I have had my X6100 since April and use it mostly in the shack. I see no problems at all and adjust the RF gain to have no interference. I do get a couple of images in the CW sections but I get the same ones with my IC-718 and one is around 7.030 too. I am only on CW but I work stations all over with just a 31 foot vertical mast and 5 watts. You can't beat it for the price. Pete, WA2JMG.
I operate portable and was looking for this type of video regarding the X6100. Your evaluation covers the basics of field operation and the pros and cons of the X6100 in that environment. Since you were unable to read the display, experienced significant front end overload and the CW operation cuts off the start of the RX says it all... I'll hang on to my KX3. 72 es 73 de KE2YK
A very good video ! I have the X6100 and like it very much even though it can get buggy. I work Europe in my car with 5 watts and a 20 meter Hamstick antenna ! So far I love it.
It certainly can get the job done if you have the patience to overlook a few things. I'm glad you are enjoying it and great job on the DX on 5 watts. Very cool.
Hi Charlie, Good honest review. Many have noted the flaws and quirks that could be solved in a future firmware update. Happy Easter to you and Sandy and stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Another great video Charlie. I like that you did 5 and 5 reasons. I was impressed with the size of it when we were out. With tuner, built in battery it is a great price point. Cheers Malen VE6VID
Hi Charlie another great video/activation, unfortunately I wasn't able to get into your log , 15m not a good shot for me at this distance to your location. I listened for quite a while but did not hear a peep out of you. 20m I know we would have made it. None the less It was a good activation and I liked your honesty of your evaluation or the rig. will keep looking to get into your log hopefully soon! 73 gud dx Charlie de Ellis WA1RKS
Hi Ellis and thanks! Dang it! We need to get that contact. Maybe my next POTA since I'll be using 100w. There are a couple times a year that I also do 100w on a SOTA peak so I know we'll make it happen if we coordinate.
Hi Charlie! Thanks for the mention and referencing my channel. I’m looking forward to working this out in the field. It is a so portable compared to my 891. Considering your baseline question “if I didn’t have a QRP rig, would I buy this for myself?” Is the question I ultimately hope to answer. I’m very interested in this for that reason. Your videos and discussion about your experiences are very helpful. Hope yo catch you on the air one of these days! 73 KI7WJP Eric
Hello Charlie great activation great video. I have a quick question for you, which I know you will have better knowledge of. I love the look of the X6100 but my idea would be the Ic705. However I am a family man and would only be buying one radio for a long time. So the burning question is, would you go for the X6100 or buy a Ft818nd as I know you have the 817. I want to get into HF field ops SOTA. I value your knowledge and feedback. Regards Motters M7TRS 🇬🇧 73
That's a tough one Motters. From your posted comment it sounds like maybe you are looking for affordability + durability/longevity. If that is your highest priority then I would say the 818 is you best bet between the two because (as someone else pointed out in the comments) we don't know how the X6100 will hold up over time - the 818 has proven to hold up well. Comparing customer support/service between Xiegu and Yaesu I'd again give the advantage to the FT-818 too. Of course the downside is no tuner, no internal battery, no filters. You can buy a good external tuner, after market filters, and external battery though, as I did. I'd probably go with the 818 right now if, like I assume, affordability and longevity top you list. But I would also recommend waiting until after the Hamvention in Ohio in mid May. It's possible Yaesu could come out with something to replace the 818 by then. The 705 is a nice radio but If I was going to spend that kind of money I'd just save until I had enough for the KX2. Buying a radio is a really personal decision. Difficult, I know. But we are all so different and come from such diverse backgrounds. Ask 100 people get 100 different answers. I hope this helps!
@@RedSummitRF Wow great answers Charlie you are so right with everything you have said I will take it all on board. Like you have said its such a tough one as the 818 is built like a tank and lacks the features as the new kids on the block plus its becoming an old radio. Like everything it has its good and bads. I love the idea it has all modes all bands but then you have to start buying the addons for it. Atu...... yes I understand and know that we should all have resonant antennas but I kind of like the idea that if needed we can use a wire fence for an antenna in an emergency. For me this is never going to happen as I live in a town and the hills are a quick drive for me but always better to have and never need it than need and not have it. God Charlie such a hard one. OK mate may is around the corner and I guess I would not have a radio by then anyway so will keep an ear to the ground and see what comes out. I sure hope yaesu has something up its sleeve as they are getting left behind in the qrp world I guess Again thank you for you're feedback. Motters M7TRS 🇬🇧 73
Nice video and video series review for this radio Red. I appreciate your objective review and how you emphasized your priorities and use case for the radio. As a SOTA Activator myself I largely agree with your assessment, but the color display is not important to me and think something like the x5105 could be another strong consideration. 73
I have to agree with you Jose. I really want to try one. I am going to see about barrowing one if I can, as you suggested. I totally see your point and think I'll fee the same way after trying out the X5105. Thanks!
I recieved mine back in December. I truely love this little radio. It is disappointing the programmers back in China never finished the software/firmware to fix the decoding of the CW. Plus the colors used for the icons and readouts are hard to read . BUT for around $600 US it is a blast. 73 de k2gk
Um, Donnie .... comments like this don't fly with me. One more and you are blocked. I'm not looking for feedback about my format or personality . . . and especially any sort of comment with a negative tone is out. But thank you nonetheless.
I'd take the x6100. I think they function about the same in the basics, but the x6100 has more features. x6100 is slightly more expensive but I might learn to like some of those extra features.
@@RedSummitRF yeah I've heard this on a lot of videos, the 6100 really does sound noisy. I think if I needed a small radio I'd pay more for the Kx2, I'd even save some money and not get the tuner. The fancy screen is no used to me if the audio is that bad. But suppose the radio you have is better than the radio you don't so hopefully they can make it less noisy with firmware updates.
I have had my X6100 since April and use it mostly in the shack. I see no problems at all and adjust the RF gain to have no interference. I do get a couple of images in the CW sections but I get the same ones with my IC-718 and one is around 7.030 too. I am only on CW but I work stations all over with just a 31 foot vertical mast and 5 watts. You can't beat it for the price. Pete, WA2JMG.
Hi Pete - after using it quite a bit, I agree with you! You can't beat the price for what you get. Thank you for your comment.
I operate portable and was looking for this type of video regarding the X6100. Your evaluation covers the basics of field operation and the pros and cons of the X6100 in that environment. Since you were unable to read the display, experienced significant front end overload and the CW operation cuts off the start of the RX says it all... I'll hang on to my KX3. 72 es 73 de KE2YK
Thank you for the comments Gary. I appreciate you taking the time to watch. I wish I had a KX3 BTW. Someday soon I'll get one I think, or a KX2. 73
Thanks Charlie, I was considering this radio and your input is appreciated. thanks 73 W8RLP
Glad you had a chance to watch. Thank you!
Tnx Charlie. Thought about getting one but decided to just stick with the kx2. Happy resurrection day
Good call. If you have a KX2 you are already top tier. Why backtrack. Happy Easter
@@RedSummitRF it’s an addiction issue I think 🤣
A very good video ! I have the X6100 and like it very much even though it can get buggy. I work Europe in my car with 5 watts and a 20 meter Hamstick antenna ! So far I love it.
It certainly can get the job done if you have the patience to overlook a few things. I'm glad you are enjoying it and great job on the DX on 5 watts. Very cool.
Hi Charlie,
Good honest review. Many have noted the flaws and quirks that could be solved in a future firmware update. Happy Easter to you and Sandy and stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Thank you Don. Happy Easter and all the best to you.
Another great video Charlie. I like that you did 5 and 5 reasons. I was impressed with the size of it when we were out. With tuner, built in battery it is a great price point. Cheers Malen VE6VID
Thanks Malen. It definitely has some strong selling points. 👍
Hi Charlie another great video/activation, unfortunately I wasn't able to get into your log , 15m not a good shot for me at this distance to your location. I listened for quite a while but did not hear a peep out of you. 20m I know we would have made it. None the less It was a good activation and I liked your honesty of your evaluation or the rig. will keep looking to get into your log hopefully soon! 73 gud dx Charlie de Ellis WA1RKS
Hi Ellis and thanks! Dang it! We need to get that contact. Maybe my next POTA since I'll be using 100w. There are a couple times a year that I also do 100w on a SOTA peak so I know we'll make it happen if we coordinate.
Hi Charlie! Thanks for the mention and referencing my channel. I’m looking forward to working this out in the field. It is a so portable compared to my 891. Considering your baseline question “if I didn’t have a QRP rig, would I buy this for myself?” Is the question I ultimately hope to answer. I’m very interested in this for that reason. Your videos and discussion about your experiences are very helpful. Hope yo catch you on the air one of these days! 73 KI7WJP Eric
You bet Eric! Good luck and I'll be watching for your videos.
I have subscribed to your channel based on Charlie’s recommendations. Look forward to watching your channel. All the best, 73 de KI5HXM!
@@brentjohnson6654 Thank You Brent! I appreciate it. I hope you find it interesting & useful :) 73 - KI7WJP
Thank you for the video. Well done with good information.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and dropping me a note.
Thanks for the review
👍 thanks
I really enjoy your videos Charlie :) thank you 👍
Thank you so much. I appreciate your continued support steviRae. BTW your last 3 videos are great! Very hip!
Hello Charlie great activation great video. I have a quick question for you, which I know you will have better knowledge of. I love the look of the X6100 but my idea would be the Ic705. However I am a family man and would only be buying one radio for a long time. So the burning question is, would you go for the X6100 or buy a Ft818nd as I know you have the 817. I want to get into HF field ops SOTA. I value your knowledge and feedback. Regards Motters M7TRS 🇬🇧 73
That's a tough one Motters. From your posted comment it sounds like maybe you are looking for affordability + durability/longevity. If that is your highest priority then I would say the 818 is you best bet between the two because (as someone else pointed out in the comments) we don't know how the X6100 will hold up over time - the 818 has proven to hold up well. Comparing customer support/service between Xiegu and Yaesu I'd again give the advantage to the FT-818 too.
Of course the downside is no tuner, no internal battery, no filters. You can buy a good external tuner, after market filters, and external battery though, as I did. I'd probably go with the 818 right now if, like I assume, affordability and longevity top you list. But I would also recommend waiting until after the Hamvention in Ohio in mid May. It's possible Yaesu could come out with something to replace the 818 by then.
The 705 is a nice radio but If I was going to spend that kind of money I'd just save until I had enough for the KX2.
Buying a radio is a really personal decision. Difficult, I know. But we are all so different and come from such diverse backgrounds. Ask 100 people get 100 different answers. I hope this helps!
@@RedSummitRF Wow great answers Charlie you are so right with everything you have said I will take it all on board. Like you have said its such a tough one as the 818 is built like a tank and lacks the features as the new kids on the block plus its becoming an old radio.
Like everything it has its good and bads. I love the idea it has all modes all bands but then you have to start buying the addons for it.
Atu...... yes I understand and know that we should all have resonant antennas but I kind of like the idea that if needed we can use a wire fence for an antenna in an emergency. For me this is never going to happen as I live in a town and the hills are a quick drive for me but always better to have and never need it than need and not have it.
God Charlie such a hard one.
OK mate may is around the corner and I guess I would not have a radio by then anyway so will keep an ear to the ground and see what comes out.
I sure hope yaesu has something up its sleeve as they are getting left behind in the qrp world I guess
Again thank you for you're feedback.
Motters M7TRS 🇬🇧 73
@@Mottersmotters He sure does. 👍👍
Great video! Just added you to my Ham Alerts. Hope to work you on the air and maybe S2S! 73 de W6OBB
Hi Mike - that would be great! Maybe on 40 M sometime. Thanks.
Nice video and video series review for this radio Red. I appreciate your objective review and how you emphasized your priorities and use case for the radio.
As a SOTA Activator myself I largely agree with your assessment, but the color display is not important to me and think something like the x5105 could be another strong consideration. 73
I have to agree with you Jose. I really want to try one. I am going to see about barrowing one if I can, as you suggested. I totally see your point and think I'll fee the same way after trying out the X5105. Thanks!
I recieved mine back in December. I truely love this little radio. It is disappointing the programmers back in China never finished the software/firmware to fix the decoding of the CW. Plus the colors used for the icons and readouts are hard to read .
BUT for around $600 US it is a blast. 73 de k2gk
You talk too dam much more radio less talk
Um, Donnie .... comments like this don't fly with me. One more and you are blocked. I'm not looking for feedback about my format or personality . . . and especially any sort of comment with a negative tone is out. But thank you nonetheless.
Right! there are some disappointments but price isn't one of them! Thanks for the note and for visiting the channel.
Yay looks like they may have fixed the CW decode. K7KS
ua-cam.com/video/1gQVwHaTrwo/v-deo.html
I had some overload, Sunday, working Carol Springs Mountain. Could it be those towers?
Yes. I'm fairly certain.
Thank red like your scroll across the top copy about 40%
Great Paul. I hope you learn Morse code soon. Good luck.
@@RedSummitRF did get hooked up with long island cw
won't be long I hope. Have to get a straight key
Now that you have evaluated both x6100 and x5105, which would you buy for QRP ops?
I'd take the x6100. I think they function about the same in the basics, but the x6100 has more features. x6100 is slightly more expensive but I might learn to like some of those extra features.
thanks, Another great video Chalie 73 from kb2uew
Glad you enjoyed it, Alvaro
Thanks Charlie - good one - 73 VE7JYD
Appreciate it Brian!
@@RedSummitRF was nice to see you reach Jesse on CW - i recognised that call sign lol
@@brianve7jyd943 We had been trying to get that QSO for a while. I was thrilled.
Xiegu today has just released the new firmware X6100 1.1.5 optimized some BUG:)
Good news. 👍
Is it me or is this radio really noisy ?
It's partly the speaker I think. Really poor external speaker. It's kind noisy too, yes.
@@RedSummitRF yeah I've heard this on a lot of videos, the 6100 really does sound noisy. I think if I needed a small radio I'd pay more for the Kx2, I'd even save some money and not get the tuner. The fancy screen is no used to me if the audio is that bad. But suppose the radio you have is better than the radio you don't so hopefully they can make it less noisy with firmware updates.
It is a xeigu tuner
Thank you