The Easiest Radio to FT8 With?

[@Siskiyous6]

As you know TO, I have some experience with this, yet I still learned some new info. This video ii the most concise and complete step by step of this process I have seen to date! As soon as I learned about the DE-19, a few weeks ago, from you, I bought one. With my G90, it just works; period.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great to hear and Thank You!

[@g4lmn-ron401]

The "not in the dialup group" caught me out the first time. Good video thanks.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Got me too!

[@Siskiyous6]

the brailletty had me until TO mentioned it in a previous live stream.

[@SASQ]

Thanks for posting. For me, the easiest outta the box portable FT8 rig has been the X6100. One cable, nothing else required. That rig and a Panasonic Toughpad have been unstoppable for me. 👍👍👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's true too!

[@C4H6As]

IC-705 needs no cable at all. That is the holy grail.

[@mssippijim]

I just got my G-106 working on FT-8 directly without the DE-19 box. I've never actually used any interface box for FT-8. I had one problem in that every time I would try to transmit, the radio would switch immediately from digital mode back to USB, and would not transmit. To correct this I had to make sure that the mode setting in the FT8 software was set to None. Anyone trying to bypass the interface box and do a direct hookup be aware that the software CAN change the mode if you are not going through their interface, which apparently disables it. Unfortunately, it defaults to setting it to regular USB mode.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for the Tip!

[@mnpd3]

I'm sure that across the board you'd find more agreement with the statement that the G106 /DE19 combination is the most difficult system to make work with FT8. The woods are full of hams who bought the radio and interface and never got things to work. The setup receives like a champ - great for shortwave listeners... only. Linux might be a key for success, but most hams don't know Linux.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You're the first person to say that. What went wrong in your setup?

[@RynardMooreVstar1]

Nice! The only thing I would add is if you're trying to decide between the CE19 and the DE19 -- spend the few extra bucks on the DE19.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yes, enjoy your life, get a DE-19 ;-)

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Well done Steve. Great video explaining the rig. Well done.

[@Quantalume]

On my G106, with firmware 1.3, you need to force RTS low in order to get it to work with wsjtx or ft8call, otherwise it will be in transmit the whole time. Apparently the latest firmware allows you to use RTS as PTT.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for the tip!

[@andywatts4774]

Thank you for a fab video.. I'm in the process of returning to radio and would like to experiment with digimodes. Is the 106 likely to be on on full power for any length of time on FT8 or would a lower setting be preferable. Best wishes from the UK

[@temporarilyoffline]

The g106 doesn't have any built in fans that I remember. So as long you keep track of heat, you can run the wattage you want.

[@andywatts4774]

@@temporarilyoffline That's great, thank you for such a swift reply. Andy - G7MJV

[@radioastronomy2001]

Good video, thank you for posting as it presents a lot of useful information. This is not the easiest radio to work FT8. Too many cables and complications. iCom 7100 can be connected with a single USB cable for CAT and audio, no external modem required. Works out of the box with KM4ACK's raspberry Pi.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I have a 7100 to film. I'll find out soon! Thanks for watching.

[@ke8mattj]

The reason why I bought a 7100. Hopefully I won't have any issues when it arrives.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@ke8mattj it is a strong platform!

[@stanw1le982]

Any idea if this is a Linux based radio ? How did you access the firmware in other Xiegu radios ? (for hacking) What computer language was used with other Xiegu radio firmware ? I followed your sage advise and ordered the pair. Will be playing with it next weekend. While I can use the 10M band as an IF, I also need 10.0 to 10.5 MHz as an IF for my 474 KHz TX down converter. Additional features I would like to see on the G106: adjustable frequency display to reflect the actual RF when using a transverter, Either provision for an external Local Oscillator or provison for an external reference frequency to improve the frequency accuracy asnd stability. Maybe 10 MHz from a GPS/DO. Of course, if these could be a monoband radio for 222 MHz or 900 MHz (902-928), it would be a big seller. Or even a Low band Radio for 137 KHz, 474 KHz, and 160M. A companion radio for the original coverage. 80M thru 10M. Thanks, Stan, W1LE

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is not a linux based radio, it still has the STM32 and can probably be hacked from that perspective. The G90 was hacked and the firmware was decrypted (not by me, but the details are out there). The X6100 is a linux machine and I was able to login over serial console while it was booting, interupt the boot cycle and then set the password to something known. From there I was able to boot normally and login. Since that time we've made TONS of progress and we now have our own custom firmware that doesn't use any of Xiegu's software. We've also decrypted their firmware using the same key as the G90. Fun stuff. Sounds like you have some fun plans!

[@HamRadioQso]

I will be in ssb with the radio on field day looking forward to it I might run some ft8

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good Luck!

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I'm not an FT8 guy but I imagine that setup will work with any of the sound card digital modes.

[@temporarilyoffline]

It will!

[@ke8mattj]

I recenty bit the bullet and got the Maestro Evolve 3. I'm impressed with a cheap laptop. My only major complaints so far is that it did come with a virus (since I kept with Win10) and my cursor locks up when it is transmitting with CAT control. However, the latter is to be expected with the specs. Now I just need to rig up a cable to have it run on a 12v cigarette lighter plug.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The cursor locking up is probably RFI getting into the computer. Time to start adding chokes. Also, they do sell cigarette lighter to power pole adapters, that would allow you to put the layout to use at home if needed too. Sounds like fun!

[@ke8mattj]

@@temporarilyoffline I never thought about that with the cursor locking. I need to get more anyway so thank you for letting me know.

[@wb8cxo]

Great content!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thank you!

[@WaynePatrick]

Nice. I think I’ll that setup a try.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Very good!

[@MrD308]

Where do you find a driver for Windows Pro X tablet? The driver radiosity supplies won't work. I can't load the driver.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't have a Windows Pro X tablet to play with, but I believe its a CH340 chipset, maybe you can search for something with that info?

[@K6WRF]

New question .. when using that ldg tuner did you connect the radio interface connection from the tuner to the COM port on the back of the radio or since it wont auto sense you ddint need it? I have a Z100 original not the plug but it seems to have the same connections

[@temporarilyoffline]

I didn't connect the tuner with anything other than coax and power. The G106 doesn't have the feature to activate an external tuner. I'll be making a few videos on this meter in the future. Stay tuned. (Put out a loud signal and press the tune button on the tuner and it will tune up)

[@K6WRF]

@@temporarilyoffline The problem im seeing with this radio is im not hearing ANY signal on any bands.. Well the FM Radio signal doesnt really count but im not hearing or seeing anything on the scope ..

[@temporarilyoffline]

@stevenreynolds7453 that's a big problem! Try this: battery, radio, antenna only, tune into AM radio stations, tune to 7.074 at night or 14.074 during the day (both USB) - You should hear something. If not, return it for a replacement ASAP.

[@stanw1le982]

Any idea what the G106C version does, over the prior version ? I am looking at it as a 28MHz IF radio for VHF/UHF/Microwave transverters. Stan, W1LE

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't see any definitive answers - xeigu's own site doesn't mention "C" at all. I'd assume that its either the exact same model, or its built/spec'd for other countries.

[@mssippijim]

I wish this radio had a bit more power, even 10W and I might be able to justify buying it. I have the G90 and like it, but the size of this is really appealing to me. I also have a USDX, which works, with some shortcomings, so I'm really having a problem convincing myself that I need one of these.

[@temporarilyoffline]

It puts out decent power: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nabVY6WCateGppo and is pretty stable/solid on the features it delivers.

[@mssippijim]

@@temporarilyoffline Yep, I convinced myself to go ahead and buy one. I actually kind of like the simplicity of it and have made a ton of contacts POTA hunting with it, and did one very rushed activation with it the first day I got it. Have not set it up for FT-8 yet but going to try it soon. I have a little USDX + (might be a clone, not sure), that actually does quite well on FT-8 and I would expect the 106 to be a bit better as I think the receiver is a bit cleaner and it puts out a few watts more. I enjoy your videos, 73.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@mssippijim thanks! Hope you were able to use my link and save some 💰, and more importantly, glad to hear you're having fun!

[@seanfoley7097]

I was trying to get mine to work but I couldn't get cat control I was using a Digi rig. I checked the firmware version and I updated it and it worked fine after that

[@temporarilyoffline]

Excellent, thanks for sharing that!

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

Are you sure that you need sugo for dmesg? I don't (2 versions of mint, and my memory of older ubunto, red hat, pink tie, fedora).

[@temporarilyoffline]

You're right... muscle memory

[@victorcharlie7491]

Great video bro Tnx.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You're welcome!

[@DonzLockz]

The 'DE' must me new. So you are on 5w FT8 data? Are the commands the same for LMDE?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yes to all three! The DE-19 solves a tone of problems!

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for about your product place lace me a message . When I post this , I am looking for more information on this . How find this. Want ham radio build for a monkey used it for emergency faster or something comes up I have to have it

[@temporarilyoffline]

Which product are you looking for?

[@NoMoreRadioMyths]

Is it safe to run this radio at full power on ft8?

[@temporarilyoffline]

As long as you pay attention to the heat and cool the rig if needed, yes.

[@JonathanKayne]

I don't consider any radio to be "easy" for digital modes unless it's a one cable solution. It shouldn't be difficult to get soundcard and cat control in one cable

[@temporarilyoffline]

Very few manufactures get this... still in 2023

[@C4H6As]

IC-705 works without any cable via Wifi with FT8CN. Thats what I call easy.

[@JonathanKayne]

@@C4H6As that's why its my favorite radio. Though I'm not a fan of their solution either since the micro USB port suffers from RFI so you need a big toroid to make it run at all. Fortunately you can operate wirelessly with wfview

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've had RFI so bad that the 705@ wifi also pooched. Choke all the things

[@C4H6As]

@@JonathanKayneFeaturewise the 705 is near perfection. The connectivity options leave nothing to be desired, at least for now. I love wireless because no connectors get worn out, no cables break or get lost, no damage is caused by wrong wiring. Interestingly no chinese manufacturer integrated Wifi into it´s transceivers so far. Bluetooth is the max you can get from them by now.

[@trevorstudent4625]

Can you use the 106 with hdsdr?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not directly from the factory. It doesn't appear to have an IQ port.

[@trevorstudent4625]

I got it to work with the DE19@@temporarilyoffline

[@temporarilyoffline]

Which connection did you use for that? Just audio in/out? @@trevorstudent4625

[@rst5nn]

I think the easiest radio for FT8 is QDX if you find assembled 🙃

[@temporarilyoffline]

Could be! You might be cheating using a radio that was designed for FT8 only though... I'll allow it :-D

[@K6WRF]

Your discount code doesnt seem to work .. Wonder if its because its on sale for $289

[@temporarilyoffline]

Ah, they got me! Yeah, I'll get credit for the sale, but won't get the kickback AFAIK - either way, you get the savings.

[@K6WRF]

@@temporarilyoffline it just says it’s an invalid code and removes it. I was able to use a different code “sms5” to save 5% additional

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@K6WRF I'm gonna have to have some words with them!

[@radiotests]

I discovered this scam they pull on anyone linking the discount code. You only get one discount with this fake Retevis vendor. Im so sick of scammy overseas vendors far only șee us as sheep to fleece. If I can't get it from R&L or DXengineering I don't need it. Everything I bought from Radioddity ended up being junk and was returned. I'll be doing this install with a Kenwood ts-590 on a Lenovo Yoga. Thanks for the great tips

[@willieb6529]

sorry, om - but this advice is just wrong... using a g106 v1.3, de-19 and evolve iii and your directions results in out-of-control ptt keying... the solution is to choose flrig as the radio control under wsjtx... once i did that, everything ran fine, and your other recommendations were cogent - otherwise, some folks could go down a nasty rabbit hole... on the positive side, your g106 vids have generally been helpful - especially appreciate the disassembly, as i'll explore a headphone jack - de kg4zqz

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@willieb6529]

and i owe you and your viewers an apology: in the v1.3 firmware folder from xiegu, there is a file containing wsjtx setup... the G106 now supports ICOM 705 CAT, so now no need for flrig! a complete dialog screenshot is in the file

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@willieb6529 I prefer to run nothing but radio and WSJT-X. Thanks for the update.

[@stewpot3971]

Everyday is a school day!!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah, but now school is fun!

[@stewpot3971]

@@temporarilyoffline indeed! Appreciate your videos on taking potentially complex programming etc (I am not a programmer nor work within this industry) and dumb it down for us tech laymen! 73 from the U.K.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!

[@pixeluser175]

IC7100

[@temporarilyoffline]

I have one of those also. Absolutely love it! Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppSrdIWYgK2Mirc

[@georgeosier5459]

"DINGUS" ??????? .... LOL :)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Indeed!

[@ronaldzuccala-pv8tu]

No its not the easyest radio to do ft8. Please buy the sbitx v3. Thank you ron z .. ft8 is already installed.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey Ron! I like that sbitx.

[@vestale4]

It can be done also on Android phone and is more easy, if the radio is design for FT8. Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/morXnXWlaK-cisU

[@temporarilyoffline]

I actually have that from Jason on the list of videos to make! Totally agree!

[@d3w4yn3]

Linux..... good.....

[@temporarilyoffline]

Always!

[@timothymaimone8611]

Steve… very comprehensive video! 73 de KD6UYK (Tim)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Tim!

[@Wayne_VK3ECS]

Thanks for a great step by step on FT8 setup especially on Linux ( Im a Mint user ) Rgs Wayne VK3ECS

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad it helped!

[@EB5DQH]

Por mi parte ha sido COMPLETAMENTE IMPOSIBLE de configurar en dos ordenadores distintos... un montón de problemas con el COM, con las librerías DLL y con el JTDX y WSJT-X.... Ya lo tengo preparado para su devolución y reembolso... Seguiré haciendo FT-8 con mi Icom IC-7300 que funciona de maravilla! Una pena! Cuando hagan algo MAS FACIL DE CONFIGURAR y que sea PLUG&PLAY de verdad, lo compraré. Menuda BASURA! 73s

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad it works with your 7300!

[@JT-py9lv]

🤪👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

🤪👍👍