Xiegu G90 Overview - I love it (But I'm getting rid of it)
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- This is an overview of the Xiegu G90 I recently purchased at a Local Hamfest. In this Episode I go over this radio, which even though only 20w, is a great radio for POTA, SOTA, and maybe even just getting into Amateur Radio.
From the Manufacturer :
Xiegu G90 Features
High performance front end narrowband ESC preselector
Frequency range of 0.5~30MHz, SSB/CW/AM
1.8 inch high brightness color TFT LCD screen
±24k bandwidth spectrum display with waterfall
Software defined narrowband filter (CW mode: 300Hz)
Detachable Front Panel/Display Unit
Up to 20W of RF power
Built-in wide range automatic antenna tuner
I/Q output for interfacing with a PC or XDT1 panadapter
Xiegu G90 Receiver Parameters
RX frequency range: 0.5MHz to 30MHz
Modes: SSB/CW/AM
RX sensitivity: better than 0.25uV @12dB Sinad (PRE: ON) Machine dynamic range: 90dB
Adjacent channel suppression: 60dB
Audio output power: 0.5W@ 4Ω
Standby current: 750mA @ Max
Xiegu G90 Transmitter Parameters
TX frequency range: all amateur bands 1.8 to 30 MHz
Modes: SSB/CW/AM
RF output power: 20W
Spurious suppression: ≥50dB
Carrier suppression: ≥50dB
Sideband suppression: ≥50dB
Transmit working current: 8A @ Max
Xiegu G90 Antenna Tuner Parameters
Initial tuning time: ≤12s
Re-entry tuning time: ≤ 2s
Xiegu G90 General Specifications
Operating voltage range: 12 ~ 15V DC
Operating temperature range: 0 ° C ~ 55 ° C
Frequency stability: ±2ppm (after 30 minutes of power on)
Size: 120*45*210 mm (without protrusions, head unit combination status)
Weight: about 1kg
So many radios, so few winning lottery tickets!
Great overview! I just got my G90 in the mail, currently studying for my general and figured having the radio in my hands would be a good enough incentive for me to learn. I'm pretty excited, as I'm also going to be using this radio to get into CW, so I'm glad it has an on-screen decoder that seems to work.
Glad it was helpful! I hope you enjoy Ham Radio. I will say I have had this g90 CW Decoder working better than some of my big radios. Some of my big radios don't even have CW decode. Enjoy, and please let me know if you have any questions.
Same here on all counts. And these days with all the activity on the sun 10 meters has been an outstanding band to get my feet wet. Been answering a lot of contest calls just for the experience of talking on the radio. I've made contacts recently all over the world with a simple 5/8 wave vertical. Austria just the other day... I love this radio and will be using it for POTA and such.
Yeah. I have a G 90 and, as a result of this vid, I know more about it so I’m subbed. I like your presentation too!👍☘️
I love my g90. I'm planning on upgrading but definitely keeping this little guy around.
Click bait? ("but I am going to get rid of it"). I was looking for objective reasons not to buy one. There weren't any. I had the little brother of this, the 4 band Xiegu. It was notorious for bad solder joints causing microphone to stop working. Mine had the key jack working intermittently, would work if there was pressure on the key plug. I didn't open the case and fix it to save the warranty. No one has mentioned this problem with the G90. Your presentation was great! I think you sold me, I will probably buy one. Again, your presentation was great!
Dude, great video and overview. I recently bought a G90 and your video helped me better understand several features like CW decode, filters and tuner functions. Thank you Dude! 73, KK7LL
have owned the G90 from the beginning (2 yrs ago) and still run under firmware 1.6.....original.. but new updates have it at 1.76/1.77 new features when you flash latest firmware, like 10m FM. Nice little (for me starter and only so far) rig. I use it for POTA w/12v 8ahr LFP battery and yes 0.5a monitor draw lasts 18hr during Field Day 2021. I also has 2nd LFP for optional Radioddity PAX100 amp and usb powered external tuner (need that with the 100+ watt amp..but together, good an any 100w rig out there..heard clear and far, 2.5yrs and still kicking).. bit clutter-some but can be packages and all carried in a go kit/back pack. I use a EFHW8010 and even on 20watts can reach form Atlantic ocean (Delaware Seashore State Park) to CA and even BC on the west coast (check that antenna height and grey line / band conditions).. maybe I should've spend a little more for used FT891 for POTA 100w all inclusive rig..but new ham.. live and learn.. For now I think the G90 is great for POTA (maybe SOTA) voice reports with all stock mike, quite clear. g90.groups.io has many talking about digital modes and CW.. seems to be ok for those also...need external cables and pc/pi sound card.. but can be done. finally.. my view, spend the $50 and get the stand/fan/power plug combo unit.. worth it.. make fan cover ( I bought for $3 on ebay)...and you're set to go. - KD2PWB
Thanks for explaining the CW decoding. That's been the most frustrating part of the G90 for me so far. I really like everything else about the radio. I just need to get off my hind end and make that darn cable to connect the radio to the CE-19 and my computer so I can #FT8OFF. Excellent job going over this radio. 73
Aloha Philip, I’m a 3rd generation ham, grandpa and uncle were both hams (now SK) and I’ve been a ham since 1973. Besides Ham radio, I grew up putting together model cars when they were still affordable. I use to love the smell of the model glue but my point here is at some point, I stopped reading manuals. Have I made mistakes, yes, a few but not many. Some things just come naturally to me, and this Xeigu G90 is one of them but I will admit that I was going to get around to the CW Decoder but watching this video saved me from breaking one of my own pet pees, if I need to read a manual, then maybe I shouldn’t own it, lol. This G90 is mine now for sure after watching this video! Lol!
My suggestion is to just make a cable instead of using the CE-19. I bought a CE-19 and I have never used it, instead I made a cable to adapt the mini din 8 to a TRRS plug and I can go from that straight into a headset USB adapter.
Interesting about your stand... mine was enclosed, and had a plate across the bottom. My issue was the fan was always running (loudly) if the temp was above 65F
I overcame that by running a 6.8k resistor inline with the temp sensor. now at room temp the fan is off, but as the radio begins to heat (to about 80F) the fan will kick on and ramp up if the temp increases.
Yes, the cw decoder is very impressive when correctly adjusted
thanks 73 Rob G3RCE
Great video, my 817nd is 15 year's old now. Time for a changeover. 73
I know this is two years old but the manufacturer of the fan enclosure has added the fan cover now. I just got mine. Works great.
Thanks for your review, I appreciated that it was a good overview of the radio especially considering I'm looking to buy this one. Also, I'm sure it doesn't make sense algorithm wise, but waiting to ask for likes and stuff at the end means I had been able to decide if I did like the video first (and therefore actually did like it). Good luck with your channel
Thanks for the nice overview. This one is on my list to get.
Love my G90 ... since nearly 2 years. Using ist into my emergency-box, also in /p or byside of my IC7400 testing antenas and propagation.
Have you felt a need to get a power amplifier? I have a QRO rig, would like a QRP rig, but this is a good in-between. What is your experience, please?
@@o2bnov0307 I have my "normal" equipment of 100 watts. for example an ICOM IC-7400. But since I have the G90 I have practiced a lot with this transceiver, regulating from the maximum power (20 watts) down to QRP 5 watts. If the antenna is good (resonant) then the difference between 100 watts. and 20 wtts. they are just (in my case) an "S" drive. With 5 wtts. there is a difference of 2 "S" units. The G90 equipment also has a very fine ear and perfect audio for radio communication. In my case I always use headphones,
Thanks…I’m looking at this one and it was helpful.👍
I definitely want one when I pass the general, everyone keeps telling me to get a different brand to play with HF frequencies a part of me is just tired of people saying I have to spend a million dollars to get on the air even as a technician.i see the value of spending more for better but I also see the ability to just get on the air and have fun to do what I want without making expensive, or overly complicated
I understand completely. There's some very opinionated hams out there. I don't need to give examples, we all know the ones. Regardless, Make ham radio yours. If a budget radio is all you can afford and you're making contacts...Umm, you still made contacts , right? What do you someone who got all C's in med school? A Doctor. Point being, it's still a radio that does a job. With that, it is one of the best budget radios for the job.. I wish you the best!
Over all I think that the FT-891 is the best value out there for most scenarios. That said, if you plan to operate portable frequently and need to carry minimal weight the G90 might make more sense mostly because of the need for less battery power. Mostly operating from a fixed location? I’d get the 891, assuming cash is short
I think you sold me on getting one. Thanks for good video.
Glad I could help!
Thank you very much for the video, I'm currently saving up for a G90 (they are expensive here). Seems like a great radio. Keep up the great vids! Cheers
Not expensive for what it does
one of the best reviews on a radio I have ever seen. you rock
I appreciate the kindness and compliment, thank you
Excellent video! I am of course subscribed with notifications turned on and thumbs up!
That's Ernest! I appreciate all your support!
Edit: Well I did not hit the lottery, but I found one for $120.00, so while it is being shipped, I watch your excellent video Mr. Dude!
Bruh! The radio wasn't seated in the stand! The ground stud unscrews and tightens on the stand on the back, that's why it had that gap. But always good content man! Thank you!
Still have. and now the Xiegu X6100.. also great for POTA (1/2 size and weight and 10 watts on batter.. but with external small amp.. 60watts. let to 17,000 SQOs on POTA.. so.. these are the only 2 rigs I own..been great for POTA portable and EFHW and Sam sticks..
Just been to Madeira Island CT3 - Took a KX2 & the G90 both do the same job but the G90 has 20 watts so bigger battery, ran on a AlexLoop the radio was too heavy for the Beach(Volcanic sand and stones) but worked very well on the Balcony setup, so KX2 again for the beach also the G90 got very hot even with the professional cooling setup. Perhaps put a white cover to reflect sunlight…
Thanks for the input, I am sure it will help someone make a decision!
I went to the dude school, I got the g90 fever
An amazing video for the G90. Probably the best I've seen so far. Dude, you must have spent weeks learning the ins and outs of this radio. You made up my mind: I'm buying it. Just got my foundation license and I'm itching to get out there.
Thanks for your input.
Glad you enjoyed it! Good Luck! I enjoyed that video!
I just order a G90 from Amazon and your G90 presentation was really helpful. I have looked at several other G90 videos and your's is by far the best so far. Thank you so very much. Bill K4HVH
Glad it was helpful!
Great video.. You are quick and thorough walking thru the basic operator options.. I appreciate it and shared it..
Thank you!
Fantastic video Dude!
Very thoughtful, thorough and informative.
I quite enjoyed this. thanks.
#HLTW #TeamReplay
Thank you no code tech
I'm such a luddite. I like to turn dials and knobs to find someone on the radio. That radio requires a degree in extreme patience!
Love the bells and whistles on my G90, hate that it took two radios to finally get one that will work without wiggling something or holding something just right. You have to choke it like a serial killer to not have the thing shut down with any RF anywhere near it and even still then intermittent is a great description. Bottom line I still have it and I use it for FT8 and to double check the tuning of my superantenna but it is absolutely not reliable enough to be the only radio I would ever take in the field for a park activation or fun while camping. I now have an 891 and it will work every time when the G90 fails. KD2TCM
Thanks for the input! I have the 891 also (Great Radio). I never heard about this issue with the G90, so i appreciate you posting it so others may see.
"Choke it like a serial killer." That alone was worth the price of admission. I threw on a bucket of cheap Amazon clip-on chokes and got everything stable. Once you do that it is a hoot.
Newbie here. Do you just choke the power connection to the g90 ?
@@anonymous_friend Everything, coil and choke everything.
Thanks I just bought this radio and waiting for it to arrive. 😎
Thank you for showing me this, i have several radios, but i want one with with Cw decoder, and waterfall, the other Xiegus " the G1m and G106" dont have the Cw decoder, and i have never seen that this modell had it before now :)
I own a Yaesu ft 897d President Lincoln 2+ and a Kenwood th7e and one of them Chinese usdx +v2 the last one has Cw decoder, thats what i got it for :) best regards from Norway.
I’m considering getting one. Thank you for a great video, Brother.
I own a g90 and I use it as my portable radio…….it is a great radio and is ideal for portable use. I turn it down to 5w for qrp operation when portable but the 20w is handy if you just need to get through as it is normally only one s point down on a 100w radio.
Very thorough review! Thank you very much. That was helpful. Just got general license and don’t have a radio yet.
Thanks and congrats on General!
Very nice review of the G90. I have been looking at it for sometime.
Great video. Thank you for not creating your videos with blaring intros. Nice radio too.
Awesome overview HRDude
Thank You!
Thank you that was a very good review I’m gonna keep mine maybe now I can figure out how to use it correctly Good luck
Good video, Dude... Thanks for your support of the Padawans.
I wish to buy your xiegug90 thanks for the schooling am very grateful to you opening my mind
Thank you. I have sold it already. Good luck!
You can buy a fan shroud from any electronics shop. Fan won't hurt your fingers, blades may look sharp but stop very easily.
Perfect for my sota activity.
thanks for the review - really interesting and informative...
Ohhh, those handles! Lucky not to cut off your fingers!
No fan like that will chop your fingers off! Especially since you'd contact the trailing edge of the blade in this case any. I have fan like that that makes noise since the bearings are going out and I just touch it with my fingers all the time (this stops the noise) and I am contacting the leading edge to do that! I am too cheap to buy a new fan. Yep, it doesn't even hurt, the fan just stops.
awesome review of the G90! very easy to understand for a new ham! 73 N3AVD
Great video Sean. It's better than I thought. The CW decode is awesome. I'm still choosing my first HF rig, too many choices and options that I don't know if I really need.🤔
Thank you. For the cost, it wasn't a bad radio. What's your budget? That may give me an idea for suggestions
I think an auto option would be good for the speed but maybe this has been added in a recent fw update ? Great review thanks
Look at the ICOMM 718, my first HF and very user friendly
I went Yaesu FT891 for my first HF, and I love it. This looks like a cool radio too.
Thanks for the info mate!
Great video loved it good review!
I just got their amp in yesterday, its huge!
Does it work out okay?
many thanks most enlightening
What a nice channel, thank you for all your good work for this community. Subscribet! Stay healthy, stay safe, best regards from Norway - 73 LB6CI
Beware in channel mode, if you accidentally enable 'split' - it's invisible and won't tune properly (on two diff. bands?). It awkwardly rattles away for 30 sec too.
If you want one Radioddity has them on sale for "field day" for $435 with all four optional accessories including the new tilt bail.
I really love the G90. Still trying to get the XPA125B to operate correctly with it. I think it's my homebrew dipole that needs adjusting.
Just found your channel and Sub'd. I'm curious how the AM xmit quality is on this, typically poopie - like dsb without enough carrier if even 60% mod is attempted or better?
I've modified a Cobra 148 for 10m AM because the modulation quality is nearly Johnson/Collins quality, especially with the added NPC mod (Negative Peak Compression) providing 130% through the full 6KHz filter mod, so I'm rather spoiled.
So do you think I'd be disappointed or pleasantly surprised?
SSB sounded fine, and I like it that it appears it can be expanded to 2.9KHz xmit width for full-tone ragchew.
73!
I wish I could answer your question, but I got rid of the radio and I think the video is two years old, so I am uncertain / cannot remember. Sorry to say. Maybe find a local fest and see if you can test one? Thanks!
I don't know what happened but my fan box came with a cover, no way to loose fingers or grind up small insects. It's got a grill to protect the user. If you bought it used, then there's your smoking gun.
(UPDATED: I'm looking at the underside of the fan case right now, and there is a complete covering with a factory fabricated grill on the bottom. You'll need to jack the legs up so that air will circulate. But there is no danger and losing a finger.)
The grill came on later models of the fan.
If that Radio had a Kenwood. Icom or yaesu. Label on that radio it would cost three times the price you could take that to the bank
Thanks, very interesting. 73.
Glad you enjoyed it!
You are obsessed with CW. Signed, an SSB user. 😊
I've been trying to get into it and get for years... it's been a journey
I've considered these Chinese HF radios But there power is way to low for practical use. However, thumbs up it was a great review.
20 Watts will do the job.
Radioddity, let me help solve this riddle, "radioddity" = radi-oddity... radio-oddity = you.😋 There's only one O.👍
I've heard nothing but great things about the G90, but I already have the SGC SG-2020 which is also 20 watts so I'll pass the G90 although I am interested in the X5105. So I might pick that up later this year
Joe, I'm considering one to have a portable radio for /P and vacations. My base radios are much larger and difficult to get in my "allotted" trunk space on vacations! I do primarily SSB phone on 20m & 40m and dabble on other bands. Do you think that 20 watts would consistently get contacts? My antennas are Par EndFedz slopers and vertical whips. I've done some 20 watt at home, but usually go with 100 watts. I do know that 5 watts is very hit or miss on phone. Thanks!
😂 Clockwise or CCW is based on screwdriver for example you tighten when you turn CW ... Why you think it is wrong?
Hey glad to see you again.
I would like to get that fan cover and the side rails.
I have to say been in a world of =_* back to the Service in Vietnam and it always happens this time of year. I really don't have a control of it I just try to deal with it the best I can. At times I'm just a wreck Haven't been out of the house since October and I probably won't be until after the holidays are over with. I'm sure you don't understand, I have ADHD And P TSD Sometimes I'm Deluxe How do you get figured out from there.
73 my friend.
Enjoy 1🙏✌⚓🇺🇸
Hey there Paul, I'll shoot you a message on discord or email. Stay strong, brother
I thought I had your email but I don't. Send me an email at sean.klechak@gmail.com or send me your Callsign so I can send you something in the mail that I think you'll enjoy. your call. Best wishes to you
@@HAMRADIODUDE tnxs so how many G 90,s did you Own. That IC-510 is a nice radio, price and few few more have bigger one. Should have my FTDX-10 tomorrow, it has a bigger learning curve.
73 Merry Christmas KQ4CD 🎅
@@HAMRADIODUDE might need the link for discord. Might have a wait it use it
🙃
@@HAMRADIODUDE KQ4CD
Great review.
If I were to install it in my 2004 Ford Ranger pickup truck, what antenna should I use?
Thank you!
The Scorpion SA160 would be optimal for this radio
Whats a decent antenna that doesn’t require me to get over 40ft in a tree and works decent on 10m, please and thank you?
It really took me some time for the response... However, I made a video last night that should give you an idea. You can use an MFJ 1979 telescopic pole and a set of radials with a ground spike. You should have all of 10m... well, anything above 20m, without a coil or issue. Let me know if you need further help.
They make Microphones for Radios now ? Mine only has a Paddle 😍
Nice rig, but like most modern rigs just to complex for my liking. When will someone introduce a rig that has very few wings and wheels (like something from the 1970s), but with RF performance we expect in the 2Ist Century? With knobs that just do one thing and no damn menus? How hard would that be? I guess no one would buy it as hams all want (or are told we want) more and more features - some of which just disguise a rig's shortcomings... :(
I guess if you want a radio that is just a no feature hf radio, your best bet is the g106.
@@HAMRADIODUDE Thanks. The hobby has a vast number of aspects - something for everyone - almost! But it's just a hobby and the G106 sort of proves my point; another ham radio with menus and software/firmware, that no doubt has 'features' that need fixing with each new upgrade. I have a few QRPLabs QCX rigs. Very clever for the price, and extremely popular. But a complete faff to use compared to my clunky HW8 or HW9. I'm kind of hoping someone will introduce a HW-9 or similar that is just as easy to use, but with modern RF performance. I don't need a Morse reader, noise blanker (which rarely work effectively), split VFOs, loads of memories, or IF shifts, etc. Just good dynamic range, a couple of decent filter bandwidths, digital readout, proper tuning knob, and maybe the option for separate Rx and Tx antennas for those in noisy urban environments who have an active Rx antenna in a quiet corner of the garden. I'm assuming there's no demand or someone, somewhere would be providing this sort of rig!
@@janetwinslow2039 I don't think so as that is about the simplest hf radio in production (that I could think of anyway).. just like all other technology, it would seem things evolve. If you find something, please let me know
nice overview of small yet quite capable HF radio.
Im a newbie here, what kind of antenna would you recommend for a mobil application.
Why didn’t my 7300 come with an antenna analyzer? Hmmm, should I spend 375 on an analyzer or spend 425 on a transceiver that has one?
czcams.com/video/kobCZ2zxmbA/video.html
Looks like a pretty nice radio will this radio transmit on the CB band or will it need a Mars mod just curious about that nice looking radio I think great review by the way
You'll need to do a mod, but it's fairly simple. I can't remember, but I think this radio has a trace that says "CUT HERE" lol
Nice..........
BTW, will this radio tune out of band if you wanted to listen to broadcast or a utility station?
Can the Xiegu G90 do FM mode without any addtional add-on or modification? I have read in other places that this is necessary, but with firmware v1.75(?) this is supposed to no longer be necessary. Thx in advance for your reply!
This, I do not know. Unfortuantely, I do not have the radio anymore to test either. I am sorry.
OK OK what did you give this one up for what’s the next one?
Good video❗️Have you sold this radio yet❓
I did sell this radio in particular, but I do have another g90 available. If you are interested, there's a contact me page on my CZcams page
What radio would you have most preferred to keep?
That's an interesting question. I am going to have to say my Yaesu ft991. When I got rid of it, I didn't realize I would end up wanting to do more vhf tropo and ssb work. Although I have the 705, I would have wanted to get an amp for it. So, I actually ended up tracking down my 991 and trading a Xiegu 6100 for the 991, and I got some cash, if I recall. So the radio I would have preferred to keep, I ended up getting back. Now I will refuse to let it go
Great question
Seeing how this radio has been out a while, is there anything that beats it? Will it overheat easily if I dont get the fan kit?
I think this is the better choice then a x6100. I guess it depends, what are you looking to do and what's your budget
What antenna do u recommend for mobile use
What is band width? Is that like squelch?
Can I connect my PC or PC Display to it for better visibility of the display?
📻🎧
Not that I am aware of.
@@HAMRADIODUDE that is a shame
Ian always home
1:10 left after he showed fingerprints 😃
Do you have a template for the 3-D printer fan cover?
www.thingiverse.com/thing:4546101
It's a big heavy radio with a tiny screen compared to other QRP rigs on the market. Plus it's Chinese so you're taking a big gamble on how long it's going to last. Also, the interface thing they sell to do a PA and digital modes is a goofy afterthought. I have one, it's OK but I should have skipped it. I bought it on an impulse. It's not really a QRP rig because it's big and it's not really a primary QTH rig because it's only 20 watts. It's certainly not a radio to get very excited about given the choices available today.
It is like better than pure Qrp radios and more portable that 100 setups.
does this radio give you the ability to program 11meters into it so you can go to all frequencies
czcams.com/video/pRqQ1KQm--0/video.html
No need to program anything, but you will need a tiny soldering iron and good skills in order to remove a pretty tiny diode inside.
Have you sold yet?
@PlasmaStorm73 ah ok
Is the radio forsale ? N8kij if so how much
You could listen to the ham radio police, if you needed a chuckle.
for not much mor you can get a icom 718 100w! better build qality for around 500$ if this was in the 200$ range it wold be fun but a chinese radio like this costs allmost the same as a icom 100w basic radio.
I'll have to check one out
The Icom is a good quality radio, but it's about 50% more expensive than the G90. The Icom doesn't have a built-in antenna tuner or a waterfall display, like the G90. 100 watts vs. 20 watts isn't going to make that much difference on HF if you have a good antenna.
Regarding band width
Righty tighty lefty loosey
I never understood what is the fun about CW 🤔
Some people enjoy it for the learning aspect, some for the history, some just enjoy the challenge and some recognize that it is a very narrow bandwidth with the ability to be heard further than ssb. Everyone will have a different reason. Cheers.
Did this radio cover the 11m free band?
If you open up the radio there's some kind of Trace that is indicated to cut here or something... That will give you an 11 mod
Would you recommend the g90 or the x5105?
Both, but the g90 over the 5105. Unless you're doing some extreme traveling and qrp work and need the smaller form factor.
@@HAMRADIODUDE thanks buddy. Still trying to decide between the two.