Xiegu G90 Review and Xiegu XPA125B Amp Demo - Parks on the Air

[@josephcoberly6495]

I've talked to South Africa on the G90 from West Virginia and other countries just with 20 Watts. It is an awesome rig!! I use the alpha whip antenna. That's all. I am very pleased with this radio! It has all the bells and whistles that a lot of bigger rigs don't have. The antenna analyzer is a big plus. Just can't say enough about this radio. I would recommend it to anyone. Thanks for the video. K8BOW

[@edingacic546]

what do you think about it one year later - if you were to buy a new radio getting into it what would it be today?

[@PhinAI]

@@edingacic546, question seconded.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

About to Crack one open in north central wv on a enfhw

[@josephcoberly6495]

@@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4 you'll be surprised how well this radio works. I'm still using mine and still very pleased. Thanks for the reply. K8BOW

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

@@josephcoberly6495 really? I'm excited to try it I normally run a ftdx10 or a 7300 but wanted this little guy

[@Sonicgott]

The signal you’re getting is AMAZING. Definitely going for a Xiegu G90! ❤

[@joeframo3347]

Very good Jason parks on the air buddy yeah 🌞🌞🌞

[@ericdreizen1463]

I bought a G90 becz the room I now use for my shack was too cluttered. I live in LA, had a DXcc dipole & made a few surprising contacts, Reno, Colorado, & Utah, all w/ just 20 watts! For the most part tho, guys were telling me they couldn't hear me, which motivated me to clean out the bk room & get a 991A. The Xiegu seems like an awful lotta trouble to run w/ an amp. But it's tiny size is an advantage. Still, it motivated me to get bk into the hobby. But if I want a hundred watts, I'll just buy one radio & not two, thank u. BUT...I like the concept!

[@larrylutzak2910]

Great review Jason! I really like the G90 and that it interfaces so well with the k-3005 amp. Even w/out the amp! the 9:1 EF w/20 watts shows how much fun you can have. I'm so tempted to get the G90. I have my Yeasu FT900AT but the G90 is a neat little rig. Thanks and keep doing these fine reviews!

[@josephcoberly6495]

It's a great investment. I have had mine for 3 years. No complaints whatsoever!!

[@southjersey10]

I ordered on on June 7. Come and join the fun 😀

[@stevethibodeauxn4sfc257]

The unit now has a solid cover. They must have heard your comments about the bottom.

[@HamRadio2]

That's great to know!

[@JulietNovember9]

Excellent review. Been looking at the XPA125B and this helped to make my decision to pick one up today. Thank you!

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

That was cool...I have the g90 but haven't hooked it up yet due to having surgery. I'd love to see more of these park to park vids with explanation on activating a park you want. they are interesting I watch Josh's all the time. 73's enjoy

[@hhampton]

I got a G90 with the stand for Christmas and they have redesigned it so that the fan is now covered instead of being open.

[@HamRadio2]

I've been told that but I haven't seen one of that design myself yet

[@hhampton]

@@HamRadio2 From photos of the older version it looks like they just flipped the bracket 180 degrees and repositioned the legs and connections. Other than that everything else seems to be the same.

[@thef00l2]

Interesting.... Just bought the same antenna from him recently and looking at getting the g90

[@brian-g4dvb384]

Great video which helped me get on the air with my G90 and XPA125B - But why use a SM PSU ? - Maybe that is what is causing those noise spikes on the G90 display ?

[@kazcat8096]

the XPA125B works very well with icom IC705 you only need 1,5 watts for 100w on 80m 2,5 watts drive on higher bands but with the icom but you have to manual band change on the amp

[@HamRadio2]

That is what K6UDA was telling me, but he said he built his own interface cable. I need to figure out how to do that or where I get one because I already have that amp

[@kazcat8096]

@@HamRadio2 auto band change would be good with the icom already for got to change it once

[@AzPauly]

Great videos, thanks for all you do.. IMO, seems like a lot of extra stuff and expense for +1 to 1.5 S unit tho.. I'm thinking improve antenna situation if better signal is needed..

[@glendoski1611]

I just picked up a G90 combo with fan n the C19. Figured I'd run an MFJ power to it. Only thing left is a good antenna that doesn't take up much space. I'll check out your antenna guy. Thanks!

[@D4NM00DY]

go to microcenter and get a fan grill. It will thread into the plastic holes on the fan

[@denisemcjunkins4391]

Excellent video.

[@HamRadio2]

Thank you very much!

[@TXLorenzo]

I run portable with the G90 by itself and have no problems with its 20 watts. If you want to go any higher in power, just get an ICOM 7300 for the same overall price and call it a day.

[@jamesstaley5611]

I agree. Why have an amp for a qrp rig.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@jamesstaley5611 Yep, by the time you buy all the additional equipment, amp, ect.. you might as well get a rig with the power already there like a FT 891 or a 7300. If you are POTA and moving from you car to the picnic table, just get a go box with a full size rig. I got the G90 because I can use it for backpacking and SOTA.

[@Stingray8854]

At 14:56, IK4GRO, that’s Lauro! I’ve worked Lauro probably four or five times in the last few months, and this is the second KZbin video where I’ve heard someone working him. I recently bought that same radio, the Xiegu G90 and it’s a great little rig! Might pull the trigger on the amp too some day. 73s! KJ5GIH

[@sulochanasatyan7228]

My H2 has a cover and fully protected. Later version I believe. Anyway G90 rocks.

[@_onthemike_]

I use that same antenna. Got is as my first budget antenna as a new ham and it works great. I use it the same way but with a Sotabeams 10m pole. Glad to see it on KZbin being used by one of the YTB hams. 73 de K4ABX.

[@davevk5pl952]

Been there, done that with the fan.

[@HamRadio2]

LOL

[@pedrocatalan9814]

Looks like you were having a good time. :) What logging software are you using for the portable operations?

[@HamRadio2]

I generally use N1MM logger on POTA

[@DieselRevered]

Thanks this video. I have my eye on the G90 for mobile work and was looking for a good amp for it.

[@okhamradio]

Thanks for sharing such interesting stuff buddy

[@markdewey5412923331]

So I already have the G-90. Would you buy the AMP for it or spend the $$ to get an IC-7300 instead of the AMP?

[@w4mkh]

At 8:27 the G90 is on 24.890 which is 12 meters but the amp is reading 10 meters. Why?

[@drjag136]

excellent ... 73 ... merci

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Very nice video...

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@DaninVirginia]

How did you power the power supply? Generator w inverter?

[@HamRadio2]

No, we were at an RV campsite with hookups.

[@22mileprepper65]

Saw this on another channel I think I want one for my go bag

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Jason where'd you get that mounts for the g90 I like those legs

[@HamRadio2]

Radioddity

[@niftyfiftycampingadventure795]

Nice upload . I see this transceiver as a QRP.. rig. If you want 100w roll with a Yaesu FT857D . 73S HS0ZOU

[@josephcoberly6495]

I've talked to South Africa on this rig from West Virginia on 20 Watts. Very impressed!!

[@contractor9391]

Can you run the g 90 off of a small solar panel of some sort? If so what would you recommend. Thanks

[@josebrivera1716]

I just ordered a G90 for portable pedestrian use. But I will not get the amp. I already have an Icom 7300 which does 100 watts, but I am not willing to lug it along as a mobile pedestrian, too heavy to walk it one mile to my spot in Central Park. Thanks for the video.

[@calvinlong1265]

Hey Jason, I was interested in getting one of these for field day and parks on the air. However, one of the guys in my ham radio club said that the G90 wasn't a good field day radio because it gets overwhelmed by nearby radios, causing the waterfall to go all blue. Have you experienced this problem? And, if so, is there a "fix" for it? Any information shared will be appreciated!

[@billcrow5403]

Have you tried this with just a battery? Wondering how long a battery would hold up with just the radio

[@HamRadio2]

I have, yes. I used it with the same battery that I have on my IC-7300 when doing POTA. Needless to say, the battery lasts longer with the G90 running 20w than the 7300 running 100w

[@billcrow5403]

Ham Radio 2.0 Thanks Jason. Going to take my school class out for a POTA activation in fall. Not sure if we’ll be able to get the G90, but have a couple icoms. I guess we can turn the power down, or get an inverted generator. Still looking at the G90 though.

[@don_n5skt]

Still not sure what this amp vs the new Amp that Radioddity is selling for $250. Thanks for going over the antenna setup. Great review Jason.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks Don. I'll review the new amp along with this one when the new one arrives

[@OldF1000]

The $250 amp does not have built in tuner

[@don_n5skt]

@@OldF1000 Thanks

[@Larry-nz9pi]

Is this a good radio for a newbie? Was going to get the ICOM 7300, but the option of buying an amp for use as a base station, then grabbing the g90 for POTA is intriguing.

[@HamRadio2]

The 7300 is a better radio, but this one will work fine for someone who is new, yes.

[@Larry-nz9pi]

Thanks. Great channel!

[@z8ty]

Many can defend their 7300 or other mainstream radios, but this is a extremely capable radio. A local ham radio store salesman talked me out of a ft-891and mentioned he uses his G90 over his 7300 without the amp. The G90 is a really good value. I’m not saying the G90 is better, but it is really really good.

[@ammoshortage]

For clarification, K3OO5 or K3005? Zero, or the letter O??

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Are you QRP or using the amp?

[@HamRadio2]

Some of both in this video

[@captainmidnight5958]

What's with all of the harmonic frequencies showing up on 40m?

[@jordan1234564]

After having the g90 for awhile now. How do you like it? Mine is being delivers tomorrow. Good radio for a first timer?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes, still like it. Great for a first timer

[@jamescollier3]

I'm new too. thinking of my first radio. thoughts? thx. thinking 20W is fine. i don't need 100w

[@revbikerbigd8664]

I cover fan with a PC grill and screws from ebay! Very easy. Finger saver!

[@richardtwyning]

Are you planning to do a video connecting the amp to the IC-705?

[@HamRadio2]

I'd like to. I need to find the correct interface for it

[@richardtwyning]

@@HamRadio2 ML&S mentioned it in their recent video. I think they sell the necessary cable 👍🏻

[@HamRadio2]

@@richardtwyning Thanks. I think some places in the States sell it too and that will save on shipping

[@nochems]

At the end of the video, where you were making the contacts, were you no longer using the amplifier? Thanks.

[@HamRadio2]

No. I made some both with and without the amp, but the ones with the amp didn't make it into the video

[@kengrey7263]

I know it is something you hadn't used before but, the bottom left is power into the amp, not voltage. The input SWR is top left with the voltage centre top. Also, you have to use the amplifier's ATU which is activated from its front panel (you have to feed it with low power am or carrier from the G90). You can't tune it by pressing the G90's tune button.

[@JimmyShot]

That freaking pic for the video 😂😂😂

[@HamRadio2]

Haha

[@nutsforjeeps1]

Seems like the G90 reviver is not as good on the receive as the Yeasu ft 891

[@HamRadio2]

I imagine that is a true statement, though I have never compared the 2

[@larrytruesdellsr.809]

Is the power output variable? I would like to run QRP.

[@josephcoberly6495]

You can run 20 Watts or 1 Watt on the radio. Fantastic rig!!

[@jasonjohnson2047]

@@josephcoberly6495 So it's not variable?

[@BRENT3143945]

$800 amp for 100watts? Why not get a icom7300?

[@mrbyamile6973]

My exact thought. They also have or are coming out with a bigger touch screen to purchase separately for the G90. The upgraded screen is going to be around $450. I own a G90 and its actually a decent radio so far but honestly if you want a big touch screen and more power just get a IC-7300. This radio makes a great back up, portable or go box kit starter.

[@kazcat8096]

bottom left hand side is drive power from radio top left is swr for the radio to amp witch is showing 2.0 not so good

[@JimmyLittles-o3b]

I have the g90 i cannot get modulation meter can anyone help fix problem thanks

[@Screamingtut]

Jason, are you going to try the Radioddity PAX100 RF Power Amplifier | 100W for the G90? it's $199 on Radioddity site vs the Xiegu XPA125B at $550? what you think????

[@HamRadio2]

Supposedly that amp is on its way to me.

[@stacksmasher]

Hey can you power this with a battery? Im looking at a setup where I can power the radio and the amp for about 5 hours.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Alc built in 😉

[@germibestia]

I have a G90 and happy with it, but if you need 100W you are way better off with an IC-7300 which is a more complete radio which doesn't cost more than G90+XPA 125B

[@jayceew2j202]

Yes but u don’t have a good qrp

[@RandellReeder]

What type of coax and length do you use?

[@billcrow5403]

Does the G90 need that fan? (Without the amp)

[@TXLorenzo]

Recommend getting the add on fan available if you are going to do a lot of digital. It will warm up with constant transmit.

[@old-timeangler5356]

I thought QRP was 5 watts CW & 10 Watt SSB?

[@HamRadio2]

QRP is just "low power"

[@old-timeangler5356]

@Wayne - KI4UYA .I understand that, but he, and the other op who was operating from POTA saying they are running QRP, 20 and 15 respectfully. My point is that's not QRP.

[@HamRadio2]

www.sckans.edu/~sireland/radio/q_signals.html The truest definition of QRP means "decrease power" In this sense, QRP basically means "not full power" which is 100 watts. POTA isn't a contest, so I am not limited to submitting logs at 5-watts or less. If I was contesting in a QRP mode, then I wouldn't be able to use this radio at full power, but in this application it is a QRP radio.

[@old-timeangler5356]

@@HamRadio2, low power is a relative term and can mean anything, such as 100 watts is less than 1000 watts but neither considered QRP.

[@larrytruesdellsr.809]

Is the power output variable? I would like to run QRP.

[@jd-311]

The G90 works great on just 20 watts! Amp is pretty cool though-

[@HamRadio2]

Agreed!

[@AzPauly]

$600 for an s unit.. not sure it's worth the hassle..

[@karlament6939]

what you need to do is switch off the auto focus

[@ouijim]

I operated remotely on Local 10 meter (28.405) Net from highest point in this area (German Hill) Xiegu G90 worked alright mostly good receive and transmit (17 watts) The problem of Loud Burst of Audio happens after I transmit and a Near Local Station with a strong signal (S9, +20, +40) transmits just as I unkey the microphone, Xiegu G90 will emit a Loud Burst of Audio as if AGC doesn't adjust signal level fast enough. I use many radios (Yaesu FT-818, Yaesu FT-891, ICOM IC-705) from this same location without problem occurring. I've tried all Xiegu G90 settings of AGC (Slow, Fast and Auto) and RF Gain Control without success. Anyone else experienced this problem?

[@sirhaugen1025]

Ehm... read the manual - you are doing it wrong :) You can damage the AMP when you tune from the radio..

[@ryanmiller6530]

Heads up, it’s pronounced more like “shay-goo.” Hello from OKC.

[@HamRadio2]

That is one of about 4 ways I have heard it pronounced.

[@ryanmiller6530]

1.2 billion people primarily speak a Chinese language. I’m sure it wouldn’t be difficult to confirm.

[@nelxonmiranda]

Who’s frank?

[@steher]

The prices on amps are ridiculous.

[@ok4rm]

Much talking, but unfortunately nothing really useful said about the cable between G90 and the PA. Not useful. All the other things I can find in the manual.

[@HamRadio2]

Sorry that you feel that way. Lots of video I post are about things found in manual, though. The purpose of the video isn't to find things outside of already known procedures, but rather *show* those procedures to viewers. Also most people don't even read the manual, and these Chinese manuals can often be quite lacking in material.

[@jasswear8911]

No point in buying this overpriced combo of xiegu equipment over the Icom 7300. By the time you spend for the Fan stand, G90, and xiegu amp you are well past the money you can pay for ic 7300. I own both setups an there is no comparison.

[@HamRadio2]

I completely agree

[@slappomatthew]

I am sorry I am triggered by you using all red wires on your power cables. the shame......

[@HamRadio2]

I'm guessing that you have a pretty easy life... In reality, I don't recall where that cable came from - it is possible that I did make it. But I haven't seen or used it in a long time and you will be happy to know that all of my current cables are red and black, as required by Perfectionists Annonymous

[@istvanszabo3275]

Hi. How dangerous is to use cheap chinese radios? Can such a failure occur that it transmits outside of ham bands or with nasty harmonics and you get fined for thousands and lose your license for causing QRM?