Cheap and Easy FT8 Setup for your G90

The G90 has always been a pain to use with digital modes, now with this cable its super easy to get on FT8 (and any other digital sound card mode). This cable will work with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android - I show you how to setup Linux, but the concepts apply to all operating systems.
👉 NOTE: 10/14/22 If you have applied the 1.79b02 (Or newer) firmware update from Xiegu, you'll need to select "U-D" as the mode for FT8 so that data travels out the rear port.
🛒 Right Angle Audio Plug: geni.us/t73N
🛒 G90 Audio Cable: geni.us/XODuI
🛒 Sabrent Sound Card: geni.us/PzyNx
👉 Find your Grid Square: www.whatsmylocator.co.uk
👉 Check Your Time: time.is
🛒 Cool Your G90: radioddity.refr.cc/temporarily... (Search for G90-H1, Get Discount)
Factory Reset- Not required, but proving a point here
Hold down FUNC and Power on
Confirm with PRE key
Pre/ATT off
Press CMP - widen BW to 3k
NB Off
AGC Off
Func-On
F-L - Spin VFO to fully open the filter
F-H - Spin VFO to fully open the filter
POW - Set Mic Gain to 10
POW Button - Set Input to Line
Func - Long Press
VM Button (Next) until you see Aux In, Set to 8, Press CMP (Save)
Func - Long Press
VM Button (Next) until you see Aux Out, Set to 15, Press CMP (Save)
Click the 👍 Like Button, 🤡 Leave a Comment, ❤️ Subscribe
👉 Support The Channel 👈
❤️ Patreon: / temporarilyoffline
📺 KZbin Memberships: kzbin.info...
💸 Tip Jar: paypal.me/temporarilyoffline
🧰 Gear I Use: kit.co/TemporarilyOffline
🛒 Amazon Link: www.amazon.com/shop/temporari...
📻 $15 off at Radioddity: radioddity.refr.cc/temporarily...
👉 Fun Stuff 👈
👉 TOADs Discord: / discord
🕊️ Twitter: / kilomike9golf
😸 Github: github.com/TemporarilyOffline
Where possible, all links are affiliate links, this youtube thing is an expensive endeavor and every little bit helps.
👉 Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:14 Physical Connections
3:09 WSJT-X Install and Settings
4:54 Find your Maiden Head grid square
5:30 Radio Settings
6:02 Find Your Serial Port
8:56 Audio Settings
11:20 Check your time
11:48 It Works!
12:11 Watch your HEAT!
12:54 In-Radio Settings
14:38 Deep Function Settings
15:08 TO. Cameo
17:13 ALC Note
17:38 Outro

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you have applied the 1.79b02 (Or newer) firmware update from Xiegu, you'll need to select "U-D" as the mode for FT8 so that data travels out the rear port.

[@davidcline4286]

That 1.79B Firmware update is horrendous. Had to ditch it and go back to 1.76. The receive audio was cutting almost in half when keying or PTT release. Others have complained of this issue. And also can't adjust bandwidth anymore. .

[@roberttryon9088]

Hi, Steve love your work with the G-90, if it’s possible may I ask you a question about the G-90 . My son and I was following your video on updating the G-90. It has never been used before, when we went to do the down load it showed the words in red ( lost comm ) the radio shows 0.0 firmware, the display unit shows 1.78. We tried to reset it but it just shows 0.0, and still in red ( lost comm ). Do you have any idea what may have happened. I have a other G-90 that works just fine, I bought this one for my Grandson 9 years old for his first HF Radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@roberttryon9088 I have heard of this before. Turn the radio off for a while- like 10 minutes, the follow the firmware update procedure - only turning the radio on when it is ready to start the update. That should help get it jump started.

[@bearmat6605]

It took me all day to find this comment. Great video as usual and thanks for the help!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@bearmat6605 glad you found it!

[@KC1PSK]

I love how you list the links in the description. Helps me get the right parts. Thanks Steve!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks, it helps the channel grow too!

[@andrewmullen5770]

You explained this well and simply. Great work dude thanks for the video!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey, thanks for the kind words!

[@K5KTM]

Tried this in it’s entirety. Works perfectly. Thanks for the info. Saved me the price of a Digirig or similar interface.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great to hear!

[@TheRenoir]

Thanks Steve for a comprehensive guide for dummies. Cheers from Oz.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@HamRadioDX]

Very comprehensive tutorial TO. Great stuff indeed. Less mess, less cables good stuff!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Hayden

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

That was a very concise instructions. You really showed each step on what to do, I can't see anyone not able to get it going with these instructions. Very goodly made.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Ron!

[@ae4xo]

except the cables arent available any more

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@ae4xo Which Cable: ebay.us/ixNlrB there are over 10 of these left?

[@paulgarcia1566]

I agree double plus good!

[@AlanSchwab_IN]

Nice Steve! Some things I've found to help with the USB issues, get a name brand unpowered USB hub. Label the ports for each cable. CAT, Sound, GPS, etc. Plug it into the same port you labeled HUB on your laptop. Most of the time the com port numbering stays the same and you don't have to make changes when you set up for POTA/SOTA/vacation.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I noticed that on windows the same device in a different port... is actually a different device. That doesn't happen on Linux, it's based on order of insertion, not port... but Linux has a device alias solution that bypasses this problem.

[@audentesfortunailuvat]

This may be the best walkthrough of the Xeigu G90 settings fir digital modes. Really well done and much appreciated.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Wow, thanks!

[@Dusty_Ham]

This is a great video TO, looks much better than the blocky thing they sell, and probably a bit cheaper as well. It's certainly easier to toss into a bag and have it take up less space.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Indeed! Thanks for watching

[@N7ECVQRPLIFE]

Cheap and easy indeed! Thank you for the info.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hope it helps!

[@robertreidmd]

Excellent information, time-efficient presentation. Thanks!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thank you!

[@yv6eda]

Thank you very much Steve! After this video I'm ready to digi-Hamming!!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'll see you on the air!

[@rstiosejo]

Thanks for being Awesome Steve. I did experience the pain in Digital Modes FT8/WinLink. First was my FT-991A, then my FTDX-10 both had built-in sound card. Then the difficulty started on my 2x FT-857D that I am running right now on my Ham Shack on both Digital Modes. Still need to do my FT-891, IC-706 Mark II G, KX3 and lastly, I also have a G90 completed with Cooling Fan, CE-19, PAX100 & LPFX7 low pass filter that I bought last August 2020. Haven't had a chance to play with it yet and still in the box. I am using 2x DIGIRIG Radio for the sound card and bought all the cables for all my radios from Denis. The information you have provided will save hours and days to figure out the radio, FT*, and WinLink settings. I will say it again you are Awesome. Stay Safe. 73 Ruben KD6CWI

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Ruben! That's quite the stabke you've got there. That 857 is on my list of radios to own too. Let me know if you need any help with any of them.

[@rstiosejo]

@@temporarilyoffline Thanks Theo for the response back. I got both FT-857D running on FT8 and Winlink. It's just the rest I need to program. I just enjoy playing the hardship of making them work and the happiness when they are finally working. Stay Safe Ruben KD6CWI

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@rstiosejo all the fun things are worth working for!

[@kenbaker8607]

Thanks Steve for the video. Got the cable yesterday and now I am up and running with FT8 on my G90 and Linux Mint laptop. I couldn't find a radio model in hamlib on wsjtx that would work for me - tried the G90, IC-7000, Xiegu X108G, X5105 and the X6100 - the X6100 worked best for me but was lagging (which is not good for FT8). I solved the issue by using the MSHV software instead of wsjtx. Anyway, thanks for the video. If I hadn't see it, I probably would have bought a CE-19. Thanks Ken (KB9TT)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sure thing Ken! Not sure why the 7000 didn't work? Very Odd.

[@MarkFlett01]

All killer - no filler Great communicator

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Mark!

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Excellent video full of great information 👍👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for watching!

[@chriscoel]

This video woulda been perfect back when I owned my G90, but I swapped over to a x6100.. still great video for any of those new kids with a shiny fun G90!

[@503Nick]

You’ll but another g90 😂

[@temporarilyoffline]

The X6100 is easier since it has a built in sound card.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I heard that!

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

Always good simply explain info

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!

[@503Nick]

Well done Steve 🤙

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Nick!

[@MrPgrocho]

Hi Steve. Good work. thank you -:)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks, hope it's useful!

[@southernexposure123]

I had to chuckle when you said pick something that looks obvious. There's so little about computers seems really obvious to me. Thanks for the video.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Well to be fair it's like 3 or 4 choices... try 'em all! (I did show a way to find it)

[@southernexposure123]

@@temporarilyoffline Yes. I do understand some of the choices are obvious when and IF the OP (me) pays attention to the parts in the computer. I just need to pay more attention. Thanks again for spending your hours of time learning and for sharing with us so we don't have frustration and a huge struggle.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@southernexposure123 you got it! It's fun when people understand the level of effort. Much appreciated!

[@pen25]

this was something i was needing to see before buying a g90. now if only the 7100 worked like this

[@temporarilyoffline]

The 7100 should be easier. Let me know if you get stuck.

[@AlvinMcManus]

Chuck it all! I'm getting the USB soundcard solution and it will be here tomorrow courtesy of a Cyber Monday deal! That nifty cable, however is on a slow boat from China and is 12days out!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Stupid boats ruining all our fun!

[@paulthompson1988]

Thanks for your video. Cheers

[@temporarilyoffline]

My pleasure!

[@W8VHS]

Interesting and informative video. Thank you Sir. 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Vern!

[@Siskiyous6]

Thank you Steve.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You're welcome

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Dude, thanks so much! I have both the Yaesu FT-817 and the Xiegu G90. I'm gonna do the Xiegu first like you've shown. Then going to try with the 817. Also i already have a USBLink for the Yaesu, gonna try that first i think with the Yaesu? I'm a new HAM with my General class license and have never really messed with any of it yet! So much to learn !!! I been cramming forever! Antennas, LifePo4 battery and MPPT Solar Charge setups for SOTA and POTA and the Base here at home. Getting ready to build my first antenna for here at the house. I like doing things the hard way 😂 love your channel! KO4OAJ

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for watching! I have an FT8 how to for the 817 - great radio. Watch the power output on that radio though, FT8 is tough on radios and the 817 is know to not like "full power ft8)

[@ShooterReadyStandBy]

Great video. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Anytime!

[@digital.rancher]

Nice instructional video TO. I dont even bother with cat control when doing FT8 on my G90. If that is all you are doing you typically dont need to do a lot of tuning. Manual tuning eliminates a cable and some config.

[@temporarilyoffline]

A lot of people don't know that you can skip cat control... I even had a ham argue with me about it :-D

[@temporarilyoffline]

@PlasmaStorm73 [N5EVV] exactly!

[@billbolen8115]

Thanks, Bro!

[@temporarilyoffline]

No problemo!

[@W8MJL]

I do the same thing with my FT-891 into my geek mini computer, it works great with no fuss on all digital modes. 73 de W8MJL

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah, I think computers have improved a lot over the years.

[@soldeace]

Thanks!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thank You! 💃

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

I might have to pull out my G90 out of the closet to do this. Hook it up to my Pi4. Thanks for the video! 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

Any Time! The G90 at 20w is an awesome performer. 20w is that sweet spot and I'm not sure why more MFGs don't aim for 20w. The Pi4 will work great (because the Pi3 works great)

[@reecef7267]

Would you sell the radio if it sits in your closet?

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@reecef7267 I would, but you might be talking to Jeff?

[@reecef7267]

Either or both I guess. I am going to buy one on sale this month but if anyone has a used unit that they are sitting on and would sell then we can help each other out.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I see. I'm still making videos with mine, but I will sell it in the future to get more to share on the channel.

[@dennisjoiner3717]

Thanks for the video. I think I would have had to give up on digital modes with the G90.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad I could help

[@AlvinMcManus]

Great setup video. I will be using the DE-19 sound card, but all the stuff about the software is so helpful. Thanks and 73 KN6ZVI

[@temporarilyoffline]

The DE-19 is a good choice, esp if you are going to get the XPA125B amp in the future.

[@AlvinMcManus]

You never know... 😉 @@temporarilyoffline

[@AlvinMcManus]

Well I am having trouble with getting the sound into the G90 something about a driver (CH340) that I have found is impossible to install on the Inovato Quadra. I ordered the Sabrent on Cyber Monday from your link and we'll see if that works. 🤞@@temporarilyoffline

[@WillShattuck]

I tried this with a TRS cable and the splitter you have and it didn’t work. I will have to look at my other settings. I did end up soldering the cables they can with and made 41 contacts for WW DIGI but man my cables are a mess. Thank you!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

41 contacts in the contest is good!

[@JReed305]

ALC on the G90 is backwards you need to turn down the power slider to increase the ALC. Once your radio is showing what ever watts you are using slide it up and down watching the ALC.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great, Thanks!

[@paulgarcia1566]

This is actually dependent on the firmware being used.

[@KC1PSK]

I have a G90 issue. The volume on the laptop slider just keeps dropping from 100 down to 0 over a couple of minutes. USB sound card GHW audio. That leads to no transmit power. Any idea how to fix?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sounds like there is some other application on your machine that is lowering the volume... or maybe it is RFI getting into your laptop and messing with the keyboard (pressing the volume down key)

[@jothebulb]

Hi, Really great video, thank you - but the link to the G90 cable on Ebay is now broken - is it possible to update it, as I cannot find an alternative no matter how I search!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Here is an updated link for you: ebay.us/KOvbxS Thanks!

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

I was watching your video on the g90 for ft8 and you said only if it came in a right angle plug. I ordered the Digirig and the Cable's and one is with a right angle all the side of the I could not get it to work and was after upgraded to the 1.79 firmware once I found out about the U-D it's working now but it works fine now do you upgrade on the firmware done a lot of changes to the settings on it now. 73 KQ4AHR.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for the lead!

[@zachreyhelmberger894]

I have a G90 with the CE-19 and I cut the earbuds off a cable with the standard 3.5mm Stereo plug with mike for cell phones and hooked up spkr out and mic in corrctly and have been using it for over a year with great success! But now, after a year hiatus (due to family emergency), I hooked it all back up again and the red light comes on when I plug into the laptop. Transmit red light comes on but the transmit power is essentially zero. I tried completely turning down mic and spkr but it still goes red light on my so I cannot "hear" anything. When I unplug, the builtin microphone of the laptop can hear the warbles on the G90 speaker and decode them quite well. What am I doing wrong? I had to recompile wsjtx from Princeton on my linux laptop to get wsjtx running again...

[@temporarilyoffline]

Did you upgrade the firmware on the G90? The latest firmware on this radio changed the procedure and you have to select U-DIG or USB-D or DIG-U or whatever they call it now.

[@kb9mtd-aaronwebb]

I've been creeping on your callsign via the RBN and wondered what was up seeing your call so much. Anyhow enough of the creepy stuff. Is it possible to write a bash script to tell the radio the settings you desire using cat control? I've wrote one for my 991a and found it was easier when swapping radios and all of that. Then once the radio is set up let WSJT-X take over with the remainder changing freq and other settings. Just wondering, I just figured others may find it easier to have the computer change all of those settings on start up.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I did the same thing, but with Ruby and RigCtl. Works great to use a "ten-key" to dial a frequency if you know you are going to be changing freqs a lot - I can see a browser pluging for POTA.APP one day. Although I won't be coding it!

[@kb9mtd-aaronwebb]

@@temporarilyoffline kinda figured it would accept it since CAT works. I just like the ability to do it and great for learning if you're into it. 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@kb9mtd-aaronwebb Exactly

[@geod3589]

The G90 selection in WSTJ-X does NOT work for me either; I used FLRig and select FLfl or what ever it is and it works well.

[@temporarilyoffline]

At least it's not just me!

[@jayhalfmoonfarm8094]

I tried this and having the same issue I had before. I get everything to work except it doesn't transmit anything. It keys up the radio. But no output. Idk what I am doing wrong. I have even tried different computers.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Interesting. From what I'm reading it sounds like there is no "volume" on your sound output - the radio is going into PTT but there is nothing going out over the wire. Kind of like if you were making an SSB QSO, Keyed the mic... and said nothing, right? If so, double check the setting for where the audio input on the radio is expected and also you're computer's sound interface has its volume set high enough to matter.

[@JhKnife-OZ4HJ-Jimmi]

Good video. I made a combined audio cable and usb sound card cable my self. Do you have any idea why I can’t get wsjt-x to country name on the screen on my raspberry ? (Yes I have checked the country name box on in settings). #73 OZ4HJ

[@temporarilyoffline]

My assumption is that your CTY.DAT file is corrupted? Maybe copy that over from a known good source or re-install?

[@MrOverclocked92]

Do you have diagrams or can you point me to a site on making the cables?

[@ottmitch]

Do you know. Will this work for somone who is just trying to use cat control and get a bigger water control display for non-digital modes such as just ssb voice on 20m ? My g90 came with ce-19 trying to decide if I just leave that in the box and go this way right away. Thanks ! ☺️

[@temporarilyoffline]

Look up "Spectrum DSP M2" h I think that is more what you are looking for.

[@TomV422]

Any one had luck working with winlink or pat winlink? I can get the other digital modes to work using Flrig using either the G90 or the Icom radio settings. I have tried windows and build a pi with both the ce-19 and the digirig. winlink / Flrig will control the radio but I can’t seem to get it to ptt.

[@temporarilyoffline]

My version of FLRig doesn't support the Xiegu G90, I have to try it with the IC-7000 as the control config and see. Have you tried the IC-7000?

[@TomV422]

@@temporarilyoffline I will have to check the ic 7000. I have tried the 7100 and 7200 I found recommend from different places around the interwebs.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@TomV422 I think any of the old 7-series works fine, but it was a bit pretentious for me to use a 756ProII or a 7851 in the vid ;-)

[@seanfoley7097]

I noticed that you didn't install any rig control Hardware like Omni rig what FL rig or hrd I thought wsj TX needed that

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nope, I try to remove as many "points of failure" as possible and WSJT-X supports this radio, so why add extras?

[@eliezercohen2205]

awesome video! i am connecting the acc cable directly to the computer audio jack what should i choose in the audio settings? could i use the "jack" option?

[@temporarilyoffline]

In that mode, I'd choose the built in sound card

[@eliezercohen2205]

Thank you for your reply. I'm on linux, how would I determine the sound card I need? I'm sure this may be a spot question....

[@eliezercohen2205]

Also in wsjtx audio settings there is an option called "jack". Could that work?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Take a look at the drop down in the audio tab and look for anything labeled "alsa-input" for input and "alsa-output" for output that would make sense. You can't damage anything by picking the wrong card - other than not being able to work contacts.@@eliezercohen2205

[@danielcialdella]

How use the din 8 cable? Ground tx and Rx. Any filter? Other components? Seems you use soundcard usb. Anything else?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Plug one end into the radio, the other into your sound card.

[@danielcialdella]

​​@@temporarilyofflinethanks!!! The question is, only connect TX, Rx and ground to 2x 3.5 plugs and USB, No filters? Nothing else? Just cables and connectors? Thanks in advance

[@temporarilyoffline]

It's up to you. I show in the video that I'm not using filters and everything is working fine.

[@danielcialdella]

@@temporarilyoffline Thanks ! I'll do it that way.

[@jimciurczak9967]

Great video but after following all the steps, once running the radio keeps changing from VFO-A to VFO-B and back again. Nothing I do within the WJST-X settings seems to matter.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I believe I ran into this as well - double check your rig type in the radio tab and make sure that you are/aren't in split mode, both in the radio and in the software so they match. Usually the VFO-A/B is from having split settings in WSJT-X set to "Radio" instead of "Fake It" and its "normal", but if the frequencies are way off instead of just a little off, something is wrong.

[@jimciurczak9967]

@@temporarilyoffline checked all that and didn't see any issues. Tried both X-90 and IC-7000 as well. What eneded up working was I installed FLRIG and connected via that and all works FB now.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@jimciurczak9967 flight was next, then Omni rig...

[@chipweather]

I had to use flrig but it works with just the blue cable and 8 pin straight into the computer

[@temporarilyoffline]

What do you plug the 8-pin cable into?

[@chipweather]

Sorry I meant the 8 pin cable with the audio cable at the end you linked. Thanks it worked great​@@temporarilyoffline

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@chipweather Awesome, glad it helped!

[@keithhawkins4641]

I know this is an old post but hope you see it. Every time I try to put my G90 on FT8, I end up messing up firmware in the head and have to reload the front end. Any thoughts?

[@temporarilyoffline]

That is a strange failure mode. The two things aren't related. I'd suspect RFI issues and start choking the antenna and the USB cables. Outside of that. I'd do an upgrade to the latest firmware.

[@mattb7406]

Hoping you might offer some advice. I am tech studying for general. I really dont want to rag chew alot, but the learning is what i enjoy. Want to practice nvis and ssb voice around the globe, along with FT8 and other packet stuff. Also would enjoy POTA. I am in a new neighborhood with strong HOA restrictions so permanent HF antenna is doable but tricky and will have to be subtle. My end goal is a FT710 and I have the money for it. BUT, it will take all my money, so there wont be much for antennas, etc. I hear low watt rigs are bad for beginner, especially when learning antennas. Would you think a G90 would serve me well, then get a 710 later, or just get the 710 now? I think a 817 replacement is close, and that is another reason I am leary of the G90 although the replacement will likely be pricey like the 705. Not sure what to do. KD9IRA

[@temporarilyoffline]

I bet the 81x replacement will be pricy for sure. I'm not much of a ragchewer either, but I love playing with radios and tech too. The g90 I'd a great beginner radio, you can buy it used and sell it for the same money later. The 710 is a lot of radio and will keep you happy for a long time. Eventually you'll own a bunch of radios. It's part of the disease. Anything below 20w will be harder and take more skill to operate. With 10m popping right now, get on the air as a tech!

[@mattb7406]

@@temporarilyoffline Thanks for reply. Not having much luck G90 used, they sell quick which is good. I could buy new with H1 stand and DE19 for $489 Radioddity. I have a digirig with yeasu cables i was gonna use on somethine (dont remember) do i still need the DE19? So you dont think the 20W limit will cause me alot of grief with FT8 or ssb voice from home (with temp antennas) or pota? thanks. The G90 makes sense cause it leaves funds for accessories

[@temporarilyoffline]

@mattb7406 there is a full kit g90 for sale used on TOADs discord for a good price. FT8 is fun at 5w, even more at 20w. Since you have the digirig, you'd only need cables, one of the joys of digirig.

[@chuckrann9784]

Is it possible or practical to use an existing HF rig for FT8. Or am I missing something? Is there a power max that the G90 is capable of? I’ve been off air since 1996 and looking for something new without towers and rotors.

[@temporarilyoffline]

FT8 is great without towers and rotors. It almost always works, but you have to make it something your own. Almost any SSB rig will work. What do you have?

[@chuckrann6282]

@@temporarilyoffline A TS 440sAT, (which is having the memory battery replaced). I can turn down the power but was afraid it still may exceed the limit for this mode. I am considering purchasing the G90 for a number of reasons though. I have gone portable w/ the TS 440 in the past but it is a beast for that. Plus the current draw on a battery is huge. But I was curious about trying this FT8 or other digital modes on the 440 to see if I like it. Then I'd pull the trigger on the G90. Thanks for the reply.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@chuckrann6282 There isn't an additional government "power limit" on FT8, the limits come in to how FT8 works as a "full duty cycle mode" and that could overheat your radio's final transistors if you're not careful with heat management. Take a look at this video for how I keep the G90 cool during massive FT8 sessions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaOXdXSMh7d0e9k

[@countryislandhome7731]

I am not seeing any indication of outputted power (above ALC) when I transmit. It reads 0.0W. Any ideas? I had to revert back to 1.78 due to the bandwidth issue too.

[@temporarilyoffline]

at 14:32 the Input on the radio needs to be set to "LINE". Double check that please.

[@countryislandhome7731]

@@temporarilyoffline Set to line confirmed. I toned out T/R (end to end) on the 3.5 plugs, and toned T/R from the 3.5 (through CE-19) to the DIN. Audio properties (Playback: speaker 99, mic 21) (Record: level 52). To confirm the ability to xmt I normalized the line setting and transmitted audio through mic.

[@countryislandhome7731]

Update: It's working. I built a DIN to phono cable to eliminate the CE-19, "Y" cable, and USB audio adapter. This setup worked well on my Linux (Mint) laptop. Thanks for your sage advice.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad you got it working! Hope to get you in the log!

[@dougbateman6474]

I assume you do not use FLrig as the software interface between WSJT-X and the G90. Is there a compelling reason not to? Obviously your setup works, but I was curious why you do not use FLrig. Maybe FLrig is necessary only if you use the CE-19 hardware interface?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've been an IT guy for a very long time and I learned that "Complexity Breeds Downtime" - I've removed 2 pieces of kit from the setup - FLRig and the CE-19. Nothing wrong with FLRig and I'll keep my mouth shut about the CE-19 ;-). So two less things to go wrong when you're trying to have fun.

[@dougbateman6474]

I retired from 40 years in IT 4 years ago! I too follow the principle of eliminating SPOF (single points of failure) where possible so anticipated your reply. 😉 Happy to be on the same page! 73, Doug N4DUH

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thus is the way

[@MrOverclocked92]

Can you suggest another G90 audio cable? Looks like your link is dead..... Maybe better yet suggest a diagram and I'll build my own.

[@MW7MWZ]

Was just going to ask this!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Here you go: ebay.us/1L98Xj

[@temporarilyoffline]

Here you go: ebay.us/1L98Xj

[@BrianRamseysg01]

Not split mode interfering with that G90 ?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Imma need some more...

[@TheWingnut58]

Great explanation, worked flawlessly.... I have what may seem a stupid question.....can the blue ftdi cable be used to attach a straight key to a computer for online practice?

[@temporarilyoffline]

The blue cable is for Rig Control only. What are you looking to practice?

[@TheWingnut58]

@@temporarilyoffline I was wondering if the cable could be used to connect a CW key to a computers USB port to practice either with software or one of the online options... Using an actual key rather than a key on the keyboard...

[@temporarilyoffline]

@TheWingnut58 oh, ok. Take a look in the manual for "break-in" if you turn that off, your radio will do everything with morse code EXCEPT Transmit- a very expensive code practice oscillator! (That you've already paid for) - using the exact hardware setup for FT8, turn on FLDigi software and it will decode for you too - I have a video on that. Your radio also has a built in decoder too.

[@temporarilyoffline]

CW Helper video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opvbmI2Zi5h2d7c

[@TheWingnut58]

@@temporarilyoffline right, that's what I've been doing (using radio as oscillator) to practice.....I want to take advantage of some of the features of software and online options for the structured learning, that's why I asked about connecting a key to a computer.

[@ChadE1020]

can't for the life of me get the Func+ CMP/NB to adjust the filter.

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you're on the latest firmware Xiegu moved it to the lower left knob. I don't like that they changed the software and now I have non-matching hardware with labels I can't change.

[@einarsandoz7554]

Where did you get the 3 knobs, Steve?

[@temporarilyoffline]

They are from Amazon, details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIemkod_f7iridk

[@matteng2332]

I still can’t do FT8 with mine, thinking of buying a new radio that has everything built-in

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not that I'll ever tell anybody not to buy a new radio... but what isn't working?

[@matteng2332]

@@temporarilyoffline I just haven’t taken the time to figure out how to use that controller I bought from bridgecom.

[@N3PEM]

Lol what's the chance K8MRD would be calling CQ on FT8 when you filmed this video

[@temporarilyoffline]

That would be great!

[@N3PEM]

@@temporarilyoffline 4:17 he was lol

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@N3PEM Good Catch! I was a bit busy at that moment

[@techrun5155]

Downside of this method, connection between pc and rig is not optoisolated… isn’t it? 🤔

[@temporarilyoffline]

It isn't,, but as you can see it's not a problem in this use case. I don't have an older PC to see how bad they used to be, but I wonder if the need is still there?

[@JasonTurnage]

Wait, I went around my ass to get to my elbow to make cables for this thing cause I thought the CE19 was needed for comms into the main unit, that it actually did some signal processing or who knows what. All I needed was to convert the pair of TRSs to an 8 pin DIN directly? So the CE19 is just passthru? Ugh, all this time. I mean, mine works, but I'd love to get rid of the stupidest breakout boards in the history of stupid breakout boards.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The only place I can see having the ce-19 is for the connection to the amp... and I might have a fix for that to. 💯 agree that ce-19 is (quality but) garbage

[@JimBeachTulsa]

Three days of trying and still no incoming FT8 signals with my new G90! Have had many successful FT8 contacts on a Kenwood TS-440S with SignaLink USB, so I'm familiar with what to expect on WSJT-X. Now the new setup: Xiegu G90 with latest firmware and mode U-B, MS Surface Pro 6 with Windows 11, Sabrent USB soundcard with splitter cable, and blue Xiegu cable. Seriel port is COM8. Sound settings input and output are "5 - USB Audio Device." CAT and PTT controls are working fine. But, on WSJT-X, I have no incoming FT8 comms on any frequency and the level at the lower left doesn't even show until the sound settings input volume is at 100, then it stops around 10dB and stays red. You do a great job with your videos but I don't expect you to be my help desk, it's just that I'm at a loss for what to try next and was wondering if you have any thoughts or suggested other resources before I maybe try a DE-19, or a DigiRig?

[@temporarilyoffline]

The de-19 and the digirig are both great. Igavebt tried FT8 with the latest G90 firmware, but I'm pretty sure they changed how it works and my video here is only 80% accurate now. Check the release notes on the firmware for some details. You're on the right track with audio input though. If I get a chance I'll make a another video.

[@JimBeachTulsa]

@temporarilyoffline Thanks much, Steve. My current firmware is 1.79b03 for the base unit and 1.80 for the head/display. Here are the changelogs for each. Something tells me the changes in 1.80 may be more meaningful to this problem. I'll keep at it. Thanks again! Changelog V1.80 UPDATE DISP UNIT ONLY!! File: G90_DispUnit_Fw_V1.80 SHA-256: B0730B08500DFDD2BA767B390CD349606252B0B44FBBA7DE3130F192A1493F3A [EN] 1. To work with JTDX/WSJTX (or some other data mode softwares), add CI-V commands 0x25,0x26, See and 2. Add CI-V command 0x1d 0x19, read the XIEGU RADIO ID, See Changelog V1.79b03 File: G90_DispUnit_Fw_V1.79b03 SHA-256: 13F9386DAA0F1477CA673DC6A45E3351BE70AEAADFD09D5FDCCC28015A70FFE7 File: G90_MainUnit_Fw_V1.79b03 SHA-256: E360A1DC02E779B78E735DE2E8C8BE5C90CD78B0F9D9AA3EC85D78CB633175A6 [EN] Changes (Based on 1.79b01, 1.79b02): 1. Fix AM/NFM filter issue 2. New colour map for waterfall

[@temporarilyoffline]

I dug around a bit this morning and you might have found this already. In 1.79b02 they added a U-D mode for USB-Digital which should "force the audio out the rear" - so make sure to cycle the mode button until you get U-D mode setup - let me know!

[@JimBeachTulsa]

@@temporarilyoffline Yeah, I saw that in your pinned post... thanks. Using U-D mode hasn't made a difference for me. I'd like to think using a D-19 would magically solve the problem but in my ignorance about all this, I'm skeptical and would rather not spend the money if I don't know a rational reason why it would work when the Sabrent card hasn't.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I agree - The video update is on the schedule, but the schedule is very long, there is so much to do in this hobby. @@JimBeachTulsa

[@davidcline4286]

Why are you transmitting constantly? Just asking . Their is a box that says stop transmit after 73. Fill me in.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You're right: "Enable TX" allows the software to auto-sequence through the QSO and then when complete it will stop after 73 as you've indicated. You have to hit "Enable TX" again to restart TX. I don't see a spot in the video where I'm constantly transmitting.

[@davidcline4286]

@@temporarilyoffline I'm new to FT8 I really appreciate this video. Thanks again KE8QLL. 73

[@cw2gtc]

Noo-B kwuestchin: On setup for all this stuff… Choosing Line-IN, instead of Line-IN MIC, we are to choose Line-IN Line. OK, that done, What are we using to talk to other very nice ham folk? Seeing as there’s no mic. anymore, what are we using to talk?

[@temporarilyoffline]

You can use this setup with an application called JS8Call and send messages, or any of the other hundreds of keyboard-to-keyboard modes... or you could plug the microphone back in and chat over any of the voice modes.

[@0150r]

Did you bejewel your G90?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Abalone! Stay tuned!

[@andynew2]

Why always Linux?????

[@temporarilyoffline]

There are only 2 parts of this video that are Linux, and even those translate to other OS easily. Linux us my jam! Thanks for watching!

[@user-fx9bf7tc6c]

Ft8 это игра, а не связь.

[@temporarilyoffline]

No argument here. Its all fun until an emergency pops up... and them I'm not using FT8.

[@axemanarbor]

Hey man love your work . Where did you get them knobs ? Flashy !

[@temporarilyoffline]

Amazon had a huge selection kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIemkod_f7iridk

[@ronstar7027]

"Easy"?????????????? LOL I gave up after six minutes.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Take it one step at a time, it's a journey.

[@sleeve8651]

Seems like a lot of hassle, to talk to a bunch of nerdies, just to exchange call signs and Db ratings ? Since it's been done ad nauseam, where's the fun ? I mean it's already been done ! What is the fascination with doing these easily repeatable operations ? I mean, I get from the technical side of conquering yet someone else's Brainstorm, with a feeling admiration towards all involved, but once established, it's like starring into a fish tank ! It might work for a short time, but then you'll want to move on to something more creative ! Like watching paint dry ! As our dear old President B says : " Come On, Man " ! O.K......I'm just pulling your chain ! Stated out with satire in mind, but the more I thought about it, I thought I'd better stop, cause I'm starting to make sense ! So now I'm reviewing my own well being, and wonder what have we gotten ourselves into, with all these, " Ones and Zero's ", and the multitude of ways they can be configured ? How much of this can the Human Animal digest, before we hit a wall, and begin doing irrational things ! Like being up in the middle of the night, playing radio, hoping to avoid problems with the Sun throwing fits ! Now I'm beginning to feel like a Radio Vampire, with these hours ! All to accommodate the Sun being angry with the Earth ! 🌞 🌎 🫲🙄🫴 Give it a Rest !

[@temporarilyoffline]

I cannot say I disagree. You can find fun or fodder in just about anything, even watching paint dry. I bet there are actual engineers that do indeed watch and document paint dry - you think you got it bad :-D

[@sleeve8651]

@@temporarilyoffline Perhaps, but you can bet they're making the big bucks ! Lol ! I figured I'd really get someone upset with those comments ! Just poke'n fun ! I have several Hams near me that are all into digital modes ! It is remarkable how they can dig signals out of the soup ! But by coincidence today, 10 meters opened up, and I worked a guy mobile, while he was on his lunch break. The funny part was looking him up on QRZ, and he has no FT 8 signs across his page ! Pretty funny ! '73 !

[@RobertMacCready]

Well done video. Thank you for your efforts de KQ1K. Sub'd and liked!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for the sub! Much Appreciated.