Xiegu REVEALS the GSOC Controller for G90 and X5105

[@1polonium210]

Thanks for the review. I bought a GSOC from Radioddity last week. I intend to use it with my G90 AND my X5105 whenever I work from the park near my neighborhood. I can't say anything about it yet because it won't ship until late November. I'll have to hope that firmware updates will take care of some of the "problems" you cover in your review. I don't do much HF work from my house, but whenever I do work from my "shack", I use my IC-7300.

[@jamiecook5066]

Great review!!! I think you were more than fair though. 500 dollars is insane for what you are not getting. I know you can't compare a IC-7300 to this but you are getting to the same price point with the radio and the screen. I totally agree if it was say $100 bucks it would make sense. Thanks Jason!!!

[@ronaldzuccala1889]

Hello. Well your much to kind this is a piece of crap period. Fw updates perhaps but what do you do with the hardware issues. However my waterfalletc does work on mine . it still shuts down anytime it wants to. And now I wonder why I just didn't get the icom 73oo so I feel I made a huge mistake. I still love my g90. Thanks for putting the truth out there without sugar coating the issues. Its my money and my opinion is this thing should never have been released just a money grab period. Ron. Z. Pgh. Pa.

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

When I first saw the GSOC way back I thought it was a replacement radio for the X5105. A stand alone QRP radio. The GSOC looks really nice and I am sure they will be coming out with firmware updates but for $550 and making the G90 or X5105 more cumbersome to uses out in the field I'm not sure. Time will tell. Thanks for the look Jason. 73 Joe

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

Hello Joseph, For QRP backpacking. I agree. But heading out to the park. I think this is where the GSOC will shine. I hope so. GSOC is on sale for $399. So I picked one up.

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

@@DavidS-iw4ei I see the price has dropped. Let us all know what you think of it after you have had a chance to uses it. 73 Joe

[@grantar2]

My complaint with the GSOC is that it cost more than G90 itself. Would much rather have an interface to my computer. By the time you buy the G90 for QRP, the GSOC and an Amplifier for Shack use your $1,600 and the quest then would be is it worth that? The price certainly turns me off. Just hard to understand how the GSOC ends up costing more than the full function radio.

[@ThePyleDriver]

I love my G90 but at that price I'd buy the Icom 7300 if I wanted a big display, etc. Thanks for showing it!

[@HamRadio2]

Right

[@VacationGetaways]

Exactly my thoughts... If you add the external amp @$530, the gsoc @$420.00 plus the radio you are at $1,400. The main advantage is you can piece meal it. I really DO like the radio but would I be better off with the 7300?

[@whiteb0rd]

Treat me like I'm from Missouri: SHOW me this thing interfaced and working with the X5105.

[@HamRadio2]

LOL, that is coming in the next video :D

[@jameshoffman3671]

Thanks!

[@lmisiura]

Dzięki za info! Bardzo przydatne interviu !!! Thanks for the great presentation of the larger screen to the x90 - If I wanted to buy it, I already know that it is not worth it.

[@pale_2111]

It's a good thing I've heard about the IC-705 before this radio. It would've been a real disappointment to try to get it to work out of the box.

[@thomasstandley6309]

I own a G-90 for portable use and I like it. The GSOC initially sounded interesting but they clearly didn't take enough time to get what should have been a good idea right. However, I just can't see paying more than I paid for the radio for what amounts to what appears to be something they built around an Android Tablet. They need to talk to Hams on what the thing should do and then get some competent programmers to fix the bugs and the omissions. Even at that I don't ever see myself spending that kind of money on an add-on. It seems like the GSOC was rushed out to allow the G-90 to better compete with IC-705 in the QRP market ... but if that was the objective they failed miserably and probably damaged the brand in the process. I'm wondering if we won't see that GSOC screen integrated into a new (maybe 100 watt ) radio from Xiegu. That would be a game changer if they got the firmware, software and price right ... but that won't happen. I don't think they can get even one of the three right. -NK5J.

[@placeholder-065]

"It seems like the GSOC was rushed out to allow the G-90 to better compete with IC-705 in the QRP market ... but if that was the objective they failed miserably and probably damaged the brand in the process." Agree entirely with you. Gust ON6KE

[@TheToastDog]

I know this is an old video, but here is my 2 cents on this for those who may be reading the comments later... I own the G90 and the GSOC. I was a little disappointed as well when I first got it. There HAVE been some firmware updates since this video that have added some functionality but it still is not a finished product. As far as some of the issues with the waterfall, I had this issue when I first bought the unit but I replaced the DB9 and the 3.5mm stereo cable for the I/Q and that problem went away. Their Noise Reduction feature is pretty good, but still needs some work. I feel like they got the product to about 70% finished and then released it at a price point that was too high. The internal hardware information has been open sourced and there is SO MUCH potential for this device but it feels like Xiegu dropped the ball. If I didn't have the G90 already and I was debating between buying a 7300 or a G90 with the GSOC, I'd get the 7300. I'm with Josh - I don't necessarily regret buying because I want to see if Xiegu goes anywhere with it, but right now, a year or so later, there haven't been many firmware updates and I'm starting to wonder whether or not this product will fail. From a business perspective, it wouldn't make sense to drop support for this product.

[@ChuckBigbie]

I purchased this a year ago and have regretted it ever since. I have done one update to Ver 1.30 and I have seen no updates since. They are still lacking the features that they promised and I think they need to fix this. Have you heard anything about updates?

[@DD5LP]

I'd rather use an Android tablet with PocketRxTx as the control head for the G90, (even with cables) rather than this GSOC. Thanks for an honest video! 73 Ed.

[@geod3589]

what are the connects for RX/TX?

[@sudberceni257]

Hello, I also have a Xiegu x5105. I would also like to use it in the 11m band. Did you manage to open it in 11 m? I would like to open it in 11m can you help me?

[@HamRadio2]

I am not aware of a way to use this on 11M

[@jeffpixelated]

Definitely puts me off of the GSOC. I’ll still keep the G90 in mind for a QRP radio, but I might look elsewhere for now, like the Lab599 Discovery TX-500 radio or maybe a Yaesu 891 (not QRP, but it’s small).

[@HamRadio2]

The G90 is a fantastic rig. Don't let the GSOC discourage you from that radio. I want to try the Lab599 also but I can't find one.

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@HamRadio2 HRO says last of November they will restock but you already know that I'm sure. Lab599 really REALLY has my attention. Not sure why there is something special about it.

[@jeffpixelated]

@@HamRadio2 That’s why the G90 is still in my mind. I like the 20W vs 10W of the Lab599 radio. Color display, although small. Internal tuner. It does have a lot going for it. I just wish the GSOC had more to it now that they officially released it...

[@denniscornell2747]

Thanks for the review. I had been thinking about it but now won't be spending the extra $$ for it, You talked me out of getting one right now. First is the cost and next are all the other things that it doesn't do.

[@norm_sueb122]

Just looking into this item. Any chance of an updated review? Wondering if they fixed the issues.

[@makernoob3692]

Have the issues you brought up in the video been addressed at all that you are aware getting near the end of 2021? Nothing appears to actually work on it.

[@JustLearning]

Do you still have the link to the place where we could buy Ham radio gifts? I am looking to buy my brother an LED sign like you had in the background.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes it is www.gifts4hams.com

[@JustLearning]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks for getting back to me on this. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@scottblanchette5675]

By the time you buy the G90, Fan/Stand Kit, CE19 ,and the GSOC you could of bought a new Yaesu ft991a for almost the same price and you get 100 watts, waterfall, HF, VHF,UHF, with built in tuner along with 3 year warranty. Just a thought. Scott K5RSB

[@edcozart9916]

So in 2 years did anything change any updates on the Gsoc

[@Billiemarie1000]

Since the time you reviewed this I have not seen any videos showing it fixed and it has been a year now. Turns out there were no easy firm wear fixes...

[@Dabo082]

I wonder if I could write software that would allow the display to a monito? I think I can

[@101jumpit]

I have one and i think its great value for money.QAs you say the Maestro is a hell of a chunk of cash more.Not robust ??? i wouldnt want a smack around the head with either the GSOC or the G90.

[@ipscone]

Can the g90 be purchased with ONLY the GSOC controller? Seems a waste to double charge for two displays, one you will never use.

[@davidw3gzs55]

The GSOC may be a "go fund me" program for Xiegu. Give them $500, you'll get a semi-functioning device with the promise to fix all the missing items and problems at some point in the future. But...The firmware update was due on Friday 11/20/20 but still nothing available. The G90 was promising when I purchased it a year ago. The firmware updates for the G90 have been buggy, fixing one problem but creating another (AGC problems created with v1.75). The stand and cooling fan combo introduced was flimsy and literally painful if you nicked your finger on the unshielded fan. Now comes the prematurely-launched GSOC. Not a good track record since the initial G90 launch.

[@yv6eda]

Was a firmware update at any time? 2 years already!

[@VacationGetaways]

Does this make sense investing almost $1,000 into this radio as opposed to other better known brands?

[@HamRadio2]

The Xiegu brand is known and solid. This specific GSOC device didn't live up to its expectations though.

[@billcrow5403]

I cannot see paying $500 for this. Maybe half that, and that’s a big maybe, or maybe even $150 as you said, but it’s a long ways from that. Too many unknowns and missing items. Great video to bring things out.

[@HamRadio2]

Right

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Waste of $ imho but I do like the rigs for qrp pota. We have one trying to check in our 160m net but the audio is so bad we don’t understand 85% of what comes thru. Have you ever tried making a 160m contact on either rig ? Be interested to hear a audio report. KC3ONO

[@HamRadio2]

I have not tried 160M on the G90, but I have used it on other bands and had really good luck with it.

[@AdamosDad]

It looks like the waterfall is just too sensitive. I've seen this on an SDR radio I have.

[@DEFiANCE665]

You must have made this video a while ago? The gsoc is being recalled and they're releasing an updated one.

[@HamRadio2]

It hasn't been out that long. I made the video a week ago. The model I have hasn't been recalled.

[@tracerfacer6234]

Mine hasn't been recalled.

[@DEFiANCE665]

I just went back and looked in the "official" Facebook group and can't find the posts where they said it was being recalled. Maybe they decided to just push new firmware instead?

[@tracerfacer6234]

I probably jumped the gun when I bought it but I'm patient and trust they will release firmware to fix issues and missing features. I added one of those 7.00 ground loop isolators to the iq cable and the odd artifacts went away on mine. Ymmv. If you don't have a radio already a 7300 is really the way to go imo. But if you only ever had the g90 I think this is a good upgrade though a bit too pricey imo. I have way too many radios as it is including a 7610 so for me it was only a curiosity to get this and to maybe add as an option to my portable box that my g90 currently resides in. It's not for everyone for sure. But I don't think it's all doom and gloom that I've read others write about. Ymmv.

[@HamRadio2]

There is no recall that I've heard of. I get my information from the vendors and manufacturers. Facebook groups will give you bad information, so double check anything you read there. I'm told that a firmware update will be available in about a week but I'm not sure which issues it will address

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

This Component in Universal Antenna Interface? Is The Future Imo' Zoro's Still Training The Horse?!🐎😶

[@HamRadio2]

Haha

[@eddycuypers7621]

It would make sense as a QRP portable radio on its own. Adding this GSOC controller, We talk about Icom IC-7300 money and to get 100 watts with Their 100 watts amplifier the price is approaching the new Yaesu FTDX10 money. This is absolute madness. Than We don't talk about the technical quality. (Inter modulation, RF filtering, etc). And one has three boxes and cables. As a portable radio (G90) on its own, this is acceptable. Forget the other junk. Don't trust promises about firmware updates, will they come and work? Is the hardware good enough for an update. It should all be done when it comes on the market. And why do They only bring out 20 watt radios? Maybe They don't have the technical knowledge to build a 100 watt one. Look at there $505 100 watts Xiegu XPA125B amplifier. It produces spurious emissions on some bands. So this is junk.

[@dennisgelarden1118]

is this worth expense

[@twohandsandaradio]

Wasting money so we don't have to.

[@ds-ov9yi]

Agree , it was interesting but overpriced based on the functionality

[@AdamosDad]

Its to bad the GSOC is not powered through the DB9 like the radio head is.

[@HamRadio2]

Right

[@loctite222ms]

The gsoc makes no sense to me. Might as well get a IC-705. OK, it's only 10 watts and no ATU, but there's and internal sound card, vhf and uhf coverage and I'm betting most of the stuff it's supposed to do already works. A G90 or X5105 for low power mobile or portable work makes some sense. Adding the expensive gsoc for what it adds, not so much.

[@placeholder-065]

Very little added functionality and a touch screen that big time sucks, both with the pen and touching it with your finger. The waterfall rubbish is the I/Q output on the 90 not being clean. Also the little boxes in the middle of the screen (NR, lock, etc.) are too small, you'll often be selecting the wrong button. I'm very happy to have seen this video, won't be buying the GSOC the way it is now. 73 ES DX. Gust ON6KE

[@revbikerbigd8664]

Worth about $100.00. Buy a bigger screen radio for same money! $1000.00?

[@dennisgelarden1118]

Looks like it sucks for that much money.,radio was only 435.00 dont get that

[@wild-radio7373]

🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@wild-radio7373]

Seeing the bigger screen is encouraging :)

[@djtakinitback9717]

Man you're being way too nice and I understand you have to be because you do reviews for them so I will say what you cant say. This radio sucks and there is no way this display should cause more than the actual radio. At best this radio is this gimmicky. Nothing but a knockoff of the IC 7100 and 7300. The nerve of Xiegu to put this trash out on the market.

[@stvncraig]

Get your money back. That thing sucks.

[@HamRadio2]

Nah. I'm looking forward to seeing how they update and improve it.

[@stvncraig]

@@HamRadio2 I hope they do. You always give fair and informative reviews. Radiodity should be aware of that. I feel they and Xiegu deceived you into buying something that cost more than the radio itself. It doesn't perform as advertised. At the minimum, Radiodity should have offered you to review it and send it back.

[@JimmyShot]

What a turd of a follow on product

[@reinerhohn472]

무의미한 통곡

[@djtakinitback9717]

Wowww if a knowledgeable ham such as yourself is having challenges navigating around this radio then I know the average ham or beginner would catch hell if they purchased this radio. This product is so bad. Shame on Xiegu or creating such a terrible product. Xiegu step your game up or get lost in the wind.

[@j204ever5]

a little bit more serious please. Thanks