The new Xiegu X6100: Let's see how well it performs CW in the field!
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- Опубліковано 27 гру 2021
- Click here to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com:
qrper.com/2021/12/the-new-xie...
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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL - Наука та технологія
Tom, you’re single handedly getting me re-interested in radios after nearly 10 years of inactivity. After watching your videos, I’ve now got a KX2 on order, and I just picked up a portable vertical. 👍🏻
Oh golly. Thank you--couldn't receive a better compliment. So you'll have the king of field radios in that KX2. A superb little radio!
That CW paddle looks nice and high quality
I really appreciate your videos! Just got my tech on March 29th and I'm already contacting parks with cw (slowly of course lol) This format and seeing the fun and relaxing nature of cw helped me not be worried or intimidated by it. Everyone I have contacted has been really patient and encouraging! I appreciate the videos! Hopefully I'll be able to reach you during an activation!
73!
Hey Thomas, great cadence - like music and lovely to hear the speed changes which typify the considerate operator, nicely done.
Hi Tom, that was a great demonstration of the radio in CW. Nice keyed as well and nice call sign. I upgraded to General last year, but just been busy , but have to get on the air soon. Thanks for taking the time to run thru the features. I’m a 2 lander and very cold up here this weekend. 73’s , Dave
It has been a pretty brutal winter for those in the 2 and 3 regions. :) Thank you for your comment.
Great getting you in the log again. That antenna you were using works great!
Nice on activation coverage!
Tom, thanks for the video, I just purchased a 6100 myself. 73, POTA hunter-W2DWL
Thank, Thomas, for another great field activation video. It was good to watch you work the pileup! I had one of my own today - what a blast! 73 de Brian - K3ES
Pileups are so much fun. Thank you, OM!
Hey Thomas, I hope you are well. I was just watching some older videos of yours that I have not seen and just wanted to thank you for all the great content you publish as its very enjoyable for me to watch and learn listening to CW. I also caught that squirrel run up the tree at 34:17 mins in.
73 and take care
Regards de David, M0XLS
Thank you, David!
Great review Tom. The band was changing when I called you and yes, I was also QRP on my x6100 when I called you yesterday! I was glad I looked up from work and saw you spotted and glad you confirmed you were using the x6100. I've done 2 park activations with mine last weekend and it surprised me how well it did. I'll reply to QRPer with my activation info. By the way, you logged me correctly on paper, but I see from your report that you logged me as KN3N on the map. 72 and thanks for the activation!
Oh man! That's what I get for typing on that iPhone! :) I'm going to correct the log and re-submit. History must not forget what must be one of the first X6100 to X6100 CW QSOs! :)
@@ThomasK4SWL I was thinking the same thing after I worked you yesterday. I was pretty busy with work but just had to get you in the log. The QSB was bad but heard you just well enough to call you. I knew you told me about the 6100 as well. Glad you liked it even with it's current short comings.
Enjoy the great weather !
I enjoy the realtime videos and nice review of the radio
So glad you like them!
Thanks for the review. I have one arriving within the week and am excited. If the firmware upgrades are anything like the lab599 TX-500, it’s gonna be a fun ride to get to great performance someday. There are lots of possibilities with the future of “ham hacking” this into various feature sets in firmware options coming from users too.
Agreed and this is a huge plus for this particular rig!
Another nice video! Keying issues for me occurred when using iambic mode ie: squeeze keying both paddles at same time. Keep up the great work!
Roger that! I'll explore this. Thank you, OM!
Another great video
great video as always. Thanks, Thomas. 73 Ron
Many thanks!
This looks like a serious well designed portable rig. I really like the color LCD. It may not directly compete against the IC-705 and KX-3 but will indirectly.
Indeed! It's a capable HF transceiver and proper upgrade of the X5105. The price is excellent for what you get. In the field, you don't always need contest-grade performance, so these work nicely.
Thanks for sharing your POTA activations, very inspirering. I like that you show different rigs and antennas. Did you notice the squirrel on the ground near the tree at 33:37?
I didn't Thank you for pointing him out!
Thanks Thomas, had mine just a few days
think how much it’s performance is improved April 2023
73 Rob G3RCE
Great video! What is that 2 wire antenna adapter you are using? Also I noticed you only have 1 wire, is the other post for the counterpoise?
It a simple "BNC Binding Post Adapter." Yes, the red post is attached to the radiator and the black post attached to the counterpoise (both are the same length on mine).
You are a very nice person I love your video you took your time to explain ☺️ thank you so much my friend God bless you enjoy your radio it looks very nice actually I like the screen on it compare to the IC 705
one important feature i look for in a xnsceiver is a Variable IF Passband Tuning spcially in hvy qrm situations< secnd feature is NR and third is ATU
Great video Thomas❗️ It’s a great looking little Radio, I wish that Xiegue had corrected and updated all of the firmware before releasing the X6100. I liked many things about it but after a week with a number of issues I decided to return it to RADIODDITY, I am sure that in time this will be a good little radio, it has one of the best displays that I have seen on any QRP 705 included❗️always great videos Thomas 73. KV5P
Thank you, Mike! I understand. Yes, there are some issues to be sorted and you might find that in a year you may get another one. 73!
Hi -What are the settings you have used in the X6100 for paddle CW etc - Many Thanks for the video.
So I don't have it with me at the moment, but I know the delay was set to 200ms and (I think?) speed 17 WPM.
Enjoyed the video, Thomas. Have you experimented with the CW decode at all?
Not yet, but I plan to!
I did stretch out the qsk on that unit some. The default is really short.
Yeah, I'm still trying to find my "happy spot" with delay. I think the 200ms time actually works best for me. Back home, when I lowered it to zero, the timing tripped me up a bit and didn't really deliver full-break in QSK. I think I'll keep it at 200 or 250 ms.
You guys have Morse course or app you recommend
Ham alert popped up while I was driving back from my parents so by the time I got home you were QRT.
Next time, OM! :) This was a pretty short activation.
I recently purchased 2 No. QCX mini kits (20m and 40m) after seeing one of your recent videos using one, something to do over Christmas. As for this new Xiegu rig I was initially excited but now I am not so sure...still think it has some kinks to iron out yet and i am waiting to see what Yaesu bring out! Great video as usual Thomas!
I should warn you that those QCX-Minis are insane fun! A proper cheap thrill! :) And Yaesu? Oh my goodness what I wouldn't give to see their next QRP radio!
@@ThomasK4SWL My daughter's bought them for me so looking forward to getting them built! 73 and a Happy New Year from the U.K.
Looks like a really nice upgrade to the X5105 -especially the improved audio, even using earbuds I find the X5105 very harsh after only half an hour of SSB. The fact that I've already got a 705 and a KX2 does make it a difficult sell though :)
Yeah, you've got two of the best QRP radios on the market. There's no *real* reason you'd need an X6100. Of course, that never stops me evidently.
Thanks for this video. Is it no longer proper procedure to send "K" at the end of a transmission?
I noticed you did not do so when calling CQ.
So it's not customary with park and summit exchanges. With regular QSOs, yes indeed! There's no harm in sending a trailing K if you like, though.
Nice video. I have been on the borderline about buying the x6100, and hoping to see a few more reviews. I have the G90 but am unhappy with the AGC implementation on that rig. For the most part, I keep it off, and adjust using the RF gain . Can you comment on the AGC as compared to maybe the 705?
I enjoy your videos - thanks for taking the time. Have only worked you once as I’m also in NC and we’re usually too close.
Yes, NC is the most elusive DX :)
So I've honestly had the X6100 for such a short period of time, I really can't comment about the AGC yet. I will be taking a much closer look, though (as long as Radioddity let me keep it a bit longer).
Great review and info @Thomas (K4SWL), thanks! Any chance you'll do a test with the Venus SW-3B?
SO many people have asked that, yes, likely I will! :)
Great video. I own a KX3 and am resisting this “just because” purchase... and you are making it more difficult. 😉 Sorry if I missed it but could you give more specifics on your antenna length and that little keyer you are using? Thanks. 73.
So the deatils are in the field report on QRPer: qrper.com/2021/12/the-new-xiegu-x6100-lets-see-how-well-it-performs-cw-in-the-field/
The little key is the N0SA SOTA key which he no longer produces. Check with him, though, as I believe he has a new offering! 73!
Great video and information, as always. Just one question. I'm not familiar with signing with 72. 73 de AA4HV
Thank you! So "72" is basically the QRP version of "73". Lately, I've been sending it mainly to let the op on the other end know I'm QRP. Frankly, though, I use both of them interchangeably. :)
@@ThomasK4SWL I have learned much from your videos, and there is another nugget I was unaware of. Thx, K1GC
Good luck with the fun new toy. Enjoyed the video. Barry, K U3X
Danke für das tolle Video.73, von Jozef S56CJG,QTH Wien.Österreich.😊😊😊
I've heard this 6100 on ssb and the background noise is very harsh soundig but typical of many SDR radios.
Thanks so much! I'm just now wanting to get back into the hobby, been "silent" for about 30 yrs. CW is my preferred mode and I'm more convinced that this is the radio for me in my price range and with the features I really want. You showcased it well. If only you could get a commission on the sale which will happen as soon as I figure out an antenna for my small city lot ;)
Ken
KA8VLW
congratulations Thomas enjoy your new toy 73 from kb2uew
Got the 6100 in January 2023. The VFO now does 10s. I feel like the ATU is not as good as the 5150. It is faster but just seems to not find lowest match. Love the swr scan though. I like the 705 but for the price it should have included the ATU. I mostly use resonant antennas but tuners are icing on the cake for a SHTF radio. Also the 705 Shape is just weird and seems to be not given any good thought
Send it in you are still under warranty!
Nice review Thomas! What CW paddle is that you are using?
It's N0SA's "SOTA Paddle." Sadly, I don't think he's still making them. But he does make other keys. Contact him via his QRZ email address.
@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you.
Been using a new 6100 all day, and it’s going to be a great radio. My issue at the moment, is with the SWR mtr in CW mode…on key up, it sends the meter into a high(+5) reading. I have a secondary meter in line, and reads normal throughout the keying cycle. I’m using firmware 1.1.2. Any ideas?
Hmmm...so I'm presently without an X6100. Sent the loaner off earlier this week. I purchased one in Dec, though, and it's due any day.
Thomas I just received a x6100 as I am studying for my exam. Question, with the x6100, do you know if it is set up for CW Trainer mode, am I able to see the letters I am keying in or is that only for incoming decoding, that you know of. Thank you, great channel btw, you are great resource for newcomers. I have a dummyload on the x6100 to hopefully practice.
Great question. Unfortunately, I sold my X6100 over a year ago. I can't remember how decoding worked on the screen. You might need to ask in our forum (qrper.net) or in a Xiegu email discussion group.
@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks Thomas, yes the X6100 does not display CW out only decodes in, which is unfortunate.
I know this is a year old report. But I wonder if they solved the ‘birdie’ issues on 6 meters. That’s the main reason I would consider this rig. I’ve had my kx2 since they first came out. It had an issue whick elecraft took care of in the beginning at their expense. But it doesn’t have 6 meters like my old ft817 did. So much to my XYL’s chigren, I’m on the hunt. I like the G90 for that extra punch on field days (winter and summer), but no 6 meters😢.
I'm not sure if they've addressed this or not. You might reach out to Xiegu or one of their retailers for more info--this would likely be in firmware update notes.
Great video. What's that key you're using?
It's an N0SA paddle that is no longer made. This is the replacement: cwmorse.us/products/sp4-sota-pota-cw-morse-magnetic-paddle-by-n0sa?ref=pHGSYqNC
I have an x6100 now :) Is that just a bnc banana plug adapter with no balun etc ? What sort of distance were your contacts ?
Yes, that's just a BNC binding post with no adapter. There's a LOT more detail and a QSO map for this activation in my field report on QRPer.com: qrper.com/2021/12/the-new-xiegu-x6100-lets-see-how-well-it-performs-cw-in-the-field/
Each video actually has a post on QRPer with more details. You can always find a link in the description of the video.
@@ThomasK4SWL great content, I’m going to try the same setup this weekend!
Only halfway through a great video, I’m not a cw operator yet but that’s a nice little key you have there, is it home made?
It was made by Larry (N0SA)--a brilliant little key, but I don't think he makes this same model anymore.
@@ThomasK4SWL Limited run 25 I think is all he made and I got the last one haha
@@CdnRockiesRadio lucky you! :)
Now that you’ve had time with the 6100, how would you say it holds up to the KX2? I can get a 6100 now while the KX2 is a 15-week delay and twice the price.
Hi, Terry, So I sold my X6100 in the fall last year. The X6100 is a cool radio, but I much prefer the KX2 personally. Keep in mind, though, that I'm not a hard-core digi mode operator. I think the X6100 would have serious appeal for field FT8 enthusiasts.
The KX2 has a much better receiver, noise floor, sensitivity, selectivity, and front end. I also prefer the filtering.
But you're right: the wait time is SUPER long for the KX2.
When you increase the volume it sounds like a record player on a old record. Haha. Thanks for the review man. Answered all i wanted to know about the rig. Maybe the firmware updates will help a lot. Except the feet. I would have to carve on those a bit. Lol
Ha ha! So the feet angle is great, I just don't like how easily they fold back in when I set the radio on a table. Truly a minor complaint, though.
@@ThomasK4SWL Got to be a 3D printed fix for that soon..
Good review but I've watched many a video about this radio that makes me think I should leave it a year. There seems to be a lot of bugs off the shelf. Waiting to see if fimware fixes them.
If you're you're not he sort of person who enjoys firmware updates (are any of us really? :) ) then waiting a year I think would make sense. The firmware will be very mature then.
Pronunciation: Google gives ‘sources’ that pronounce it every conceivable way (the old wheat and chaff issue). I finally Googled “xiegu in Chinese characters”, hoping to then CnP that into Translate. First hit shows: Xie Gu - Inclined valley. Hit the little mic icon and a seemingly native speaker says: TSYEH-goo or TSEH-goo. I don’t know if that’s any more correct than any of the others. Maybe, or maybe just confirmation bias. 73
1.Great review! Causes me to be a little frustrated that ICOM did not include an ATU and their offering.
2. Do you have an anatomy of a POTA QSO video?
Up to and including what the DIT DIT at the end means? And perhaps your reply/request if you did not catch their full call or other detail?
Love the unscripted, long format.
Thanks as always!
73,
de Dave KI7VLV
Check this out, Dave: qrper.com/2021/08/how-to-send-a-standard-pota-cw-exchange/
The Icom IC-705 is still a much better radio than the X6100, especially in terms of the receiver.
Now that Xiegu puts out radios with a 10:1 vs. a 3:1 tuner in every radio, My expectation from any radio going forward is a 10:1 match capability.
this is the radio I will buy next, if my FT-450 broke down beyond repair. so far my FT-450 is still doing fine after 12 years. X-6100 also have 100 wts amp for about same price as radio. so it can be good for fixed station. AG6JU
So I ended up selling my X6100 this fall. I found that the audio and battery life--especially since I have an X5105--just didn't stack up. If I were a digital mode operator in the field, I might have kept it. The overloading it experiences can get pretty bad at times--you really need an external BCI filter for it.
@@ThomasK4SWL I see, thanks for info. I might wait a little bit until they make improvement. AG6JU
Nice job Thomas! I finally got mine, but, I have found that I can try and charge it over night, and when I try to use it, I can only get about 20-30 mins out of it. this is with the majority of the time in RX and maybe 3 ATU rounds and 2 CQ sessions on TX. The unit got hotter than I would have expected for the largest amount of time in RX mode. I can only get 8.0v max as well. What have you experienced?
tnx, KF6IF
Wow! So it sounds like something isn't working properly with your X6100. The one I had on loan did at least two activations in a row on one charge. While the internal battery doesn't last as long as the X5105, it works longer that the amount of time you noted. I think early on I got 4+ hours in RX in the shack on one charge. I will check the new one I ordered from Radioddity. It should arrive early next week. If it's getting warm/hot and not holding a charge, I'd definitely check in with the retailer. If the charge controller isn't working properly inside, you'd want to sort that out soon and avoid thermal runaways.
Someone has practiced the ancient secret Gaelic alphabet of Ogham on the edge of the table 😀😝! Thanks for vid!
😁 Ha ha!
nice! but is it really 24bit ADC in it?
I'm not sure yet.
hi did you try the cw decode function
Not yet, but I will.
Hey I like the key you are using... what is it ??
It's made by N0SA.
Hmm...but what du you say about the Filters? I don´t like them sooo much. Also if you take a earphone you hear a lot of digital noise from the raio. For me it is, to be honest, not a really really good CW radio until now.
So this was my first field activation with the X6100 with an initial firmware package. It works well for me in terms of keyer timing, etc. but as with most Xiegu radios, the audio leaves something to be desired. The filters are okay, but can handle those close-in adjacent signals like pricier radios.
been hunting high and low for that CW paddle you're using, where can i buy one?????
That particular one was a one-off from N0SA. He does make them again from time to time. That said, another design of his I love that is available is the SP4 via CW Morse. It's his design, they just manufacture it: cwmorse.us/products/sp4-sota-pota-cw-morse-magnetic-paddle-by-n0sa?ref=pHGSYqNC
Note that this is an affiliate link, but has no impact on my recommendation because the SP4 is one of my favorites and it a similar form-factor to the one in this video. Only slightly larger.
@@ThomasK4SWL thats brilliant thank you! ive added the SP4 to my shopping list!
Quick Question. Does your X6100 Transmit below 50.100 Mine does not.
Also, when listening to a CW signal if I turn on NR- Noise Reduction, the CW note sounds distorted. like a Buzz Saw..
Anyone, have these problems ? or is it just my radio ? All of these are after the latest update as of Jan 2022
Yes, so noise reduction in CW mode is a known problem Xiegu is working on. I haven't tried transmitting below 50,100 kHz yet.
@@ThomasK4SWL thanks. They gave me a 6100 to play with. Going thru it today. I’m sure the little annoyances will be fixed in the near future. Fun radio.
I wish it had 2M and 70 cm but HF is just perfect I would actually put it up against the IC 705 yes price wise it is priced out right ic-705 for qrp is overpriced we'll see how sales wild sales will go up on this beautiful radio that you're going to show I hope yaesu comes out would a brand new model a little bit bigger than the 718 and 817 watch out yeah he's he's got something up their sleeve it's going to blow us away ❤️
Please do a QCX video.
Check out these of the QCX Mini: ua-cam.com/play/PLQwZF-uqDOfic_Bl4B45Cil-_kzBJh0s9.html
I've a QCX+ to build this year, so that'll be on here before long.
Thats a nice writing implement. What is it?
It is a good one! I have several pencils I love using. I always include a link the full field report. You can find it here: qrper.com/2021/12/the-new-xiegu-x6100-lets-see-how-well-it-performs-cw-in-the-field/
@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks! Placing an order. I am actually considering a purchase of the xiegu-x6100 as well. I wish they would incorporate digital and other modes into the firmware, instead of just the basic vanilla modes. I would like to think I could make a QSO using FT-8 on QRP during a zombie apocalypse LOL!
I am close to just making my own Cyberdeck with a Battery, RPI 4, LimeSDR and PA. But would be nice to have something as neatly packaged as the Xiegu though.
Nice channel, I subscribed!
73 DE KI7EUE
what are the keyer paddles you are using?
They're N0SA SOTA paddles, but sadly they're not being made anymore. I think he does have some new designs in the works, though.
@@ThomasK4SWL OK, thanks
Nice but no battery swap is a deal breaker for me. 73 de KI1Y, Cocoa Beach FL
good job IK4XQI
i was waiting for the CW contact for more than 10 mins. now and still not getting any CW its more of an instruction on how to use the radio instead of the CW contact
You can fast-forward?
I operate my sidetone a lot lower, around 600hz, your tone sounds like off frequency stations to me lol.
I might very well fiddle with the sidetone. :) It sounds SO much better than the X5105 ST.
In Chinese, it's 协谷 and is pronounced like you said you thought it should be: "shay goo".
Thank you!
It's actually pronounced : Kseeghuuh! 😅
Very good, Tomas!!!!.....Al R0LHE FAR EAST RUSSIA Vladivostok.....
hey K4SWL
why 72' ?????
Here you go: qrper.com/2022/07/why-i-send-72-instead-of-73/
So with the Radio being named "Shoigu" in Chinese, it must have some Russian Know how....
Next one'll probably called "Putin" XTC666 😂
It should be pronounced CQ IMHO.
people in different countries dont make much of an effort to pronounce english words, the chinese wont even consider making a basic effort. so dont worry about it.