Xiegu G90 - Power Cable Upgrade - TheSmokinApe

[@kb5hxt]

I have a G-90 that does not come on using the factory power connector and wire. I will build a new connector, using larger gauge wire and the power pole connectors. Thanks for the vid, makes me more confident that I can do this. 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with it 👍

[@o2bnov0307]

I really appreciate your presentation. I was hoping to see that you were offering upgraded cables for G90 owners. I saw another comment that there are options on eBay. Guess I'll have a look over there. Again, your video was calm, confident, clean; outstanding!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video David, thanks for watching 👍

[@johncarpenter1053]

Just hooked up my G90 the other day. I lucked out getting the G90, fan base and connector hub all for $425.00. Radio.....ty was having a special recently so basically got the fan and hub for free. Anyway the fan base and transceiver started to just shut down today. I have a 16 gauge power cord with the plug that I was going to use for part of the off road lights on my Expedition. I’m going to cut that up and use the cord for a new power cord. I had bought a 40A Connector Power Splitter Distributor Source Strip, 1 Input and 8 Output and fortunately that came with several power poles. I’ll connect the new power wires to the fan base which has the regular XIEGU connector and the power pole connector using the power pole connector connection. The source strip already has fuses for each of it’s connections. My XIEGU power cord had a 10 amp fuse built in and my source strip has two 10 amp power pole connections so I won’t need to integrate a fuse into my new power cord. Appreciate your videos. Another KZbin ham operator mentioned your videos and I’ll be watching another one once my SDR USB plug-in for my laptop arrives. Using the laptop as a frequency receiver. Downloading drivers and such. Thanks again! N5BYB

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s awesome man, glad the video was helpful 👍

[@ubergeek318]

I was always worried about the small wire on the G90 , this is a nice upgrade

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man 👍

[@stridermt2k]

I have modded my G90's power input with a power poles pigtail that incorporates the fuse and a ferrite. I used a plastic woven outer wrap like some PC power supplies use to protect the cables from abrasion. This and a similar mod to the H1 base has me feeling more confident in the radio's ability to stand up to handling in the field and over time. It's a great little radio as-is; I am simply a modder and cannot leave stuff unchanged that I feel can be improved upon! I did the "MARS" mod while i was in there too. Very easy! Thanks again for making this video! I purchased a power poles crimper and terminal kit and I'm very happy I did. It made building the power poles cables effortless and will no doubt come in handy down the road. Next mod -RIMS! :D

[@TheSmokinApe]

Looking forward to the rims mod and the pics in DIY!

[@EarthlyVibes]

MARS mod?

[@robertwoliver88]

Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter / Wire Stripper. Best you can get. I’ve had mine for nearly 2 years. Clean strips every time.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the heads up Robert 👍

[@Ron_C]

Everything should just automagically arrive, new in the box, with powerpole connectors. Good work! Reminds me I need some more heat shrink.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Ron. They really did send the worlds worst power cable 🤔

[@stridermt2k]

After seeing the wiring I have to agree it is barely adequate very thin insulation. I'm using the stand with the fan in it in a portable setup. While I'm using the stock wiring at the moment I'm replacing that cable with a power pole cable into the stand power pole connector. Again I appreciate your G90 videos quite helpful

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, glad you like the videos. I really wish Xiegu just power poles the back of the radio. The stock power solution is the worst I’ve seen.

[@AlvinMcManus]

I liked this video so much I ordered that battery and a charger from HRO tonight. My power-pole connectors and crimper are en route. I have a G90, (still in the box) and I want to do this power input upgrade as well.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad I could help and good luck with the project 👍

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

You do nice work Ape , a nice upgrade for portable use!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Chuck! 👍 I hated the cable that came with the radio...

[@WJ6FRadio]

Cool video! I need to get a G90 one of these days. Can never go wrong with powerpoles!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, the radio has its limitations but it’s fun to play around with 👍

[@rs4425]

Excellent production of video. Hopefully, someone will supply us with the adapters that will work on our G90s.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching, glad you liked it 👍

[@cliffbarrett9471]

As a electrician of 42 years ive used Klein strippers about 15 bucks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks! 👍

[@AdamosDad]

same here.

[@mountaingator001]

Great video...getting my new G90 today...if UPS ever shows...SORRY BROWN MAN JUST KIDDING..learning a lot from your videos...THANK YOU 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Congrats on the new radio! Thanks for watching and I am glad you like the videos 👍

[@steveinkentucky]

I do mostly the same thing. However, I can switch out base and mobile power. I also have a middle section, where I can make the line longer or shorter. I have the larger ferrites myself, but I ordered some round snap-on beads to look neater and be smaller. Nice work... I totally agree about Anderson being the only ones to get. The Chinese knockoffs are iffy quality.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking out the video Steve, glad you liked it!

[@twohandsandaradio]

What was life like before the Internet and Powerpole connectors? Excellent information as always!

[@TheSmokinApe]

I hate to think about those dark days 👍

[@israelalex3881]

i guess Im asking randomly but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost my password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@ericluis2290]

@Israel Alex instablaster :)

[@brucestarr4438]

I know this video is old, but you asked about stripper/crimpers. I recently bought some Doyle Electrician's Multi-purpose Pliers at Harbor Freight and they are heavy duty. I got them because I needed to shorten some #6-32 machine screws and they are real nice. I've got 6 different strippers and 7 different crimpers, depending on what I need them for.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bruce, I ended up getting some but thank you for the info 👍

[@brucestarr4438]

@@TheSmokinApe If you''re ever in a Harbor Freight, check them out. They are stouter than half the stripper/crimpers I have. They're gonna find a place in my Go Bag. Except for power poles and coax, I can make do with them. I have more specialized tools, but they'll do for general purposes. I can't believe I'm going gaga over something from HF. They're really stepping up their game, in their better tool line at top.

[@k2cjbradio]

Excellent workmanship!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, I appreciate it 👍

[@petrok1rp254]

Very nice job mate! Thanks for vid. Maybe you can mentioning where you are buying Anderson poles and all accesories like black plastic cover you finaly installed etc. Also somewhere I saw in vid that Anderson power poles fitted directly to rear panel of G90 as Tamia replacement.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video. There is an Amazon link in the description that should show all the "stuff" used. Thanks for watching 👍

[@SidebandSamurai]

I ran across your video I love Anderson Power Poles.. I see you use boots to keep the connector together. did you know that if you look at your completed Anderson power pole, you will notice a hole in the middle of the connector pair close to where it joins another power pole connector. This hole can be fitted with a roll pin that will keep the connectors together without the boot.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have the pins but prefer the look and feel of the boots 👍

[@okhamradio]

Thanks for sharing very useful information

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@donalfinn4205]

Thanks for that. You left the weak point though- the socket at the back of the radio. Isn’t it a bit pointless making up a stronger power cord if it’s going to be plugged into it?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Well, that socket sucks but so did the cable.

[@ernietech-101]

While the Xeigu G90 spec says 8A max @10.5-16.5VDC, it's interesting that according to the Mar 2020 QST lab review, the radio pulls only 4.4A typ at full transmit. #12AWG would be on the safe side for the power wires. That Tamiya connector is used on RC cars and is universally disliked by the RC crowd. Technically it works, but it's junky and I think that TheSmokingApe makes sense for installing connectors that are going to be in & out alot. Otherwise, if the radio is set on the table and never moved, in my experience, the stock connector is ok...just ok. I think I'll make this upgrade anyway.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the post d.R

[@AvoidingChores]

Good upgrade job. Nice and clean

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Jim 👍

[@K5ATA]

Good video, Ape. I need to get a Bioenno battery for my POTA stuff.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sign up in their mailing list, they have sales often. 👍

[@MIKEWA81]

Thanks for the share for this link appreciate it Ape...

[@TheSmokinApe]

Anytime Mike, congrats on the new g90 👍

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

You can buy red/black fused together cable, so no need for the heatshrink.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes, you can...

[@TomSP9TL]

Hi. Are the female & male pins compatible between the connectors? As in socket and plug? There aren't any female plugs, so I would need to insert female pins into a plug. Would they fit? Thnx.

[@TheSmokinApe]

There is no difference in the plugs, i's a universal fit. Thanks for watching Tom.

[@wrldtrvlr2227]

What is the size of the shrink wrap your are using? What about the outer boot? Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Wrld Trvlr I’m not sure of the size, I got a box of assorted shrink wrap tubes from amazon for like 6$ and the boots are standard power pole boots

[@dangermandave67]

Just looked at the cable that shipped with my G90 and it has a 10A fuse, not 5A like yours. One of the after-market power cables for the G90 selling on EBay has a 10A fuse. Do you think it matters? I just looked at the specs on the Radioddity website and it says "8A max" for the transmit current draw. I wonder if there's potential for you to blow your 5A fuse if you were, say, operating in digital mode at max power. I guess it's more likely the radio would over-heat first. What do you think?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You are probably fine with 10A fuse, I have run my at 20w on digital without issue.

[@robertdelossantos633]

What kind of battery are you using? I like the size can you give me the details on the battery thanks 73s

[@TheSmokinApe]

It's a Bioenno BLF-12045W, 4.5Ah Battery

[@robertdelossantos633]

@@TheSmokinApe thank you SmokinApe thats what I needed 73s KG5ZLO

[@marthapummer5109]

Can you explain what you mean by the pins are reversed? I see the red and black are reversed but am unfamiliar with Tamiys and want to make this change but need more info. thanks

[@marthapummer5109]

Would this work? It has the Black to round and Red to Square as needed.....right? power.tenergy.com/standard-female-tamiya-connector-charger-side/?gclid=CjwKCAjwkN6EBhBNEiwADVfya3GhK1EpXSOgfrAzwr_WQD1_zhecUrhlm_xsleao76iWVkMuDEQgLBoChWgQAvD_BwE

[@marksisson7468]

What size ferrite choke did you use. Palomar has a lot of different ones. It was not listed in the link

[@TheSmokinApe]

I got them here as part of the RFI kit palomar-engineers.com/ferrite-application-experts-2/Ferrite-Core-Products-c21312657

[@marksisson7468]

@@TheSmokinApe thank you much!

[@michaelmelofchik3526]

What is the part number / manufacturer of the fused extension cable you used?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey, Michael, I looked all over and can't find the order details. Sorry man...

[@michaelmelofchik3526]

@@TheSmokinApe no problem. I found one just like it. I will let you know if it works. I like the Xiegu, but, you're right, the power cable leaves a LOT to be desired.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with it!

[@johnnykeeton8369]

Why buy the cable and cut the ends when you could have just bought the wire and the inline fuse? Was it cheaper to do it this way?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m sure it was more but I had a use for the cigarette plug 👍

[@johnnykeeton8369]

@@TheSmokinApe Makes sense now. Thanks for the video I have been looking at that rig. This was useful.

[@1crazynordlander]

Great procedure you have. Stippers, David Casler just posted a video that has a decent strippers on it. I am not sure what the brand name is. He is installing Anderson Power Poles in this video also.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, I will check it out 👍

[@1crazynordlander]

@@TheSmokinApe Here is another one that looks great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6fdYaeZYpeeobs Thanks!

[@petrok1rp254]

Did you said 25Watts fuse and 5Watts fuse? You mean Amps right? No complains just note. :)

[@TheSmokinApe]

It's entirely possible. Good catch and thanks for the feedback 👍

[@AlvinMcManus]

Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Alvin 🍻

[@stridermt2k]

Good stuff! Thanks for this video! I have a G90 on the way and I will be making some mods to mine as well so it will hold up under portable use. 73 de N2NLQ

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mike, glad you liked it. Congrats on the new radio 👍

[@steveinkentucky]

Clarifying, what mix did you use?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Pretty sure it was 31

[@steveinkentucky]

@@TheSmokinApe I figured. I ordered a mix 31. The mini Tamiya is pretty fragile, so I was going to replace it with thicker line with a jumper and Powerpole. I got the fan to try out. It has a sturdy Powerpole connector, so I made a power cord out of DC line that looks like lamp cord. If a bit of extra weight and size is not an issue, it is study enough that there is no chance of damaging the radio socket. I really enjoy your videos! Very informative and entertaining.

[@germibestia]

good video, where did you find the boots?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I got them on Amazon 👍

[@danquigg8311]

How complicated would it be to entirely replace the original power connector on the G90 with a power pole pigtail? I imagine opening the case, disconnecting the leads from the original power connector, removing the connector & rewiring the pig tail with appropriate strain relief & bushing - or, better yet, a panel mount power pole. Great vid, too. thanks for posting 73 WD4IRK

[@TheSmokinApe]

I actually think the worst part would be cutting thr case to mount the powerpoles

[@steveinkentucky]

It would void warranty. Order mini Tamiya connectors and leave the socket alone.

[@Brewerbill]

What about the Tamiya plug mod? That's the most critical element.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I would agree.

[@Brewerbill]

@@TheSmokinApe, after a few trips to the Amazon, I finally figured out that the easiest way to do this was to purchase a matched set of Mini Tamiya plugs, (with wires), and disassemble them both, then switch the pins/sockets around. That is, put the male pins into the plastic body which formerly held the female sockets, the one with the clip. The male pins from your power supply/battery go into the female sockets on the back of the radio. Don't be like me and confuse the gender of the connector...it's the contact, NOT the housing, that determines the connector's gender.

[@unclecow]

Wow that was cool

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks UC! I couldn’t stand using the original cable.

[@dwalshaw]

25 amp and 5 amp not watt?

[@thewatcher5271]

I Know You Meant Amps At 2:23.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That could be true, thanks for watching Watcher 👍

[@thewatcher5271]

@@TheSmokinApe I've Watched Several Of Your Videos & I So Want That Radio, You Lucky Duck!

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

I use Vise Grip strippers. MikeinMinnesota N0WDM

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the heads up 👍

[@tomnone8378]

hi, what about this poor power socket inside of the radio? have you seen this crap inside?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have seen the guts and it’s not pretty

[@tomnone8378]

I seen some people change for biger socket and power lead;)

[@davidreeder4728]

Great video. Would you consider selling these pig tails ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m thinking about it, your the second person to ask... 👍

[@davidreeder4728]

Please let me know if you do. Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Will do 👍

[@joelaparker232]

@@TheSmokinApe I would be interested as well

[@GarryNichols]

To be honest I was disappointed in this video because we all already know how to make cables. Thats ham shack 101 stuff. I was expecting to see you show us how you change the connector on the radio! That's what I did for my Yaesu FT897D. I removed the silly molex connector and installed a big cluster of Anderson plugs.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fair enough feedback, thanks for checking out the video 👍

[@o2bnov0307]

I appreciated his patient explanation, showing "pro tips", such as "the spoon is down", and reminders about making sure the proper fuse is used. Also, while I have done soldering, it was nice to see how calm and assured his presentation made the task. And, maybe I only completed Ham Shack 099.

[@randyjones6225]

"Aluminum wire in a power cable? Replacing a 25 "watt" fuse with a 5 "watt" fuse? I think one of us might be confused.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It's possible

[@perkunast9680]

Whats the point its it's only 20 watts

[@TheSmokinApe]

That radio has seen plenty of DX

[@timaustin577]

2023 :-)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Right

[@somarmd]

Excellent idea, I plan to do the same. I love my G90. Do you operate with that battery. If so how long and well does it do for you? Thank you. 73 KD2LMR

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video! I have two Bioenno batteries, the big one is 12ah and it will easily outlast me.

[@somarmd]

@@TheSmokinApe I have the 12ah also. I was wondering about the smaller one. I'm thinking about purchasing the 4.5Ah for short activations, like 1 to 2 hours with my G90. Think it will be ok? Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, should be fine. I have the 4.5 as well.

[@jimmycake7143]

fuses- amps not watts

[@marinelasponch3946]

Someone could sell these, a nicer tuning knob and stand for a buck or two.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sure could, a few folks have asked me to make cables for them 👍

[@extremlaybak]

you are going from bad to worst just because it a little bigger it carries less amps why did they stopped using aluminum wiring in houses it melts like soldier it has a resident like runing your wire through a resistor

[@temporarilyoffline]

We call "side cutters" "Dikes" for Diagonal Cutters - I can see why you might not have wanted to say that on camera...

[@TheSmokinApe]

Temporarily Offline Right 👍

[@gahvno]

25 watt fuse? /whoopsie

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

I think you should stop giving your $$$ to palamar and move or build a cage around you shack 😆😜☺️

[@TheSmokinApe]

They are getting rich off me 👍

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

TheSmokinApe what kinda antenna and feed line on your 7300 ? My 260' 12awg solid core die pole 80' high on back leg 45' front 40' feed point height with homemade twin lead into a 1:1 balun works dam good with minimal noise 😉in the burbs of philly Pa

[@TheSmokinApe]

Right now I'm using a 58' endfed with 18g speaker wire and a 15' counterpoise running through a 9:1 unun.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

TheSmokinApe yikes I hear those end fed are like that bc they hammer the braid with RF. I Thought the end feds use a 49:1 ?? I don’t totally understand all those magic boxes 📦 I need to save my pennies for a amp to get over the spring/summer static on 160m 1930 ☺️

[@TheSmokinApe]

The counterpoise helps with the RFI and I have a sizable ferrite choke right after the unun.