Xiegu GSOC in depth review.

[@o00scorpion00o]

I have the G90 it's ok, but if anyone was considering spending this money then get the Yaesu FT-891 for way less money than G90 and GSOC and it's got a much better receiver and Audio ( via headphones ) nice quiet receiver with great analogue sound. Want PC control ? install FLRig, sure you don't get a waterfall but the audio is what matters to me the most than waterfall. Or spend a bit more than the G90 and GSOC and buy the new Yaesu FT-DX10 due in December, it's going to be a much better sounding and performing radio, yes more expensive but I'd buy a FT-891 first until I had the money for the DX10. Xiegu G90 and GSOC is a neat system but it's too expensive for the performance.

[@rfmonkey4942]

its not that same tho

[@o00scorpion00o]

@@rfmonkey4942 you’re correct the 891 isn’t the same as the G90 it’s better, better filters for QRM rejection, cleaner less noisy audio that’s a joy to listen via headphones and for roughly the same size the 891 has 100 watts, it doesn’t have a tuner but that’s not a major deal. The GSOC just makes the G90 a very expensive 20 watt radio.

[@rfmonkey4942]

@@o00scorpion00o yea but its pretty to look at,,

[@geod3589]

I have a G90 and would take the FT-891 over the G90 also.

[@darrellhagan6124]

My experience is quite opposite. I bought a brand new FT-891, kept it for about three months and sold it. WAY to irritating to operate, no easy way to manually switch between USB & LSB, didn't remember most settings from band to band, marginal spectrum scope with no real time audio, fragile build compared to the G90, static-sensitive USB port, no firmware updates since mid 2017 despite numerous requests from users, etc. and last but not least, very tinny RX audio unless you set the "contour" control to your liking and then the radio won't remember that setting. Oh, and the FT-891 is a terrible field rig. The G90 has none of these problems and gets regular firmware updates, and Xiegu listens to its customers unlike Yaesu. I'll stick with my little G90 :).

[@tracerfacer6234]

Mine gets here on the 3rd. Gonna have to redesign my go box panel now!

[@hamradiotube]

Thats not a bad problem at all though.

[@thomasstandley6309]

Great! You're getting one. Looking forward to the review. Only problem so far is that the thing costs more than the G90.

[@hamradiotube]

I know. I thought that was odd too.

[@mdwestlund1]

Radioditty has manuals online.

[@derekcopsey6989]

I will be watching with intrest :)

[@hamradiotube]

What do you think now?

[@derekcopsey6989]

@@hamradiotube Hi mike, I think it has along way too go. Many firmware updates to follow i imagine, time will tell.

[@ChuckBigbie]

Hi Mike did you send this back? Did you buy one for yourself?

[@hamradiotube]

Yes I sent it back. This was just a loaner. I wouldn’t waste my money on it. They over promised and under delivered.

[@ChuckBigbie]

@@hamradiotube well I got one and any underwhelmed.

[@hamradiotube]

@@ChuckBigbie ahh, yes. That sucks. They promised all kinds of “fixes” with updates and just completely abandoned it.

[@marcinmichigan2772]

does cw decode work/display on here ? Also, do you have to remove the head from the radio to connect the GSOC?

[@hamradiotube]

It's supposed to but I still can't get it to work even after the new firmware update. Yes you have to remove the head.

[@marcinmichigan2772]

Voice or CW memories working yet?

[@hamradiotube]

No clue, I sent it back a few months ago. I would doubt it though. This was just a loaner. I've not heard any of the other guys talking about anything either so I wouldn't get your hopes up.

[@davidbrowne1588]

Hi Mike Great vids, You do not need this to have NBFM , you get NBFM on the G90 with a firmware update of V1.5, Dave 2E0DMB

[@hamradiotube]

Thats interesting. I'm on V 1.74 and I don't have FM

[@davidbrowne1588]

sorry should be v1.75

[@hamradiotube]

@@davidbrowne1588oh, I was unaware of an update. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for the heads up.

[@sp1wz208]

What do you think GSOC and Xiegu X108G? Will be working??

[@hamradiotube]

I don't have any clue about the X108G. It's not advertised for that so I doubt it.

[@vonzigle]

A question: when will this be available?

[@hamradiotube]

It's available now. There is a link in the description where you can get $15 off your purchase at Radioddity.

[@rfergus63]

Does the GSOC have built in sound card for PC interface like icom?

[@hamradiotube]

No, but they say it does.

[@larrytruesdellsr.809]

Does it everything the original head does? For example adjust power or do more?

[@hamradiotube]

Not even close, but it should for $550. It needs a lot of work!

[@gwr2243]

do a video of this with the x5105 please!

[@hamradiotube]

I don't have a cable for it otherwise I would. I don't even know where to get one.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Can it output the display to a TFT?

[@hamradiotube]

Not sure what a TFT is but there isn't any display output that I'm aware of.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@hamradiotube TFT = Thin Film Transistor = normal flat PC screen.

[@hamradiotube]

Oh ok. No it doesn’t. It would be really cool if it had an hdmi to hook up to a monitor.

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

Wish they shipped to Hawaii!

[@hamradiotube]

Thats weird they don't.

[@Billiemarie1000]

I can not see how anyone can justify a replacement control head that costs more than the radio does. If you are looking to make this a base station radio now, you are still 20 watts. Add an amp and you are over the cost of a IC-7300... The GSOC is cute but that is all it is. Considering what it is, its way over priced by about double. Even at $200 it would be hard to justify.

[@hamradiotube]

OK

[@petrok1rp254]

Who would be so crazy to pay $550 for it?! Over $1k for G90+GSOC?! Go into IC7300 instead...

[@hamradiotube]

Those are two completely different radios for two completely different operating styles. Thats like saying who would pay for a KX3, the pan adapter, and the amplifier when you could get a 7300. You're not comparing apples to apples. Remember, there are always compromises to be made. The 7300 isn't very much a portable radio, where the G90 is. Plus, you don't have to buy all of this at the same time. Someone may start with the G90 and decide to upgrade to the GSOC. There is also a very tiny amp that goes with it that I will be reviewing soon. Its very modular.

[@dougs4944]

Wow... Heard a guy I know in background: KC9VKV/ Jim

[@hamradiotube]

Hey that's cool!

[@AD6DMDennis]

Pretty sweet big waterfall on the G90. So glad it has a calendar, you might forget what day it is while having too much portable operation fun.

[@hamradiotube]

I suppose I could loose track of what day it is when running a super sweet pileup. Or in the event of a zombie apocalypse, we would still be able to celebrate our fav holidays having this useful tool.

[@jimthvac100]

wonder if the G90 and this is more expensive than the 705? does this offer significantly more than the 705? I have neither at moment but trying to decide.

[@hamradiotube]

They are going to be pretty similar in price. This would be slightly less money but not by much. Honestly, there is way too much to discuss about the differences in the 2 to just have in a comment. Perhaps I'll do a video on them. I will be out pota with both radios tomorrow. I'm going to make at least 1 video out of the outing, and if I have time, maybe I could do a shoot out video.

[@jimthvac100]

@@hamradiotube I look forward to watching it.

[@TrinityBays]

The real reason to buy this is the fact that the thing runs Linux and will be some what opensource. You will be able to add additional digital mode modems to the modems menu so it can do ft-8 and APRS over hf

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah this should be very expandable for future modes and radios.

[@w4mkh]

So, am I correct in thinking this is essentially a large remote head for the GS90?

[@hamradiotube]

You are correct sir. They also say it will work with the X5105, but you need a few more cables that I don't own.

[@w4mkh]

@@hamradiotube That's awesome. Would be great for the home shack then take the smaller unit out for POTA. Unfortunately the added cost puts it up there with more expensive units. The big draw of the G90 is the low cost. Still, I will eventually get one.

[@hamradiotube]

I’m gonna take this out for a POTA on Friday. We’ll see how it goes.

[@Billiemarie1000]

Yes, that's costs more than the entire radio... And it is more a replacement head as it connects with the DB-9 to the radio instead of the normal head.

[@thomasstandley6309]

Good job on the initial review. It looks great but the price is a real killer for a radio that costs less than the GSOC itself and at the end of the day while I really, really like my G90 it is not an Elecraft level radio ... even with the additional bells and whistles the GSOC brings. Actually, the GSOC plus the G90 doesn't look a lot different in weight and size from my ICOM-7300 and I paid about $950 for it and it is also a better radio. If this thing were about $300(ish) I'd probably jump on it. Guess you'll need to mod the Go box. By way is the GSOC waterproof or water resistant (or snow resistant in your case)?

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Thomas. Yeah I was surprised at the price too, and agree that if it was around $300 it would be a lot more enticing. Its not an Elecraft, but it seems that's the direction they are targeting in my opinion. For a lot less than just a KX2 at that. This isn't a keeper for me so its not going in the go box but boy would it look sweet in it?! It is not waterproof either. I have zero plans to operate in the rain so that's not a big deal for me.

[@thomasstandley6309]

@@hamradiotubeEveryone (think ICOM-705) is looking to compete with Elecraft probably because of the enticing potential margins. I'm not sure the market is that large. On the plus side at least you can sort of do the G90 on the 'installment' plan.

[@mdwestlund1]

Add double shielded db9 cable 3'gets rid of Rfi in gsoc on xmit.

[@eddy2561]

As a KX3 owner, Elecraft are you watching.......k6sdw

[@hamradiotube]

I think this gives some good competition to the Japanese and American manufacturers. Sure it isn't the same quality, but its not bad quality at all. I'd say it's quite good in fact. Plus, with the option to upgrade the firmware, who knows what this thing will be able to do in the future?

[@georgeanastassopoulos8101]

Really doesn't seem to be worth the money for me. It's just a linux controller for the radio, with a bad interface, not many new features. seeing the linux kernel bootup and a cursors without even a mouse connected is just sad for a 550$ product. An all in one, well integrated dongle to connect the radio to a computer/phone with some sort of open source help from Xiegu, would be much better and cheaper in my opinion.

[@hamradiotube]

Not at $550, no. If it worked as advertised I think it would be a fantastic bit of kit. A great portion of things missing/wrong with it can be fixed with firmware updates though. It's just a shame that this is what they released when it has been in beta testing for quite a while.

[@JacobNewmen]

I wonder if for the price of the G90 + GSOC set I will buy an older Icom 7300 today. Which set would you prefer??

[@hamradiotube]

I would never buy the GSOC. You're way better off with a 7300.

[@makernoob3692]

As of Dec 2021 do you know if those issues mentioned are now working, i see its dropping in price so was considering it for my x5105 just not sure how it connects to that device.

[@hamradiotube]

I’m not sure but I would doubt it. Mine was a loaner so I sent it back after the video. I know no one else is talking about it. Josh and Jason still have theirs and they haven’t said anything.

[@ve9aas198]

This looks all good to me, but the question is - why not ship the radios with this control head and scrap the control head that now comes with the radios?

[@hamradiotube]

It's 2 different beasts really. I think they realized the flop in this though, which is why Xiegu has started delving into the X6100 i think it's called. It's basically if the GSOC and the X5105 had a baby. Looks pretty sweet.

[@radioactive8772]

Thanks for the vid, how does the mouse hook up, is there Bluetooth? Thanks K7WHN

[@hamradiotube]

I had a usb dongle. But…none of the things they promised with this came to fruition. Do not waste your money on it. Unless you just have $500 to spend on a big screen that doesn’t do much else.

[@radioactive8772]

@@hamradiotube Thanks

[@HamRadio2]

Well done, Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Jason.

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

What's the power consumption?

[@hamradiotube]

about .4Amps

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

@@hamradiotube Thanks.

[@hamradiotube]

@@KeepEvery1Guessing welcome

[@Bernard-John]

hi ,good video ,well explained ,looks very good, thanks from Rotterdam..

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching all the way from Rotterdam!

[@billcrow5403]

I like this, really do, BUT not to the tune of $500. I am still wondering why it’s so expensive. Am I missing something? I guess I’m comparing it to the Connect System’s CS-BFD at $150 right now. Granted this does more, but ......

[@hamradiotube]

I'm not sure. I think it's a bit steep myself. Much like everything else though, I would suspect the price will go down in time.

[@normjacques6853]

Not a huge fan of Chinesium, but this little unit seems to have almost everything you could want.....except power! Imagine what Xiegu would do to the market by simply coming up with a 100W radio?? 73 DE W1NLJ

[@hamradiotube]

Just wait. I've got something I've been testing for a couple weeks that solves this.

[@KB0OTY]

Sheeeit, I thought that thing sounded stupid, but now I want one.

[@hamradiotube]

It's pretty awesome.

[@roystevengrimes3283]

Hi Mike! Love watching all your videos. I got the GSOC which came in yesterday. I'm enjoying using it and hooked up a mouse, which makes it super easy and efficient to use. I did have a question. After I peeled off the static cling protector, there are some small bubbles in the top layer on the screen. I guess it's a scratch guard? I managed to push the biggest one to the edge and out. The others are smaller and more to the middle of the screen. They do not show up when the unit is powered on. Have you heard of anybody else having issues? Also, people complain that they have to remove the screws and put the head unit back on for non-GSOC use. Not true... I got a 15 foot cable and a small stand (mobile/countertop type) online. I just push the connectors in and don't even tighten the screws. That way, if there is some sudden jerk, it just pulls loose.

[@hamradiotube]

Hmm, thats interesting. I haven't heard of anyone else having that kind of issue, but I think we all pretty much abandoned this thing after reviewing it. Maybe try returning it and getting a new one?

[@michael-jh2ni]

I think it does 20 watts peak p e p. Just a hf version of 2/70 cm. Baofeng injust spent another hundred or two on a real HF radio so I can only go for an alinco icom.

[@hamradiotube]

I think you may have missed the scope of this video. This is a head unit that connects to the Xiegu G90, which does 20 watts.

[@ik04]

Mine will arrive tomorrow. The software is newer than originally demonstrated. It will be fun!

[@hamradiotube]

Glad to hear. Enjoy it. It's a great bit of kit.

[@willieb6529]

CW ops are going to be disappointed... gsoc works fine for ssb... this is an unfinished prototype that can help ops with vision problems... the firmware is at the beta stage, not release quality... we can only hope that this device isn't orphaned like the G1M

[@hamradiotube]

You can still do cw with it. I just upgraded the firmware and it has cw decode on it now too. Still lots to fix though.

[@willieb6529]

@@hamradiotube so how do you initiate the decode? automatically when in the digi mode w/cw selected? (and i assume some tight filtering) - nice that the g90 tunes out of band, too - LOL! (i guess it is good for SWLing)

[@hamradiotube]

@@willieb6529 on the GSOC you go into "modem" and select cw. I haven't been able to actually decode anything yet. I tried yesterday but it looked like there was a contest and everyone was keying like 500wpm!

[@willieb6529]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF yep, that is what i experienced too... don't think there is any decoder that good! LOL!

[@willieb6529]

@@hamradiotube the 1.1 update makes a difference - and got the decoding going - have to use a tight filtering and be spot on freq (GSOC does not offer zero beat indication, unlike the display unit)

[@krystlih]

Love your content, would love to have pickup x5105 for POTA rather than lugging my 7300 around, this would be a fantastic edition to it.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Christopher. I love my X5015. It's almost always with me. I don't have the proper cables to connect this to the x5105 but it should work with it.

[@pd9rd]

I hope you do a follow up video after using it for some time, it looks great! Me think me want's one 😊Thank you for the video! 73

[@hamradiotube]

I most certainly am going to do a follow up video. Should be sooner than later.

[@georgehaha6969]

You are giving this the best review I have seen. Others are just bashing it and over comparing it to the big names and singing about the flaws in what is still a developmental device. Is that not what us hams love? Just a wee pointer tho, if you apply the 1.75 firmware to the G90 there are a few underlying tricks along with NFM. They say for SWL only but this has made my FM/AM 10m rig almost redundant. I have a G90 as a base rig in the shack running 20w into a home brew end fed random that does brilliant. I have a second G90 (yes two!!) in my portable shack in a box (powered by solar and motorcycle battery) that runs another end fed random suspended on 8m roach poles and 2 bicycle repair stands for single handed, out the truck operation so no guy-lines under regular conditions (up to 20kt winds tested so far). Sadly the GSOC has not landed in the UK yet but it is in a container somewhere round the globe hihi. I want one but will make do with HDSDR for now. 73 de 2M0FUP

[@hamradiotube]

Well thank you for that. I will be doing a follow up on this where I discuss its many shortcomings just to warn you.

[@georgehaha6969]

@@hamradiotube Thanks for the heads up on that. I know it is far from perfect just now but at least we can get our hands on it. I see some are saying it costs more than the G90 did, if that's the case, find a different supplier. Some will like the bigger head unit, some will want to keep the old, that is their freedom to do. You and I both know this unit will grow in functionality as the firmware evolves. The choice is to get on-board now or wait for something better in the box. Wait for the latter and you will never get it. I look forward to your real world test, at least then we see it out in the field. Good work mate.

[@TianarTruegard]

It sure makes the G90 more tempting, but yah that $500 is a bit much for what amounts to an accessory. Adding the price of the GSOC and the G90 together I almost come up with the cost of a Icom 7300! and I'd get more w/ the 7300! Only down side of the 7300 is portability.

[@hamradiotube]

That is true. Doesn't mean there isn't a market for it though. Think about the guy that has a kx2, the pan adapter, and the amplifier. He's several thousands of dollars into it. This would be a more affordable option to a similar configuration.

[@geod3589]

I have a 7300 and it is very portable. I carry it in a small Apache case from HF and take it everywhere.

[@mark351]

Holy cow! I'm the 73rd like! I couldn't do that again if I tried.

[@hamradiotube]

Unfortunately thats all you'll win but thanks for the like lol!

[@KB0OTY]

How well can you see it in sunlight?

[@hamradiotube]

I'll find out Friday. Going to take it out for POTA

[@HammockRadio]

Great review! Plugging a mouse in to it Is killer. Now you need to get one for you G90 box. 🤣

[@hamradiotube]

Dude I love having a mouse on my radio. That's a really cool feature.

[@JasonBailey76]

@@hamradiotube does a keyboard plug in as well?

[@VegaVenturing]

Definitely looking forward to this!

[@hamradiotube]

You won't be disappointed. This thing is cool!

[@RonanCantwell]

It's a lovely looking but overly expensive add-on. The G90 with the latest firmware is fine by itself - It has FM enabled as standard now as well. TX EQ is a nice feature which should have been included in the G90 standard firmware. That VFO knob looks like it's mounted off-centre too and wobbles as you're turning it in the video which it most definitely shouldn't at that sort of price....

[@hamradiotube]

By that rationale one could say that the KX2 is already expensive, yet people still buy the waterfall they sell for it. And the amplifier. You are in to many thousands of dollars at that point. The VFO knob itself is perfectly fine and smooth. The little finger indent however is a bit sticky which might be why it looks wobbly. There is a lot of room for growth with the GSOC, and fortunately a lot of it can be fixed with firmware updates.

[@RonanCantwell]

@@hamradiotube Nah. They're trying to put lipstick on a pig. 😉 Just kidding. I do like the G90 a lot but the GSOC is yet another half-finished product from Xiegu. They really need to polish things a bit before releasing them with crippled or buggy firmware.

[@hamradiotube]

@@RonanCantwellLipstick on a pig makes for one fine looking pig though lol! I do agree with you 100% that it is not finished.

[@derek3376]

I haven't finished the video yet, so forgive me if you covered this, but when using the mouse, can you use the scrollwheel to change the frequency?

[@hamradiotube]

I didn't know it yet when I made this video but yes.

[@derek3376]

@@hamradiotube t That alone is pretty sweet. I'm looking forward to hear your thoughts after some time with it.

[@hamradiotube]

@@derek3376 I'm gonna hopefully take it out POTA on Friday.

[@jasswear8911]

This thing looks homemade.

[@hamradiotube]

I would disagree, but thanks for watching.

[@forgetyourlife]

What the total current draw?

[@hamradiotube]

Bout .4amps

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice........

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks

[@gwr2243]

will this work with the x5105?

[@hamradiotube]

Oh man you didn't watch the video. Thats too bad because I addressed that. Its advertised to. You just need a few more connectors I believe. The CE-19 and an IF cable.

[@gwr2243]

@@hamradiotube yes i did but i was so excited about this i asked the question before i got to that part of the video lol

[@hamradiotube]

@@gwr2243 Lol, OK, you're forgiven.