Xiegu X6100 - Beach QRP Portable

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  • Опубліковано 19 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 138

  • @d.j.roberts187
    @d.j.roberts187 Рік тому +7

    Glad I went with the G90 for my first radio.. if they combined the G90 with that screen, it would be a game changer

  • @timg5tm941
    @timg5tm941 Рік тому +3

    I think the more you’ll use that radio, the more you’ll love your G90

  • @fredwatkins8177
    @fredwatkins8177 Рік тому +2

    A few weeks ago I bought an FT-891 after accepting that an 818 was no longer available, and the Icom 795 was too much money for me. Then I discovered the existence of the Xiegu X6100 and later the G90. It took a while to decide which one to get, the X6100 does have a bigger display and 6 meters but for $150 less I bought the G90. It just arrived in the mail and I haven't powered it up yet. I am sure I will enjoy it. If I had known the internal battery was a dud my decision would have easier!

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +2

      You absolutely got the right radio. The G90 is a great little rig!

  • @jamespuckett6457
    @jamespuckett6457 7 місяців тому +2

    It’s amazing what can be done with 10 watts.

  • @sonnyjrcruz3022
    @sonnyjrcruz3022 Рік тому +1

    Great Contacts made Walt. Now you’re making me think to go portable. Wonderful outdoor experience. Enjoy the hobby 73

  • @johnwalker4105
    @johnwalker4105 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for stopping by the RASON table the other day at the Tidewater Hamfest. After talking to you, I am seriously looking into the G90. Keep up the great work. KN4NYU. 73

  • @josephgomes8543
    @josephgomes8543 Рік тому +2

    Another great one in the can, Walt. JAPAN!! Awesome, from the beach on 10 watts. Cool. I use an FT 891 for my home rig with plans to eventually put it mobile in the truck. Looking forward to trying it battery power in the field. 73 brother, KC1MTM JOE

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Thanks brother! That was my first QRP contact into Japan, I was pretty excited.

  • @BarefootBeekeeper
    @BarefootBeekeeper Рік тому +1

    I agree about the battery and the speaker. I'm tempted to see if there is room inside for a bigger LiPo, and failing that, I may build a box about the same size as the radio to house a couple of drone batteries and a decent speaker.

  • @pauls8456
    @pauls8456 Рік тому +2

    Power output is really a state of mind, be happy with the contacts you can make at whatever power you use - let’s face it a generator and an amp at 500W pep would have got you more or easier contacts but the point is operating with what you have. 5W would have got you most of those contacts (not the VK who was struggling at 10W). 5W to 10W (3dB) is 1/2 to 1 S point - 5W to 2OW (6dB) is 1 to 2 S points but if they are 5/9+10db then you’re likely to be 5/8 or 5/9 to them…..

  • @Alex_ES1MER
    @Alex_ES1MER Рік тому +2

    Hello Walt
    Congrats with your right decision, about buying a FT-891. You will certainly like it.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! I’m really looking forward to getting out portable with that radio

  • @gaptastic
    @gaptastic Рік тому +2

    Seems like that radio is fairly similar to the ic-705 (minus dstar and uhf/vhf). I love (really love) the screen interface on that radio. Way better than the g90. I typically use my g90 and Ic-705, but when I get frustrated with my ic-705, i go straight to my g90 and everything is better cause of the additional 10w and the tuner. I have an external tuner to use with my ic-705, but it's so cumbersome compared to the g90. I'm definitely more of a shack in the box kinda guy.
    Thanks for the share and enjoy the sun while it lasts! Peace, brother!

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      I'm with you, that extra 10 watts really makes a difference at times and I really like my little shack in a box too. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73 brother!

  • @martinsalt1839
    @martinsalt1839 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the honest review of the X6100. I was choosing between the IC-705 and the X6100 for portable ops and bought the IC-705 a few days ago. I'm glad I did even though it was 2.5x the price of the Xiegu.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Yes I’m sure the IC-705 is a much better radio. I think the X6100 is worth the price but could be a little better

  • @bobr6555
    @bobr6555 Рік тому +1

    An FT891 will open up your DX possibilities, even with the wick turned down. Great receiver, great noise reduction.

  • @stephenplatt5048
    @stephenplatt5048 Рік тому +1

    Hi Walt!
    I was late in arriving at the Tidewater Hamfest last weekend; sorry I missed getting an eyeball QSO.
    Did you see K8MRD's review on this? Wow.
    While on medical leave, I'd thought about purchasing a G90 or some other portable radio with an MFJ-1622 apartment antenna. That MFJ antenna is similar to the old Barker & Williamson AP-10 portable antenna I had many years ago. Wish I still had that!
    Anyway, I changed my mind; decided to go satellite and purchased an Elk Antennas vhf/uhf log periodic. Have had some success with that operating from a few places such as my apartment, a couple open areas nearby and, of course the ultimate open area, Mt. Trashmore.
    My plan is to start looking at HF again sometime after my hospital bills are paid and the port business picks up again. 73 de Steve KC4JGC.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Hi Steve, sorry I missed you at the Hamfest. I haven’t seen Mike’s review on this I’ll have to go look for it. I’ve seen his review if the G106 which he scorched lol. All the best and 73, hope to run into you at a local event soon!

  • @aj2isotadxing
    @aj2isotadxing Рік тому +1

    Thanks for doing these videos, this is real ham radio.

  • @ralphshepard1
    @ralphshepard1 Рік тому +2

    Like to see some more about this radio, had my eye on it fora while... still. On the fence

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      I'll be using it some more soon!

    • @ralphshepard1
      @ralphshepard1 Рік тому +1

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES interested to see it compared to the FC-4CR got my eye on that one too

  • @caulktel
    @caulktel Рік тому +1

    Walt, I totally agree with you, the 6100 is a good radio and I will never sell it, but right now Im digging on my FX-4CR. I hardly ever get my X5105 out either but its a good radio also. Thanks for the video.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching! The FX-4CR is such a great radio, I dig mine too!

  • @tiagoguizzo3876
    @tiagoguizzo3876 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the nice and down to earth review, keep up the good work!

  • @ve2zdx
    @ve2zdx Рік тому +2

    Very nice! I would love to go to the park at this time too, sometimes I check the closest WebSDR and I hear so many Australian stations I would like to work.
    Walt, gift yourself a 705. Then Rent a new home to store your radios hahah
    73

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Hahaha ok I need to find a rental on the beach, then I’ll get the 705!

  • @M0DQO-BeachMobileDx
    @M0DQO-BeachMobileDx Рік тому +1

    Love these video's - Been following your European work and you have earned another sub! Thanks for the videos!

  • @kennethblackwell1137
    @kennethblackwell1137 Рік тому +1

    Thanks, Walt....been wondering about it. I like the screen and tuner.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Yeah that screen is about the only thing I like better than the G90

  • @youtubeaccount931
    @youtubeaccount931 Рік тому +1

    Great job! 10 watts SSB even. I love when I get Japan in the log

  • @ammocraft
    @ammocraft Рік тому +1

    I have the X6100, as well as an FT-817 and IC-705, and I always describe it as “getting what you pay for”. It is not an iCom or Yaesu in either quality or performance, but it is a lot of radio for the money. They need to fix some bugs, and people need to check whether it’s limitations and issues will affect how they intend to operate, and if not, they will be happy. Doubt I’ll sell mine.

  • @JReed305
    @JReed305 Рік тому +1

    I think you are really going to like the 891. I have one as my shack rig as I have a small shack and have been really happy with it. If I didn't already have a G90 I think I would look more at the 6100, but the G90 is just such a tank of a radio out portable I just can't justify the purchase.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      You are right, the G90 is a tank!!! Still my favorite radio.

  • @billmillar8148
    @billmillar8148 Рік тому +1

    hi . i did my first pota with my x6100 running 10w , man it ran hot , i will have to get so sort of cooling fan to keep it from melting ,the only thing that when wrong is i had to keep mic away from radio as it was causing feedback in my audio , great little radio , great for cooking on lol mi0num northern ireland

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Lol yes I noticed it was very warm at the end of this time out. 73, Walt K4OGO

  • @LB0FI
    @LB0FI Рік тому +1

    You're going to love the 6100 after a little while. Trust me!

  • @quadcam24v
    @quadcam24v Рік тому +1

    I reckon I'm glad I went with the G90 over the X6100. I only have 1 "good" radio, and while the speaker in the G90 is not great it is usable for SSB. The big screen always bugged me if it was in a bag and it took a hit from something. Cheers VK5BRU

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      Yes, I think the G90 is a better radio for SSB. Cheers K4OGO

  • @ScatManAust
    @ScatManAust Рік тому +1

    Almost ready to dive into the 6100 myself.
    Already have the G90 and love that too.

    • @az_living208
      @az_living208 Рік тому +1

      Same. Have a g90, just ordered a x6100

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      I’m looking forward to using this one some more!

    • @az_living208
      @az_living208 Рік тому

      @COASTALWAVESWIRES awesome! I am jealous of your open ocean, I'm in the AZ mountains, groundwave non existent, all skywave prop for distance, and nvis for in state. Will be getting a small 50 or 100 watt amp to go with.

    • @eagle9800
      @eagle9800 Рік тому +1

      Walt its a QRP rig 10w to Japan is great. The G90 would of only been 1 s point better. For the $ it's features and reliability makes it a winner. 73s Steve ZL land

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      @@eagle9800 yes it’s a good little QRP rig. That Japan QSO made my day! 73!

  • @geoffcarr5157
    @geoffcarr5157 Рік тому +1

    Was my complaint too. I turned around and sold mine but i would buy again if they made it more like the Lab599 in style (more compact minus the battery) or included a battery that did the job. Overall it was a nice radio. I just didnt want to tote all the extra gear. That speaker is useless too. Other than that it was a nice little radio for the money.

  • @normnpat
    @normnpat Рік тому +1

    Another great video Walt. Think I'm sticking with the FX4CR and G90. Keep the videos coming. 73, Norm, KD9HAV

  • @UABFWSS
    @UABFWSS Рік тому +7

    Curious to see how it works out for you, compared to the G90, which always seemed to do very nicely. Ran a 6100 just about daily for a few months, trying to ring it out and see how it'd do. Got a 705 shortly after and noticed instantly improved receive abilities, using the same many antennas, along with better signal reports all the time. Contacts just come much much easier using the 705. Couldn't keep both, had to sell the 6100 due to medical bills situation. The built in tuner was nifty on the 6100, icom definitely missed the mark not having that integrated in, but I do most always use carefully tuned/resonant antennas. Price point of a 6100 is much nicer, great bang for the buck. Thanks for the videos.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +3

      Thanks, I enjoyed using the radio but if I had the G90 today that 20 watt punch would have helped me getting through to VK, I was struggling with 10 watts. This radio would be perfect to me without the internal battery and 20 watts.

    • @UABFWSS
      @UABFWSS Рік тому +3

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES 20w ability would be the ticket for sure.

    • @MTimWeaver
      @MTimWeaver Рік тому +2

      ​@@COASTALWAVESWIRES the X6100 vs G90 debate is one i've been having since I decided to look into operating portable.
      The G90 has more power, but you cannot run it w/o an exernal battery, is that right? If so, being able to do 5w in a self-contained unit is better than nothing.
      However, if one is bringing an external battery to run the full 10w, why wouldn't you just bring the G90 for double the power, and with a tuner than can match a bowl of Ramen noodles, if Internet legend is to be believed.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +3

      @@MTimWeaver plus the G90 has great audio, no external speaker needed

    • @MTimWeaver
      @MTimWeaver Рік тому +1

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES Good to know...and a detail I didn't recall or pay attention to. Anything else, if you factor the 2x power out of it, that tips the hand to the G90?
      Thanks!

  • @dandypoint
    @dandypoint Рік тому +1

    Good job! Looking forward to you getting the 891. I like my 891 a lot. Naturally I have it set mostly for CW. I like to run 10, 20 and 50 watts as necessary. I also like being able to narrow the passband as necessary also. Still in the learning mode! Having the microphone connected all the time was clumsy so I just leave it off most of the time. Removing the front panel to plug it in is not so bad the few times I do use it.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! I've been using my new FT-891 at the home QTH and getting used to it before I go out portable. So far I really like it but there is a learning curve for me with the Yaesu menu for sure.

    • @dandypoint
      @dandypoint Рік тому

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES Yes. The more I played with the the easier it got. I still have to keep my K3 manual handy also!

  • @jamess1787
    @jamess1787 Рік тому +1

    The battery is crappy and the speaker just sucks.
    External battery is absolutely necessary for SSB QRP.
    Absolutely agree with you 💯.
    73 Walt

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +2

      Exactly!!!

    • @pauls8456
      @pauls8456 Рік тому

      Power output is really a state of mind, be happy with the contacts you can make at whatever power you use - let’s face it a generator and an amp at 500W pep would have got you more or easier contacts but the point is operating with what you have. 5W would have got you most of those contacts (not the VK who was struggling at 10W). 5W to 10W (3dB) is 1/2 to 1 S point - 5W to 2OW (6dB) is 1 to 2 S points but if they are 5/9+10db then you’re likely to be 5/8 or 5/9 to them…..

  • @MikeN2MAK
    @MikeN2MAK Рік тому +1

    Good review on the radio!

  • @theramblingsoflarry9290
    @theramblingsoflarry9290 Рік тому +1

    That is cool
    I am going to Myrtle Beach 🏝️ in September. I hope to work on the beach

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Beach portable is my favorite thing to do in ham radio. Have fun and good DX in Myrtle!!!

  • @Nick_W0YEM
    @Nick_W0YEM Рік тому +1

    Love your videos Walt! Hope to catch you on the air one of these days although I don’t know if I’m ever up early enough. 0:34 Lol!
    73
    WØYEM

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Thanks! I look forward to that QSO. I'll stay up late if I have to LOL

  • @DK5ONV
    @DK5ONV Рік тому +1

    Great Job on the Contact into Japan working JG1OUT, UW 💯🎸🎙🤘

  • @ea4hwt
    @ea4hwt Рік тому +3

    Xiegu is set to introduce a new radio, amalgamating the strengths of both the G90 and the X6100 models. The XIEGU GX9100, boasting 20 watts of power, and a built-in battery, inherits the G90's tuner prowess and the X6100's display. I gonna keep my G90 and not upgrade to X6100 for now, 73 from Madrid.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      That's interesting and the first I've heard of that. Thanks. 73 from Virginia Beach

    • @beefbusiness7314
      @beefbusiness7314 Рік тому +1

      Do you have any sources you can share about that? Don't see anything via Google searches.

  • @K3JRZOnTheAir
    @K3JRZOnTheAir Рік тому +1

    Hey Walt. Thought about the 6100 a few times, but not too into getting another Xiegu radio anytime soon. Plus, I just received my FX-4CR last week. 73!

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      You’re going to love that FX-4CR! I need to get mine out portable some more.

    • @K3JRZOnTheAir
      @K3JRZOnTheAir Рік тому +1

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES I had it out Saturday. Worked pretty good. I’ll have a video up nest Tuesday of the activation. Now I need to find an extension cable for the mic. 73!

  • @johnharris6544
    @johnharris6544 Рік тому +1

    Hi Walt, hey play around with the TX settings (mic gain, etc.) on that X-6100. I get nothing but great audio reports, and the 5-10W seems to over-perform. I recently talked to a guy in England on 40M SSB from my QTH in PA. He thought I was running an amp as I was S9+40. I turned the X-6100 down to 100mw and I was still S9+20! It has become my second favorite rig next to my FTDX-3000. BTW, love your videos.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Thank you so much! Great contacts! I’m beginning to really like this radio!

  • @mikestone9129
    @mikestone9129 Рік тому +1

    I use to go out of Ruddy Inlet a lot to go fishing. So where's next? Back Bay? Lynhaven? How about Willoughby or Ocean View. You always make me home sick.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      I’ve been out at OV a few times, might head out on the beach there again soon!

  • @joeblow8593
    @joeblow8593 Рік тому +1

    Nice going with Japan. Did you notice any problems with birdies on that radio?

  • @GraymanPOTA
    @GraymanPOTA Рік тому +1

    Walt, that looks like the butt crack of Dawn. I saw more then one dawn's butt crack at Rudee Inlet when I was stationed at Dam Neck down the road.

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      This time of year that's about the only time you can get out at that beach with a radio. I've spent quite a bit of time at Dam Neck over the years, we have probably passed each other. 73, Walt K4OGO

    • @GraymanPOTA
      @GraymanPOTA Рік тому +1

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES I went to C school at Dam Neck in 1990 for a long forgotten computer system that was the brains behind the Terrier Missile system. I am going to be taking my X6100 out to Nevada later this week and hope to do some POTA activations while I am there.

  • @bruhzooka
    @bruhzooka 8 місяців тому

    Awesome dude!

  • @The3DPrintingWarrant
    @The3DPrintingWarrant 4 місяці тому

    Do you plan on trying out the X6200?

  • @ku4uv
    @ku4uv Рік тому +1

    I am curious as to what you use to recharge you 12Volt battery? Thanks!

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      My little LifePo4 battery came with its own little plug In charger.

  • @markdoyle8713
    @markdoyle8713 Рік тому +1

    I have come full circle. The amount of crap i had to carry to get that 705 to get over the noise floors i run into while portable camping was silly. Your g90 is more like it . If your where on a mountain at 10000 feet with a nice linked dipole then yes run that g60 because my 991a is going to hurt getting it up to the summit.

  • @2fly527
    @2fly527 Рік тому +1

    I just bought an x6100 as my first hf rig. It is definitely unrefined, but seems to work well, though I have nothing to compare it to. I prefer the user interface and functions of the r1cbu firmware, which boots from sd card without affecting base f/w. I would be curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks for another great video , 73

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! I plan on trying the R1CBU firmware soon, I will show the results. 73!

  • @DemaMoto
    @DemaMoto Рік тому +2

    Oh man i thought you were a "Home Depot" bucket kinda guy. 73 de W6LDM

  • @KS0JD
    @KS0JD Рік тому +1

    Nice review Walt! The question is will it replace your G90? 73

  • @sp7szc
    @sp7szc Рік тому +1

    Well, blue bucket - all clear😂😉
    Great video Walt, as always! Thanks, greetings from hot 🇵🇱 (93.2°F🥵😁) - we have a holiday here today and a day off🙂 73
    Marcin SP7SZC

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Wow it’s hot there just like here! I took a day off, no holiday hahaha 73 my friend!!

    • @sp7szc
      @sp7szc Рік тому +1

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES Today we had a day off because of Armed Forces Day😀

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      @@sp7szc dang, I would have the day off if I was there! 🇵🇱🇺🇸🇵🇱🇺🇸

    • @sp7szc
      @sp7szc Рік тому +1

      @@COASTALWAVESWIRES That's right my friend, that's right!😁🇺🇸💪🇵🇱

  • @jwilly5336
    @jwilly5336 Рік тому +1

    How does it compare to your fx 4CR and your g90?

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +1

      Better screen than those two but honestly I like the G90 and FX-4CR a little better.

  • @phildurall7466
    @phildurall7466 Рік тому +1

    Walt be lov,n the G90 and 20 watts. 😁 X6100 ... not so much! Still Sir, you had some nice results. Thanks for sharing.
    72 - KF6IF

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому

      Yes the X6100 will never take the place of my G90! 73 my friend!

  • @agoraphobicadam1171
    @agoraphobicadam1171 Рік тому +1

    Is the 6100 or G-90 easier to use on the beach?

  • @neilfox4721
    @neilfox4721 Рік тому +1

    Out of interest I noticed the radio was showing a peak of 13w on transmit.

  • @eugene-anthony4823
    @eugene-anthony4823 Рік тому +2

    Hi Walt,think carefully before buying the FT-891. It has a receiving current of 2 amperes. It's more of a car transceiver.

    • @aj2isotadxing
      @aj2isotadxing Рік тому +1

      1 amp

    • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
      @COASTALWAVESWIRES  Рік тому +2

      I’ll see how it does. I got it last week

    • @eugene-anthony4823
      @eugene-anthony4823 Рік тому

      @@aj2isotadxing The passport says up to 2 A. Even if 1A, this is also a lot. Here are examples for the field:Elecraft KX 2 - 135 ma. Discovery TX-500 - 100 ma.

    • @aj2isotadxing
      @aj2isotadxing Рік тому

      @@eugene-anthony4823 yes I agree but for pota work , just bring a bigger battery. The 891 is the best “portable” qro radio out there right now. The 857 used to be a standard and that drew 1 amp also in rx. The other radios you mentioned are qrp and more designed for sota/backpacking

  • @ncphotos
    @ncphotos Рік тому +1

    Great video! de W2CSI