I think this radio is a bit more polished than the G90, but that's easy to say because its a few years newer and has less features to be unpolished. I love the G90.
The G90 is "too much better" for less than $100 more, making it a better value.... I think we could see G106 price drops unless they roll out some "miracle" firmware. Thanks for the candid review Steve. K7KS
If Xiegu really wants to release half baked radios they should consider going open source with their firmware because if they did people could contribute code to the firmware at no cost to Xiegu. Maybe even someone would come by and write code for a better electronic keyer because (at least on my x6100) I struggle using the keyer.
It is a contraversial radio. It kinda seems like a stepback, like releasing Iphone 3 after 7, but it is fresh with the most solid firmware, and Xiegu has quite a few auto tuners, amps, and fans that would look like a tasty stack of pancakes, and we are all aware that the jam-packed g90 ran hot because it was all in one box. This one is way more asthetic, and has room for a few tweaks, like an swr meter. If you order an autotuner, it seems common that you must specify it needs to trigger from an under 5 watt input, most are 5 or more to start clicking through caps n coils.
I was on the fence on this one, but something kept me interested. I have the same uSDX+ that is shown in the video, and, yeah, it works, and I've made a fair number of CW contacts on the uSDX+ but it's just not a whole lot of fun to play with. No textile feel to it. Crackly, and spikey, and awkward. Better suited for occasional use at a campground perhaps. So, after chewing on the g106 I ordered it and it arrived only yesterday. It has version 1.2 and I just plugged it in and started sending out a cq in cw. I have it plugged into a small amp and my power out was around 30 watts with the amp and a guy came right back to my cw testing transmission. (I do cw almost exclusively. Poorly, but I like it). My little 30 watt signal went almost 1,000 miles 20 minutes after I opened the box and plugged it in. Very intuitive rig, you do not need to really read anything on how to work this radio. And, my antenna is a diy dipole that is low to the ground. And we're in a valley surrounded by hills and houses. So....yeah....it just works. And while it's been only 24 hours I am really kind of digging it. Feels like a tank. Time will tell.
Sold, just bought one with the DFE bundle and a magnet mount 300 + QJE PS30SW power supply 100. Nice $500 start. Thank you for the code. The only weird thing is the DC outlet seems to not plug in. @@temporarilyoffline edit: plug is good!
I love the size of it. I have a G90 and the USDX model. USDX actually works ok, just a bit crude. I think somewhere around a $200 price point would increase sales of these exponentially.
I wish it had a mute jack in the back for automatically muting the receiver in cases of using a separate QRP transmitting like a homebrew QRP TX, etc. I only find that on higher-end communications receivers. Dave - KU9L
Even when R&L had that radio for $289 a couple of months back, I still wasn't tempted to buy it. Maybe if it was maybe $225 or less I might consider it. There is nothing inspiring about that radio.
I think it would be fun to try on a POTA. I would love to do some cw on it. Probably not that bad, considering I am use to pixies and crickets. Down right luxurious. Hihi
Too bad people have to HATE RADIOS and have the internet to express their hate. Thanks for an unbiased review. Might be better if the influencers would work with manufacturers to make the radio better... If the manufacturers would listen. Things could be better.
I think we should work with the manufacturers for sure. I have offered my help to Xiegu in improving their image a couple of times and I'd still love to help out.
@@temporarilyoffline I hope they'll (or Yaesu!) buy 8 hours of your time (and several othere UA-cam Superstars I follow) and let you brainstorm with the engineers how to make the dozen "OK" radios into "value" radios. I know I won't get an Icom out of it, but there's a lot that can be done in the low to mid range HF SDR space.
@@lavenderlilacproductions It would be nice if they would, but they have too much pride and don't appear to actually use their devices. I'm begging these guys to catch up with early 2000's blackberry technology levels... in 2024!
Today I received my Xiegu g106. Have you tried connecting headphones to it? I have connected the sennheiser and can only hear the sound in my left ear.
I have connected headphones to it and I don't recall that problem. Try pulling it out a little and see if you get both channels. On my live stream with the g106, I used the headphone jack to feed the stream.
The FX-4C is a great radio - costs twice as much, provides twice the power and has a color screen -- all in a smaller form factor ( check out my FX-4C playlist for some not yet released videos )
@@temporarilyoffline Do you have one? I would like one but I will be buying the VX_6R first. I am also waiting on a Wouxun KG UV9 Pro. Getting my GMRS license also.
Still overpriced. . If you need a QRP radio, shop around and buy a an FT891 with 100 watts built-in, when you need it. 3 year warranty. Yeah. It's 300 bux more BUT the 891 is a REAL RADIO.
Another radio you can find in that price range (and often way cheaper these days on eBay) is the ICOM ic706 (or the mkii or mkiiG). Extremely capable HF radio. I've had one since I was in high school and it's my favorite radio.
It’s a fine “cheaper” radio, but it just points out to me how good of a product the G90 is at it’s price.
I think this radio is a bit more polished than the G90, but that's easy to say because its a few years newer and has less features to be unpolished. I love the G90.
“I don’t hate it”, what every manufacturer want to hear on a TO review! LOL
Glowing praise compared to most reviews... K8MRD called it dog shit....
This one is growing on me.
From what I understand Mike had a pre-prod unit. Its not /that bad/. I'm starting to like it.
That Utah SDR is a great place to test with. That radio is really tiny Steve, for the cost, pretty surprising what you get.
I'm getting happier with it as time goes by
The G90 is "too much better" for less than $100 more, making it a better value.... I think we could see G106 price drops unless they roll out some "miracle" firmware. Thanks for the candid review Steve. K7KS
No problem, stay tuned for some more updates!
Maybe I'm biased but I just love small radios. They are cute ;)
This one is great in that department!
If Xiegu really wants to release half baked radios they should consider going open source with their firmware because if they did people could contribute code to the firmware at no cost to Xiegu. Maybe even someone would come by and write code for a better electronic keyer because (at least on my x6100) I struggle using the keyer.
I would love if the open sourced the software. Sounds like a big win to me.
It is a contraversial radio. It kinda seems like a stepback, like releasing Iphone 3 after 7, but it is fresh with the most solid firmware, and Xiegu has quite a few auto tuners, amps, and fans that would look like a tasty stack of pancakes, and we are all aware that the jam-packed g90 ran hot because it was all in one box.
This one is way more asthetic, and has room for a few tweaks, like an swr meter. If you order an autotuner, it seems common that you must specify it needs to trigger from an under 5 watt input, most are 5 or more to start clicking through caps n coils.
I'm hoping they step back, regroup and carry forward from a strong foundation. Time will tell.
I was on the fence on this one, but something kept me interested. I have the same uSDX+ that is shown in the video, and, yeah, it works, and I've made a fair number of CW contacts on the uSDX+ but it's just not a whole lot of fun to play with. No textile feel to it. Crackly, and spikey, and awkward. Better suited for occasional use at a campground perhaps. So, after chewing on the g106 I ordered it and it arrived only yesterday. It has version 1.2 and I just plugged it in and started sending out a cq in cw. I have it plugged into a small amp and my power out was around 30 watts with the amp and a guy came right back to my cw testing transmission. (I do cw almost exclusively. Poorly, but I like it). My little 30 watt signal went almost 1,000 miles 20 minutes after I opened the box and plugged it in. Very intuitive rig, you do not need to really read anything on how to work this radio. And, my antenna is a diy dipole that is low to the ground. And we're in a valley surrounded by hills and houses. So....yeah....it just works. And while it's been only 24 hours I am really kind of digging it. Feels like a tank. Time will tell.
Right - its simple and well built without any features to get you lost or confused... it just... radios.
I will stick with my G90 for sure at that price point. I like cheap rigs but they have to have a tested reputation like the SW-3B and TruSDX
I agree! This one is shaping up to be pretty good so far.
Dare I say this might be the HF baofeng? It looks like a starter that you can't hate but it's not beloved.... Like a baofeng.
Good call. Nothing wrong with the radio, but nothing to sing about either.
Sold, just bought one with the DFE bundle and a magnet mount 300 + QJE PS30SW power supply 100. Nice $500 start. Thank you for the code. The only weird thing is the DC outlet seems to not plug in. @@temporarilyoffline edit: plug is good!
@@ahtartersauce101 you're in for some fun now. Congrats!
I thought the G1M was the HF Baofeng. Only 4 bands but otherwise similar and it was cheaper too.
I love the size of it. I have a G90 and the USDX model. USDX actually works ok, just a bit crude. I think somewhere around a $200 price point would increase sales of these exponentially.
💯 agree!
Honesty is great TO.
I think so too. Much easier to keep track of!
Are there better QRP rigs? Definitely But If your having fun and making contacts and its reliable that's all that matters.
Maybe they have removed features to make a better base radio to work up from.
I wish it had a mute jack in the back for automatically muting the receiver in cases of using a separate QRP transmitting like a homebrew QRP TX, etc. I only find that on higher-end communications receivers. Dave - KU9L
That would be nice
Even when R&L had that radio for $289 a couple of months back, I still wasn't tempted to buy it. Maybe if it was maybe $225 or less I might consider it. There is nothing inspiring about that radio.
I think that's it... Its not "inspiring" - Like I kept saying: It does the thing. I'm still working on it.
It's a radio. Radios are cool.
Honestly, I'm sure it has a place in someone's shack.
It sure does. I'll have more videos out soon. It's a nice radio, I'm just trying to figure out where it fits.
I could see using it in some sort of portable or minimalist FT8 setup maybe.
I think so too. Its hard to hate. I think I've become spoiled by the ~$100 QRP rigs.
I think it would be fun to try on a POTA. I would love to do some cw on it. Probably not that bad, considering I am use to pixies and crickets. Down right luxurious. Hihi
I am loving it more and more as I use it more!
Plenty of dx with eu with an indoor antenna
Sweet! This is a great little radio for the price, enjoy!
Too bad people have to HATE RADIOS and have the internet to express their hate. Thanks for an unbiased review. Might be better if the influencers would work with manufacturers to make the radio better... If the manufacturers would listen. Things could be better.
I think we should work with the manufacturers for sure. I have offered my help to Xiegu in improving their image a couple of times and I'd still love to help out.
@@temporarilyoffline Thanks for trying! But if the price is right, radios will sell!
@@wb8cxo indeed!
@@temporarilyoffline I hope they'll (or Yaesu!) buy 8 hours of your time (and several othere UA-cam Superstars I follow) and let you brainstorm with the engineers how to make the dozen "OK" radios into "value" radios. I know I won't get an Icom out of it, but there's a lot that can be done in the low to mid range HF SDR space.
@@lavenderlilacproductions It would be nice if they would, but they have too much pride and don't appear to actually use their devices. I'm begging these guys to catch up with early 2000's blackberry technology levels... in 2024!
In the UK it'd probably be stupid money rather than cheap.
£299.99 at Martin Lynch
I would get the 6100 or the G90 but I'm skipping on that model. When is the CAHR HF radio coming out?😁
"Any day now"
What is that?
What is what?
@K O never heard of it. Is it yet another sdr?
Today I received my Xiegu g106. Have you tried connecting headphones to it? I have connected the sennheiser and can only hear the sound in my left ear.
I have connected headphones to it and I don't recall that problem. Try pulling it out a little and see if you get both channels. On my live stream with the g106, I used the headphone jack to feed the stream.
If you pull a little, then there are both channels. But when fixing the connector, only 1 channel.
I've run into that a lot, especially on headphones with the built-in mic (like for cellphones)
Do you think is better than orange tru-sdx?
Yes. The (tr)uSDX is good for it's design goals and is a lot of fun though.
Great video TKS! In your comparison the G106 X the uSDR, for mobile operations or even contests. Would it be a better choice?
73 PY2ATR
I think the g106 is a little more refined, especially if you get it from a good dealer.
Great video, my opinion is that this is an overpriced $149 radio
Stay tuned for the teardown video. That might help improve things.
Needs swr meter
That would be nice!
What about the FX-4C
The FX-4C is a great radio - costs twice as much, provides twice the power and has a color screen -- all in a smaller form factor ( check out my FX-4C playlist for some not yet released videos )
@@temporarilyoffline Do you have one? I would like one but I will be buying the VX_6R first. I am also waiting on a Wouxun KG UV9 Pro. Getting my GMRS license also.
One of my viewers sent it in for review and I made some videos and sent it back.
@@temporarilyoffline I found the playlist on the FX-4C thank you Steve.
I love my g90, for the price I would not buy it. I would buy another G90, cause it's better
It's hard to beat the price:value ratio of a g90!
Still overpriced. . If you need a QRP radio, shop around and buy a an FT891 with 100 watts built-in, when you need it. 3 year warranty. Yeah. It's 300 bux more BUT the 891 is a REAL RADIO.
The 891 is a real radio for sure, but I don't know if it's fair to compare them because of the differences in class.
Another radio you can find in that price range (and often way cheaper these days on eBay) is the ICOM ic706 (or the mkii or mkiiG). Extremely capable HF radio. I've had one since I was in high school and it's my favorite radio.
@@JonathanKayne I was thinking the same thing on the stream last night. How does it compare to an 818 or 706? Good call!
Thanks for the tip! Good stuff
I am still surprised at how small they are today!