired the newly released Icom IC-7300 in 2016. Icom just recently released sales figures showing over 100,000 IC-7300's have been sold worldwide. I think the Xiegu G90 is also experiencing record sales as well.
Hi Walt. Watch all your UA-cam vids and luv 'em. 😀 Your enthusiasm and passion is infectious and you mostly stick to simple obtainable gear. I'm a retired pensioner down here in OZ and have recently taken up Radio after 40 years break with and Advanced class license.. I was originally licensed in 1962! All home brew and tubes.. With limited funds I bought a G90. I'm very happy with it and marvel at how much can be done with such a compact package. I work from home as I can't get around as much. I have a home made 40m EFHW fed by a 49:1 unun and a home brew common mode ferrite choke. Also running a 2nd hand Yaesu FT 7900 (2m and 70cm) feeding a home made J-Pole and a modified for 6m older Tate 2 way mobile feeding an end fed 6m 1/2 wave coax dipole. Again thanks. I'm having a ball. 😁 73s Rob VK5KRM
Got my G90 today and it wouldn't power up. Accidentally dropped it on the floor and it's working just fine now, powers up and I'm tickled pink. Awesome radio.
Hi Walt ! I was an “early adopter” of the G90. The overall function was a bit sketchy and erratic and sadly it started having software issues after about 14 months, (just out of warranty 🙁), and would stop transmitting. For a while the “master reset” function would restore it, but it finally “bricked” would not reset and became a door stop. Undeterred, at the end of last year knowing a couple of operators who were having good luck with newer rigs, I purchased another one and immediately noticed the software had changed some of the functions. 🤔 So far, so good. (I also notice the importer now has an 18 month warranty, hopefully the new software is more stable😉). I use mine exclusively for portable operation and it’s a joy to use in the field. Keep up the good work, I always enjoy your videos 👍. 73 de Dan WD4DB
I love my G90. I have several HF rigs (IC7300, IC7100, G0, G6100), and all are outstanding, but I especially using the G90 as my favorite portable radio. It does everything well. I have enjoyed following your youtube channel, Walt. I think yours is one of the best devoted to Ham radio. I've learned much from you, and I am sure that a great many others have, as well. I look forward to hearing much more from you! 73 KI5KET
Walt as you know I just got mine a few weeks ago and love it. And I got it from watching your channel. They do come with a good instruction booklet. And then there is UTube university. I've been running it base and mobile and have logged 32 countries, many more than once. I'm even getting to know contacts from multiple QSOs. I'm a technician studying for general and will take the test on May 4th. WARNING.... Ham Radio can be hazardous to your bank account. This little gem is under $500 and you can take it anywhere. Throw up a cheap wire made antenna and you're in business.
I have a Yaesu FT-DX10 that I take out for POTA. After watching your videos using the G90 and seeing your results, I picked one up about a month ago. Love it So Far!
I just made the longest contact to date with my trusty Xeigu G90. I reached Hungary from Northern California. I also managed to get through a pile up, following the advice you gave in another video. I am amazed at just how far you can get with 20 Watts. I have a 100 Watt Ten Tec Corsair that I love but the G90 can't be beat, especially with it's built in tuner. I was using an EFHW with a 9:1 Unun for this contact. My new friend in Hungary could hear me clearly. Being able to take the Xeigu with me wherever I go is a huge bonus. I love antenna experiments so I enjoy your videos on antennas as well. Thanks for explaining the hard stuff to us in an easy to understand format. n73 KN6KNB
Thank you Walt for the over view of the Xiegu G90 radio. Just received mine from Radioddity and been playing around with it. I have just pass my first year as Amateur Extra ham operator YEA! But there is so much to learn like the right antenna to use and morse code to name a few. I bought the Xiegu G90 to have a HF unit in my apartment shack its affordable price makes it a go to unit to have. Now I'm saving my pennies to get the 100W amplifier unit as well. Thanks again and 73 and hear on the air soon!
Love your G90 videos Walt. I have one and kept my FT-891 (I know you sold yours). Glad I kept the 891 as there is something strange with my G90. Turn it on, see the water fall and everything, but if there is someone on a frequency, let's say 7.255 (I know because I am listening on my 891), there is no activity on the waterfall (used to see the green jumping and know there was activity. All I see is a "sawblade" of green on the G90. I updated the Firmware to the latest (thought that may fix it - scared me to do it, but things weren't working anyway so I figured "what the ...." - Lol. Still not seeing activity on a specific frequency. I know it isn't the antenna as I have a Y adapter to the antenna and it is connected to my 891 and G90. Searched the Internet for what I am looking for and no avail, so I thought I would drop you a note and see if you had an idea. Would love to hear "hey KC3GBW - dummy - just do this" as I have tried a lot of different things. Anyway, may end up getting another G90 as I had used it for FT8 a month ago, then checked in to ECARS a few weeks ago, but it just started the "sawblade" on the waterfall a few days ago.
Wow I’m scratching my head on this one. Sorry that’s happening. I’ve never updated the firmware on mine. I can’t remember which version it is but it’s the original firmware from over 3 years ago. Hope you can get yours sorted out. 73, Walt
Great video! I purchased a 991A and the G90 at the same time, haven’t hardly touched the Yaesu.. lol! This little radio is so much fun! I have a tiny little maunualy adjusted loaded whip on a faraday mat in my back yard and making contacts is so much more rewarding than the 100watt 991 through a end fed at 30 feet.. “73” from a fellow Virginian…. WW3DX
Very nice run-though, Walt. Thanks! I bought one of these from a friend who didn't need it but I was away for a few months and haven't used it yet. So your "tour" was quite welcome! Thanks again! 73 Jess ND1L
Thanks, Walt. I watched your other video on various QRP rigs, and between that one and this, you've helped me make up my mind for the G90. Been licensed a long time, but inactive for awhile. Wanting to get back into HF, and especially some QRP. Very well presented, sir. 73, Tim, W4TAF
OK, I bought a G90 a couple of years or more ago from MFJ when they were selling them. I sent it unopened to Rob Sherwood for his testing and he shipped it back to me. I sold it to my friend and portable ops partner Mike N5DU. He loves it. Now, your passion and experience has gotten me again, Walt! Jerry Wanger at Connect Systems had a couple of returned but tested fine units for sale last week. I ordered one, to be delivered Friday. Salty Walt has sold me again (FX-4CR, etc.)! Keep up the great videos, my friend. 73 de K4FMH
I love this radio. 20W seems to be a critical power level as I’m usually able to cut thru pileups. My only complaint is the s-meter seems to register low.
Is that battery LifePO or LiPO. I wish they would have named the technologies differently. LiPOs have a tendancy to get hot and sometime explode LifePO do not.
I got one of these about a month ago after watching your videos about it. I'm having an absolute blast with it and couldn't be happier with the performance so far. I've been amazed at how well it gets out and the signal reports I get with it. 73! W4TWR
The company is excellent I seen one up and close it's built like a little tank but I love the tuner in that radio you're very cool showing the video thank you I really appreciate that❤
My XYL gave me a G90 for my birthday last month. I finally had a chance to take it out to a local park for a little POTA last month. It was such a breeze to use. 15 meters was wide open from where I am in New England into Europe, and my first two contacts were in England and France. Great signal reports, and no trouble getting across the pond with 20 watts and a vertical. The only thing I’m struggling with is the headphone jack; it doesn’t seem to like the headphones that I usually use with my phone. But I’ll figure it out. Great intro video! 73 de KC1OCY
Great video. Thanks for sharing! I received mine this week and I'm about to power it up for my first call, feeling more confident about using it after your video!
I love my G90. It has all the best features needed for a beginner. IMO, the internal tuner is the best feature in it. It was my first rig and what I use for portable voice work. The only major knock I have on it is digital modes: it is a major pain to get digital modes to work. I had it working again for about a week, but it went back to not working again. Otherwise, SSB contacts are perfectly fine even with extremely compromised antennas. I bought a vertical recently that is not very good and tested it, and did a little bit of POTA hunting with it. It works fine. One suggestion I have for people who plan to buy one is to get the cooling bracket with it. The G90 can run hot at times, and it'll cool it down significantly.
Walt, great intro video to the G90. Recently, I've been wanting to get out and do more portable and while my FT-891 gets the job done, it doesn't have a bulitin tuner which requires me to take one with me. In short, the G90 would make an excellent addition to my collection. Thanks
Thanks! I have to force myself to use the FT-891 I have. The G90 is just a more compact option with a smaller battery requirement and a built in ATU. 73, Walt
The G90 was my first HF radio. I like it. I did purchase an x6100 and like it also. I really think you cannot go wrong with a G90. 20 watts is more than enough power. Sometimes in a pileup you have to work to get through because it is only 20 watts.
My wife and I are new to Ham Radio. We recently bought two HF radios (a Yaesu FTDX10 and a Xiegu G90) and required gear. We will use the radios at home as base stations, as well as at field days and at monthly POTA activations and car camping trips. For the portable applications, we want to be able to safely transport our radio gear from home to the locations. We are considering two alternative case strategies and want your opinion/recommendation: Alternative 1: Store the radios and gear in Harbor Freight 4800 and 5800 Apache cases during transportation, and we will pull them out of the cases and put them on a picnic table or truck tailgate when at POTA or camping location, and on a desk when at home. Alternative 2: Mount them in 4U or 6U Gator Cases and put the whole case on the picnic table, tailgate, or desk and leave them in the gator case during use. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Cary (KY4YG)
Thanks for the reply. I am leaning towards that option as well, since the gator boxes require a lot more planning to get everything laid out correctly, and they seem a little claustrophobic.
Walt, Thanks again for great content!!! I hope to catch you on the air, and I’m hoping to see another video like this on the X6100! I’m sure it would help a bunch of folks A LOT!!! 73!
Hey I just watched your video you're pretty cool dude I have friends that have that radio it's excellent the tuner is great in it thank you for sharing it 20 watts you can talk all over the world with that radio
Walt thanks for the initial video on G-90 use. Please prepare a deep dive one. Covering the sequence to follow when adjusting gain, filters erc when working a noisy signal. Thanks for your videos. 73, Florencio - WP4SVD
Xiegu G90, very popular in the UK. The antenna tuner is extremely good. I have a friend at our club who tunes up a wire fence and works NVIS on 40 meter band into east Europe. I nearly brought one myself, but was told they are a pig to set on digital modes. So I opted out out and brought the Xiegu X6100. Have fun David M0DUU
I purchased my G90 a couple of years ago. I use it in a Go-Kit and absolutely love it! I work the world with 20 freak'n watts!! Hello!!!~! I also purchased the GSOC for it, which made it Display Friendly, which also shows off the radio as I get people asking me all the time, "What is that?". Great vid! Thank you! AND WHAT THE HECK.... I'M GOING TO SUBSCRIBE 🤗
I'd like to try running a very long serial cable to the head while shortening the feed line. Just got the ft710, I find the filtering on the G90 is easier and more flexible.
I am a new ham. I purchased a new Yaesu FTDX10 mostly to serve as a home base station, and a new Xiegu G90 as a second radio that I can take with me to try POTA and other portable operation. I do want both radios to be capable of working from home or working portable (for Field Day type events). When I set up both radios up at home using a 66ft of wire and an EFHW 49:1 TennTennas Transformer, the FTDX10 works fine but the G90 has very bad interference from a nearby FM radio station. This inference is using the exact same antenna and power cables (minus the little power cables that lead to the specific radios). I don’t get interference when using a different antenna, but the reception on that other antenna is poorer on all frequencies on both radios. My guess is that my home antenna system is passing that FM signal to both radios but the FTDX10 (being more expensive) has better filtering than the G90. I put an LDG RU-1:1 unun in the antenna line right before the G90 radio hoping that would choke out the FM radio signal, but it did not. So, I plugged the G90 into battery power to see if the problem was on the powerline, but the interference continued. Since you have a lot of experience using a G90, do you have any suggestions for what is causing the (strong FM Radio station interference) problem for my G90 and what I should try to to do to eliminate it. In case it matters, I am hearing the significant interference on at least the 10m and 20m band and the radio station is 105.5FM.
I have a Love and Hate relationship with my G90. I want to love it and with Walt videos I always want to love it but when use it ahhhh, leave a lot to desire, the audio/noise, etc, its like a very rough radio, even the volume do steps that drive me crazy, from 0 volume to 1 its like a ton. The radio is soooo far away from be a "smooth" radio. Maybe because my use of the IC705 that I have such a hard time trying to love the G90. Many times about to list it on ebay and there goes again Walt and show a contact to Sweden with 20 watts and a crappy antenna and boom, I want to love the G90 again LOL
I feel the same way. I have had mine for sale on and off, but decided to keep it. The size is pretty nice and the receiver is pretty good actually. On mine it is only usable if you use the RF gain knob like it's going out of style! If you are ok with that it does pretty good. They have good transmit audio also.
Perfect timing. Mines are still in the mail from china, and I got a great deal on it. I hope it comes next week. It will be my replacement for the trusdx.
This is a very useful and instructive video, thank you Walt. I'm starting to get reasonably familiar with my own G90 although it definitely still has secrets to me. I really like your "aftermarket" buttons. I'm not always getting as good results with the ATU, the "tuned" window sometimes is much, much narrower especially on lower bands. I suppose it's normal. Do you have an idea of the power loss induced by the ATU? Nice basic teaching of how to engage in a QSO too. It like it more when you manage to engage into some real talk with other OMs, this one was real quick! I have the impression that giving a 59 report without paying much attention to the S-meter is becoming more and more frequent 😄
Hi Alain, glad you liked the video. There’s a chart out there somewhere that shows loss in relationship to the actual SWR. I need to find it. Yes everyone is a 59 lol. 73 my friend
Thanks for watching. I’m glad it helped. Actually I still have the original firmware in mine and have never done an update. I’m an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” guy.
I have got very tired of lugging around my IC7300 and a 30amp hour battery for portable use. I'm in the process of selling both and I've just ordered a new G90 and a 8amp hour battery. The thought of backpacking a IC705 at nearly £1400 is frankly terrifying ,but a £400 that's built like a tank, thats more like it lol
Hi Walt, great video.. I had it and then I sent it as a donation gift.. after your video I want to buy it again.. so nice beautiful memories during my night experiments.. bye from HB3XUT 🎉
Walt hi mate still doing a great job, is it possible to go a bit deeper into the workings of the g90 lol too lazy to read and understand the manual 😀 thanks again .This is the way of the ham
G90 looks great, built like a tank and not too fragile and expensive that it needs to be baby-ed and handled like a glass. Definitely worth looking at. Question: what's the power consumption on receive? Comparable to ft891? I've tuned my ft891 to 720mA on receive. Was 850-890 out of the box. I would like to know G90 power consumption. Thank you Walt 73 M7LDK
G’day Walt, huge fan of your videos thanks for the content you provide. I have had a G90 for years now and like you I love it. However I have never bothered updating the firmware. Just wondering what your thoughts are and if you have left it ‘stock’ or upgraded the firmware like many others. Cheers Dan VK3NDG
I have a battery from a car that was totaled, in a hit and run. I loved that car. Obviously the battery is a lead acid, but not a deep cycle. I have a box it will fit in and can keep it charged at home. Is there an issue, besides weight, I need to be aware of using a lead acid battery
Hi Walt Because of many positive video reviews And even i owned a unit two years ago But had to return due to be not transmitting at all, i am considering a second unit to buy. But I like to know if YOU also use a Fan unit for cooldown as it says Also in the manual that OVERheating Is NORMAL What is your experience with that And i dont see you having one installed. Also any repairs in future How and who could help here . After all the price is way up And incould get great used brand radios Now too. Thanks for all the great videos Peter
Hey Walt, enjoy your videos very much. I have a question regarding my Xiegu G90. I see on the UA-cam videos about the G90 that all the function buttons are backlighted including the mic. Is there some way to turn that specific function on? I'm finding it difficult to read the small letters on each button without that lighting. Thanks in advance.
That was a great video. I've been thinking about buying a g90. How is the owner's manual is it in good English? Is it easy to understand? Thanks for the video.
You sold me a G90 nearly a year ago Hi HI, really enjoy this radio on mostly CW and a little SSB. Quick question, I normally use the stand with a fan and notice you never have use a fan in your portable videos. Do you have any observation on the necessity of the cooling fan? 73 DE N7BYD
I notice it’s a little warm at times but I’ve never really had an issue. I’ve operated out in the summer heat for hours with it and no problems. 73, Walt
Hey Walt, question about the coax you recommend for the g90. I use LMR400 on my UHF/VHF base station rig and it works great but I've heard there is something more flexible. RG8x, LMR250, etc.?
Walt, I neglected to ask whether or not you experienced any heating issues with the G90. I recently ordered one and I'm dedebating on whether to buy the cooling fan for the radio. Any input will help.
Just my opinion which does not mean much. I like that it is 20 watts, has a tuner, and has an SWR meter, but It is too long for me and i dont really like the display, but it is a big bang for the buck
Hey Walt thanks for the video on the G90. I am considering either a G90 or the X6100. With your experience, which do you think is the best buy ? 73 Sid MI5UTC
Hi Walt, I am a subscriber and love your channel! Do you find the lack of DNR to be a problem with the G90? I can't imagine not having DNR today here in Houston, TX but maybe where you operate is RF quiet??? Thanks. Robert K5TPC
Thanks! No i really don’t have a problem with it and yes a have some noisy places here as I’m in the middle of a populated urban city as well. I guess I just listen through the noise and I understand that’s hard for some. 73, Walt
Hi Walt , Just made my first contact with my G90 and got great signal report. My question to you , How can I adjust my waterfall display . I see in the manual to change use the 2nd function of the Lock key to access Scale (default) and Ave setting. Do I need to long press to keep in Ave ? Thanks for all your help Walt. N2DGT
Walt, Thank you for giving us a tour on the basics of the Xiegu G90. Researching the Xiegu G90 is how I first found you a month ago. I passed my Technician License today and now I am studying for my General. I am denying myself from from purchasing the Xiegu G90 until I pass my Amateur Extra Exam which should be in the next month. I absolutely love your channel and passion for HF amateur radio and diy antennas. My 80 year old Father who is a PHd in Electrical Engineering just visited me in Florida for two weeks. We watched every video you ever made on antennas and my Dad really got a kick out of them. He worked for Collins Radio for 30 years and was the lead engineer for the first wireless internet transmission through Packet Switching in 1977. Thank you Walt for all the great videos Brother!
Thanks! I hope your dad didn’t chuckle too much at my hack job antennas LOL. 73, Walt
Both my Dad and myself love your videos!
Thank you so much for saying that brother!
Frankly, I wouldn't worry too much about going "Extra". I just got my General after having a no-code Tech for 30 years. It's got way more band privilege than I'll ever need. Looking at what you get as an Extra, it looks more like bragging rights (which isn't bad in itself) than any new band privilege. A lot of work for little return. At 78, I'll be a General till I'm looking at the underside of the grass . . . 🤣
@@MrTommy001I got my Extra ticket on 4/10 and I made two QSO’s today with Finland and Spain that were on 20 meters band in between 14.150 & 14.200 .😁
Received it today. Fantastic! Remarkable reports. Thanks Walt! Building a 17.5 fishing pole 1/4 vertical. Thanks again!
Have fun!!! 73, Walt
Walt is the reason I got my Xiegu g90 and I love this thing
It’s a great little radio! 73, Walt
Me too, love mine
Thanks for the nice short video, Walt. I have been subscribed for the past year or more and am mostly interested in the antennas you experiment with (keep it up!). That being said, I have always thought the G-90 would be fun to have, but having 2 other field radios, I had a hard time justifying getting one.... until my 891 was stolen from my car following a POTA activation. So, I turned a bad situation into a good one and got the G-90 yesterday! I hooked it up at home and made 2 quick contacts, the first 2 stations that I tried. It's fun to see how 20 watts works. I'm looking forward to getting out in the field with a wire and the G-90. Thanks for all you do to inspire others in the hobby. Much appreciated!
@@wb6msa thanks! You’re going to love that radio!
Hello Walt. I made my very first QSO today!! I used my G90 and the Rybakoff antenna on a 10 meter spiderbeam pole. I had 4 counterpoise wires. I’m in SW Ohio and I reached Riverside California. That’s 2,160 miles away. Thank you for helping me with all of your content and enthusiasm.
I got my G90 yesterday. Hooked it up to my resonant 20 M speaker wire (Thanks Walt) Turned on the the radio and got Slovenia right away. Same antenna (thanks Walt) I got Melbourne Australia. We chatted for a few minutes. He was stunned that I had speaker wire. I was using my 7300 but was at 50 Watts !!
Thanks Walt. As someone who just got a G-90, this helped immensely. Hopefully can take it out this weekend, weather permitting 😂
Thanks for watching and have fun this weekend! 73, Walt
I recently bought a G90 because of your enthusiasm for radio. I took it to Australia and made some contacts. I agree it’s a great radio to travel with. Thanks again!
Thanks for watching my videos and commenting! 73, Walt
Great radio! Thanks to you I bought one! The last time I bought a radio because a certain ham on youtube said it was great was Bob Heil who had just acquired the newly released Icom IC-7300 in 2016. Icom just recently released sales figures showing over 100,000 IC-7300's have been sold worldwide. I think the Xiegu G90 is also experiencing record sales as well.
Hi Walt. Watch all your UA-cam vids and luv 'em. 😀 Your enthusiasm and passion is infectious and you mostly stick to simple obtainable gear.
I'm a retired pensioner down here in OZ and have recently taken up Radio after 40 years break with and Advanced class license.. I was originally licensed in 1962! All home brew and tubes..
With limited funds I bought a G90. I'm very happy with it and marvel at how much can be done with such a compact package. I work from home as I can't get around as much. I have a home made 40m EFHW fed by a 49:1 unun and a home brew common mode ferrite choke. Also running a 2nd hand Yaesu FT 7900 (2m and 70cm) feeding a home made J-Pole and a modified for 6m older Tate 2 way mobile feeding an end fed 6m 1/2 wave coax dipole.
Again thanks. I'm having a ball. 😁
73s Rob VK5KRM
Hi Rob! Thanks for the kind words my friend and keep on hamming! 73, Walt
Got my G90 today and it wouldn't power up. Accidentally dropped it on the floor and it's working just fine now, powers up and I'm tickled pink. Awesome radio.
Hi Walt ! I was an “early adopter” of the G90. The overall function was a bit sketchy and erratic and sadly it started having software issues after about 14 months, (just out of warranty 🙁), and would stop transmitting. For a while the “master reset” function would restore it, but it finally “bricked” would not reset and became a door stop. Undeterred, at the end of last year knowing a couple of operators who were having good luck with newer rigs, I purchased another one and immediately noticed the software had changed some of the functions. 🤔 So far, so good. (I also notice the importer now has an 18 month warranty, hopefully the new software is more stable😉). I use mine exclusively for portable operation and it’s a joy to use in the field. Keep up the good work, I always enjoy your videos 👍. 73 de Dan WD4DB
Thanks Dan, I still have the original 2020 firmware in mine going strong. All the best and 73 my friend
Thanks, from a new G90 owner!
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
I love my G90. I have several HF rigs (IC7300, IC7100, G0, G6100), and all are outstanding, but I especially using the G90 as my favorite portable radio. It does everything well.
I have enjoyed following your youtube channel, Walt. I think yours is one of the best devoted to Ham radio. I've learned much from you, and I am sure that a great many others have, as well. I look forward to hearing much more from you!
73
KI5KET
Thank you for that, I passed my foundation last week here in the Uk, my radio is sat in the box waiting for set up
Thanks Walt. Got my G90 delivered yesterday and made a contact PA to ME today. Nice radio!
You’re going to love that radio! 73, Walt
Another here who bought my G90 thanks to Walt & his superb informative videos here on UA-cam regarding this great little gem of a radio..cheers Walt
Walt as you know I just got mine a few weeks ago and love it. And I got it from watching your channel. They do come with a good instruction booklet. And then there is UTube university. I've been running it base and mobile and have logged 32 countries, many more than once. I'm even getting to know contacts from multiple QSOs. I'm a technician studying for general and will take the test on May 4th. WARNING.... Ham Radio can be hazardous to your bank account. This little gem is under $500 and you can take it anywhere. Throw up a cheap wire made antenna and you're in business.
Good luck on that General, it’s going to make HF so much fun for you. 73, Walt
Thank you very much. I'm also thinking about G-90.
I have a Yaesu FT-DX10 that I take out for POTA. After watching your videos using the G90 and seeing your results, I picked one up about a month ago. Love it So Far!
Thanks for watching! It’s a perfect little radio for POTA in my opinion. 73, Walt
I just made the longest contact to date with my trusty Xeigu G90. I reached Hungary from Northern California. I also managed to get through a pile up, following the advice you gave in another video. I am amazed at just how far you can get with 20 Watts. I have a 100 Watt Ten Tec Corsair that I love but the G90 can't be beat, especially with it's built in tuner. I was using an EFHW with a 9:1 Unun for this contact. My new friend in Hungary could hear me clearly. Being able to take the Xeigu with me wherever I go is a huge bonus. I love antenna experiments so I enjoy your videos on antennas as well. Thanks for explaining the hard stuff to us in an easy to understand format. n73 KN6KNB
Thank you Walt for the over view of the Xiegu G90 radio. Just received mine from Radioddity and been playing around with it. I have just pass my first year as Amateur Extra ham operator YEA! But there is so much to learn like the right antenna to use and morse code to name a few. I bought the Xiegu G90 to have a HF unit in my apartment shack its affordable price makes it a go to unit to have. Now I'm saving my pennies to get the 100W amplifier unit as well. Thanks again and 73 and hear on the air soon!
Love your G90 videos Walt. I have one and kept my FT-891 (I know you sold yours). Glad I kept the 891 as there is something strange with my G90. Turn it on, see the water fall and everything, but if there is someone on a frequency, let's say 7.255 (I know because I am listening on my 891), there is no activity on the waterfall (used to see the green jumping and know there was activity. All I see is a "sawblade" of green on the G90. I updated the Firmware to the latest (thought that may fix it - scared me to do it, but things weren't working anyway so I figured "what the ...." - Lol. Still not seeing activity on a specific frequency. I know it isn't the antenna as I have a Y adapter to the antenna and it is connected to my 891 and G90. Searched the Internet for what I am looking for and no avail, so I thought I would drop you a note and see if you had an idea. Would love to hear "hey KC3GBW - dummy - just do this" as I have tried a lot of different things. Anyway, may end up getting another G90 as I had used it for FT8 a month ago, then checked in to ECARS a few weeks ago, but it just started the "sawblade" on the waterfall a few days ago.
Wow I’m scratching my head on this one. Sorry that’s happening. I’ve never updated the firmware on mine. I can’t remember which version it is but it’s the original firmware from over 3 years ago. Hope you can get yours sorted out. 73, Walt
Great video! I purchased a 991A and the G90 at the same time, haven’t hardly touched the Yaesu.. lol! This little radio is so much fun! I have a tiny little maunualy adjusted loaded whip on a faraday mat in my back yard and making contacts is so much more rewarding than the 100watt 991 through a end fed at 30 feet.. “73” from a fellow Virginian…. WW3DX
Thank you!! 73, Walt
You are the reason I got my g90 and have made my first few contacts with this radio. Love your videos.
Thank you so much! 73, Walt
Very nice run-though, Walt. Thanks! I bought one of these from a friend who didn't need it but I was away for a few months and haven't used it yet. So your "tour" was quite welcome! Thanks again! 73 Jess ND1L
Thank you Jess! 73, Walt
Hey Walt. I love my G90. Have had it about 6 months now and really love it. I use it for POTA and as my HF base it works great.
Awesome! 73, Walt
Thanks, Walt. I watched your other video on various QRP rigs, and between that one and this, you've helped me make up my mind for the G90. Been licensed a long time, but inactive for awhile. Wanting to get back into HF, and especially some QRP. Very well presented, sir.
73, Tim, W4TAF
OK, I bought a G90 a couple of years or more ago from MFJ when they were selling them. I sent it unopened to Rob Sherwood for his testing and he shipped it back to me. I sold it to my friend and portable ops partner Mike N5DU. He loves it. Now, your passion and experience has gotten me again, Walt! Jerry Wanger at Connect Systems had a couple of returned but tested fine units for sale last week. I ordered one, to be delivered Friday.
Salty Walt has sold me again (FX-4CR, etc.)! Keep up the great videos, my friend. 73 de K4FMH
Thank you so much Frank, 73 my friend!
I love this radio. 20W seems to be a critical power level as I’m usually able to cut thru pileups. My only complaint is the s-meter seems to register low.
Wow excellent beginners tutorial. You convinced me I’m ordering one today!!
Is that battery LifePO or LiPO. I wish they would have named the technologies differently. LiPOs have a tendancy to get hot and sometime explode LifePO do not.
LifePo4
I did not know that. Thanks, John. KO4HPC 73
I got one of these about a month ago after watching your videos about it. I'm having an absolute blast with it and couldn't be happier with the performance so far. I've been amazed at how well it gets out and the signal reports I get with it. 73! W4TWR
The signal reports I get still blow me away sometimes. 73, Walt
The company is excellent I seen one up and close it's built like a little tank but I love the tuner in that radio you're very cool showing the video thank you I really appreciate that❤
Thanks for watching!
I just got a g90 about a week ago. I’m going to use it for pota. My base station is a icom 718. Good video! 👍
My XYL gave me a G90 for my birthday last month. I finally had a chance to take it out to a local park for a little POTA last month. It was such a breeze to use. 15 meters was wide open from where I am in New England into Europe, and my first two contacts were in England and France. Great signal reports, and no trouble getting across the pond with 20 watts and a vertical. The only thing I’m struggling with is the headphone jack; it doesn’t seem to like the headphones that I usually use with my phone. But I’ll figure it out. Great intro video! 73 de KC1OCY
Thanks for watching and sharing your G90 experience. 73, Walt
I bought mine because of your videos. Love it. Stuck on 10m until I get around to the test. Appreciate the videos.
Take that test! It will open up HF so much for you. Good luck and 73, Walt
Great video. Thanks for sharing! I received mine this week and I'm about to power it up for my first call, feeling more confident about using it after your video!
Thanks! You’re going to love that radio!!!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I used it for my first competition QRP evening last night and your right. I love it!
I love my G90. It has all the best features needed for a beginner. IMO, the internal tuner is the best feature in it. It was my first rig and what I use for portable voice work. The only major knock I have on it is digital modes: it is a major pain to get digital modes to work. I had it working again for about a week, but it went back to not working again. Otherwise, SSB contacts are perfectly fine even with extremely compromised antennas. I bought a vertical recently that is not very good and tested it, and did a little bit of POTA hunting with it. It works fine.
One suggestion I have for people who plan to buy one is to get the cooling bracket with it. The G90 can run hot at times, and it'll cool it down significantly.
Roger that, I’m mostly SSB so I haven’t had any issues. 73, Walt
Walt, great intro video to the G90. Recently, I've been wanting to get out and do more portable and while my FT-891 gets the job done, it doesn't have a bulitin tuner which requires me to take one with me. In short, the G90 would make an excellent addition to my collection. Thanks
Thanks! I have to force myself to use the FT-891 I have. The G90 is just a more compact option with a smaller battery requirement and a built in ATU. 73, Walt
Just unpackaged my G90 and your videos have been most helpful. Now for the antenna! 73
I had to download this video for later reference. Haven’t had my G90 out in a while and this video will definitely help me.
Awesome! 73, Walt
Love the basics on the G90. I just bought one this winter. Great radio and I got it for a great price. Keep them coming!! 73
Thank you! I’ll keep rolling my friend
This was outstanding Walt ! Very clear and easy to understand. Well done !
Thank you so very much! 73, Walt
The G90 was my first HF radio. I like it. I did purchase an x6100 and like it also. I really think you cannot go wrong with a G90. 20 watts is more than enough power. Sometimes in a pileup you have to work to get through because it is only 20 watts.
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
My wife and I are new to Ham Radio. We recently bought two HF radios (a Yaesu FTDX10 and a Xiegu G90) and required gear. We will use the radios at home as base stations, as well as at field days and at monthly POTA activations and car camping trips. For the portable applications, we want to be able to safely transport our radio gear from home to the locations. We are considering two alternative case strategies and want your opinion/recommendation:
Alternative 1: Store the radios and gear in Harbor Freight 4800 and 5800 Apache cases during transportation, and we will pull them out of the cases and put them on a picnic table or truck tailgate when at POTA or camping location, and on a desk when at home.
Alternative 2: Mount them in 4U or 6U Gator Cases and put the whole case on the picnic table, tailgate, or desk and leave them in the gator case during use.
Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Cary (KY4YG)
I personally like the alternative 1 idea, it’s kind of how I do it. Store them and put them out when using. 73, Walt
Thanks for the reply. I am leaning towards that option as well, since the gator boxes require a lot more planning to get everything laid out correctly, and they seem a little claustrophobic.
Walt, Thanks again for great content!!! I hope to catch you on the air, and I’m hoping to see another video like this on the X6100! I’m sure it would help a bunch of folks A LOT!!! 73!
Thanks for the kind words! 73, Walt
Hey I just watched your video you're pretty cool dude I have friends that have that radio it's excellent the tuner is great in it thank you for sharing it 20 watts you can talk all over the world with that radio
Thanks! It’s a great little radio. 73, Walt
Hey thanks for the reply I'm going to get one thanks again I'm finally convinced❤
Walt thanks for the initial video on G-90 use.
Please prepare a deep dive one. Covering the sequence to follow when adjusting gain, filters erc when working a noisy signal. Thanks for your videos. 73, Florencio - WP4SVD
Thanks for watching! I’ll try to get around to that soon. 73, Walt
You really know your audience Walt! Very informative!
Thank you very much! 73, Walt
Xiegu G90, very popular in the UK. The antenna tuner is extremely good. I have a friend at our club who tunes up a wire fence and works NVIS on 40 meter band into east Europe. I nearly brought one myself, but was told they are a pig to set on digital modes. So I opted out out and brought the Xiegu X6100.
Have fun David M0DUU
Thanks David, 73 my friend
I purchased my G90 a couple of years ago. I use it in a Go-Kit and absolutely love it! I work the world with 20 freak'n watts!! Hello!!!~! I also purchased the GSOC for it, which made it Display Friendly, which also shows off the radio as I get people asking me all the time, "What is that?".
Great vid! Thank you! AND WHAT THE HECK.... I'M GOING TO SUBSCRIBE 🤗
Great video there Walt ! Easy to follow along A+ commentary
Thanks for the video. I also just ordered one last week. Should be here Friday. And yes I bought one after watching your videos and others using it.
Thanks for watching! You’re going to love that radio. 73, Walt
I'd like to try running a very long serial cable to the head while shortening the feed line. Just got the ft710, I find the filtering on the G90 is easier and more flexible.
You're the man! Thanks for sharing G90 how-to, Walt. Have fun and 73!
Thanks so much! 73, Walt
I am a new ham. I purchased a new Yaesu FTDX10 mostly to serve as a home base station, and a new Xiegu G90 as a second radio that I can take with me to try POTA and other portable operation. I do want both radios to be capable of working from home or working portable (for Field Day type events). When I set up both radios up at home using a 66ft of wire and an EFHW 49:1 TennTennas Transformer, the FTDX10 works fine but the G90 has very bad interference from a nearby FM radio station. This inference is using the exact same antenna and power cables (minus the little power cables that lead to the specific radios). I don’t get interference when using a different antenna, but the reception on that other antenna is poorer on all frequencies on both radios. My guess is that my home antenna system is passing that FM signal to both radios but the FTDX10 (being more expensive) has better filtering than the G90. I put an LDG RU-1:1 unun in the antenna line right before the G90 radio hoping that would choke out the FM radio signal, but it did not. So, I plugged the G90 into battery power to see if the problem was on the powerline, but the interference continued. Since you have a lot of experience using a G90, do you have any suggestions for what is causing the (strong FM Radio station interference) problem for my G90 and what I should try to to do to eliminate it. In case it matters, I am hearing the significant interference on at least the 10m and 20m band and the radio station is 105.5FM.
Thanks for the video Walt. Looks like a nice rig to have, especially for outdoors.
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
I have a Love and Hate relationship with my G90. I want to love it and with Walt videos I always want to love it but when use it ahhhh, leave a lot to desire, the audio/noise, etc, its like a very rough radio, even the volume do steps that drive me crazy, from 0 volume to 1 its like a ton. The radio is soooo far away from be a "smooth" radio. Maybe because my use of the IC705 that I have such a hard time trying to love the G90. Many times about to list it on ebay and there goes again Walt and show a contact to Sweden with 20 watts and a crappy antenna and boom, I want to love the G90 again LOL
I feel the same way. I have had mine for sale on and off, but decided to keep it. The size is pretty nice and the receiver is pretty good actually. On mine it is only usable if you use the RF gain knob like it's going out of style! If you are ok with that it does pretty good. They have good transmit audio also.
Perfect timing. Mines are still in the mail from china, and I got a great deal on it. I hope it comes next week. It will be my replacement for the trusdx.
You’re going to love the G90. It will be a MAJOR step up from the (tr)uSDX. 73, Walt
You were very correct!@@COASTALWAVESWIRES
Always great videos Walt. Love my G90, I use it more than any other radio I have. 73s...N5MLS
This is a very useful and instructive video, thank you Walt.
I'm starting to get reasonably familiar with my own G90 although it definitely still has secrets to me.
I really like your "aftermarket" buttons.
I'm not always getting as good results with the ATU, the "tuned" window sometimes is much, much narrower especially on lower bands. I suppose it's normal.
Do you have an idea of the power loss induced by the ATU?
Nice basic teaching of how to engage in a QSO too. It like it more when you manage to engage into some real talk with other OMs, this one was real quick!
I have the impression that giving a 59 report without paying much attention to the S-meter is becoming more and more frequent 😄
Hi Alain, glad you liked the video. There’s a chart out there somewhere that shows loss in relationship to the actual SWR. I need to find it. Yes everyone is a 59 lol. 73 my friend
Walt, thanks again. G90 due this week. Your walk through will be very helpful. Do you have a video on updating the firmware? Thanks.
Thanks for watching. I’m glad it helped. Actually I still have the original firmware in mine and have never done an update. I’m an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” guy.
I have got very tired of lugging around my IC7300 and a 30amp hour battery for portable use.
I'm in the process of selling both and I've just ordered a new G90 and a 8amp hour battery. The thought of backpacking a IC705 at nearly £1400 is frankly terrifying ,but a £400 that's built like a tank, thats more like it lol
This radio is amazing !!! Best POTA rig on the market !!
Yes it is! I agree
Hi Walt, great video.. I had it and then I sent it as a donation gift.. after your video I want to buy it again.. so nice beautiful memories during my night experiments.. bye from HB3XUT 🎉
It really is a great little radio for the price. 73 de K4OGO
I'm saving this to see what I've been missing. I love the radio already by the way, purchased because of another ham on UA-cam.
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES 73 KD9ZMK
Your videos are great. Thanks!
Oh, that’s handy. Thank you. It just arrived the other day.
Have fun, you’re going to love that radio. 73, Walt
Bought a G90, got to get an EFHW to go with it...
I do not own many radios but this one is all what I need. 73
Great video, Walt . Where did you get those control knobs ? They look great .
Thanks, they came off of a RS-918 transceiver.
Thanks Walt great video!!!
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
Love my G90
Me too!
I just bought the G90 and will be here tomorrow, I have a 30 watt power supply Im guessing this will work for it Thanks
G90 mafia :-)
That’s right!
Walt hi mate still doing a great job, is it possible to go a bit deeper into the workings of the g90 lol too lazy to read and understand the manual 😀 thanks again .This is the way of the ham
Thanks! I’ll do a deeper dive in the future. 73, Walt
How can I persuade my wife I need one for my upcoming birthday ?
Hahaha good luck my friend
G90 looks great, built like a tank and not too fragile and expensive that it needs to be baby-ed and handled like a glass. Definitely worth looking at.
Question: what's the power consumption on receive?
Comparable to ft891? I've tuned my ft891 to 720mA on receive. Was 850-890 out of the box.
I would like to know G90 power consumption.
Thank you Walt
73
M7LDK
How did you reduce Rx amp? I’m not an electronics tech so simple is good 😁.
@@WaltKO4LFE the main difference is key backlight and display backlight. 1 on Dimmer Backlit and 2 on Dimmer LCD
@@ErikTheVikingMechanic Thank you 😊 73
I really don’t know the exact consumption but it’s very low and I’m sure it’s on the net somewhere.
G’day Walt, huge fan of your videos thanks for the content you provide. I have had a G90 for years now and like you I love it. However I have never bothered updating the firmware. Just wondering what your thoughts are and if you have left it ‘stock’ or upgraded the firmware like many others. Cheers Dan VK3NDG
Hi Dan! Thanks for the kind words my friend. I have never updated the firmware in my G90. Still stock after nearly 3 years. Works great. 73, Walt
G90 Mafia in the house!!! 🤘👍
In the house!!!! 73 my friend!!!!
Love my g90
Even more so as I got it cheap
It’s a great radio!
Thank you.
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
Great video. I'd love to add a G90 to the shack. Can you write an approval note for my wife? Lol, 73, KF0NNQ.
Thanks! Hahaha tell her it’s important in the name of HF research
I have a battery from a car that was totaled, in a hit and run. I loved that car. Obviously the battery is a lead acid, but not a deep cycle. I have a box it will fit in and can keep it charged at home. Is there an issue, besides weight, I need to be aware of using a lead acid battery
I got one that's a great little radio
Roger that! 73, Walt
Hi Walt
Because of many positive video reviews
And even i owned a unit two years ago
But had to return due to be not transmitting at all, i am considering a second unit to buy.
But I like to know if YOU also use a
Fan unit for cooldown as it says
Also in the manual that OVERheating
Is NORMAL
What is your experience with that
And i dont see you having one installed.
Also any repairs in future
How and who could help here .
After all the price is way up
And incould get great used brand radios
Now too.
Thanks for all the great videos
Peter
Hey Walt, enjoy your videos very much. I have a question regarding my Xiegu G90. I see on the UA-cam videos about the G90 that all the function buttons are backlighted including the mic. Is there some way to turn that specific function on? I'm finding it difficult to read the small letters on each button without that lighting. Thanks in advance.
That was a great video. I've been thinking about buying a g90. How is the owner's manual is it in good English? Is it easy to understand? Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching! Yes it has a good owners manual that’s also online if you do a search. 73, Walt
You sold me a G90 nearly a year ago Hi HI, really enjoy this radio on mostly CW and a little SSB. Quick question, I normally use the stand with a fan and notice you never have use a fan in your portable videos. Do you have any observation on the necessity of the cooling fan? 73 DE N7BYD
I notice it’s a little warm at times but I’ve never really had an issue. I’ve operated out in the summer heat for hours with it and no problems. 73, Walt
Hey Walt, question about the coax you recommend for the g90. I use LMR400 on my UHF/VHF base station rig and it works great but I've heard there is something more flexible. RG8x, LMR250, etc.?
I use RG8X and it is great.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES thanks I appreciate it
Walt, I neglected to ask whether or not you experienced any heating issues with the G90. I recently ordered one and I'm dedebating on whether to buy the cooling fan for the radio. Any input will help.
I have never had any heat issue but I’ve only used it for voice. I’ve heard the issues are when you use digital modes. That’s when you need the fan.
Just my opinion which does not mean much. I like that it is 20 watts, has a tuner, and has an SWR meter, but It is too long for me and i dont really like the display, but it is a big bang for the buck
Yes a lot of juice for the squeeze when it comes to price
Thank you that was good 73
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
Hey Walt thanks for the video on the G90. I am considering either a G90 or the X6100. With your experience, which do you think is the best buy ? 73 Sid MI5UTC
Absolutely the G90, I’ve had both and just sold my X6100. The G90 cost less and is a superior radio to the X6100 in my opinion
is regular "Simplex"? yes, I am early in this adventure
Hi Walt, I am a subscriber and love your channel! Do you find the lack of DNR to be a problem with the G90? I can't imagine not having DNR today here in Houston, TX but maybe where you operate is RF quiet??? Thanks. Robert K5TPC
Thanks! No i really don’t have a problem with it and yes a have some noisy places here as I’m in the middle of a populated urban city as well. I guess I just listen through the noise and I understand that’s hard for some. 73, Walt
Thanks, I'm probably spoiled! Robert K5TPC
Hi Walt ,
Just made my first contact with my G90 and got great signal report.
My question to you , How can I adjust my waterfall display . I see in the manual to change use the 2nd function of the Lock key to access Scale (default) and Ave setting. Do I need to long press to keep in Ave ?
Thanks for all your help Walt.
N2DGT
Awesome! I honestly can’t remember, I’ll check next time I have the radio fired up. 73, Walt
Thank you for your help ...great radio !
Do you think it needs to be updated outta the box? Have you ever updated yours?
No, I’ve never updated mine, still has the original firmware dated 2020 in mine.
Bought my G90 used and can't figure out how to change the waterfall settings/colors.