Using The Xiegu G90 Transceiver With XPA125B Amplifier / Tuner: How To Set Up & Use

[@wesmcfarland4106]

Outstanding! My XPA 125 arrives Monday and you just got me way ahead of the game with this video. Looking forward to an instructional/ review video for the G90. This little radio just keeps amazing me! Thanks for the tips!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Wes, it IS an amazing rig! Enjoy and thanks for watching.

[@JReed305]

Love my G90, been running it for a year in the shack and have loved it. Just ordered the XPA125 and am looking forward to the added punch.

[@HOAHamRadio]

It took me a couple of years to finally give in to all the hype on the G90....10 minutes into using it and I understood! You are going to enjoy it with the XPA125B for sure!

[@JReed305]

@@HOAHamRadio I am constantly blow away by it's performance. I even use it AM on the AMI nets with it's 5w of Carrier, and get nice reports.

[@richardstock6978]

I finely got a XPA125B. soon I will be having fun with it.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Congrats. Hope you enjoy it!

[@GVDub]

Re: 6-pin / 8-pin. Murphy says that if it's the same connector, they can get crossed up, doing potential damage. It's good engineering to make sure it can only be set up one way.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Appreciate that input George; they sounds logical.

[@3asyrider75]

Great review. I am sold. The amp is a bit expensive so will start with G90. I really like the idea of being able to split it for portability for POTA/SOTA

[@HOAHamRadio]

Turtle, the G90 is a GREAT radio; you will enjoy it.

[@3asyrider75]

@@HOAHamRadio All the old veteran hams tell me I need 100w to start. If 20w is not enough I can always get the amp. The thing I like about the g90 is the tuner. With the FT891 I will require a Tuner on the field. It also has a high current draw even at reduced power. I also like the waterfall on G90 making it easier to find active frequencies

[@HOAHamRadio]

@Turtle The veteran hams are correct that 100 watts is better. I've been a ham now coming up on 3 years. I've used 5 watt QRP, 20 watt, and 100 watt radios. I would neve recommend any new ham try to start at 5 watts. In my shorter experience compared to the veterans, I have recommended the G90 radio at 20 watts to new hams when 1) the features they want are in this lesser expensive radio, 2) they are just starting and budget is a concern, and 3) because they are just starting out, there is no certainty they will enjoy the hobby, and the G90 then is a lower cost "test" so to speak. While 100 watts is indeed better, 20 watts is acceptable in my opinion and experience. Making contacts during a busy contest will be more difficult on 20 watts, but on non-contest days, making contacts is certainly doable. Here are videos where I am specifically using either the 5 watt G1M, 10 watt IC-705, or 20 watt G90: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKC1c36FopuMjKc kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2eTd3yGrs13rbc kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3vMf4VjYr9_gtE I'm not going to say 100 watts isn't better, because it is. That said, my son in Texas recently asked me how he can get into ham on a budget; I suggest the G90 for him. Hope this helps.

[@3asyrider75]

@@HOAHamRadio Thanks for the details. Budget is a factor and the features on the G90 are like a much more expensive Icom. The screen is a bit small though

[@HOAHamRadio]

@Turtle It can be daunting looking at all the features, options, prices, etc.... If I can help in any way, let me know. Best of luck in you ham journey!

[@liontomh]

Thank you for taking the time to show the setup. Nice QSOs

[@HOAHamRadio]

You're welcome Tom. I try to answer questions and demonstrate in a way that answers questions I first had when I picked up this pair.

[@randallbargar348]

I bit the bullet and got a XPA 125 ordered. Thank you very much for the video which is clear and answers many questions. I have a G 90 paired with an indoor attic antenna so this should be interesting. 73 de N2VQD

[@HOAHamRadio]

Hope you have tons of fun with this set up. Thanks for watching.

[@jonmcadams5401]

Very helpful presentation. My WPA125B ATU also keeps the low SWR tuning for a specific band/frequency in memory after the XPA125B has been manually tuned. However my XPA125B ATU has never automatically tuned for low SWR during transmission. Is it possible to reset the manually tuned SWR stored in memory to see if the XPA125B ATU will then automatically tune for low SWR? FYI, like you I'm in a limited space situation. I'm using a stealth 71' sloper end-fed non resonant antenna, 9:1 unun, 50' RG8x, two 15' counterpoises and common mode choke after the XPA125B. Thanks!

[@HOAHamRadio]

John, I am not aware of anyway to reset the single memory per band. The reply I received back from the Xiegu distributor I use didn't provide much information.

[@seanfoley7097]

Works great

[@HOAHamRadio]

It does indeed.

[@HOAHamRadio]

The SS25 is testing very well so far by itself. I'm hearing from Reno development of this to use as a DL is not progressing to plan. Will keep you posted.

[@georgekern1914]

Very helpful, thanks much

[@HOAHamRadio]

My pleasure, I've enjoyed using this amp with multiple radios. Still have a few I want to try it with.

[@arthurgumbus3969]

Great Production on the Video... I do really appreciate you showing all the wire connections between the two units. Did you ever find out if the ATU has "memories"? I have the G90 and the XPA125B is enroute to me from Radioddity. It will be my POTA setup with the KJ6ER PERformer elevated, linked, tuned counterpoise system. Keep up the good work. 73 Art W1SWL

[@HOAHamRadio]

I shared that level of detail, because that was what I found missing when I was trying to figure it out. It is actually one of the first things that made me think "I should make videos". As best as I can tell, no memories. Thanks for the view and comment.

[@tonywalker8250]

A very clear and informative video which told me everything I wanted to know about pairing the two units. Thankyou.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the feedback Tony. My goal is to provide useful content...answering questions I've had, once I figure them out myself.

[@RobG-KD9YBZ]

As you were making QSOs I noticed that while you talked the G90 meter didn’t move into the yellow or red segments yet the input reading on the amp showed spikes all the way up to 10-14 watts which pushed the amp to full 100 watts out. My question is what was your mic settings on the G90? The compressor was off, but what was the mic gain setting?

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for watching @robg-KD9YBZ. Unfortunately, that was so long ago I have no recollection of my settings. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@rtsdsonly]

Can this be used with the G90 w/GSOC Controller?

[@HOAHamRadio]

rtsdsonly, sorry I don't have a clue on that question. I'd suggest reaching out to Radioddity and asking them; they are usually pretty good with responding to technical questions. I'd like to know the answer myself.

[@RobG-KD9YBZ]

Great video! One question: did your CE-19 come with the ALC switch in the ON or OFF position? If it was OFF did you turn it to the ON position for the G90? I’m having trouble turning the output of the G90 above 2 watts without getting the message “ALC Out Of Control!”

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for watching / asking. This was quite a while ago for me and I don't remember, and I haven't used this set up in quite some time. There is a Facebook group for the XPA125B where you could ask and I'm sure you would get the input you are needing: facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/

[@cioiart1]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I am not sure what you mean by the "auto tune". Maybe my unit is not operating correctly, but I did not see any auto-tune on my unit. Your test in CW mode did not output any power from the G90 so I can not really see if this working as expected. My issue with this PA were "ALC out of control" when kaying 5W AM, on some bands even 1W AM and low power output on 30 and 20m (max 45W with 5W AM input). Any thoughts? Thank you.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Here is a Facebook Group that has seen it all on the XPA125B; I'm sure some there will have some really good ideas of what is going on: facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/?mibextid=oMANbw

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Thanks for the video 👍👍

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for watching and commenting W6IWN.

[@justinruth9729]

On SSB do u run the g 90 at full output of 20 watts

[@HOAHamRadio]

You start off much lower, say 3 to 5 watts, to drive the AMP. You don't want the AMP going over 100. If you drive 20 watts into the AMP you would overdrive and potentially damage it.

[@justinruth9729]

Guess this applies for this amp only .. Most amps on SSB can take much more ssb input .... I understand you hate your saying ...on this amp .... I have my g 90 going into another 3-30mhz broad band amp and it takes 12 watts to get to 100 ... Or duty..I guess the 125... Is limited for 100 max output ...am I right here ...

[@HOAHamRadio]

You are right, the XPA125B only needs 3-5 amps to drive it. You can adjust the amps in from the G90 higher than 5, if that is what is needed to get the XPA125B up to 100 output. Xiegu has all kinds of warnings about driving the XPA125B over 100...

[@JanosBarabas]

Hi, Thanks for the nice video! I have the exact same configuration, but with 1W input I get 100W out already from the XPA. How come? Do you know which firmware are you using on your linear, mine is v2.0.0 build 013. I would like to install the same firmware you have, to see if it works better.

[@HOAHamRadio]

There is a great deal of knowledge on this FB group I started a few years ago. It seems universally advised not to change firmware; seems to always lead to problems. Feel free to join and ask lots of questions: facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/

[@doc2462]

Excellent. Is it possible to connect the WPA125B to a G90 and use digital modes with the radio and if so, how are the cables connected?

[@HOAHamRadio]

Doc246 I don't run digital modes so I'm not sure. I have a Facebook Group for the XPA125B; I'll bet someone there runs digital--maybe you could ask there.... facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/

[@doc2462]

@@HOAHamRadio thank you for responding and for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I cannot follow further....one of a dedicated minority without a Facebook account!

[@HOAHamRadio]

I completely understand that; if I didn’t need Facebook to promote my KZbin channel, I wouldn’t have an account either. I did a search in the group and there is very little talk of digital use, and zero detail. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

[@doc2462]

@@HOAHamRadio Thank you for the wonderful extra efforts. You are a gentleman.

[@billr55]

I have a question for you that I think I know the answer to but haven't seen it asked by anyone and want to be sure. I already own an RM Italy 100 watt amp and an external antenna tuner. Just purchased the Xiegu G90 today. Can I bypass the internal Xiegu antenna tuner and use these devices I already own to get the 100 watts I want when needed? Thanks for the informative video and I enjoyed the QSO's you provided

[@HOAHamRadio]

Bill, I see no reason why that would not work. Sounds like a standard set up and the G90 should push the AMP just like any other rig would. Thanks for watching and the positive feedback.

[@paulhastings3109]

I like to hear about your antenna

[@HOAHamRadio]

Paul, I am working on an antenna video now; about 1/3 of the way done. Should be out in a few weeks....in the video title it will be referred to as a HOA (home owner association) rule buster. Thanks for the support.

[@rgbivins]

What antenna are you running with this setup?

[@rgbivins]

Never mind just heard what you're running! 73s WA4GMD

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks Richard, yep, 73 foot endfed into a Chameleon matching unit. I show a few pics of it in this brief video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKC1c36FopuMjKc

[@sipsmi]

OK I'm confused. The reason you have 1.0 SWR when you use the PTT on CW is you are putting out 0 watts ( see the XPA125B display input power shown at 0 when you PTT in CW in your video) and so your reflected power is zero. I believe you have to key up ( CW key input) rather than activate the PTT which does not send a carrier on CW mode.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Si Smith; my memory isn't so how these days so I don't recall the specifics. What I do recall is that Xiegu has very specific guidance on how to operate between the G90 and XPA125B; I believe I was attempting to operate per their instructions. Radioddity, the major US distributor of Xiegu has since provided their own guidance on how to operate between the two units.... I haven't tried their guidance yet. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@sipsmi]

@@HOAHamRadio Yes - the easiest way to do this is FM at 5W with PA off - press the tune button until it tunes and then switch PA back on and select mode ( can turn the power down to 1-3W too) If you don't have FM ( old firmware) you can use AM Otherwise you need a CW key inserted.

[@rcass7263]

In your video you show that the ATU in the G90 must be turned off. I have read that. I also have read that by using the ATU button on the G90, it tells the XPA125B to tune to the frequency that is tuned to on the radio. I have done that and it seems to work well. So would the happy medium be is to press the auto tune on G90 radio to tune and then push again to turn off ATU in radio. I did learn that I was doing the manual tune on the XPA125B incorrectly. I also have a question about power output. With the G90 set at 2 watts. I get variing power outputs on SSB on the XPA 125B. For example. I get 100-125 out of the amp on 20 meters and only 75 max on 40 meters. Same antenna after tuning with ATU. Any ideas? RJ KM6AVH.

[@HOAHamRadio]

R Cass, unless Xiegu has changed their documentation, they recommend leaving the G90 tuner off; so that is how I demonstrated it. Sounds like you have come across an alternative. The XPA125B is my only experience with Amps; getting different output on different bands is typical with this tuner; you can change the output level by band by changing the watts in. I started a Facebook Group for the Amp many months ago...people smarter than me are members; it is a good place to ask questions and get input from other uses. facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/

[@rcass7263]

@@HOAHamRadio Hi Thank you. However I canceled my FaceBook account two years ago and never went back. I'll keep looking though. :-)

[@HOAHamRadio]

Smart...I don't like Facebook, but as a KZbinr it is a necessary evil. People are very abusive sitting behind a keyboard.

[@jackK5FIT]

I've had my G90 for over a year and love it for portable. Just ordered an XPA125 for that extra kick you need sometimes. A question comes up watching this video. Is it possible to run digital modes with the XPA connected? There maybe be a simple answer but it's the first question that came to mind. Thanks for the great video. Jack K5FIT

[@HOAHamRadio]

I wish I knew the answer to that question Jack, as I've been asked a few times; I don't operate digital so I have no experience to relay. I do have a Facebook group for the XPA125B, perhaps a question to that group would yield something worthwhile to you. facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/

[@jackK5FIT]

@@HOAHamRadio It's due Monday. I will find out next week and let you know. I do a lot of FT8 even portable and my G90 doesn't like to put out the full 20W for very long. Pace yourself and you can make a lot of contacts. Thus the need for the XPA125.

[@jackK5FIT]

@@HOAHamRadio It works on FT8 with WSJT-X and Gridtracker. You need the CE-19 just as you show and plug the audio cable from the computer mic and speaker ports into the AF CON port on the CE-19 then plug in the USB cat control cable into the port on the radio head (below the headphone Jack). I use flrig for cat control and everything works fine after you fine tune everything. Start with the radio at 1w. I was averaging about 86w out with 2w in. Basically it's set up just like a G90 without the amp for digital, it's just adding the amp in. Jack K5FIT

[@HOAHamRadio]

@@jackK5FIT This is great feedback and instruction; thanks for the update!

[@hobbeeguy6811]

Seriously? Xiegu, you made your own amp but didn't think to make it directly compatible with your own transceivers without another connector? Maybe the C version will fix that... I don't know about the other 2 low power QRP radios, maybe they have different pins.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Hobbee Guy, I think that's how most people feel.... "Really, a CE-19, something else I need to add to the mix....?" It works, but how could there not have been a better way?