Xiegu G90 Digital Settings - Manpack Series

[@jakep5121]

I don't have, or plan to get a G90, but still watched this video. It was great. I'm loving the relaxed on the fly content. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I figured that there would be value even for people that don't have a G90 as the approach along with some of the configuration nuggets might be valuable. I am really enjoying the new workflow with these point-and-shoot videos with the phone. I am getting back up to 4 hours per video of my time compared to when using the GoPro and mic setup. Thanks for the support.

[@linuxsuperuser]

@Nathan-b9w2b rofl

[@moga864]

I appreciate the time taken to tabulate the differences in PO used, SNR, energy consumption, and heat generated at each step of the data capture. You gave a high quality presentation that DOES appeal to a broader audience. Even if it's in a "raw" format. Double points for the linux distro used on the computing side. Well done Sir and thanks!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear that these metrics are useful. I would imagine they would be a good baseline for those considering a G90. 73

[@airborneranger187]

I am SO happy to see you supporting the G90, I can't even tell you. The built-in tuner in that thing is pretty amazing. -Shaun

[@TheTechPrepper]

It has a lot of features for the price point. I actually failed to mention it, but I'm a fan of the SWR analyzer and ATU. Although, the SWR is too liberal in my testing. The RigExpert 230 reports higher SWR, but it's nice using the built-in analyzer in a pinch.

[@felio182]

-xiaun*

[@linuxsuperuser]

@@TheTechPrepper I plan on getting it to use in situations like long treks, multi-week canoe trips north of pickle lake i embark on yearly. where loosing the radio due to being swamped in a canoe is a real possibility. I'd rather loose a 500usd 20watt radio then a 5 watt IC705. This is my first year bringing a radio with me - KE2CAW

[@tomsmall6220]

Your work is so helpful and valuable. You're making a real difference for those of us who want practical access to this sometimes complex world of radio. Thank you 👍

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're very welcome! This stuff is not easy. I struggle with radio, too. It will be nice to have more people folded into offgrid communications.

[@Swamp-Fox]

Look like you have been very busy with this build & documentation. I like your methodical approach. I am sure Isaac will be thrilled!

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's been busier than usual, but I've enjoyed the ride. It's been oddly relaxing taking it slowly, but with purpose. I hope the collaboration video helps inspire some new radio operators to join the fold. Thanks!

[@neubert500]

Still warms my heart to the the good ol FT897 setting on your desk!

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's not going anywhere. That's my daily driver. It does everything.

[@jblewis8061]

Nice work I like the way you’re sticking to your mission . Straight to the point and purpose of the gear intended . Another great video !!!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I appreciate it. Comms are a tool in my book. The trick is finding the right tool for the job. Happy Friday!

[@johnk23705]

Very well thought out process with the G-90. I don't think heat will be an issue with the way you operate. I've had my G-90 for about 3 years now. Very reliable so far. I have also not seen any complaints as to these radios developing problems, even with the extra heat these radios produce. Time will tell. The one other bonus with the G-90 is when doing voice, you do have the ability to go to 20 watts when needed to make a contact. 20 watts seems to be a real sweet spot on phone. Only one "S" unit down from 100 watts. Five to ten watts may be all you need most of the time for phone. It's just nice to have that extra wattage when necessary. It could very well be the difference in making a contact or not. Digital should be fine at the lower wattage. Looking forward to future videos. 73....P.S. I know you use resonate antennas. But just think about if you had a problem with your antenna or needed to improvise something and SWR was less than ideal. That awesome tuner could really save the day.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I agree. 15-20 minutes of operating even in warmer outdoor temperatures should not be a problem. If there is, I will report back. Field test scheduled for this Sunday. I am glad to hear that you've had positive results with the G90. I have incredibly success with my group here in the Southwest running 20 watts with G90. The audio was great. I hate to admit it, but I do like this radio. Lastly, I used the SWR analyzer to help tune a wire antenna over the week. I am fan, although I think it is to liberal in the SWR match compared to my RigExpert. 73.

[@johnk23705]

I've never tested the SWR accuracy against my RigExpert. I'll have to do that. I'm much like you and prefer a tried and true Yaesu or Icom. Never found a Chi Com radio that I felt good about. The G-90 is the exception. Thanks ! 73

[@metroatlantahamradio334]

Man You've been peaking my interest and skillet with your approach to Targeted Comms. I was playing 5w JS8CALL all weekend ( with Solar ) because of this ser.series

[@TheTechPrepper]

We should try a contact after I get over the hump with this series. Keep experimenting!

[@AricWilisch]

The g90 is probably what I'm getting as my first describe radio. Sound like it's a solid radio for the price. Eventually, i want to get a x6200 or ic-705. I know they are less power, but if paired with an amplifier or might for the bill for what I want. Thanks for doing this!

[@Sean-AI7EQ]

As always you explained the why behind this man pack very well. Love to see the design come to life. Keep up the good work! 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. It's easier to add all the disclaimers on the why and how. I've had people run something like the FT-2980 at full 80 watts in their hot garage for 2 hour rag chews with a Signal stick. Then, they proceed to send me hate mail that they cooked their radio.

[@mattyunginger3719]

I am new and just learning about HAM radio. I really enjoy your approach on how you make your videos. You break it down quite well. Thank you.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Welcome aboard! Glad to hear the approach is working. Personally, I had a hard time getting into radio, so my goal is to use simple language when talking about all things radio. Good luck with your journey.

[@norm_sueb122]

Thanks! I have a G90. Works great!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Right on! The G90 surprised me. If you have time, checkout my Instagram feed. I just posted my first QSO with G90. Targeted contact to my buddy mic. The audio was solid.

[@cestrell]

Thanks for doing this! Looking forward to looking at the details.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's my pleasure. I hope you can make the member live stream. Once I get this integrated with EmComm Tools, it will be a force multiplier. Also, stay tuned for the TTP G90 Field Manual. Thanks for the support. My family and I appreciate it. Happy hump day.

[@BryanBurrma-ex4zr]

Just bought the g90 I'm pretty impressed

[@TheTechPrepper]

Just be careful with the 3.5mm jack on the head unit. It has been known to come off the board. The G90 performed better than expected for both voice and digital based on my testing. Enjoy your new rig.

[@haxwithaxe]

If the g90 had a one wire digital interface it would be a very tempting side/down grade from my ft857d. I don't generally use more than 20W so I'm not bothering my neighbors but I'm not doing DX. Nice to see it can run in a bag.

[@slappomatthew]

G90 is stupid good for the money. I have the fan stand and upgraded the fan to a thin noctua fan running full power always. But I’ve heard others say the fan is a gimmick the radio doesn’t need it

[@TheTechPrepper]

The fan may be a gimmick, but I need more time with the radio to be sure. I am about to hit the field this weekend. Honestly, I think the fan is only needed if you're going to run this radio continuously outside. I had a 20 minute rag chew with my buddy in the Southwest at the full 20 watts at 50% duty cycle. In the house, it did get warm (~95F), but it clearly did not need a fan for that contact. It all depends on how you use it.

[@rpestess]

I have been trying to get my G90 to work with DigiRig for over a year and still no luck. Gave up for now but I noticed you did not say if your changed the mic input to "line" on the radio. Thanks for the video. Always educational.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You don't need to manually change that any more. When you switch the mode to U-D or L-D it automatically does it in the latest firmware that I am running. Great question.

[@rpestess]

@TheTechPrepper Great, thanks.

[@MrStanwyck]

I’ve admired the G90; especially that it can transmit 20w. I’m just not a fan of the small screen. I may still get one. Keep up the great content. Bill, KC2KNA.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Will do! The G90 is an interesting radio. I am pleasantly surprised with the utility and performance given the $400 USD price point. At the price, I am willing to let a few things slip, like the quality issues and heat. I am sure that the small screen will be a personal problem as I leave my 40s. 73

[@cpusurgeon]

Thank you for all your work.

[@TheTechPrepper]

My pleasure!

[@redgreen4449]

Great work . Thanks for sharing .

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Don008Ramon]

G90 is a Swiss Army knife of HF radios, imo best HF radio for the money

[@mictis83]

What antenna are you using in the field for the g90?

[@thebnbaldwin]

How do you carry your Toughbook when you're packing into the desert? I don't recall seeing a shot of you tac'd up and heading out. Maybe a future short of you packing up would give us some good ideas. "Stay in the fight!" Thanks G Man!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I carry the Elite Survival concealment bag that I found at a local gun store. Here's the link on Amazon. This can be attached with MOLLE to the back for the PRC-117 pouch. I also store my antenna in here. amzn.to/3Jfs3Yw

[@cooloftheevening]

Is this as close to a military manpack as we can get? I have been looking for a weatherproof HF radio to use outdoors and be able to withstand at least some rain

[@TheTechPrepper]

Absolutely not. These radios are nowhere near rated for any ingress protection. My Japanese manpacks (FT-858D and FT-818ND) are much more robust and reliable than the Chinese G90 shown, but they are not mil spec.

[@jhorton1600]

Have you considered a water resistant pouch on your pack next to the transmitter to carry one of those "blue ice" packs for extra heat reduction?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Negative. I have a custom rain fly that I developed for my manpack that I use for transportation in my ruck. Rain is not an issue here with the exception of a July monsoon season. This radio has no IP rating, so you really should avoid using it in the rain. Operation should be within a shelter if there is inclement weather.

[@jeffallen6459]

If xiegu was smart they would make an all band all mode version of the G90. Internal soundcard would be a nice plus also.

[@ke8mattj]

I so much agree with you. They have very untapped potential, but they keep squandering it on other things.

[@nitekry]

I see you have you figured out how to turn off the AGC for the alsamixer in linux. Mine just doesn't seem to give an option to change it when using the digirig.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Try pressing the "m" button. It should toggle it.

[@pale_2111]

I like the size and 20w output of the G90, but went with the IC-705 because it has VHF/UHF. The built-in sound card makes things a lot easier to get started in digital modes. If they made a 100w version of a G90 with a built-in sound card, I'd probably buy one for a back up radio. I do love my Icom Radios, but they are expensive to get repaired. If a G90 got screwed up, they're cheap enough to just buy another one.

[@emoisit]

Nice vid. Great explanation also. I use my G90 all the time on WSPR. Also wondering which knob did you get. I see 5 of them on Amazon and one has a really bad return rate.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I linked the one I used for this build in the description. I need more time with it, but it seems fine. You just need to make sure that you don't seat the knob all the way down, otherwise you will not be able to use button mechanism.

[@emoisit]

@@TheTechPrepper For some reason I'm not seeing it. I see a "wish list" "frame" "M-APP" "Digirig" "bag" "battery" My computer rebooted on an odd power outage tonight for some reason. It's on a UPS..... I'll check back another time. Thanks again for the video.

[@ke8mattj]

Thank you for the video, Gaston! I'll have to try what you did later. The main difference is that I'm going to be using Windows. I had a really hard time getting Winlink to work. Once I finally did, I sent you an e-mail via Winlink thanking you. You helped a lot with that. lol, it surprised you so much that you broke your "no new equipment" resolution for the year. This is a curiosity question: if there were a rugged version of it with most of the major issues fixed, would you prefer it over other radios or recommend it for manpack operators?

[@TheTechPrepper]

You are very welcome. I am sure that the principles will be similar, but I would image that the sound values will change significantly. If you stick to applying the TX tuning using 20w and ALC=100 you should be good. For the RX tuning, shoot for ~60 dB on the JS8 meter. Good luck.

[@Tamlin73]

Im plannig to get this one for my next radio, im no ham yet, but one sunny day i will be, right now i just have a listeningcallsign from NRRL LA-M160560 my main radio now is a Yaesu Ft 897d but i have problems to see the screen since my eyes is not ok, so i have to get something better that not cost a million, im also into Cw, and i like trancivers with a decoder, how is it on the Xiegu G90? Best regards from Norway.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I haven't tried the CW decoder yet. Be careful with the G90 if you're having issues viewing the screen on FT-897D. I have that same radio, too. The screen is tiny on the G90. Cheers from the U.S.!

[@danielrgusa]

Nice work!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thebnbaldwin]

Great video Gaston. I take copious notes when I do something but not as organized as you. LOL I don't have Instagram. Will you be posting the G90 FW update info on Discord or the community site?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I will write up the procedure for the firmware update later and post it in the same shared folder as the G90 field card that I dropped today.

[@RonGoote]

There are 5-6 guys in my local ham club that have G-90s never heard one of them complain about quality issues

[@matthewtaylor3301]

No issues with mine. Great radio at an affordable price

[@michaelsmith1069]

Great video, and I'll say it again that I love the more raw unpolished format! And keep the tech stuff coming, I'm learning so much! KF0PAY 73's

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. This format allows me to get one video out per week. More tech nuggets on the way. Have a good weekend.

[@michaelsmith1069]

​@@TheTechPrepperI'm still new to ham radio, but I've been a technologist for over 25 years. Over been playing around with different modes and JS8Call is one that I just started looking at because of you! Keep up the hard work!

[@Superacerc]

When you said I'm no expert but ....I really thought you were gonna say "I stayed at a holiday inn last night". Dad joke moment totally missed.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Man... How did I miss that? I'll leave the lights on for you.

[@Superacerc]

@@TheTechPrepper thanks lol. Thanks for the vids.

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

The G90 is popular with some hams. Costs less, and has a great antenna tuner, so non-resonant antennas can be used. And at 20W max, easy on the battery. Those of us who stick to resonant antennas do not see as much value. And I can turn down the power of my IC-7000 to be easy on my battery.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Exactly right. I took the G90 on an RV trip last weekend. The SWR analyzer and tuner were welcomed features. 73.

[@honeybadger6127]

I LOVE my G90, thanks for providing this video, great info to have, keep in mind, you can eliminate the digirig and just run JS8 with VOX and a USB sound card.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I've had mix success with VOX, especially with packet, but I prefer something that actually triggers the PTT without relying on audio signals. On my other packs, I actually don't use the mount or the DigiRig enclosure. I just have the bare PCB in heat shrink with the board zip tied to the frame.

[@slappomatthew]

Have you tried pipewire?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes. I know that ALSA is older, but I am used to working with it an automated way behind the scenes.

[@castirondude]

Do you follow S2 underground and is your kit compatible with his GhostNet initiative?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I've seen a few of videos, but our group uses the same same digital mode, JS8, that is used by GhostNet. I have not explored it in detail yet.

[@castirondude]

@@TheTechPrepper The work you've done standardizing the platform, hardware and software, is phenomenal. S2 underground focuses more on the organization of the net, having regular communication between certain people at certain times to have an established ocmmunication channel. Seems like the two would combine well without too much overlap. But I'm new here I may be missing something. I signed up for your coffee plan to help support your efforts. Thank you!

[@SteelWolf13]

Good video.

[@vironpayne3405]

The g90 has a great reputation for a budget radio. You could spend 4x-5x as much and get a lab599.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I agree with everything. Honestly, this will likely be my Faraday cage backup radio. It would pain me to put a $1,000+ radio in the EMP / "break glass" kit.

[@ericblair3009]

Raw video is OK too!!!!!

[@N9XY]

Targeted? Who are the targets and why?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I am only interested in talking to specific people across the state, region and country. Much of amateur random is random contacts. My goal is to have grid independent communications.

[@flightstatic4662]

could practically tune up a pile of dirt with the g90s tuner lol

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'll take your word for it. I am still a sucker for resonant antennas. ;-)

[@pa1863]

You don’t carry a 100ah battery into the field? You need to start rucking harder or hit the gym 😂 Just kidding! I’m training for another marathon in November and will probably ruck my station around the area as cross training. Anyway, thanks for another great video. I find the G90 interesting but I’ll never buy one. I’m waiting for Yaesu to wake up and make an 818 replacement or maybe I’ll bite the bullet and pay a ridiculous price for a used 818. Keep up the great work!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I would also pay a ridiculous price for the successor the FT-818ND. As for rucking, I've carried a 12Ah battery and the FT-857D or FT-891 many times up the peaks out here in the desert with full support gear. It's no fun, especially when you have to carry 8-10 liters of water.

[@pa1863]

@@TheTechPrepper The desert is no joke. I’m not built for that environment as I found out in the military. I’m blessed with an abundance of water everywhere I go nowadays so I just need to bring a means of purifying it. Keep on rucking man!

[@ke8mattj]

Just curious: what marathon are you going to run in November?

[@pa1863]

@@ke8mattj I’m running the NYC Marathon in November. I’ve also run the Marine Corps marathon and London. I’m pretty excited I got in finally.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@pa1863 Keeping on rucking as well. Good luck with your marathon. In all fairness, I wear a puffer jacket once it's less than 70F. I guess it all depends on what you're used to. Have a good weekend.

[@nunyabiz7618]

Does unsubscribing end Buy Me A Cup charges? I can't find a way to stop this.

[@TheTechPrepper]

No. You need to log into your Buy Me a Coffee account and cancel there. If you trouble send me an email and I can cancel for you.

[@nunyabiz7618]

I can't seem to get Buy Me A Cup to quit charging my account.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I replied in another comment. Log into your BMAC account and cancel from there. If you have issues, please send me an email and I can help cancel from my end.

[@dananderson6992]

Thanks for this, FYI - your membership link in the details for this video gets a 404.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you for letting me know. It's fixed now.

[@Qwiv]

I think a lot of the keyboard warriors are hard on your operations because they don’t totally make sense in a use case most people assume. The use case for POTA/ SOTA are kinda better defined as people actively do it. You’re more focused on this other thing, man portable emergency comms which require you to bring a very capable radio with a small setup… which requires planning. What you are really doing is practice which is important. In a real world use case, you’re going to find the closest hill and haul a spare battery up that hill with you. Maybe point that out. You don’t been to bring the full station when playing radio. The people being critical do have a point though. I know you hate the 705, but my pack is smaller, lighter and includes enough solar to sustainably run a station for days if the sun is out. We bring it to camp all the time and use it as such. Maybe not the best radio if I was under fire, but I also can’t call in air support anymore, so not really planning on that contingency. Been working for 2plus years now and with an amp mounted in the Jeep, it is a SOTA and POTA machine. But, it’s also a hobby, so everyone is right.

[@SteelWolf13]

You forgot Badass "Cowboy" ninja keyboard warriors. Jeez.... :)

[@TheTechPrepper]

Dang... now I need to re-record. ;-)

[@bruhzooka]

I will not endorse boobthz, but I like bootbthz a whole lot! 🤣

[@TheTechPrepper]

What's bootbthz?

[@bruhzooka]

@@TheTechPrepper kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSmn5iMltB6fc0

[@linuxsuperuser]

So when you go to use your gear for real - I would bet money China has a backdoor to disable Xingu radios like with what Russia did to the Ukrainian system. Their is a reason to use an LTS based OS. Cyberwarfare can disable your gear

[@TheTechPrepper]

This radio is not for me. I would never trust this Chinese gear. I run older Japanese gear for my personal applications.

[@linuxsuperuser]

@@TheTechPrepper thats what im saying BUTT think of this all the chip in that radio their American. because its aN SDR RADIO that you can easily get root access - it should be easy to find the bug and disable it or write a custom firmware.... my guess is it would do something like lock the transmitter on overdrive to burnout the internal components something we have seen the x6100 already do on "accident"

[@linuxsuperuser]

@@TheTechPrepper REAL QUESTION: Do you find the G90 has features that make digital radio more useful then older Japanese radios? oR do you just need one of the digirig devices?

[@kurt53641]

Nope. It’s 100% Chinese.

[@exploreit3548]

💎best work OFF-LINE ...OFFGRID💎