Xiegu G1M | Is this the least expensive HF Ham Radio in the world?

[@WJ6FRadio]

Baofeng is now an official unit of measurement! Great video!!

[@MegaCadr]

Is that metric or imperial?

[@hamradiotube]

Darn right it is!

[@hamradiotube]

yes lol!

[@potaactivator]

Bwahahaha!

[@gregorysmith3097]

My first thought as well. I built a 40m dipole, I made each leg of the antenna 60.5 Baofengs long

[@rikuk3]

I had one of these and it worked well for mobile/portable use, the output was fine for me because I'm a 90% CW ham but moved on to the G90 which is a big step up from this nice little rig.

[@F_Tim1961]

There are two known issues with this unit which was done a bit on the cheap. firstly all the 3.5mm connectors are SMD and the solder joints to the pCB tend to fracture after a lot of insertions and withdrawals of plugs - esp the microphone socket . THe simple solution is to reflow them but that involves opening the case and that voids the warranty ( to fix a problem created by the factory !! ) . The other issue is the cheap encoder used on the RHS. the following quality encoder is replacement PEC11 R 4015F 50024 this is the type with detent. 4215F for the part with no detent. You can get these from the likes of RS components or MOuser , however it will be impossible to avoid the $15 USD delivery charge in AUS /Nz so it makes it a very expensive four dollar part ($8- surface delivery from Mouser in the US I believe) . With this encoder the radio will tune up band when turning ccw. There is a pin cross over fix for this but this compromises the encoder from a mechanical point of view. This radio is quite popular in Poland and Russia and Hams in one or the other worked out the semi compatible part. The preference is a low bit rate optical encoder (which essentially last forever ) and these can be had from SDR radio in the UK but they are of order $25 USD each. The replacement encoder - It only costs $4 US - you think that Xiegu would do the right thing. Perhaps the later production TCVRS are better in this regard the early model ones had encoders that fell apart with very little use which is a scandal for a USD 270 radio and indicates Shtty QA back in Shenzen or wherever. The US distributor (S) should fix every one of the earlier production for free when it fails and NOT charge freight on moving the radio about because it was a known problem from the get go. The encoder is hard mounted on the digital control board which is a vertical board in the front of the radio. TE Fidler, WRE NzL

[@hamradiotube]

Thats too bad. I've seen a couple other videos mentioning some issues with the radio but I didn't want to take it apart. Reflowing solder wouldn't be a big deal to me though. I've not seen any issues with the encoder but I only had it for a few weeks to evaluate and make a video, then I sent it back.

[@ericinthebush1961]

Looks like a good little rig this and a nice review. Thanks. I have this unit's predecessor, the X1M, and have great fun with it operating QRP too. 73's from South Africa.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. It is a cool little radio and the price can't be beat. Thanks for watching. 73

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

Fantastic review! 😀 If it hasn’t been mentioned the “ flickering “ that one sees in the video is from the camera’s frame rate of recording and not from the radio’s display. Besides a CW freak I’m a street photographer. De N1XV

[@hamradiotube]

You are correct

[@K1STG-Fred]

Looks like it would be fun for a low budget backpack SOTA rig

[@hamradiotube]

That's exactly what this would be good for.

[@g7heu869]

Thanks for this useful video. I've just ordered one to keep in the car / take on flights where I shan't be too distraught if it is lost, stolen or broken. I've a number of kit built transceivers but once I've built and cased them I worry about scratching or losing them! Likewise my FT-817 with 2 Collins mechanical filter and after market audio DSP is too precious to put in hold luggage. I really hope I like the G1M because I plan to take it everywhere.

[@jgreenster7185]

You will love it/like it. Easy to use, easy to carry around. Does a great a job.

[@paul-c7541]

You could put a amplified speaker in the back jack in a home base setup or mobile, I've gone total QRP these days, so this one fits the bill for me. I enjoyed your presentation thank you..

[@hamradiotube]

Sure could. Thanks for watching. 73

[@F_Tim1961]

1. The MXP -50M amp which (typical CHinese BS ) is not a 50W amp when driven with 5 W but will produce 35 W ssb on 14 V supply (as per Ytube videos from Kevin in Canada, NOT the mafr's claim) would make this a combined approx 40W out SSB unit for about USD $400. The main issue is the MXP -50m required an internal mod to the 10m filter component set to make it an 80 40 20 15 mtr HF amp. Motorola AN 267 Matching Network Designs with Computer Solutions - is your friend for the calculations required. TEF

[@hamradiotube]

thanks for the info

[@9M6WST]

Good morning Mike from Malaysia. Probably afternoon at Texas. Nice little rig there and good info. Thanks.

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks for watching from Malaysia! It's amazing how many different countries show up on the channel. 73

[@9M6WST]

@@hamradiotube plan to get a RS918 in the future..what your view for this rig?

[@hamradiotube]

I like it a lot and would highly recommend it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIixlYx6ermamK8

[@gregorysmith3097]

I just ordered one to give QRP a try while I'm waiting for the ft891 to come back in stock.

[@hamradiotube]

Right on, have fun with it.

[@jano3681]

I bought one - amazing lityle toy with waterfall. Its jist +/- 20kHz but for such small toy it's ok. I get up to 7W output and did a lot of QSOs with very good RS. Its funny when talking with people with 600W output when I said - Im using 5W. They cannot believe. I use it as portable with Gorilla power bank and LW antenna - works great! Also I'm building 70W aplifier from aliexpress in case of emergency. Recomended to everyone who want great, small qrp. The only one Im missing is 10m band but even without it - it's great trx with amazing low price.

[@hamradiotube]

Its amazing what you can do with low power for sure. I love breaking into a pileup running qrp and a good antenna. Would be cool if it had 10 but what can you do? Have fun with the amp build.

[@lieutenantcolonelnicholson9228]

Going back and double checking my tertiary HF system. CARRY ON!

[@guyhornbeck8940]

I would love to see you do a POTA activation using the G1M.

[@hamradiotube]

Me too. It hasn't stopped raining here for the last 3 weeks and I have to send it back. I still haven't done a pota activation with my 705!!

[@tumbleweed-life]

Well I was going to make a comment about a new unit of measure but I see somebody beat me to the punch! lol

[@hamradiotube]

I’ve been using Baofengs for scale for a while. I just feel like most every ham prob has at least one of them. Why not use something we can all relate too?

[@jacobjenkins8910]

The CW Ratio should be the "weight". Length of the dah vs dit. I think I'm right, could be entirely wrong. Usually leave my weight as 3:1 (3 dits = 1 dah).

[@hamradiotube]

Ah, yes, that makes sense. Even if you are right or wrong. We'll go with that.

[@RobMacKendrick]

Yeah, that makes sense. Was thrown off by "ratio", but assumed it was something of that order. Haven't had to adjust the weight on anything since it all went digital, so that didn't occur to me.

[@CWfist]

All that technical info is good, but did you test the radio on the field? that would tell us much more about its performance than lab results.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Cool looking radio. Is Bo-Feing a unit of measurement now? great video man. Thanks.

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, I have officially made the Baofeng a unit of measurement.

[@d.j.roberts187]

“Baofengs” is the best unit of measurement. 😂 that’s for the review! Picking up a G90 this week for my first HF.

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome man, you're going to love it.

[@brandonzawaski]

I am going to get one of these and try to get my hands on a linear amplifier to make it more usable.

[@TomMaynard--TCM--]

What was that battery you were using? 73 de WZ9U

[@Airsoftforall]

I will say mine never actually shuts off. When you "power it down" there is no audio or button response but the screen is on. I was able to repurpose a power cord so I had anderson power poles on one and rings on another. Might make a third with tinned ends.

[@hamradiotube]

Well that sounds like a problem. I've not heard of that one yet. Mostly just he mic jack issue with not being soldered properly.

[@donalfinn4205]

Thanks for the review.👍☘️

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching.

[@ERICtheLATE]

The cpu do dad to make the scope has to be an amperage eater, can the scope be fully disabled to only show s-meter? I noticed they get toasty just recieving after 10 minutes.

[@BradSnyder1]

It is a really neat looking radio. Thanks for sharing it Mike. 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching!

[@webmastercaribou7570]

Ok, just what's needed in the qrp arena. An inexpensive little HF radio but no built in direct usb for digital modes. Ready to go usb digital have been great. And sold many more units.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah thats one thing a lot of radio manufacturers are not putting in radios. Not a big deal for me as I don't really care too much about digital.

[@ERICtheLATE]

No transmit on 160m? or 10m? Kinda strange but not a herrendous loss. Since it is in the power allowance, anybody crack the 11m surgery?

[@hamradiotube]

Nope. Just an entry level radio. Not sure about 11 meters. Where there's a will there's a way I suppose. I'm not the guy to ask about 11 though.

[@DonzLockz]

I'm on a budget and new to ham radio. This would be a great place to start. It would be alot better if it could do 10m but over 5w output is a bonus.👍

[@pauls8456]

How did you go? What radio did you choose?

[@okhamradio]

I went outside and measured my antenna length using my baofeng

[@hamradiotube]

Lol! I would guess a 40 meter dipole would be about 160 baofengs (not including the rubber duck of course). What did you end up with?

[@ChatGPT1111]

I recently flew to L.A. from Orlando and calculated, since I could not take my normal in-flight nap to remain properly vigilant, a distance of 17,846,040 Baofengs (excluding changes in altitude of course).

[@mirceacraciun4091]

The discount is not working !

[@jamaciadog5603]

So you can use a straight key with this radio?

[@bentlady7197]

I am clueless about this stuff. Is he saying 80 meters is the longest range for this radio? If so, isn't that bad? I am starting to learn survival stuff, and a communications radio that will work when SHTF is in the cards. I am just trying to figure out if this is worth it to me. Thanks.

[@hamradiotube]

That would be pretty terrible if that were the case. When we refer to meters in the amateur radio world we are talking about the wave length. For example one wave length of a 3.5 MHz signal is approximately 80 meters long. Your actual range will vary depending on what frequency band you are in. The 20 meter band in the 14 MHz frequency is really good for long distance, often international contacts, where 80 meters is usually within a few hundred miles, though it is possible to get out farther. There are many more aspects to how far out you can get and it mostly has to do with the atmosphere and solar activity. Different bands (frequencies) all have different characteristics. It’s an amazing hobby I’ll tell you that much. I got into it from a SHTF mindset too. There’s a lot of info on how to get started in ham radio on the internet. Check out Dave Casler and also Ham Radio Crash Course. They have a lot of info for people who are new. Also pick up the ARRL technician book and start reading that. Study up and take your test. Once you can get on the air, a lot of the stuff you read about in the books starts to make more sense. Also check if there are any local ham clubs around you.

[@thomasstandley6309]

Nice review but I'm curious what you're going to do with it now (although this apparently now gives you the full set of Xiegu radios).

[@hamradiotube]

This was just a loaner so I'm sending it back to them. Lord knows I don't need any more radios lol!

[@MrDmonies327]

@@hamradiotube that last sentence may be the most blasphemous statement in all of ham radio 😂

[@hamradiotube]

Lol. We have to at least say it every now and then, however empty it may be.

[@thomasstandley6309]

@@hamradiotube "Too many radios" is a spousal claim which has to be denied at all times. Sort of like admitting how much you've really spent on radios is absolutely verboten ... unless you like sleeping in the garage.

[@snowdiddley4634]

My wife better not read this...73😂

[@paulshaffer9674]

I found on Ebay a RS 918 . It will do all bands 10 thru 160 . About $ 400.00 . It is a Chinese Clone of a British Kit. It will do CW, SSB, AM, FM, quite well. 10 watts down to a half watt. KG7IRJ Ohio Extra

[@hamradiotube]

Yes I have one of those too. That’s a really cool radio.

[@ke4asc]

How does it perform as far as spectral purity? Any unwanted harmonics?

[@hamradiotube]

Not sure. I don't have any equipment to test that. I'd be shocked if it was pure though, not gonna lie.

[@gabrieltgh]

CAn it be open to transmit on 27 Mhz CB band?

[@glendunsbergen9077]

I think we've all figured out how to subscribe by now.

[@hamradiotube]

You'd be surprised. 62% of my viewers from the last year have not subscribed.

[@harrybond007]

Which Ham license do you need to operate this?

[@hamradiotube]

You’ll need your general.

[@1L6E6VHF]

@@hamradiotube He'll be able to use some tech privileges, but he'll want to upgrade in short order.

[@webmastercaribou7570]

That depends on what country you live in.

[@1L6E6VHF]

@@webmastercaribou7570 True, point taken. Every country that allows Amateur Radio has its own rules (though those rules generally conform to international rules set by the ITU (International Telecommunications Union).

[@teamtacoslick]

how does the transmit audio and cw look like on the scope?

[@DutchmanRadio]

Good stuff man

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you.

[@garycowger9579]

How do You set the Drive for the Mic on SSB ?

[@dannypeto8734]

what these sdr,s dont have any kind of clarifier on them ? i shude of got a really good kit got the 8 band sdr and the chinese have no clue the prices are all over the board from 99.oo to 300.00 oO gootd qualty, ya right.........

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

I have one, its OK, but the microphone jack had to be repaired. I did an indepth when this was the X1M, the review was for You-kits and Xiegu, way back in the day...Fred VE3FAL

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I saw Gil had to do some fixing on his too. I didn't take this apart to see but hopefully they have some better solder connections on it now.

[@viccruikshank2441]

Size and weight-wise, how does it compare to the G90? Great videos, Mike. Thanks so much.

[@hamradiotube]

Its a bit smaller and way lighter than the G90

[@JT-py9lv]

Mike, Do you still use this radio ?

[@hamradiotube]

No this was just a loaner.

[@sigint99]

The front end overloads but on the whole this little rig works good.

[@1958johndeere620]

Should be able to make long path contacts on a dummy load with that bad boy. LOL! I could see someone using that on hiking trips if they knew CW. I don't hike due to that taking energy, and I don't know CW due to being brain dead.

[@hamradiotube]

No, you should be able to make long path with it. I just sent it your way! I know how much you like the Chinese radios so I wanted to add to your collection.

[@1958johndeere620]

@@hamradiotube I guess I have a bad reputation of being grump with Chinese radio's. They have their place, that place is just not with me. LOL! Full disclosure, I do have 9 uv5r's.

[@oldwolf1928]

2 is 1 and 1 is none.........Lol

[@hamradiotube]

@@1958johndeere620 Well you started it lol! I thought I had a lot fo uv5r's. I think I only have 6 or 7. Though I may have accidentally shorted and killed one, and I gave another to my nephew so he can listen to the railroads. I think I'm up to 8 total maybe. I love me a good Chinese HT!

[@1958johndeere620]

@@hamradiotube They are great when you might damage, drop, or lose one. I grab them when I am on the ocean, working on the boat, and working construction jobs. The other day I was tending a diver in the water, and had the baofeng on my pocket. I used it to talk to a ferry captain to let him know I had a diver in the water. If it got wet or lost, no big deal.

[@patrickgerth4570]

It would be a great mobile HF rig!

[@hamradiotube]

It doesn't have any noise cancelling so you'd have to make sure your car was very well grounded and bonded.

[@jonprice4629]

It'd be cool to see one of these opened up to a couple more bands (not even thinking 11m lol) Looking at some teardown pics, I'm not sure they have filters for any more than the 4 bands though

[@nickrupp2336]

I have seen this mars molded for out of band. Google G1M mods.

[@jonprice4629]

I had a google, couldn't see anything that came to fruition A good thread on groups.io, but the OP seems to have disappeared before confirming the mod

[@hamradiotube]

Well it's only made for four bands so...

[@jonprice4629]

I know, I know Solution is a G90 lol

[@hamradiotube]

@@jonprice4629 I've not seen anyone unlock the G90 for 11 meters but that would be cool. I wonder if it would be possible?

[@dwayneschank5456]

What would be a good portable antenna for this little radio??? THX

[@hamradiotube]

Wolf River Coils, PackTenna EFHW or linked dipole, DX Commander Expedition, pretty much any resonant antenna would be good.

[@dwayneschank5456]

@@hamradiotube OK thanks I'm new to the hobby and subscribed to your channel and thinking about getting general ham ticket

[@mikecallahan8234]

In a pinch the G1M would be a great radio for digital modes.

[@hamradiotube]

As much as I like my Xiegu radios, they are the last radios in the world I would chose to use for digital modes. Way too complicated to get working.

[@guyhornbeck8940]

I recently bought on and plan to match it up with an MFJ 9242 Mini Loop Tuner for a “fly-weight” portable station. Ymmv 73 Guy AE6FE

[@hamradiotube]

I’ve not used that antenna but I’ve got their QRPocket loop antenna and it works really well. I suspect you’d have similar results.

[@mehr_wolf_weniger_adolf]

Which frequencies can it be used for, including the 11m band?

[@hamradiotube]

If you watched the video you would have known in the first 30 seconds.

[@mehr_wolf_weniger_adolf]

@@hamradiotube No because i am a stupid girl from germany...

[@hamradiotube]

@@mehr_wolf_weniger_adolf Oh, ok.

[@twohandsandaradio]

The least expensive would be the Ubitx V6 for about $200 and you get to assemble stuff!

[@F_Tim1961]

But it is crap with spurious emissions (FCC non compliant on several bands last time I checked ) , lack of power out (below 2 W on some bands) , lousy design eg the heatsinks are electrically hot so if grounded during repair the mosfets get toasted , proprietary raduino which if it busts is very hard to get a back up for etc etc....

[@hamradiotube]

"Get to assemble stuff" = I Get to potentially break stuff lol!

[@F_Tim1961]

@@hamradiotube That's not joke - it would be interesting to know how this box would handle running into an open load for ten seconds or so and if there is anything on the display to indicate there is a cable break . I'd guess zero to the latter as it cannot measure /report SWR lacking the hardware inside to do it. TEF

[@JReed305]

Been looking at one of these for awhile now. Take it out and show us if it will POTA.

[@hamradiotube]

Didn't have time while I had it. It hasn't stopped raining here for like 3 weeks and I had to send the radio back.

[@JReed305]

@@hamradiotube That sucks. Yeah been watching you alls weather and it has been nasty. Stay dry out there.

[@hamradiotube]

@@JReed305 I went out 2 Sundays ago. Checked the WX and it wasn't supposed to rain until about noon. I left my house at 8, got everything set up and started calling cq by about 8:45-9ish. After about the third or fourth CQ it started raining. Packed everything up in a hurry and tried to wait it out for a little while and it never stopped.

[@JReed305]

@@hamradiotube Yuck. We would be greatfull if you sent some out west.

[@hamradiotube]

@@JReed305 If I had that kind of power I surely would not be working for a living lol!

[@williambickham2042]

Very nice video. As far as the rhetorical "is this the cheapest?" Maybe for all these features. The easy no solder uBITX V6 kit is a few dollars less but a few features less with a much bigger box. KC6ijh

[@kylefreemason]

Wish this had 17m. I do 40/20/17/15m most often.

[@brents927]

What is the most compact antenna you could get for that?

[@hamradiotube]

I would use a PackTenna End Fed Half Wave.

[@EvaRadio]

@@hamradiotube thank you for that i test for my general exam in a few hours

[@dannypeto8734]

mite have to lower the imput voltage u put more than 5 watts into an app u mite see SMOKE

[@CoolOldBiker]

Not near nuff watts for base set up lol But for mobile , or the backpacks ..good . Good luck with a contact on 80 meters with few watts lol But ...it does have it purpose s ...thanks vid

[@hamradiotube]

No I wouldn't use it as a base either. Thats not its purpose. Super light weight so perfect for hiking/portable. I don't have any desire to get on 80 and complain about life and the weather, however, I think I could still do it with 5 watts if I wanted to.

[@rodneylamay5926]

I talked on 40 meters from Los Angeles mountains ( camping ) To Spain. Very very cool. 73s ki6pxv ...sonny

[@hamradiotube]

Heck yeah, that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesreece9809]

split works only for 80,40,20,15 meters.

[@arniep740]

Does the receiver decode cw?

[@hamradiotube]

You know I don't remember. I sent it back after the review so I can't check for you. If I didn't show it in the video I would say it does not, but don't quote me on that.

[@erichstocker8358]

Nice walkthrough. I wish the Chinese learned to write English. One would think since they want to sell to an English speaking market they could hire someone to do it. I like my G90 but it doesn't have good instructions either. Great job on the video

[@TonyLing]

6:20 "NO VALID MOMOEY"

[@hamradiotube]

Is that what it said? I didn't even catch that.

[@boundlessfreedom8340]

A new unit of measurement , " A Baofeng" ! LOL

[@hamradiotube]

Trying to get rid of the stupid imperial system. At least everyone knows how big a boafeng is.

[@davidburnstad2493]

Donkey Kong? Mario Bros? Street Fighter?

[@hamradiotube]

No, unfortunately not. But I can do that on my Raspberry Pi.

[@francismcclaughry3794]

some times i wished I had a simple radio I hv e top end radios . my simplest radio i have is a 706

[@KM4ACK]

I wanna see you POTA with it 😃

[@hamradiotube]

I gotta send it back, plus it’s been raining so I won’t have a chance.

[@soundsauce653]

I just realized the the intro RIFF seems to be your call in djented morse.

[@hamradiotube]

Hey, you’re one of the few who noticed it!

[@WalterMelones]

Thank you!

[@hamradiotube]

You're welcome!

[@stevec2196]

Actually I think the USDX USDR SDR Transceiver for $130 on Ebay is cheaper!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not a bad rig at that price point.

[@hamradiotube]

No, it’s pretty sweet

[@ke4asc]

Dual vfos, very cool,

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Many thanks for the review. It looks ideal for my RV, motorhome. I've been away from radio for many years and don't own any radios anymore. Just dont have any spare money to buy at the moment. But will in the future. Looks ideal. Cheers from us old pensioners. George and Jane G1BKI in the UK. 👫👍🤠🇬🇧

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. Its not the most feature rich radio in the world but it certainly is one of the least expensive and could get you on the air.

[@jgreenster7185]

I'm a retiree, and I bought one of these to get back into ham radio, after a 40-year absence. It is a great radio, easy to use.

[@BigDL71]

It would be nice if it were equipped for a mobile mounting bracket.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah, kinda weird it isn't.

[@sldsnk3]

Xiegu is pronounced shi-goo and it's Mandarin for Chicago.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for the unsolicited correction of my 'Merican. According to Google translate Xiegu means inclined valley.

[@okhamradio]

Thanks for sharing

[@mickgatz214]

does it do 27Mhz?. :)

[@hamradiotube]

Yep

[@mickgatz214]

might sus it out, not that many are on the airwaves these days. :( Thanx.

[@dazednconfused31337]

They added NFM to the G90 so I occasionally hear some UK CB. There was someone playing the laughing policeman song on CH19 SSB whilst another was ranting on NFM that someone changed his QRZ page to 'silent key'. 😁

[@hamradiotube]

I was kidding. You clearly didn’t watch the video where I say what bands it does.

[@vinceb9310]

Great review Thank you. Vince NM3W

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Vince.

[@Airsoftforall]

I bought one last spring for $200. I have used it for psk and will get rather warm to hot! I put a pull fan on the case with a few holes drilled into the case to pull the heat out. I do agree with the speaker output needing to be a bit louder, but my amplified speaker/headphones covered that. Great little POTA and qrp on field day. 73 KE0ARR

[@hamradiotube]

Good to know. The G90 gets super hot as well but I haven't had any problems with that and I don't even have a fan on it.

[@donaldsmith3048]

To bad it will not do digital modes. That would be nice for some of them. 73 de W4DES

[@Aletef]

Great video. Regards ea8dio.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching.

[@DewayneW4FDT]

Well poo.. I just bought this, used the $10 off coupon from radioddity… then seen you had a $15 coupon lol. Qrp starting out bad man! Lol

[@hamradiotube]

Well its only $5 so you're not out that much lol!

[@andhanwer]

this should have been an HT

[@andhanwer]

the form factor is wrong just like the 705 should have a vertical (portrait ) mode

[@hamradiotube]

a ptt and an internal mic would have been cool. The X5105 has that.

[@Johnyrocket70]

5 watts perfect to feed an amp.

[@hamradiotube]

Yes indeed!

[@dennisschultz1175]

Add the XPA-125 and this is a cheap 100 watt HF setup.

[@twohandsandaradio]

Yeah a $500 amp... just buy a real radio for those prices. You're around an Icom IC-7100.

[@dennisschultz1175]

@@twohandsandaradio The 7100 on sale is $900 and lacks a spectrum scope. This is much cheaper

[@viknumbers701]

XPA is a really high quality robust AMP.

[@hamradiotube]

Sure would be. I didn't get a chance to see if it would hook up to and play nice with the amp, even though it was sitting on my work bench right above it lol!

[@G7VFY]

Made for landfill. Wait until you look inside. If you are lucky, some joints might be soldered.

[@hamradiotube]

This was just a loaner so I didn't crack it open. I've heard some people mention the mic jack not being soldered well.

[@mattottie6410]

5 w not enough for tx. Might make a good receiver, QRP a no go..

[@hamradiotube]

Hmm, that’s weird. I’ve made all kinds of contacts with 5 watts. Just because you can’t do it doesn’t mean no one should. Perhaps you should #hamharder

[@mattottie6410]

20 w minimum been my experience until sunspots increase, conditions get better, maybe you got a bigger antenna, and really not interested in QRP. Matt

[@Jody_VE5SAR]

Momoey? Andrew Lloyd Webber just had a sudden chill...

[@hamradiotube]

I can happily say that I will not get any Andrew Lloyd Webber references other than when Roger Waters says "Lloyd Webbers awful stuff runs for years and years and years and years" in the song It's A Miracle.

[@robc3863]

Usdx hf rigs are half the price, from about $100 delivered

[@w5licanthony66]

Baofeng radio measurements, I have just been learned. Ha ha ha ha

[@hamradiotube]

It’s the new way of measuring. All the cool kids are doing it.

[@frankENZC]

Great job on the review. 73 de WA3RSL

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@donnymazon8516]

I had one of them radios I didn't like it sales it for 50$ just to get rid of it I thought it was junk

[@hamradiotube]

Lol, well it is a very entry level radio but I think it has its place.

[@donnymazon8516]

@@hamradiotube yes u are right but I just didn't like it it wasn't for me I would like to get my hands on a ft-818nd

[@hamradiotube]

I do almost bought an 817 for my first portable HF radio but got the 891 instead and I’m really glad I did. I’ve not used an 817/818 but I have held them and been with other operators while they were using theirs. A very cool radio indeed. I just wish they would add noise reduction and a better battery.

[@donnymazon8516]

@@hamradiotube yes that's right I have a 891 my self love that radio I want to get a 2nd one for my truck

[@hamradiotube]

It’s still the best overall portable radio out there in my opinion.

[@johnnashmy1435]

Made by Fischer Price for them

[@pedersteenberg2010]

WOW

[@MrBracey1970]

Greetings from the UK,I’m looking fro a cheap portable CW rig (this has the bonus of doing SSB as well) I’ve a G90 at home so I could be a Chinese only HF operator soon lol-73-2E0HFO

[@hamradiotube]

No shame in that. I have 3 Chinese Hf radios and they are all pretty decent. This one was just a loaner but for the cost it was actually pretty decent.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

1:11. It would be hilarious if that’s what it really said. Lol

[@hamradiotube]

Lol yeah

[@dannypeto8734]

o and 250 is not the cheapist and for 250 i can get way better and truly all mode all band,the military been useing all mode all band digital encryption with sat com, been wonting one of thoughs sence i was a kid with my cheap radeo shack walkies that barly went across the street.

[@theroguetomato5362]

LOL, "No Valid Momoey!"

[@gblan]

I'd rather put the $300 towards an FT-891.

[@hamradiotube]

So do it.