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MFJ Xiegu X5105 QRP HAM Radio Review
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- I had a great time reviewing the Xiegu X5105 distributed by MFJ. I find that this QRP radio is the Goldilocks of "Just Right" functionality and price. Its fun to use outdoors especially!
If you want your own X5105 check out: www.mfjenterprises.com/Product...
For X5105 Support: / 578581345625251
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I do realize the FT-817 is a much newer radio than 30 years, sorry for the mistake!
Absolutely brilliant review Josh, and a really big thank you for the shout out for our Xiegu x108G & x5105 Facebook group, and of course my you tube channel.. I think you should see what offer MFJ has on that one for you 😉, if good bite their hand off..
Going back to the group, MFJ now has a link straight to us on their advert for the X5105..I sent them an email a week or so ago and they were happy to do this, in fact they them selves joined the group..We have 1000+ members now and growing daily..So again thanks for that shout out and an excellent review... de Wayne 2e0bvj/ QRP HF radio...
Thanks for all the help getting me up and running quickly for the review! You have a very good Facebook group, lots of helpful people!
Decent review. I’ve been operating qrp cw for 30 years. I have built qrp rigs, owned MFJ TENTEC and Elecraft rigs. No matter if you work qrp or qro, it’s not the power you run, its the antenna system that makes or breaks the results you will get with any radio when operating cw. Second, for new hams that want to upgrade and wean themselves off repeaters, most qro radios can be set to qrp levels. Therefore the new ham who wants to experiment in the qrp realm can do so without spending extra bux for a qrp rig. Qrp should be thought of as another aspect ofthe greatest hobby/service on earth. What other hobby offers the ability to construct a qrp rig and then experience the thrill of contacting hams around the world with it! Qrp guys generally are into understanding electronics, building gear, experimenting with antennas, going out in the field and belong to many groups and organizations that are specifically Qrp. In summary when it comes to a rig like the 5105, it’s features make it a very is a good field rig at a reasonable price point for the true qrp cw portable operator.
Well said !!!
Nice video Hoshnasi. My first HF Radio was an ICOM IC-701. Old, works, and heavy. Definitely a base station radio. My new HF radio is the Xiegu X108G. I like it, still need to really dive into it. A lot of the perks you mentioned are available on the X108G, and not too bad. Nice job explaining the X5105.
Thanks for watching. I've used a 701. Great radio there.
I subscribe and truly enjoy all of your wonderful presentations.
An impressive little radio, not just for those of us starting out in the hobby (UK foundation licence holders are limited to a total of 10 watts but great for SOTA and POTA too. Looks like I’ll be looking this one up with a view to buying.
That hat pin is amazing. I need to get my hands on one of those one day. Also, great video. Thanks for that. :)
You should!
Love the speed @which you covered.
AADD here, lol.
Wide range ATU, internal power, good DSP filtering, didn't know it had 6 meters either, til now. Nor did I catch the cool integrsted legs+heatsink.
Impetus to regain my ticket continues.
QRV by midsummer.
73
excellent review...great video!!
Great review HRCC - really informative bud..
Wow! I watched David Casler's review of this radio. I like yours better. It's clearer to me why I would want this radio.
Thanks! Its a fun radio to operate!
Just bought a Xiegu X5105, great video as always. The heat sink looks like a large Weaver rail. Maybe I can mount a big ol' Aimpoint red dot on my QRP rig. :-D
Ray,
I noticed that to! Unfortunately, the slots on the bottom are square and not dovetail....If Xiegu were to make these slots dovetail then additional thermal mass could be easily slid into place for additional cooling...Also, it might make a cool place to temporarily mount a code key......
Hey Xiegu! Do ya smell what we're cookin'?
Greay video-TY, debating on KX2 or 3 now I might try this de W1WBL
Thanks for the X5105 review. Is there any recommendation or a link to working full setup including cables for X5105 winlink implementation?
Thanks, great video review!
Thanks!
Great review on the X5105. I've had mine for a few months and it works fine as a trail radio but it's really only a trail radio. My biggest dissapointment coming from a decade of using a FT-817ND and LDG z817 ATU is the audio when using headphones and the ATU is no where near as effective as the LDG. Firmware updates are this rig's saviour without them it would be quite a dissapointment. No harm in doing QRP as a new ham, in fact the sense of success is much higher - you need to work harder and expect less. It's fun though as ham radio should be.
Eddie - this radio has TERRIBLE distortion on AM transmit. I was horribly disappointed… XIEGU - FIX IT !!!
Thanks for the great review
Great review! Gonna save up for this baby
Great video thank you. I would be interested in you doing a similar video for the mcHF SDR QRP radio if you can. Thanks again for the review!
If someone sends it to me I’ll review it. 😄👍
Hey thanks for you video, I am new to ham but looking for a way to communicate on hunting trips in the mountains. What's your opinion or advice about what HF set up would be mobile and light weight for this application?
Tried one recently - very nice. Consensus of opinion with us was that, given this is a QRP radio (where CW really comes into its own), the firmware quickly needs to be upgraded to incorporate onscreen CW encode/decode to make it functionally competitive. Of all the broadly comparative HF radios currently out there (KX2/3, mcHF, Elad & forthcoming CTX10) this is the only one that doesn't incorporate this basic CW functionality. An oversight slightly letting down an otherwise good product but an easy fix ?
I do notice mcHF firmware is further stretching the firmware envelope with embedded FreeDV ua-cam.com/video/MGIjoGcT2Ek/v-deo.html. Interesting times for SDR.
if all the buttes where on the face... it would be SWEET in a Go box... PSK31 support is cool but no FSK decoding?
One thing I haven't seen anyone address... all those numeric buttons on the hand mic? Can I direct input a freq from the mic so I don't need to spin that rotary off its bearings?
The FT817 does FM just fine.
beware unintentional power up in you back pack. i've seen someone use those stick on rubber feet either side of the power button to prevent this.
Smart. I generally run mine in a semi rigid case to avoid that.
A really useful video. I wish I could hands on with one here in Canada. You mentioned at one point that it was good for a day out. How long have you found the internal battery lasts before it drops off below the voltage threshold?
I worked a sota activation for three hours calling cq and didn’t drop more than ten percent on the battery meter. Made a call from ca. To pa.
hoshnasi I was leaning towards a yaesu and not the brick form factor, but seeing more about these radios makes me curious if I would enjoy using it. I suspect I might. :)
Will the x5105 tune more than a 3:1 swr? I would like to use it with a pactenna. Thanks KG7CQG
I have no real evidence. But the tuner seems to be better than 3:1. My guess is it’s 10:1.
Nice ....radio I think but FT 817 have also 2m and 70 cm aboard 73
817 is a fine radio. It has its issues. But it still good.
will this radio be able to push a small 50 watts or 100 watts amplifier? im looking for 75% outdoor use and 25% home use. Due to antenna restrictions I need at least 25/50 watts for home operation
There is actually a Xiegu amp available for 100 Watts.
Just received my G90 yesterday, and I'm quite impressed. The X5105 is probably next.
I understand the X5105 does not come with a charger. On the multiple reviews of this radio on UA-cam, I have not found a review on the best power supplies / chargers to use for the X5105 battery. What are hams using? 73.
I use an MFJ power supply and connect the MFJ with power pole connectors.
Great thanks. Would you mind telling which MFJ power supply? I'm concerned about the proper amperage. Enjoy your videos. 73 from Alabama.
The MFJ-4230MVP will do it. amzn.to/2UWXfQQ
What other portable radios have batteries but have more than 10W? I know the FT-897 but its out of production. Thanks in advance.
None that I am aware in production now.
I know I really like double a batteries. That is why I was leaning towards a KX3. However here is a note I found on the ham is a review on the KX3. Which leads me to believe that possibly an external battery pack that you can put double a batteries in to plug in from the outside maybe a good option for this X5105.
Here is the review That I copied off eHam about the KX3
The internal battery facility is a joke. Even with good 2500mAh NiMh cells, after a couple of hours you will find transmitting at 3 Watts starts to give low battery warnings. The spring battery holder isn't capable of supplying more than a few mA, not 2 to 3 Amps. In addition, if you want to remove the batteries for charging, you risk breaking the weak ribbon cable every time you open the case.
Which is certainly something to consider.
Which leads me to believe if I bought the X5105 showing this video may be a very good idea. Plus using the lithium battery packs he suggested also sounds like a great idea but on my side and also suggested by him if I bought this one I would probably carry an eight pack X ternal AA battery case that I could buy AA batteries anywhere in the world and still plug them in to the outside of this one And do just fine
I generally agree with that. I have spent hours using the internal battery though at 5w. Including out in the field.
I had read that this unit has IF out....is this true....I also heard that there may be an Panadapter at some point available?
Indeed it has an IF out. I heard there is a pan adapter and modem on the way at some point.
Saw the link, I added it below in my Amazon store. I also spoke with MFJ. I think there is some hand-over period where MFJ will become the US distributor for all the X5105s including on Amazon. We'll see.
cute radio I think Ill just order the output parts kit and have my friend at Motorola fix my Ic 703 Icom
Lets drag that IC 703 out and do some SOTA activation!
I may get an X5105 but no way am I selling my IC 703+. That's a great radio.
KU3X
Absolutely!
It is on Amazon. I believe it is $650 there. Thanks for making this video
Thanks for the tip. I saw them there, but I wasn't sure who was shipping it. I didn't see the names Xiegu or MFJ?
Scratch that, I checked a few days ago and it had another name. Now it says Xiegu.
Is the notch filter function automatic or manual?
manual
FYI, your link to MFJ gets an error, and visiting the site directly
shows no sign of that radio, only the G90.
My question is and I didn't hear or see you mention it it does have the internal battery my question is is the battery replaceable with a new one if the old one goes bad and how do you do that
Crack it open and get to soldering would be my guess.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse thanks for getting back to me
Your comments at 15:40 IMO are "hog wash". This Elmer would advise those that want to get into HF can either try QRP or QRO. My first rig was a QRP kit. I could not afford a new commercial built HF transceiver nor a used one so for less than $200, one half of my bi-weekly gross paycheck at the time, I was able to build it then get on the air when my Novice license came in the mail. My first attempts at calling "CQ" were contactless but the next day I tried and with 5 watts transmit on CW made a contact with a station on the west coast. I was impressed. QRP will not give the operator immediate satisfaction. If that is the goal of the new operator then yes to purchasing a QRO transceiver. I have learned a lot of skills by working QRP for 32 years so that when I work QRO, not often, operating is still fun. When I started this hobby the old timers told me that I would become disappointed with the hobby working QRP. I have proven them wrong. QRP, for me, has given me more fun and enjoyable times on the air. I rarely work from home using more than 5 watts transmitting. When I do transmit with greater than 5 watts I am contesting with my local radio club. Two things about this hobby that I have enjoyed from the get-go are QRP and CW. Even QRP is beginning to be tiresome. I've been trying QRPp, less than 1 watt, transmitting and having more fun. The best times to get on air are during contesting. You asked for negative as well as positive comments and these are mine. About this Xiegu X5105. Yours is the second review I've watched, Dave Casler was first. Some amateur radio equipment has become outrageously priced. I like the Chinese market regarding competition with amateur radio gear. Although, I am not in favor of SDR transceivers if I were to purchase a rig my choice used to be Elecraft, but I would have to win the lottery or not buy any groceries for the next 9 months in order to afford the kit with a few options. Not only the price of the Xiegu but the functionality that Dave and you purport that this little rig has the capability to give are great selling points, plus the convenience of carrying an antenna, and for me, a key and I would be ready to go anywhere I would to operate. Nice review.
I think I was pretty clear that only in certain situations is QRP a viable way to get reliable contacts.
I have listened to this section a couple times before writing my comment and again before making this comment. "Pretty clear" yes about using for SOTA or a light weight portable but you imply not to QRP if you want reliable communications. I am not arguing with you but I want new hams to know that ham radio communication is not a for sure contact every time they get on air.
Ok, fair enough.
I wish someone would review the 125 watt amp they advertise to use with this radio. I can't find much about it online.
I might try and get a review for that in the future.
That would be fantastic.
Great review. What was your farthest contact using this rig?
Over the years with it, Alaska, Japan, east coast from SoCal.
Hi Josh, would you still recommend this radio as anew purchase 3 years on?
I might point people to the g90
I wish there was a 10w version.
I wish there was something really similar in functions, properties, and price, but could put out more watts… any suggestions?
The Xiegu G90.
Is there a modification unlocking CB frequencies?
Not that I am aware of.
I think only the KX3 can use an internal 2 meter plug-in. Think the KX2 is also only 80- 10 meters.
Yep. You’re right. I buggered them to together there.
loctite222ms Once you go below 80 metres with the KX2 the sensetivity drops right out.. Forget the broadcast bands, i live not 15 miles from a broadcast station in Manchester U.K and my KX2 doesnt even hear it..
A nice little Chinese rig but I am very happy with my Yaesu FT-817.
Any concerns about condensation when encountering temperature changes while backpacking?
Have a bag?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I've had beers freeze in a backpack before, so I'm concerned how the radio would fare in these circumstances.
I think the KX3 does 15W with updated firmware. Not that another 10W is going to get you through that pile up. The nice thing about the KX3 is the firmware updates are a snap, it's got great support, American made and the antenna tuner will tune almost anything you throw at it with great filters. I think your suggestions on who should buy this is spot on. If you want to start doing SOTA or backpacking operating, this is a good purchase.
No question the KX3 and KX2 for that mater are great radios. In no way should my review be considered a knock to either.
With that said, the included cable for the X5105 makes firmware upgrades a snap. Also, the tuner as I mentioned is very robust. Options are good in the market for us operators. I'm glad we get access to such radios.
In the 11m lane, someone managed to open the station. and how did you do it. Thanks 73!
I think its in the menu.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I gave full band and it doesn't work
Good video. Thanks for clearing up the SWR check / tone issue. That scared me ! I'd never suggest that any new comer to ham radio get any QRP radio. Bad choice. They have to understand what they are getting into before making that step.
The X5105 sure does pack a lot of features for the money. One should not be afraid to get into the setup menu. That is where you go to set the CW filter band widths. If one screws up any of the setting, they can do a reset to get you back to the factory settings. I don't see a need to go there every time you turn the radio on. It should be a set and forget type menu.
Next we need some reviews from people that have had one on the air for a long term. All radios have faults and it will be interesting to see what the shortfalls are for this radio? Not having UHF/VHF is not an issue. Let Yaesu have that feature.
I don't mean to correct you, but the KX2 does not have the 2 meter option. No big deal, that's what HT's are for.
KU3X
Thanks Barry, I probably lumped both the KXs together, but yes, only the KX3 can get the 2m upgrade module.
I haven't decided if I'll keep the Xiegu yet. If I do, I'm sure it will be in future videos on my channel. I saw that MFJ started selling the Xiegu data port for connection to the PC and modems that Xiegu is producing. I'm interested in those as well.
Barry Kery Come and join our facebook group and see exactly the results X5105 owners, new and old are getting. Saying folks shouldnt buy QRP rigs as their first rigs is totally wrong.. Watch my videos on here and see exactly the results i get with these Xiegu rigs, i am not alone on this as many will vouch for. QRP is fun and even more fun when you work stations running kilowatts into a big beam on a high mast, and you get the same reports back running 5 to 10 watts with a mediocre antenna..I get a lot of stations not believing im running QRP with my X108G’s and X5105. Dont knock running QRP as a new starterr in the hobby until youve actually operated these rigs and seen the results we get. then come back and say your still against running QRP as a first rig.. de Wayne 2e0bvj
Hey thats not correct....the Yaesu 817 was launched in 2001 thats 17 years not 30 years did you take a guess ?
Hey good catch. I was using passed down knowledge I was told from listening to other HAMs. To clarify though, if its 17 years old or 30 its still not going to be and SDR.
Hi Hoshansi- was wondering how you feel today about the xiegu x5105. Are you still a 'thumbs up' on this radio?
Yes, still a goto for me for QRP field work.
So this does NOT cover the 2m band?
no but...
if u really need 2m 70 cm just buy a cheap baofeng. if will serve it's purpose.
Kx3 kx2 are SDR my friend. This Chinese xiegu is NOT. As the trusty FT817 is superheterodyne radio
It’s more SDR than it is not. www.cqxiegu.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=63
Amazon review saying manufacturer confirmed 2 hours use max to avoid overheating? 1 hour whilst charging? Seems a big con.
I let the thing run over night on wspr. No issue.
Is this a radio for a new HAM
Probably not. This is a ham radio for someone who wants to go outdoors and setup portable stations primarily.
Is there a multi band radio that you would recommend for a new HAM
Josh, i think what your talking about that MFJ said they were working on something for the data side is the XDT1. This is a pan adaptor data unit similar to what Elecraft produced for the KX3 that, Xiegu them selves are going to release.. That is still in development and we hope to have one for testing in the facebook group prior to its release.. I will add a link to it here from Xiegu’s website to show exactly what it is..
I hope this is ok with you, if not just remove it.. 73 de Wayne 2e0bvj
www.cqxiegu.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=64
Yes exactly, didn't mean to imply MFJ was developing. But its an excited device.
hoshnasi i knew what you meant Josh 😁. i only mentioned it so that others can be aware of the line up that Xiegu has for the X5105..The XDT1 looks like it will be an excellent addition for those interested in data modes, we did ask them if they could include PSK31 TX wise to the X5105 its self as it already has the decode function. They said they wont or cant do that because obviously they want to sell the XDT1 that can do that and more instead..
Yep, that was similar to the response I got from xiegu when asking if CW decode/encode could be included in the X5105 firmware for standalone use. Weak and short sighted argument I thought - not everyone wants to lug along a pan-adapter on a SOTA activation !
b Your correct about lugging the pan adaptor. On the subject of adding PSK31 TX and CW decode to the X5105. What we have to remember is that Xiegu is a manufacturer and needs the revenues to keep the buisness afloat, so adding these features direct to the X5105 its self would affect the sales of the XDT-1. At least Xiegu has included essential optional extras at no extra cost unlike every other manufacturer. We cant have everything , but where can you get a HF 6 metre portable transceiver with built in ATU, battery pack and remote mic for this price.
No, MFJ is not developing a data connector. They just carry the XE-19 that Xiegu makes...when they can get them from the manufacturer.
very good video thanks for the review. 73 de Gary K8JCR
Thanks Gary!
Hmm I'd like to see more on the XieGu G90
Get a yaesu ft857,897
Edvard Gjertsen What 10 + years old and dated technology??
Autoplay started me down some weird elsagate rabbit hole, probably because of goldilocks in the title.
Lol!!!
Come to the dark side we have cookies ; )
The people over at Elecraft must be pissed!
Besides the internal ATU, there's no reason to opt for this over the 817/818 and to that end, the 857D is everything you could want for base, camping and SHT Tail Rotor.
I can think of a lot of reasons to get this over the 817/818
Much better battery
Anathema analyzer
Better screen
Kick stand
If out
Cw decode (in new firmware)
DSP
True the 817 is all band which is nice, but it’s showing it’s age.
Very well presented! KA9KBG! Keeps your attention!!!!
Josh - are you aware of the terrible distortion on AM transmit for this rig ??? It’s been verified by Dale Parfitt W4OP… XIEGU - FIX IT !!!
Who services it after the warranty expires ? Any Xiegu service centers in the US?
MFJ offers only a ONE YEAR warranty .... Radioddity offers a 1 1/2 YEAR warranty.........Radioddity also seems to have much better customer service. THEY actually are responsive to messages.
Great review !...IMO...QRP HF is not the way to go with current, and now, long time poor propagation issues on HF...forget VHF { simplex]. Especially, as an introduction to HF rigs for newer hams. They would soon become discouraged and that is the last thing we need for the health of the hobby. QRP is just not enough power. Fun if you want to use CW mode and see how far out you can go with light carrying gear on remote locations but outside of CW, 5 watts is not enough.That 670 dollars can be better spent on many other HF introductory rigs for HF.....Dana 1965 Novice to Extra Class ... WN6OHG
Thanks for watching Dana!
Its almost the same price as the KX3. --- All these companies need to lower their prices. its no wonder not many people dont want to get into the hobby deeply,
and one of the main reasons why people will just buy a Baufeng instead. these companies think everyone is made out of diamonds. like wtf.
even myself at times I find myself in shock to many equipment items and yes many in the MFJ line too that are through the damn roof.
This is suppose to be a hobby, not break peoples banks. like holy shit are these things expensive. I would rather spend $1000+ dollars in my recording studio.
This radio should not cost more than $400 dollars.
Anyways hosh, love your channel content anyways hehehee.... sorry for the rant, just fed up with the prices of equipment thats all. :)
Buts it’s not close to the price of the kx3. Its $600.
Yeah, it's an expensive hobby. But to put it in perspective the $129 HW-8 qrp rig Heathkit sold in 1975 is $624 in 2019 dollars. That was one mode, three bands and you had to assemble it yourself! The prices aren't coming down but we're getting a lot more radio for the same dollars.
The KX3 Shack in a pack is like $2500 beyond the radio you get a little antenna a panadapter and some accessories, Elecraft is a great radio but this is 1/4 of that and I added everything other than the panadapter for $300. so X= $900 vs E = $2500
No usb cat/audio out? Fail.
The CAT control is a 2.5 mm plug into radio. Radio comes with a USB cable for computer.
Yep there is speaker out.
So for cat control and digital work, you need the 2.5 connector and a USB cable, no signalink/digi interface needed?
Lets be specific. The CAT is performed via the USB cable. The AF_IN & AF_OUT is done via the DIN cable (AC Port). However you want to do that is up to you, I use a little USB to 2 2.5mm sound dongle, sound link would also work.
Got it, no built in sound card. For field use, I want to attach an antenna, one cord to my tablet and not have the mess of wires, tuners, signalink etc that I do now with the 817. Looks like we are almost there.
You're going into a tablet or phone in field?
Great review HRCC - really informative bud.
Glad you enjoyed it