Xiegu X6100 / WSJT-X FT8 Setup Guide

[@JonFlyTV]

put WSJT-X to NO Mode instead of DATA/PKT and it wont switch out of USB-DIG , works for me

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks! I'll give it a shot right now!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

This seems to have done the trick, Thanks! I could have sworn I tried something like that, but maybe not. Regardless, Pinned the comment for anyone looking for the solution. Have a good one.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Great point and yes that was true. The solution was to set mode to "none" in wsjtx. Thanks!

[@JonFlyTV]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Thanks for testing all of this... #earlydays 73 de Jon K7CO

[@HamRadio2]

This is the only issue I've seen on mine

[@VE3MIC]

Great video -Thanks! Just a couple of comments: The following is from the WSJT documentation notes> "We do not recommend SNTP time setting tools or others that make periodic correction steps, WSJT-X requires that the PC clock be monotonically increasing and smoothly continuous." the documentation goes on to recommend an suitable application. The other thing I wanted to mention is that there is now a "rig" setting specifically for the "Xiegu-6100"

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks for the info!

[@BikingHikingRadio]

Thank you for the walk-through and to Jon Fly for advising how to fix the USB-DIG bug. When you made your QSO in the video, it seemed like you were being heard even though you were in USB only. My guess is it should be in USB-DIG, however USB apparently works on its own. Looking forward to many more great videos on the x6100. 73 and Merry Christmas.

[@jolebole-yt]

Thank you for making this video. I got my X6100 working with FT8 in no time. It got pretty hot :). Now I have a USB fan blowing next to it.

[@mikemiles3068]

I got mine this morning and been playing with it all day❗️👍. So far I like it❗️

[@lyledal]

Even with all of the bumps in the road you folks are having with it, I still kind of want one.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm having a good time and really looking forward to when the Linux credentials are hacked 😎

[@nigelmarsh2882]

This might sound pretty screwy but I wonder if there is an RF/Earthing issue I just got my x6100 - and I see no facility for an earth. So maybe a ferrite or two on the usb line would help. I in a house where I am not supposed to have an antenna - so lines out of the house are minimal and hidden in the house I have a Icom 7300 and a Yaesu FT847 with a signal link - neither of them are earthed the antenna is a random length of plastic coated steel clothesline hidden in some fruit trees with a Chinese auto tuner (CG3000). I average 1000+ contacts on FT8 a month. The earth is at the tuner. On occasion I get some really screwy problem - RF into the USB cable - solution is a 4lb hammer on the earth stake - just a suggestion - de Nigel (Nudge) Marsh VK4GP

[@HumanTimeMachine]

I would completely redo this video as there is a setting in wsjt-x that lists x6100 as a radio for cat control. And I have a feeling some of these settings are off and may have been a workaround a year ago

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

You're correct.

[@cwh1947]

after watching your live broadcast tonight I tried setting up my x6100 with and old dell laptop. It worked well. No contacts but could see myself on pskreporter in the NW. Nice stuff!! 73 DE AF0X

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Excellent. There is a few things in here that may be different now. I am going to update this video soon. Glad you were getting out and being seen on PSKreporter! Take care, Carl.

[@johnki4ro]

I don't have this radio but I did find the video very interesting and informative for the PC setup.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Nice job my friend. I’m going to show this on the channel and of course I’ll credit your channel on the work. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

One thing I should mention... Maybe two. There is now a wsjtx option for the 6100 and a sticky comment to correct the usb-d issue

[@phildurall7466]

Thanks Dude! Solid schooling Sir! Le't see if I have this right ..... jump up and down on one leg, reboot, hold breath for as long as you can, put eye of newt in bowl and and add magic dust. Then enjoy using X6100 / WSJT-X on FT8! Got it! 73, Phil KF6IF

[@Aleziss]

couple things I might add to your video is that you can rename the in/out usb device so when you are in your device list, you could see "Xiegu X6100 IN/OUT" instead of speaker/microphone USB. The other thing is that the suggested RX level of WSJT-X is 30dB when you are listening to noise floor, NOT the FT8 signals but only noise without signal. You can see that suggestion just by hovering the mouse pointer over the dB meter, a small message box popup window will appear and corroborate what I have just told, 30dB is the best headroom for WSJT-X when NO signal are received. Last thing, you do not need a third party app to set the time in windows, simply search "clock" in the windows task bar search area and there you will be able to adjust the PC clock to the default windows NTP server using the SYNC button in "Modify date and time" setting . Just saying ! 73.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks. I no longer have the radio, good points.

[@sc20910]

Great info but I was left wondering what the red, yellow, green highlights mean on left and right side of the conversation windows

[@HamRadio2]

I have the issue with it switching out of usb-digu mode, but I've not seen the other issues you point out.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

The issue with usb-d was fixed by selecting none. Did they send you a unit for evaluation? There are tons of issues with this thing. I'm posting another video now

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm just wondering if the units sent out for review a have anything different about them. Unlikely. It could be QC issues too

[@HamRadio2]

@@HAMRADIODUDE this one I have is a production model

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Interesting. One other question, which firmware are you running? I just realized, while chatting with someone, that one of my newest issues may have started with the upgrade to the latest firmware. Thanks

[@HamRadio2]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I was offered an eval model but declined. I bought this one, although at a discount.

[@madmax2069]

2:29 I know in Windows 10 all you have to do is right click on the start icon and click on device manager, I'm not sure if you can do the same on windows 11 or not.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hopefully the CAT commands get published soon

[@davidtheriault7652]

Perfect! FT8 just came up on my 6100! Bravo Zulu! 73 KO4KHB

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Excellent!

[@michaelvarn34]

Can this device simply be used as a radio reciever? Is there some kind of default setting that can recieve FM and AM radio stations as well as shortwave? FM radio stations operate between 88 megahertz through 108 megahertz. Since this device only goes up to 54 megahertz, is it even possible to pick up FM radio stations? What about AM and shortwave? Can this device pick up VOA (voice of America)? If so, how do you set it?

[@tommasocastelli91]

I followed these instructions, however I'm still unable to TX. Basically when I press TUNE the radio trasmits the sound coming from the radio microphone (and not from the PC).

[@VOLKZZORN]

Hello, a question about GSOC the last firmware is not ok, hear me in the device speaker of the GSOC also no TX on 10m 27 MHZ and no normal FM only NFM don't come any further wanted to throw the thing on the wall just crap! Is there firmware to make it completely TX and RX capable also 11m in FM? as I said the part is annoying only for the money I would have gotten an FT 891!

[@agan1337]

Ref Min 20 - 22 After you turn radio on - let it stay for 1, 2 min to load all software services till you see correct voltage

[@FKMwsc]

What are the steps to deactivate Filter 1 ? This Filter limits the FT8 Bandwith.

[@Harriet_Tubgirl]

I’ve been having an issue with my 6100 where my alc creeps back up when tx. Any idea? When I tune in wsjtx it’s fine but as soon as I actually tx it’s right back up to 100

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

What antenna do you run out of sheer curiosity

[@Harriet_Tubgirl]

@@HAMRADIODUDE dx commander signature 9. I have no issues using my g90 or ft710 on the same antenna. It’s an odd issue I can’t nail down

[@robertallbright]

Thanks I use Dimension 4 for time sync So, the 6100 has it's own internal codec sound card? I had to use a separate USB sound card with my G90 73 Rob G3RCE

[@fotografm]

I get a massive amount of noise coupled out of my laptop and into the radio via the USB cable. Has anyone found a good way of blocking this ? I am ordering ferrite rings etc to put on the USB capable but am not confident that this will be enough...

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I recall the same issue. I no longer have the radio, but I do believe the snap-on ferrites did the trick for me

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Additionally, find a quality USB cable., Good luck

[@MINI-4X4-RADIO]

In the limited documentation it say's > there "are" drivers to install for Windows, "CH342 driver" but I can't find them..?? > It also say's to select IC-7000 as the radio type

[@GPG19761]

Hi, one question...X6100 to have inside the interface for digital mode that FT8? Thank's

[@T.M.G2014]

Mine oddly works when I select ic7100 in radio choice

[@ianpollard4138]

As of 28 Dec 2023 this also is the only profile that got me working. The X6100 profile swaps band A and B.

[@anthonygannon5461]

My 6100 displays the water fall and it decodes and when I press the Test CAT button it turns green however, pressing the Test PTT button turns the CAT red. What am I doing wrong?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I have an idea here... It is possible there is RFI into the radio. As I remember , I had a problem with rfi going into that radio (as I recall, voice). What antenna are you running? Do you have a choke installed? Thanks!

[@anthonygannon5461]

@@HAMRADIODUDE. I am using an EFHW with a choke. Same with VHF. Now since I was having problems with the original OS, in Digital mode, not voice as I have made contacts, I tried the R1CBU OS. This time I got audio feedback through the external speaker and the internal speaker, in Voice Any suggestions? I am at a loss.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@anthonygannon5461 By chance, do you have a ferrite or some sort of toroid on the USB cable between the radio and the computer? That may fix the issue. Is the USB cable high shielded? I've had a lot of issues with inexpensive cables with no noise suppression on the USB cord. I'll typically use a type 43, because that's what I have around the house, but I believe (not certain) most would recommend a type 31. or just try to find other usb cables and see if that fixes it. cheers.

[@anthonygannon5461]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Sorry for the late reply been down with COVID. I have added Ferrite to all my cables and I no longer have a feed back problem. I have a HAM LIB error. Using my IC-7100 I never had that problem so HAM LIB must be working with other programs. I did select the Xiegu from the menu, so not sure what is going on.

[@wannabecarguy]

At 0:47 you didn't show how you got to the filter menu

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Sorry. I'm unsure anymore. I got rid of the radio

[@yvondubois1494]

thanks for another great video. I have been running ft8 on wsjt-x on many radios but with my (purchased used and received this morning X6100) I don't get any output in tune, CQ or answering a CQ. It goes in TX mode as expected and received great. I really like the radio but I also have another problem with it: voice messages don't record. No motion on the level bar. Any help on either topic welcome.

[@JonFlyTV]

on my x6100 I did not need to change my com port baud rates.. I left it default and then told wsjt-x to use 19200 and it works.. hmmmm

[@HamRadio2]

Same here

[@MINI-4X4-RADIO]

IIRC..?? Changing Baud Rate in COM Port properties only changes default value

[@wojciechjaszczenkonb462]

How to install driver ? I Have error, i dont see ports

[@slaznum1]

With the latest version of the software there is a selection for X6 100 but it’s not working for me neither is your configuration. The receiver is fine but I can’t transmit there’s no power out. The output is zero. Zero and the ALC is at 100 and I’m not sure how to fix this I’ve watched your video two or three times

[@tommasocastelli91]

Did you solve? I also get the same problem. Basically it trasmits the audio from the radio mic and not from the pc.

[@slaznum1]

@@tommasocastelli91 yes it was the cable. I needed to use the supplied usb-c cable. They are not all alike. The xiegu cable is definitely heavier duty

[@TXLorenzo]

I am getting a HAM LIB error when I try the PTT.

[@N4GW]

everything is configured and the test button works. But, when i plugg in the Xeigi USB cable I get an S9+10 noise signal

[@N4GW]

Put three torrids on the cable. Did not get rid of all the noise but was able to make FT 8 Contacts. In your video I don’t see any noise on your waterfall

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

What's your rf gain set to?

[@N4GW]

50, but before plugging in the cable noise was very low and you could easily hear the FT8 signals

[@thomasmartin4580]

If you wait at least 30 seconds after you turn your radio off to turn it on again I think it will eliminate the problem you are having with the radio not getting a working screen.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you. I need to upgrade firmware and then test a few things, I will try this after the update. I appreciate it

[@frankENZC]

Thanks for the video. I hope you can help. I followed your procedure. All working except I'm not getting any signals filling in in the left window on WJST-X. I'm getting many signals. S-meter S9+. Any ideas? 73 and thanks de WA3RSL

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

In the wsjtx settings, what do you have selected for your sound card? Also, in the windows volume manager, make sure that the device isn't muted for some reason. That would be my first guesses

[@frankENZC]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Hi. Not muted. Sound card: Microphone (USB Audio Device). Speakers (USB Audio Device).

[@frankENZC]

Mono

[@frankENZC]

My WSJT-X is version v2.6.1. There is a selection for X6100. When I select it the frequency jumps to .500 MHz So I'm using X5105 and all seems good except not stations filling in.

[@BubbaWarbucks]

WSJT-X wants an input level that sets a background noise level of 30 on the meter, not 60. That is where all the dB levels are calculated. If you hover over the level meter on WSJT-X with your mouse you'll see a popup message telling you this. BTW it's also in the manual...

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

You're right. Thanks.

[@cwh1947]

did you do a tutorial on setting up wsjt-x on raspberrypi?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I did not, but KZbin channel " temporarily offline" did one that should be helpful

[@cwh1947]

@@HAMRADIODUDE ah ok thanks for the reply.

[@EricHansenHaiTech]

If it goes out of USB-DIG, the mic source changes as well.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks. The solution was to set my mode in wsjtx to "none" and now it stays in digital mode. I appreciate it

[@dannystephenson4957]

What I discovered was, if you transmit without the ATU activated the radio outputs power as it should. As soon as you engage the ATU and then hold and tune the audio input changes to the internal PTT and bypasses the audio line into the PC with no power output. What happens is when you click WSJT-X tune button you have to whistle into the X6100 internal mic to get power out. Tuning the radio off then on again puts it back into original working state. Another BUG!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I don't actually remember if this had been fixed, but I feel like there was a fix (I no longer have the radio). Sorry! Good luck!

[@Andy-M938]

Great...but Winlink will not work, otherwise, please let us know how! Many many tnx if you get it running.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Within one of the last several hundred firmware upgrades in the past month (over exaggerating), Xiegu decided we didn't need IQ out and disabled the functionality

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

I hope they update the firmware soon, it seems a bit buggy for a good looking product.

[@mdblack98]

The serial port settings you did do nothing. That's the "default" for applications that do not set serial port parameters. 2nd thing is run "mmsys.cpl" and you can change all the audio devices easily by right-clicking the entry. You can also change the name of the device. 3rd thing is I can't find out how to adjust the audio level from the PC using any of the rig controls. None of the level adjustments affect it. I had to reduce WSJTX power level (or the audio level in playback device) by 32dB at which point I finally saw the power output on the rig start to reduce.

[@edwarddoyle5585]

I'm very frustrated with this radio. It seems very hit and miss. I thought I had a basic understanding of how this thing works. I took it to Iceland with me and It's back to its same old tricks. No power out on transmit and I cant adjust the sound levels like I saw on the video, mine are too high to make it do anything. I'm very disappointed and sorry I bought it.

[@W9KB]

What happened to intro?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

A lot of people complained about the intro and they didn't like it. Although I really enjoyed having the intro, it appears people just want Ham Radio Dude to get to the point :). Thanks for asking! Maybe it will come back soon!

[@reveal-lk6ip]

"Шум на 5 баллов и дефективный синтезатор. А вы чего ожидали от китайской рации? Знаменитые ютюберные обзорщики не покажут вам этого в своих видео. А я покажу... - форум "Технический портал радиолюбителей России" Позывной N7DDC kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX26eKqEbNpng9E

[@wblue74]

Blimey, it all looks a bit of a faff.

[@alfredkwok9239]

Tks for your good information, 73 de VR2SA Alfred Kwok

[@AnatolySh]

tnx! 73! de R6FX