Xiegu Radios - Why I Like Them and Why I Bought Another One

[@Aimsport-video]

G-90: the urge to tune up a toaster oven and xmit shall not be denied.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That’s so true!!!

[@downsouthsafaris6788]

That statement about the x5105 firming the love affair with low power ;QRP) resonates with me so much. Loved (and hated) my x5105 never owned or used the AMP but I guess its worth looking at too. Have a Yaesu FT857 now but kinda want the FX-4Cr and curious to know where it with in with your thoughts on the x6100 and G90

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@downsouthsafaris6788 I just spent a solid 2 months in Europe with using only the FX-4CR as my main rig. It’s absolutely great. Add a small ATU to it and I would say it’s as good as the G90 and better than the X6100 because of the 20 watts output in a small package. You won’t be sorry if you get one.

[@pyreneesfarm7818]

Walt, I have a palm sized baby kitten. Any time i watch your videos, the baby cat has to get right up by the screen and follows you all the way through from start to finish. She is your 1/2 pound fan

[@m1sdh]

I'm fairly new to the hobby, and the G90 has been my one and only HF radio, and with a mix of digital and phone, I've worked 126 DXCCs so far (SSB 92 DXCC). You can do a lot with 20W, and with that add challenge with low(ish) power makes it even more fun. With proposed changes to UK licensing to give Foundation licensee's a max power 20W (and in UK they have most HF bands full at Foundation), the G90 is a great starter rig and great entry price if you don't want to invest too much into a new hobby. And if/when you upgrade, a great portable rig!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Absolutely! It’s a great portable rig!

[@kurtzFPV]

I've got 2 G90s and have thoroughly enjoyed them. One of them has run 24/7, with few exceptions, for close to 4 years. Use it with both my raspberry pi and my windows 11 desktop. Using the desktop's soundcard with the g90's i/q port and hdsdr, I get a full size waterfall and frequency graph with wider visible bandwidth and run the sound to the stereo speakers.

[@GamingKing545]

did you automate ft8 or something?

[@kurtzFPV]

@@GamingKing545 nah. Just receiving a lot of the time, or on js8call. When I'm around the house using my tablet, I'll vnc in now and again and look for countries where I don't have contacts, then initiate if one pops up. Usually on ft4 when doing that.

[@leonvanderlinde5580]

I am so glad you like Xiegu. I bought a G90, and it works lovely on a 20 A/H battery.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great radio!

[@UABFWSS]

Just got a G90 and it ended up in my Jeep now, with the head mounted on the dash, via a bulletpoint mount. It's working excellent and I get the sound via the aux input over the stereo, bonus greatness. Had been toting my icom 705 in and out constantly or taking up space on seat. Currently running a terra flex gate mount, cb spring, a chameleon extension, slidewinder coil and a slightly cut-down stainless cb whip. The G90's 20 watts adds just enough extra oomph to the comprimised setup and it's DX'd to Russia, Italy, Bulgaria and reaches all across the US & Canada just fine (when bands are cooperating of course). Got a Mad Dog coil coming, to try, if it ever gets through US customs....

[@baconwhiskey821]

A former G-90 owner, loved it till it died. With no schematics and no repair service other than shipping back to Xiegu (and no real contact point), I will continue to buy radios with a factory service. Cant argue, they are fun radios with a boatload of features though.

[@usernamemykel]

Walt, I've a G-90, but I'm new to HF and the features/terminology of HF radio - especially as pertains to the G-90. The manual is written for those who know what the different features are for, and whether or not to increase/decrease the values of the different functions to obtain desired results. There are just a few YT vids which are cursory at best, in this regard. I realize that you're not (yet) retired, and maybe don't have much spare time, but if you could produce an IN DEPTH vid of how to get the most out of the G-90, I, and I'm sure many others, would GREATLY appreciate it.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That's a great idea, as soon as I can find the time I will try to do that. 73

[@Bdub1952]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES riding the gain is something that few new hams are familiar with and it is quite necessary with the G90. Thanks for all you do, Walt. -Bruce N7BWB

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@Bdub1952 thank you Bruce!

[@usernamemykel]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I, personally, would REALLY appreciate it! The questions of "What is it" "How to access it?", "When to use it", "How to use it (e.g. increase/decrease value)" are essential to fully understand how to use the G-90 (and other HF radios as well). You've proven to me that you possess a Masters in Communication of concepts, and I look forward to your informative treatise. Thank you!

[@Tommyr]

I LIKE the fact that you're not a shill for products like so many other ham channels. I commend you for that. Product pushers irritate me to no end. I also like your portable vertical antenna videos. Keep up the great job Walt!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much!!!

[@alvinnorris6523]

Like all four of my xiegus and looking forward to the new x6200. Thanks for video.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching!

[@hectormarchand9462]

Walt - good video. I started back up in Ham radio 2 years ago with the G-90. My one big complaint was the small screen - tough on this retired guy's eyes. I bought the X6100 last October and have been real happy with it, excepting a couple of initial firmware issues, which Xiegu has mostly cleaned up. The X6100 is very portable, and its 10W output with a 10Ah battery suits my needs for portable / QRP operation. I use an IC-7300 in my home shack, but when I travel or go to local Ham functions, like my local Ham Club's monthly "Radio in the Park" meets, the X6100 can't be beat for portability combined with a solid feature set and long operation on an external battery. BTW, keep sending us those videos - I enjoy them very much. -73 de Hector, W1AQP

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks so much Hector! 73 de K4OGO

[@adamny5e591]

After years of QRO operating, DX, portable and POTA, you’ve demonstrated the ability of the meager 20W station to reach around the globe. I’ve made the leap and traded an “extra” portable rig for the G90 and GSOC combo. Arrives today! Here we go 😅

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

You’re going to really enjoy that G90! All the best and good DX! Walt K4OGO

[@ronmccafferty5970]

I put a Red Acrylic Display Cover on my XPA125B...much easier on the eyes !

[@LYC54]

Finally, someone not degrading the radio because it's made in China. Nice review, thanks.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! 73, K4OGO

[@RonanCantwell]

G90 and X5105 here too. Both have had a lot of use over the last three or more years and are still great fun to use. Those built-in ATU's have saved the day more than a few times. One thing you didn't mention about the G90 is the great TX audio quality. It regularly gets remarked upon when I'm using SSB. They're both great CW rigs too.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That’s true, I get those audio reports all the time. Should have mentioned that

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

Great Video Walt, I have to say my G90 is a work horse. But when I travel to the UK/EU. I bring the FT817 or the FT857. They add the 2m/70cm bands. That the G90 doesn't have. When I head out to the city park. I use the G90 and the Alpha vertical antenna. What a great combination.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Yes that is a great combination

[@falcorthewonderdog2758]

I'd rather buy hi quality used gear than spending money on radios made in China. Thats just my opinion some countries don't deserve my money.

[@bobadkins7377]

Walt, great video. After watching you have all the fun with the G90 and your various antennas, I ordered one just this week. Can’t wait to get my hands on it! I like your videos please keep ‘em coming. Me and my friends are planning to operate much more portable setups this year. Question: do you think that the G90 has any serious heating problems without using an additional cooling fan? 73 KE8EC.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! You’re going to love that radio. If you’re running SSB or CW you’ll be fine and will never have any issues with heat. It’s digital modes that heats the G90 up to a bad point. I’ve used mine on the beach in 90 degree heat for hours and not had a problem. Yes it gets a little warm but nothing I’ve worried about. The radio is a little tank, I’ve basically beaten it up through sandy beaches and travel on airplanes and it’s still going strong. 73, Walt

[@intruder1951]

I do have the Xiegu G90 for a few years, I LOVE HIM

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Love mine too!

[@metroatlantahamradio334]

Let's Goooooooo !! There are a lot of closeted X6100 Users !!!! I'm telling you that!😂😂😂

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

LOL 😂

[@K1ZEK]

Nice video Walt. I just got my X6100, can't wait to use it. I am 78 and am going to clean house with about 60 years worth of "stuff " at the next club acution. Keeping it simple. It was a hard choice G90 or X6100. Thanks again. DE LEO K1ZEK.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks Leo! Have fun with that new radio!!!! 73, Walt

[@boisinnawoods]

Just bought a G90 second hand and made my first HF contact. I absolutely love it already.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome! Congrats

[@old-timeangler5356]

Love the G90, with the built-in analyzer and auto tuner that will tune a trash can lid. A great little radio.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Same here, it’s a great radio.

[@SteveH-TN]

Appreciate you sharing your videos. I just ordered a G90 on EBAY. Your experiences add greatly to motivational excitement for me to getting back on the air.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so very much! You're going to love that radio!

[@steveb.548]

Well Walt, as Alice said "curiouser and curiouser" -- I deliberately put the info about the website with the G90 service manual and schematics up -- IN MORSE CODE -- just to avoid any inappropriate silly automatic "take down" by some misguided KZbin A.I. It still only lasted a few hours - apparently until someone figured out that the morse code was a link, then it got pulled down again ! - So I am pretty sure that SOME ACTUAL PERSON doesn't want anyone having access to the Xiegu G90 Schematics and Repair Manual. Someone who is really being an asshole, and needs to STOP. I mentioned in my last post that I bought my G90 because of all Walt's favorable comments over the last several months, and that is true - THAT PLUS THE FACT THAT I WAS ABLE TO DOWNLOAD THE SCHEMATICS AND SERVICE/REPAIR MANUAL.DOCUMENTS. Without this information, it would have been NO SALE, because, unlike Walt, I DO NOT HAVE A VERY FAVORABLE OPINION OF XIEGU IN GENERAL because I had a HORRIBLE experience with my first X6100 from Radioddity (which was a total piece of junk with a half dozen major problems). The second X6100 is holding up a bit better (so far no repeats of the BSOD (Black Screen Of Death) - or HACF (Halt And Catch Fire) issues that caused me to return my first X6100. All I can think of is that some idiot at Radioddity or Xiegu is requesting some kind of "copyright takedown" - but that seems a bit strange, since the manuals are STILL available on the website I posted the link for - So, why not demand they be taken down at the source? I consider Service Manuals with full Schematics essential with ANY radio I purchase, I have them for ICOM, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft and there is no reason Xiegu should be any exception, so this silly crap of trying to block access to critical self-service information on a product where 'fixing it yourself" may be pretty much your ONLY support option isn't helping my opinion of Xiegu any. Walt, I hope that my effort wasn't totally wasted, and that at least you were able to decode the link and grab a copy of the G90 Repair Manual and Schematics before the info got nuked again. They documents aren't as slick as the equivalents from some of the other manufactures I mentioned, but quite honestly, I've seen a lot worse, and they are definitely better than nothing . . .

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That is puzzling me, I usually get a notice that something has been posted in my comments and I didn’t even get that for any of your comments. I by no means are a supporter or fan of Radiooddity. I’ve probably done more for their sales than any of the other hamtubers and haven’t even got a thank you. I actually filled out their page link to test their products and didn’t get a reply. As I’ve shown in my videos I really like the G90. After owning the X6100 for about a month I got exactly what I expected. I decent QRP radio with a worthless internal battery. Sorry for your aggravation my friend. It’s really got me perplexed.

[@ea4hwt]

G-90 Mine has already participated in two contests and is still amazing, I bought him a box and now I need ham stickers to put on it.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That’s awesome! Love my G90

[@steveb.548]

In the comments below, someone complained that they could not find schematics or service manuals for the G90, so I posted a link to another seller (not Radiodity) that DID offer these documents in their support downloads - but the comment GOT DELETED. Tried again with a comment that simply referred to the other sellers website, so the party needing this information could go find it themselves - and once again the comment GOT DELETED. Any idea just what is going on ?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I didn’t delete it Steve, strange. Put it up again and I’ll pin it

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Brought my G90 out for a very quick POTA activation on Sunday with a minimalist setup. Wasn’t in the ideal location for RFI, but I was able to do what I needed to do. 73!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome! 73!

[@keithhawkins4641]

I have enjoyed my g90 also have the amp for it. The other day however after updating to 1.79b2 the tuner stopped working tried putting it back down to 1.75 no difference. Talked to radioddity threw email over several days they figured out I have had the radio for 3 years. There solution was to just buy a new radio. Very disappointed. They told me only repair was china . am really upset about all of this. It is a great little radio when it works.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Sorry to hear this. I have never updated any firmware on any of my radios. If it works, I don't change anything. Now I for sure won't touch my amp as I have had mine for almost 3 years as well. Thanks for giving me the warning.

[@tonym7cvk430]

X6100 Walt very nice radio, a lot of guys using them now along with the G90 this side of the pond. 73 M7CVK Tony.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I’m really looking forward to using the X6100 more. 73, Walt K4OGO

[@mu0chn]

I keep getting drawn to the G90 but the G6100 would be easier to mount in the car. Let's hope the G6200 has 20 watt's.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I have both the G90 and X6100, trust me you'll be way more happier with the G90. Yes I'm hoping the X6200 has 20 watts, it will be perfect if it does.

[@Adam-qd8jh]

I just made my first contact with the xiegu g90 with a sloped 41 foot random wire and a 17 foot counterpoise,And I’m not even using a 9:1 Unun. Im starting to love the tuner.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Congrats! That tuner is amazing

[@timg5tm941]

Walt - Can you bottle some of that enthusiasm and sell it? You'd make a fortune my friend. Keep rocking. 73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I drink too much coffee at work during the day, that’s what it is haha. 73 my friend!

[@joseneves2822]

Hello ... I'm also with the Xiegu 6100 ... I like him a lot and I'm very happy If you operate only with 8 watts will save a lot on the battery and, most important, the radio will not heat up as much Thanks for sharing / 73 CR7BDO

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great information, thanks! 73, Walt K4OGO

[@labcat73]

Great video! Wish there were cheaper HF rigs when i first got my license, so I wouldn't have to wait a few decades for my second attempt in HF HamRadio. 😉 It's never been so easy than today to get on the air.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks!! I agree, it’s never been so easy!

[@DonzLockz]

Good radios Walt. I'm looking at the X6100 with a small 45w amp for portable and with that big 125 amp for home. I want to do alot of digital so a built in sound card, tuner and big screen is good for my ageing eyes.🤓👍

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I’m with you on the aging eyes hahaha

[@JonathanKayne]

I have the x6100 and the G90. They are great value for the price, but my two complaints are the front end overloading issue and the CW keyer is extremely finicky. Whenever I use the built in keyer my ability to send cleanly just plummets. These issues can be fixed with a PicoKeyer and a BCI filter though. I'm actually planning on selling my x6100 at the next hamfest because I don't use it enough to justify keeping it around. I have fancier QRP radios that I end up using (705, 818nd and KX2)

[@simonhadley6965]

i dont understand what ppl mean when thay say they wont buy anything from china, well i bet nearly everythng they own is built in china or at least some part of it is.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Roger that!

[@Q1745]

My x5105 is one of my favorite radios. Great for digital and phone. I use a headset for voice, the built-in speaker is poor for sure. If I want more than QRP, I use either my FT857 or FT891. The x5105 & FT891 are both in my jump backpack and my solar generator will run both, an AREDN node and laptops at the same time for a weekend.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

X5105 is one of my favorites too, I’ll probably get a FT-891 eventually

[@Q1745]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I really like the FT-891, once the myriad of options are set in the menus they typically don’t need to be changed. The options that you are likely to adjust are relatively easy to access. It is also a solid radio, although the current draw on receive is a full 1A which can suck a battery dry quickly. 🪫 Edit: forgot to mention a couple things in my posts: The x5105 can be easily set up for learning/practicing CW (I’m slowly getting there) as a local oscillator. There are mods for the FT-891 that allow removal of the stock power connector, replacing it with Anderson PowerPoles. I absolutely love this mod!

[@arekjot4771]

As a Pole, I love your sweatshirt. I'm also a user of the X6100, which is a great radio for me. The only downside is receiver overload, although it doesn't happen very often. I used to own a G90 back in the days, and I really regret selling it. One day I'm gonna buy myself another one when there's a good offer on it.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I love my G90, it’s probably my favorite radio. I have spent a lot of time in Poland. It’s a great country with the best people. Especially the military 😉

[@PD5RM_Robin]

Walt, a question. FX4CR or x6100? and why?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

FX4CR, although the X6100 has a nicer screen and an ATU, the 20 watts the FX4CR makes it my choice of the two. The internal battery on the X6100 in my opinion is worthless. I like the X6100 ok but I love the FX4CR.

[@9oostaf]

I really like your GROM t-shirt. Your passion is infectious 😉Greatings from Poland!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Dziękuję bardzo Greetings from the USA!

[@RingwayManchester]

Great as always Walt!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks so much Lewis!

[@yodelingjoe]

Went into HRO last weekend to pick up an FT-891. Then the employee showed me the X-6100. Now I'm actually leaning towards the little 5w radio because of the ATU and display! I'm mostly looking for a QRP CW rig so I can start doing POTA

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

It's funny you should say that, I was actually going to get a FT-891 too when I bought this.

[@AzPauly]

I also was leaning toward a G90, however the ft891 has proven quality and a factory 3yr warranty with North America service if needed.. which in the end sold me..

[@Lowell-W8ISM]

Just got into ham radio recently despite having a license of one type or another for over 40 years. I have plenty of bills, and groceries aren't getting any cheaper, so I decided to go with the X6100 while it was on sale. I'm in a noisy urban environment so I had to immediately get the K9DP BCI filter (works great), and I added a microPA50 amp with an AT-100M tuner. I'm feeding into an end fed 148' wire using a 9:1 unum (nelson antennas), and it's just a little workhorse. Does Europe on FT8 with ease, and I've been able to do Australia, Japan, and South America as well. No remorse, for me or my wallet. R1CBU's firmware is a must also. Thanks for the video. Subscribed.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching! I’ve got the Nelson 9:1 as well, great unun!

[@bearbpm]

Got into QRP with the (tr)uSDX and now the G90 has taken over. Absolutely love it!!!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

It’s a great radio!!

[@gregoryburbage7906]

The x5105 is my choice for portable......works like a handy talkie. Works well with the quarter wave antennas ( gra hf706t system) and a low transport profile. I've made great contacts pedestrian mobile......the g90 I have is a great sounding backup base radio. 73, kc3obq

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Perfect choice of radios! 73, Walt K4OGO

[@robmccarthy1018]

I really enjoy your down to earth videos. Partly led me to purchase G90 down here in Sth Australia. I'm back on the air after a break of 40 years and having fun. The G90 is great for me. Also have a used Yaesu FT 7900 for 2m and 70cm, and a modified Tait 2 way radio on 6m. For HF I have an EFHW strung up to a tree out front, a home made J-Pole on 2 and 70cm and a home brew end fed vertical coaxial dipole on 6m. 73s Rob VK5KRM 😀

[@Thump2030]

I love my G90, I made a radio box around it with pi and monitor so I can ft8 or log calls in the box, it is a great radio.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome!

[@Trainsaregreat365]

I have the x5105 and the x1m and love em

[@glenhoff1443]

Please let us know how you get on with the audio tweeking. Thanks.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Will do! 73

[@JasonCooper-em4gt]

Retirement my 718

[@jonweathers5905]

I got to be the one who made the thumps up this video to 1K 🙂 I Really like your videos Walt

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@nattyras1984]

Congrats on the new rig, hope it brings you tons of fun. Is that a Yaesu 747gx sitting on the shelf? Fire it up show the old lady some love. 73s...

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Yes that 747gx needs some work, I’m going to eventually re-cap it and start using it.

[@cmarchi128]

I'm a G-90 fanboy

[@nine7295]

I bought a X108G outdoor edition, then a G90, and very recently a X6100. I also own other brands .

[@MarcinHand]

Nice T-Shirt. Are you somehow connected to them?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I am a NATO defense contractor and worked alongside the Polish military.

[@richardfryer9867]

... yeah the G90 is hard to beat as a semi qrp radio...small form factor, easy to use, has an ATU built in and easy on the battery. Just tonight worked Uruguay with mine on 10.. the only signal on the band I could hear.. and calling CQ. 5X7...battery powered and on a $50 home brew EFHW antenna... what's not to like?.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

It's a great little rig!

[@beemcbike]

Great promotion! Like it. … and for all the Hams that won’t buy anything from Chine, don’t buy a car, because lots of the parts are coming from there….🤣👍🇨🇭

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Roger that!

[@stampdealer]

Hey Walt, based almost entirely on screen size - I wear contacts AND reading glasses! - I'm going to go with either the X5105 or the X6100. Any strong preferences one way or the other between these two? Thanks! -Greg K8LAM

[@John_Henry83]

Xiego UNLIKE most Chinese manufacturers actually listened to their customers. They took the feedback from videos like this then went back and fixed the problems and added wanted features. MOST Chinese manufacturers just put out a product that is suppose to have great features but do not live up to the advertising literature. And the company just does not care. They just move on to making the next piece of junk product.

[@randallhash9283]

I owned. G90 for about 6 months….Worst ration I’ve ever owned…Sold it after owning it 6 months…Been a cw op over 50 years….

[@revbikerbigd8664]

I own two G90's , one for home and other for pota ! Both bought used from people who didn't like them .

[@rbashta]

You forgot to mention the G1M. It is a decent - small - compact QRP 5 watt radio with SDR screen. The problem is that Xiegu could of added more features like swr or voltage measurements or CW display ... but they didn't. However, my first real HF radio was the G90, something I still use regularly, although is it showing its sign of wear and tear. Thanks for your videos. I follow them all the time.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching, if I find an older G1M at a decent price I’ll probably pick it up and try it. Same with the newer G106

[@vk4foo]

Mate, where did you get your big knob from? 😁 back in OZ and a new G90, I couldn't resist. Well done from F👀

[@PreparednessVeteran]

Have you tried the G1M?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I haven’t tried that one or the G106, if I ever come across one at a good used price I might pick it up to complete the collection though.

[@pyreneesfarm7818]

Is that an (ANCIENT) Hammerlund. One of my cousins has one. he does not use it regularly, but it still works

[@captainwyattoutdoors1636]

Thank you Walt!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamescady723]

Can't find the amp. Guess they stopped selling them.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-xpa125b

[@jamescady723]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Oh, excellent! Thanks.

[@pasjeihobby]

I already told my wife i wanna nothing but "G90 for life" on my tombstone. ;)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hahahahaha

[@pancerny565]

Im considering to get x6100, and get back to HAM. BTW love your t-shirt :D Polish GROM

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Take a look at the G90, cost less and I think it’s a much better radio. 🇵🇱

[@benhawke7231]

I'm a truck driver and I did a mars mod on the g90. It's the best radio I've ever owned when it comes to CB. Screw getting a radio peak in tuned. It's $200 cheaper to get a g90 with a kicker from eBay and g90 from Amazon. If you're running a CB radio in the truck, you're a dinosaur 🤣

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I've done the Mars mod as well. So easy to do.

[@martincampbell8655]

I would like to point out that if you go from 20 watts to 100 watts, it will only get you 1 1/4 S units at the receiving end. I have a G90, and I can pretty much work any station that I can hear with a Hustler 6BTV. I am having lots of fun with my G90.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great point! All you need is 20 watts.

[@kjb_tennessee]

Thanks Walt, great video. I’m traveling overseas and my new G-90 will make it to my house before I do. Now to pick out antennas. The HF-360 you mentioned any thoughts on spray painting it camo to keep the neighbors and wife from complaining.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks, I think the HF-360 is pretty stealthy left white. It’s really a slim and decent looking antenna.

[@KG6UQA]

Added the g90 to my expanding radio collection looking forward operating qrp when it's delivered

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

You're going to love that radio! 73, Walt

[@Paul-d6m]

Enjoyed the video. I also have a G90 and X6100 and would agree with your experiences. Both are fun after a couple firmware updates.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Totally agree!

[@dennisharris6680]

I have the X5105, have made some DX qrp contacts, Wa state to Japan and Qatar. Might have to try that amp you showed on the video. 73 KJ7WSL

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

The X5105 works well and pairs up perfectly with that amp. 73, K4OGO

[@crist2143]

Thanks for the video. Just bought X6100. Do you know how to FT8 over bluetooth or wifi with X6100? Thank you.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching. Sorry I’m not a FT8 operator.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Another great video! Do you have a recommendation for an external speaker for my G90? I’ve been using it a lot for POTA and having a front firing better speaker would be helpful.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I just ordered this one today, I’ve read some good reviews on it and it’s supposedly made for Xiegu radios: Xiegu GY03 3.5mm Plug Rectangular External Speaker with Stereo Sound for CB/Mobile/Ham Radio, HF Transceivers, Compatible with Xiegu X6100 G1M a.co/d/eX0NOEA

[@scottpohlenz142]

I have my first Xiegu ordered and on the way. The G90 will pair nicely with my 7300. Love the channel and content. Jeeps and amateur radio 👍🏽👍🏽

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! you will love that G90!

[@achildrenmile]

Totally agree! I am also a Xiegu addict. X5105, G90 and XPA125B here too. The cabling is a little bit of pain, but there must a some cons right :) Great video again! Thanks Walt! 73 de Michi OE8YML

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks Michi! 73 de Walt K4OGO

[@pasjeihobby]

BTW very cool shirt you have there ;)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you!

[@SuperCapsfan101]

Nice video, as usual. I also worked both of those stations last week. Have fun, and watch out for Karens!😄73, Mike K3CxG

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’ll definitely keep an eye out lol. 73!

[@johnnygeorge8385]

Walt, I too am a fan of the Xiegu radios I have a the x6100, G106 and the G90. One thing on the x6100 when you’re using it don’t forget to turn off the internal charger keeps the radio from getting as hot. Additionally the only other issues I’ve had with the X6100 is an incompatibility USB wise with a few devices which I solved by using a simple small USB hub. And do not let windows update that ch342 driver. Cheers and 73 KC0AHE

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for the info on the internal changer! Cheers and 73, Walt K4OGO

[@PaulRReyesActor]

Hey Walt, I took your advice and got a G90. Wow! Tuning a simple G5RV 50 feet in the air, stretched E to W, in SC, USA, first 20 meter ssb contact was 900 miles away in West Texas, second was Slovenia and third was Vancouver, BC. Thanks for the tip. Thoroughly enjoyed your Polish antenna adventures. 73 de kb3nje.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks!! You’re going to really enjoy that radio. 73 de K4OGO

[@steveelliott-k5sde241]

Walt, I use a Heil headset with boom mic and the adaptor with my G 90 and have great audio and great reports on sound quality on the other end. Was like $75.00 all together.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome, I was thinking about something like that for the home setup.

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

I really like the screen on that 6100. I have to agree that an external speaker would be a nice improvement. KO4HPC 73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yeah I’m looking for a good speaker as we speak lol. 73 my friend

[@cWatts-zv3oo]

Hello Walt! Another great one, thanks. I too have the g90. Its a super fun little rig. I noticed a peculiarity resently in using the gsoc interface where I'm getting an audio feedback only on 40 meters. I switch back to the standard control head and the problem goes away. Thinking it may be an antenna issue with rf coming back, i switched from my efhw to my fan dipole. Same issue. This problem has just started and was wondering if you have ever heard of it. Many thanks!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I haven’t heard of it, to be honest I’ve heard a lot of negative things about the GSOC and that’s why I haven’t gotten one. It does sound like an RF coming back issue to me. A quick way to see is to put a 1:1 choke at the antenna feedpoint if you don’t have one there already and see if the feedback goes away.

[@mcmichaeltube]

Love mine. The display is great. ATU will tune a wet noodle. DNR is nice. Be sure to carry the firmware update SD card in your kit. I had the radio lock up on me once, and refreshing the image from the SD card got me back on the air. One setting I'm fiddling with all the time is the RF gain. The speaker does suck - I also carry a little powered speaker with me. Oh, also, sometimes it will get REALLY hot if you are transmitting a lot.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for the tip on the firmware SD card. 73, Walt K4OGO

[@mikestone9129]

I sold my G90 and am kicking myself in the... But I'll be buying another real soon. Take care Walt and stay safe.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks Mike!

[@av3510]

Great video, Walt! Just got the G90 on a Prime Day deal. Getting it set up this weekend. It's my upgrade from the (tr)USDX. Can't wait to get it on the air!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! That’s a big upgrade from the (tr)uSDX, you’ll see that quickly

[@kendebusk2540]

Just bought the X-6100, antenna is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I will be active again after almost 30 yrs downtime. Guess what I'll be doing on Thursday? :) Ken, KA8VLW

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome! Have fun and good DX! 73, Walt K4OGO

[@robpinter5431]

Thanks Walt, I am on the journey of purchasing the G90 as it has all the requirements of the more expensive rigs and portable. Has anyone run the G90 with a inline linear amp as opposed to the Xiegu amp?

[@yv6eda]

Great video! I have the G90 and the XPA125B! I love the G90, I not yet use the amp!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks!!!!

[@TrzCharlie]

Love your content. I appreciate your in depth reviews and insight. Thanks

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! 73, Walt

[@MrBracey1970]

I had one, sold it because I wanted a "proper" radio and bought a FT891-2 years later I'm selling the FT891 to buy another G90-easy to use, as tough as an old nun,great power draw ,6ah battery lasts all day-20W is enough-miss it,so I'm going back

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

You are spot on! I have never depleted my 6aH battery.

[@BrianHaney]

Walt, I'm tickled that you got an X6100. I bought mine about 8 months ago to take with me when I travel. From Maine, I've made FT8 contacts in eastern Europe. From the park across the street from my home QTH in Brier, WA, I made my first SSB phone contact with it on 20 meters just a couple of weeks ago. (Granted, that QSL was with an operator in Seattle, just 20 miles away, but, hey, it was my first phone contact with the X6100.) One of my early disappointments with the X6100 is that some of the colors used in the UI are hard to see. It's practically impossible to see the dark orange against a nearly black background in broad daylight. But I was able to SSH into the X6100 and hack a file that is apparently the main UI code. (The X6100 runs Linux under the hood.) I still have more colors to fix. I wish Xiegu would open source their UI code. R1CBU in Russia is developing a whole new SDR suite for the X6100. I haven't played with it (yet?), but there are raving fans using it. There are active X6100 user communities: The X6100 Owners Group on Facebook (facebook.com/groups/1731981893666722) and the Xiegu-X6100 group on groups.io (groups.io/g/xiegu-x6100/). Lot's of activity around this radio! I look forward to your experiments with the X6100!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks Brian! I'm excited to get out and start using it. Thanks for the links!

[@ralphshepard1]

Love my g90. Been flirting with the x6100

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yeah I flirted for a while and finally broke down lol

[@keithdalton3004]

Thanks Walt keep up good work. Thanks Keith Dalton WV4G.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks Keith! 73

[@milepost9991]

Yep, saw the X6100 price on prime day and I’m having fun with it and the g90.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome!!!