Pretty cool rig as an alternative to the cost of a 705. Seems like it has some expected features I a modern day radio. I definitely like the look of it.
Super informative video. I really want a 705 but can't justify the cost, so this may end up being my go-to portable come next spring/summer. I feel like this plus a packtenna or KM4ACK EFHW would be an awesome little combo for some camping and backpacking expeditions.
Double price and you have a 705 I do and love it. Mobile mounted, plus the whole idea of just discussing new products whether it's pre-release or production, is to just generate interest and excitement about the hobby, and available equipment features, enhancements. Josh I appreciate your eloquent and well-thought-out video and comments. It's unfortunate that in 2021 but yet not unexpected, that you have to preface and quietly disclaim. You said numerous times not production. Sure someone will post that lol. But that can take the fun out of reviews if you have to worry about every word.
Those aren't the key clicks you're looking for. 😬 Key clicks aren't T/R relay clicking. They are transmitted spurious emissions which are caused by the CW waveform's fall or rise time (aka slope) that is way too fast. This results in a wide bandwidth burst of noise that OMs call a "key click," which sounds like an annoying thump at the beginning and/or end of every CW dit and dah to a nearby operator. It's especially pronounced with full-break-in operation (QSK). This is another form of spurious emission you can get from a transmitter - bad key clicks can fail a transmitters spectral purity test. W8JI has a good webpage explaining key clicks, how they're caused (apparently it's not only waveform slope, it can also be caused by bad VCO) and how they're fixed. It's also discussed in ARRL Handbook, somewhere (I should find a copy online). In the Xeigu G90, key clicks are caused by fast slope. Check out the ARRL product review in March 2020 QST pg 45). The leading edge of the first element in the CW waveform (the red line in figure 4) is nearly vertically flat (and it's also excessively delayed and is half as long as the second element, which points out a design flaw) while a radio with optimal keying waveform has a more gradual slope, like the FTDX10 on QST June 2021 pg 43.
Well, yeah. That and the firmware revisions that you can bet will be coming along in rapid succession. Still, it's a nice box. Kinda makes me think it's the G90 with 6m & a battery tossed into a smaller box. And reduced power. . . . Thing is right now, in the rush to get this radio out and out in sufficient numbers to satisfy the instant gratification types, it may be better to wait until many of the (and you know they're there) wrinkles & wobbles are fixed. As happened with the X5105. . . . So I'll keep the X5105 for a while and try to save up the cash to spring for the '6100 when it's proven itself and production catches up to demand. (And yeah, nice video.) 73 de W8IJN
That's what I thought at first, how could it have the same RX power consumption as my FT-891 ? then I realised it has the screen to feed which must consume a decent amount of power. But my FT-891,it has Amazing Receiver performance and sound quality, it's got an amazingly quiet receiver, these SDRs have a harsh audio that I just don't like, they're hard on the ears but I can listen to my FT-891 all day/night long, always listen via headphones. Screens are nice but a radio is no good if the Audio isn't good. My 7300 is the same, not so good audio and have to use NR all the time. Still I can see the attraction to such a radio it's got a lot of features and it's compact but you'll probably need another power source as the 2.5 Ah battery would be consumed in around 3 hrs alone just on rx but perhaps turning the screen off would reduce the consumption a good bit ? Batteries are so good today why can it not run on full TX power ? same with the IC-705.
@@o00scorpion00o Maybe we should wait for the final version. The screen definitely draws some current, but as we have seen, the IC-705 isn't too bad in this respect. In general I don't have a problem with SDRs for their audio, but this is probably very individual. Some people prefer to listen to vinyl records instead of CDs or uncompressed audio files. Each to his own. Personally, I have a huge problem with any NR system that I heard until now. I guess since the use of 3S Li-Lion, the voltage is not high enough to deliver the full 10W. They could choose 4S LiFePO4, but then the Wh would be lower for the same dimensions and weight. 73 Stephan
I will get this radio anyway, but I was really curios about the published Bluetooth function that, supposedly, would allow wireless mic/speaker. Thanks for the video! 73 de K1FM
Would be great if it could be used for complete wireless FT8 or other digital modes. Tried this with the IC-705, but it does not work. You cannot establish a 2way connection to a pc, only to headsets. So one of the 2 device would have to behave like a headset.
Very nice video! I Bought the x5105 when it was new as this 6100. The 5105 is still with a FW full of BUGS and Xiegu doesn't care about. I'll Never Ever buy again from this company.
I like it. The gsoc was a huge disappointment.....this is nice. The g90 is one of my favorites....i like my 5105 for travel.....this radio would benefit with a microphone compressor.....the g90 has a really good one. 73
I did not understand one thing. Can I run the rig at 10W using the battery charger in the box, or it requires a different power supply (sold separately)? Thanks!
Hi Josh- By convention the A/B is VFO-A, VFO-B.. FST: Freq Step Tuning (tuning increments). BandStack: Is likely band stack register. On many radios, you tap a button up to three times to scroll thru three different modes within the same band. NR: Noise Reduction. CW: Those aren't' key-clicks you're hearing. Look for "semi-break-in" to smooth out the receiver's recovery time between characters. 73, n6spp
What’s not to like about the price? If this was a 1970 radio it would sell for less than $75.00. Back then radios were selling for $300.00 and more in 1970 dollars.
I saw that it seemed to have USB C ports on the side and you confirm that near the ending. This is the first radio I've seen with USB C ports. If you're not already using them with another device, these will be new cables to acquire.
As a Receiver, was wondering what the lowest receive frequencies are. I like listening in the ELF, VLF bands, but, most only go to the lowest 150 khz and not down to 1 khz or lower.
I really like that form factor. That size screen is nice over the g90 for a waterfall. Overall, looks like this is going to be a nifty little rig. I’m sure that when they set out to make the X6100 they were targeting “nifty”. lol. Well, they got it.
Interesting trend to make the new compact hf radios usable as a handheld with built in mic and ptt. Nice little feature. Using a non touch screen is not that clever. Love the fact, that some keys are on the upper side and not only at the front.
Just got a x6100 and was looking around and Pushed the lock button. It locked ok but turned the back light off Frustrated but managed to get the blank screen lit. But can't get the VFO unlocked.
Gotta get me one. I love the G90 but I struggle portable with the front facing screen.. Also great tshirt. Also keen to see you plug it in via USB and use FT8 or JS8 etc.
Great video! I was told by Radioddity that this will work with the GSOC, if they ever get that working properly. Maybe you should try and hook yours up!
Avoid hitting any menus under system settings if this is pre-production radio. My pre-production is bricked and Jet is busy trying to figure what the bug may have been. Fred VE3FAL
Some thoughts : The battery only has 8.2V on RX, 7.7V on TX ( about 5minutes into video ) , not abnormal you only get 4W. Also on AM the X6100 will only give 2.5W on 13.8V, 1.5W on battery, so 4 W on 7.7V is not so bad in SSB. If you show filters in SSB, then show them on LSB, not on LSB-DIG. X6100 sounds a bit "metallic" which can be normal with such a small speaker. maybe it was created by the DNF control not correct ? I heard about the X5105 it was a hassle to use the memories, I think the X6100 is more direct and easier to use ? What happens when you hold the QSK longer, do keyclicks disappear ? Increase hold time a bit maybe ? Great video, a lot of info which is really appreciated. Conclusion for now : I think I will hold on to my KX2 for the moment. The X6100 has a lot to offer, what about the service from Xiegu ? I'm sure my KX2 will be serviced by the great folks over at Elecraft, what about Xiegu people and response to defect radio's ? Tnx es 72
I would guess the USB host port is for input devices. Xiegu could presumably implement RTTY, packet, or other clients in firmware as long as the uC has enough cycles on tap. A keyboard would be essential for sending in those cases.
Great video as always. Interesting radio. Looks like a radio I will be interested in. I have the G90 I use it for portable “Pota “ great little radio. I can throw up anything for an antenna an it will tune it. Will be listening for ya o the airwaves. 73’s from KC3PMX
I'll give them kudos for the balls to send a pre production model (quirks bugs and all) to a top CZcams reviewer. Now if the would just accept $629 pre-production dollars. hi hi.
Getting back to the last question of the QSO: What antenna were you using??? Guessing it was not the lawn chair antenna. A great antenna (like a SteppIR) raises all radios. Would like to see the production model before getting too excited. The GSOC release did not exactly shower XIegu with glory.
Hello. Thanks for your video. Do you know if there is any software update to be able to use the CB27 band (TX/RX) in all its modes (AM, FM, SSB, CW...). Have you tried it with a walkie talkie antenna? Does it have good performance with a CB27 walkie antenna? Thanks.
I have the 6100 on pre-order from HRO, ordered on first day so hopefully will be among the first to get it. I love QRP and active in POTA/SOTA, and usually use my IC 705 that I got a year ago. I'm mostly interested in this radio because of all the features it has, and will be nice not to have to hook up an external ATU with my quick deploy antennas when activating. And, if I forget the mic (I normally work CW and have reached for the mic then realizing I left it at home), I can use the built in mic, which the IC 705 does not have. So two differences, mic built in and ATU, so less wires to get tangled up with. One key feature I'm interested in, that you did not mention in the video - bluetooth. Have you done anything with it yet? I use my Aftershokz BT headset which is paired with my IC 705 and love it. Hoping they work with the X6100. I've got high hopes for this radio for portable use! Thanks for the excellent review. Looking forward to more in the future. 73 de KN3A.
Nice video Josh. One question. Is the screen fixed or centered? Meaning when you turn the VFO, does the screen move (while the freq. bar stays centered), or does the freq bar move left and right? On Icom radios, this is an option that the user can set (to his or her preference).
1. Was the receive current so high (800mA) because that included the charging current aswell (Since you had it plugged in? ) 2. Does this have a voice keyer / memory? Can you show it? 3. How long does battery last during normal operation and how hot does it get with long term use? I can use my x5105 for hours of operating. 4. Can you see SWR on screen while transmitting like the x5105 does? Thanks! I hope to hear back from you and I can't wait to get my x6100 in the mail. I got the 1st batch pre-order.
How rugged is it? Being a portable QRP radio I would expect a good degree of water- and proof or resistance from it. How about shock proof, ie can it take a fall from, say 1 meter height onto a hard surface?
Analog vs SDR? I bought an X5105 literally 2 weeks ago, and now I'm thinking I should return it and wait for this... BUT, I do like an analog radio... Is the X6100 pure digital, and is the X5150 really "analog" at all? Does anyone see a preference that makes a real difference? Is one more stable/robust/durable, or anything? Thanks!!
Great review & comments. I would draw your attention to the fact that you are pronouncing "attenuator" as "ANTENUATOR" a common mispronunciation. This not an admonition, simply information that you might wish to confirm or not. I enjoyed your review.
Pre-production, not Production as you keep saying but finally correct at the end. Noticed some distortion on the receive of the QRO station, but maybe that was the NB and/or ANF. FTdx10 had a lot of distortion on the NB. TU.
I really like my 5105 and I believe I will really like this new 6100. But can you find out if it will work with the new PA 500 amplifier that is coming out that is supposed to be made for the TX500. I know Xiegu has an amplifier. But that new PA 500 appears lighter and has extra batteries in it.
I don't think I am ready to trade in my IC 705, lol. However, I own a G90 that has served its function well and that 20 watt bump does come in handy sometime. It looks like the 6100 is a budget alternative to the more costly IC 705 and what is up with that power draw on receive?
i dumped my xiegu rigs: continual beta firmwares, fix old problems then introduce new ones, etc, etc.. got burned on the GSOC purchase (worthless accessory)... i did like the tuner and swr sweep... OTOH, the xpa125b amp is a good deal and works with many qrp rigs... will i get this new iteration? nope! i do not like the non-replaceable internal battery... as you can see, when you buy one of these you are going to have problems right off the bat, and willthroughout the product run
Last year I was looking for something a little more rugged than my IC-705 for field work and agonised about buying either the Xiegu X5105 or waiting for either the X6100 or the Lab 599 TX-500, there were many promotional videos doing the rounds and both looked amazing. In the end I opted for the X5105 which cost me just over £500, which I felt was the right price. I love my X5105 it does everything I want in a great package. Having watched your video my first impression is that I made the right choice, those knobs sticking out are just begging to get knocked off. Don't get me wrong I think it will be a fantastic radio and is going to fly off the shelf but I feel it has lost its way as backpack radio. My other choice , the Lab 599 TX-500 is absolutely stunning but at a premium cost that is much too close to the IC-705. Would I buy the X6100? Yes, in a heartbeat but I'm not sure I'd chuck it in my backpack with a 20m EFHW like I do with the X5105 and do we really need a colour display, unless it draws the same power as the black white screen on the X5105? Nice to look at and great for shack use but in the field low power consumption is king. Thanks for a great video.
Good showing for out of the box. The internal battery what kind and life of the battery. Most ham going portable will have another battery. 73 chasing DX
Unfortunately chinese are not interested in consolidating their products. Bugs remains bugs, forever. Anyway it looks very good at a first view. Good job.
how long will it last? it is not reparable? it would need an inside antenna tuner ! i'm not a fan of those chinese adios since you cannot repair them,they are surface mount radios! i add my bad experiences with Baofeng ! will see how long it last again. thanks for the video, i could used one as a mobile radio in my van but at 50% of the price. 73 gervais ve2ckn
waterfall needs more contrast, spectrum scope less smoothing. noticeable lag between vfo input and freq readout is not good. audio sounds too tinny. xiegu still has a long way to go to get to icom 705.
You don't use AM for power testing. In order to maintain headroom of modulation, the carrier by itself is only 1/4 power. the ICOM IC-705 is rated at 1.25 watts in AM mode (battery) or 2.5 watts (12 volts input). As it modulates, it will go down to zero and up to twice voltage; but twice voltage is 4x power! Anyway, the *average* power should not change with modulation as you have already demonstrated. A good mode for testing carrier power is FM. CW also works if you have a straight key and can keep the key down.
Looks like a very promising radio. I'd give it at least a year before buying one though, given Xiegu's firmware track record.
What about an ATU for the X6100?
Great video! I'd love to see:
1. Receiver sensitivity
2. Transmitter Purity
3. Remote commands supported
Love it. I have an ic705 so I don’t need this… lol, can’t wait to see the final reviews.
Thank you for the video Josh. Looks pretty interesting. I'll wait to see how the full production units look. Impressive so far though. Cheers.
Pretty cool rig as an alternative to the cost of a 705. Seems like it has some expected features I a modern day radio. I definitely like the look of it.
Really cool quick set up. I just want to thank you. for the lessons on POTA. I just made K-2992 my kilo park. Looking forward to the next show. 73
Those clicky relays would drive me nuts. The “fit and finish” looks like it’s better than earlier models.
Looking forward to the review.... The IC-705 needs a friend.
Super informative video. I really want a 705 but can't justify the cost, so this may end up being my go-to portable come next spring/summer. I feel like this plus a packtenna or KM4ACK EFHW would be an awesome little combo for some camping and backpacking expeditions.
You and all the rest of us. Besides, the 705 is out of stock everywhere.
I wish it had V/UHF like the 705, but a very interesting radio none-the-less.
I’m glad it doesn’t have vhf-uhf
Double price and you have a 705 I do and love it. Mobile mounted, plus the whole idea of just discussing new products whether it's pre-release or production, is to just generate interest and excitement about the hobby, and available equipment features, enhancements.
Josh I appreciate your eloquent and well-thought-out video and comments. It's unfortunate that in 2021 but yet not unexpected, that you have to preface and quietly disclaim. You said numerous times not production. Sure someone will post that lol. But that can take the fun out of reviews if you have to worry about every word.
705 is very nice, but too expensive.
@@Frisky0563 Me too. I would have a separate vhf/uhf. Two is one and one is none.
Those aren't the key clicks you're looking for. 😬
Key clicks aren't T/R relay clicking. They are transmitted spurious emissions which are caused by the CW waveform's fall or rise time (aka slope) that is way too fast. This results in a wide bandwidth burst of noise that OMs call a "key click," which sounds like an annoying thump at the beginning and/or end of every CW dit and dah to a nearby operator. It's especially pronounced with full-break-in operation (QSK). This is another form of spurious emission you can get from a transmitter - bad key clicks can fail a transmitters spectral purity test.
W8JI has a good webpage explaining key clicks, how they're caused (apparently it's not only waveform slope, it can also be caused by bad VCO) and how they're fixed. It's also discussed in ARRL Handbook, somewhere (I should find a copy online).
In the Xeigu G90, key clicks are caused by fast slope. Check out the ARRL product review in March 2020 QST pg 45). The leading edge of the first element in the CW waveform (the red line in figure 4) is nearly vertically flat (and it's also excessively delayed and is half as long as the second element, which points out a design flaw) while a radio with optimal keying waveform has a more gradual slope, like the FTDX10 on QST June 2021 pg 43.
I'm sure it is an outstanding radio and I may want one, but I am having PTSD from just looking at it and thinking about the GSOC!
Well, yeah. That and the firmware revisions that you can bet will be coming along in rapid succession. Still, it's a nice box. Kinda makes me think it's the G90 with 6m & a battery tossed into a smaller box. And reduced power.
. . . Thing is right now, in the rush to get this radio out and out in sufficient numbers to satisfy the instant gratification types, it may be better to wait until many of the (and you know they're there) wrinkles & wobbles are fixed. As happened with the X5105.
. . . So I'll keep the X5105 for a while and try to save up the cash to spring for the '6100 when it's proven itself and production catches up to demand. (And yeah, nice video.) 73 de W8IJN
My thoughts too.
@@haramanggapuja it isn't always wise to be early adopter. Wait and see is perfectly acceptable.
Interresting rig, but unfortunately the current draw in RX mode is way too high.
73 Stephan
That's what I thought at first, how could it have the same RX power consumption as my FT-891 ? then I realised it has the screen to feed which must consume a decent amount of power. But my FT-891,it has Amazing Receiver performance and sound quality, it's got an amazingly quiet receiver, these SDRs have a harsh audio that I just don't like, they're hard on the ears but I can listen to my FT-891 all day/night long, always listen via headphones.
Screens are nice but a radio is no good if the Audio isn't good. My 7300 is the same, not so good audio and have to use NR all the time.
Still I can see the attraction to such a radio it's got a lot of features and it's compact but you'll probably need another power source as the 2.5 Ah battery would be consumed in around 3 hrs alone just on rx but perhaps turning the screen off would reduce the consumption a good bit ?
Batteries are so good today why can it not run on full TX power ? same with the IC-705.
@@o00scorpion00o Maybe we should wait for the final version. The screen definitely draws some current, but as we have seen, the IC-705 isn't too bad in this respect.
In general I don't have a problem with SDRs for their audio, but this is probably very individual. Some people prefer to listen to vinyl records instead of CDs or uncompressed audio files. Each to his own. Personally, I have a huge problem with any NR system that I heard until now.
I guess since the use of 3S Li-Lion, the voltage is not high enough to deliver the full 10W. They could choose 4S LiFePO4, but then the Wh would be lower for the same dimensions and weight.
73 Stephan
705 Killer? GSOC memories come flooding back. It’s got potential sure but there are trust issues here.
And they are still selling the GSOC!!
Outstanding Radio for portable HF work.
Great video. You have a winner QRP radio here. First class.
Look forward to watching your preview later! :)
Great first look, impressive little radio
I will get this radio anyway, but I was really curios about the published Bluetooth function that, supposedly, would allow wireless mic/speaker.
Thanks for the video!
73 de K1FM
Would be great if it could be used for complete wireless FT8 or other digital modes. Tried this with the IC-705, but it does not work. You cannot establish a 2way connection to a pc, only to headsets. So one of the 2 device would have to behave like a headset.
Oh boy oh boy oh boy !!!!
I still have my IC703+. Not fancy, but spips juice on both transmit and especially receive. Also has built in ports for digi. 10w. Antenna tuner.
Good review video too, Josh!!
Pretty cool preview. I like the screen.
Very nice video! I Bought the x5105 when it was new as this 6100. The 5105 is still with a FW full of BUGS and Xiegu doesn't care about. I'll Never Ever buy again from this company.
i agree.. the g90 is not so bad but i did have a display head that went tango uniform on me
@Tommaso Castelli , it is only for charging the battery, I can post some of the manual?
Is the display readable in sunlight?
I like it. The gsoc was a huge disappointment.....this is nice. The g90 is one of my favorites....i like my 5105 for travel.....this radio would benefit with a microphone compressor.....the g90 has a really good one. 73
Thanks Josh
I did not understand one thing. Can I run the rig at 10W using the battery charger in the box, or it requires a different power supply (sold separately)? Thanks!
The Mic looks like the Icom HM-133 mic that my IC-208 uses.
Hi Josh- By convention the A/B is VFO-A, VFO-B.. FST: Freq Step Tuning (tuning increments). BandStack: Is likely band stack register. On many radios, you tap a button up to three times to scroll thru three different modes within the same band. NR: Noise Reduction. CW: Those aren't' key-clicks you're hearing. Look for "semi-break-in" to smooth out the receiver's recovery time between characters. 73, n6spp
The handle mic ✋ 🎙️🌟
Dig the bob Ross 👕
Thank you!
Now let's see what Yaesu can do!
I think they have something up their sleeve. cheers
How does it compare to ICOM-705?
Great review. I am in line for the first release. Hope the problems are going to be fixed otherwise it is going back. 73 WA6MOW
Thanks for the update. I like everything about it but the price. The QRP scene is starting to be filled with some interesting choices.
What’s not to like about the price? If this was a 1970 radio it would sell for less than $75.00. Back then radios were selling for $300.00 and more in 1970 dollars.
I saw that it seemed to have USB C ports on the side and you confirm that near the ending. This is the first radio I've seen with USB C ports. If you're not already using them with another device, these will be new cables to acquire.
Micro USB connectors are garbage. Can't leave the ham radio world fast enough for me!
As a Receiver, was wondering what the lowest receive frequencies are. I like listening in the ELF, VLF bands, but, most only go to the lowest 150 khz and not down to 1 khz or lower.
I'm still holding out hope that the G-90 gets this same type of upgrade
I have $10 in my pocket that bets the G90 software development is at an end. I would love to lose the bet but unfortunately I do no think I will.
I really like that form factor. That size screen is nice over the g90 for a waterfall. Overall, looks like this is going to be a nifty little rig. I’m sure that when they set out to make the X6100 they were targeting “nifty”. lol. Well, they got it.
Interesting trend to make the new compact hf radios usable as a handheld with built in mic and ptt. Nice little feature. Using a non touch screen is not that clever.
Love the fact, that some keys are on the upper side and not only at the front.
Just got a x6100 and was looking around and Pushed the lock button. It locked ok but turned the back light off Frustrated but managed to get the blank screen lit. But can't get the VFO unlocked.
Gotta get me one. I love the G90 but I struggle portable with the front facing screen.. Also great tshirt. Also keen to see you plug it in via USB and use FT8 or JS8 etc.
Great video! I was told by Radioddity that this will work with the GSOC, if they ever get that working properly. Maybe you should try and hook yours up!
Avoid hitting any menus under system settings if this is pre-production radio. My pre-production is bricked and Jet is busy trying to figure what the bug may have been. Fred VE3FAL
I hope that firmware isn't being shipped in the first batch from Radio Oddity.
@@stevek2ty557 beta models only
Some thoughts :
The battery only has 8.2V on RX, 7.7V on TX ( about 5minutes into video ) , not abnormal you only get 4W. Also on AM the X6100 will only give 2.5W on 13.8V, 1.5W on battery, so 4 W on 7.7V is not so bad in SSB.
If you show filters in SSB, then show them on LSB, not on LSB-DIG.
X6100 sounds a bit "metallic" which can be normal with such a small speaker. maybe it was created by the DNF control not correct ?
I heard about the X5105 it was a hassle to use the memories, I think the X6100 is more direct and easier to use ?
What happens when you hold the QSK longer, do keyclicks disappear ? Increase hold time a bit maybe ?
Great video, a lot of info which is really appreciated.
Conclusion for now : I think I will hold on to my KX2 for the moment. The X6100 has a lot to offer, what about the service from Xiegu ? I'm sure my KX2 will be serviced by the great folks over at Elecraft, what about Xiegu people and response to defect radio's ?
Tnx es 72
I would guess the USB host port is for input devices. Xiegu could presumably implement RTTY, packet, or other clients in firmware as long as the uC has enough cycles on tap. A keyboard would be essential for sending in those cases.
Great video as always. Interesting radio. Looks like a radio I will be interested in. I have the G90 I use it for portable “Pota “ great little radio. I can throw up anything for an antenna an it will tune it.
Will be listening for ya o the airwaves.
73’s from KC3PMX
Looks like an interesting radio 👍👍
They would knock it out of the park with a matching, same form factor, snap on the back 20w amp for $200
20 watts on top of a 10 watt radio is kind of moot. Nice if they could get to 50 watts.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse True but probably not in the $200 range. We could only hope.
I'll give them kudos for the balls to send a pre production model (quirks bugs and all) to a top CZcams reviewer. Now if the would just accept $629 pre-production dollars. hi hi.
Getting back to the last question of the QSO: What antenna were you using??? Guessing it was not the lawn chair antenna. A great antenna (like a SteppIR) raises all radios. Would like to see the production model before getting too excited. The GSOC release did not exactly shower XIegu with glory.
The Steppir is a dipole on 40 meters where the QSO happened.
I hope the battery life issue is solved soon!
Hello.
Thanks for your video.
Do you know if there is any software update to be able to use the CB27 band (TX/RX) in all its modes (AM, FM, SSB, CW...).
Have you tried it with a walkie talkie antenna?
Does it have good performance with a CB27 walkie antenna?
Thanks.
I have the 6100 on pre-order from HRO, ordered on first day so hopefully will be among the first to get it. I love QRP and active in POTA/SOTA, and usually use my IC 705 that I got a year ago. I'm mostly interested in this radio because of all the features it has, and will be nice not to have to hook up an external ATU with my quick deploy antennas when activating. And, if I forget the mic (I normally work CW and have reached for the mic then realizing I left it at home), I can use the built in mic, which the IC 705 does not have. So two differences, mic built in and ATU, so less wires to get tangled up with. One key feature I'm interested in, that you did not mention in the video - bluetooth. Have you done anything with it yet? I use my Aftershokz BT headset which is paired with my IC 705 and love it. Hoping they work with the X6100. I've got high hopes for this radio for portable use! Thanks for the excellent review. Looking forward to more in the future. 73 de KN3A.
Scott, I'm looking forward to working you P2P when you get the 6100.
Nice video Josh. One question. Is the screen fixed or centered? Meaning when you turn the VFO, does the screen move (while the freq. bar stays centered), or does the freq bar move left and right? On Icom radios, this is an option that the user can set (to his or her preference).
1. Was the receive current so high (800mA) because that included the charging current aswell (Since you had it plugged in? )
2. Does this have a voice keyer / memory? Can you show it?
3. How long does battery last during normal operation and how hot does it get with long term use? I can use my x5105 for hours of operating.
4. Can you see SWR on screen while transmitting like the x5105 does?
Thanks! I hope to hear back from you and I can't wait to get my x6100 in the mail. I got the 1st batch pre-order.
How rugged is it? Being a portable QRP radio I would expect a good degree of water- and proof or resistance from it. How about shock proof, ie can it take a fall from, say 1 meter height onto a hard surface?
Adding bigger rubber feet on the bottom would help keep it cooler.
Or a foldable picture or book stand could help cooler.
Paper is a heat insulator. Would not use paper to cool it down.
Analog vs SDR? I bought an X5105 literally 2 weeks ago, and now I'm thinking I should return it and wait for this... BUT, I do like an analog radio... Is the X6100 pure digital, and is the X5150 really "analog" at all? Does anyone see a preference that makes a real difference? Is one more stable/robust/durable, or anything? Thanks!!
Great review & comments. I would draw your attention to the fact that you are pronouncing "attenuator"
as "ANTENUATOR" a common mispronunciation. This not an admonition, simply information that you might wish to confirm or not. I enjoyed your review.
Taking delivery next week would like to use for FT8 are you planning any videos for the FT8 mode
@hamradiocrashcourse
How much does it weigh? Would you expect to use this with digital modes on a warm shady summit without a fan and ice cubes?
Pre-production, not Production as you keep saying but finally correct at the end. Noticed some distortion on the receive of the QRO station, but maybe that was the NB and/or ANF. FTdx10 had a lot of distortion on the NB. TU.
I was just using the Radioddity nomenclature on the terms.
I will stick with Yaesu, Icom or Kenwood. Thanks for video.
Ok
Yes!
2.4vis the widest xmit width??? I hope it'll do 3.0k at least even qrp should do mid essb .Its not for all hams but I like the option.KE6IEV KENNY 73
Any idea what's inside? Is it still based on the Allwinner A20 on Linux?
I really like my 5105 and I believe I will really like this new 6100. But can you find out if it will work with the new PA 500 amplifier that is coming out that is supposed to be made for the TX500. I know Xiegu has an amplifier. But that new PA 500 appears lighter and has extra batteries in it.
Nice video, when you get the final version; please demonstrate CAT control and Winlink. Keep up the good work.
Will do!
tnx
I wonder if for the usb ports host is for plugging in a keyboard and dev/device is to connect to the computer.
Josh- is the body metal or plastic? It looks like there were mold lines. Thanks!
23:48 Hey Josh. The other op sounds humming. Why?
I don't think I am ready to trade in my IC 705, lol. However, I own a G90 that has served its function well and that 20 watt bump does come in handy sometime. It looks like the 6100 is a budget alternative to the more costly IC 705 and what is up with that power draw on receive?
i dumped my xiegu rigs: continual beta firmwares, fix old problems then introduce new ones, etc, etc.. got burned on the GSOC purchase (worthless accessory)... i did like the tuner and swr sweep... OTOH, the xpa125b amp is a good deal and works with many qrp rigs... will i get this new iteration? nope! i do not like the non-replaceable internal battery... as you can see, when you buy one of these you are going to have problems right off the bat, and willthroughout the product run
Had same problem with Xiegu RIG. =)
What do you think of the discovery DX500 as a similar option for mobile?
Id guess the standy current draw is due to the internal battery being charged.
Do you know if its possible to remove the internal battery ?
Thanks
It was in fact the charge. I did a follow up video and corrected this. Thanks!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse thanks
Do you know if its possible to remove the internal battery completely ?
And how does it sound in AM Josh? The x5105 requires some deep menu diving to get AM phone transmission to sound intelligible.
Last year I was looking for something a little more rugged than my IC-705 for field work and agonised about buying either the Xiegu X5105 or waiting for either the X6100 or the Lab 599 TX-500, there were many promotional videos doing the rounds and both looked amazing. In the end I opted for the X5105 which cost me just over £500, which I felt was the right price. I love my X5105 it does everything I want in a great package. Having watched your video my first impression is that I made the right choice, those knobs sticking out are just begging to get knocked off. Don't get me wrong I think it will be a fantastic radio and is going to fly off the shelf but I feel it has lost its way as backpack radio. My other choice , the Lab 599 TX-500 is absolutely stunning but at a premium cost that is much too close to the IC-705. Would I buy the X6100? Yes, in a heartbeat but I'm not sure I'd chuck it in my backpack with a 20m EFHW like I do with the X5105 and do we really need a colour display, unless it draws the same power as the black white screen on the X5105? Nice to look at and great for shack use but in the field low power consumption is king. Thanks for a great video.
The TX-500 is the most rugged of the lot TBH. I'll still be rocking the 705 with all those options though.
Can someone tell me what the best small under 13 inch vhf uhf hf antenna is ?
Can it be used for tracking down interference?
Hi guys new to Ham but been in the field a while, do I need to get a general or tech license if I already have a PG/DB? Or do they not translate over?
License do not transfer.
Good showing for out of the box. The internal battery what kind and life of the battery. Most ham going portable will have another battery.
73 chasing DX
I would expect the production radio to work at least as well as their GSOC. This must be what the SW guys worked on instead of a GSOC FW update
waiting on the updates for the USB port interface. Would be great to see a test of the i/q function!
Nice........................
Bob Ross T-shirt.....whaoo :)
Unfortunately chinese are not interested in consolidating their products. Bugs remains bugs, forever. Anyway it looks very good at a first view. Good job.
I would buy this if it had 2m/70cm. I'd rather pay twice the price and by the IC-705.
how long will it last? it is not reparable? it would need an inside antenna tuner ! i'm not a fan of those chinese adios since you cannot repair them,they are surface mount radios! i add my bad experiences with Baofeng !
will see how long it last again.
thanks for the video,
i could used one as a mobile radio in my van but at 50% of the price.
73
gervais ve2ckn
Is This A Chinese HF DMR RADIO?
I hope FLRIG will include this radio in its newest iteration.
Would you recommend this to anyone in the UK who's just starting out? I'm an M7 so I'm limited to 10 Watts
Once we have final firmware, sure, or find a nice cheap used radio and just run lower power. No biggy.
It would be really nice to see what the inside of this radio looks like:)
LL Bob Ross
Does it still need a CE-19 and/or external sound card to do digital modes?
It has an internal interface, but that isn’t working on this current firmware version.
waterfall needs more contrast, spectrum scope less smoothing. noticeable lag between vfo input and freq readout is not good. audio sounds too tinny. xiegu still has a long way to go to get to icom 705.
Just do a head to head comparison to the iCOM.
You don't use AM for power testing. In order to maintain headroom of modulation, the carrier by itself is only 1/4 power. the ICOM IC-705 is rated at 1.25 watts in AM mode (battery) or 2.5 watts (12 volts input). As it modulates, it will go down to zero and up to twice voltage; but twice voltage is 4x power! Anyway, the *average* power should not change with modulation as you have already demonstrated.
A good mode for testing carrier power is FM. CW also works if you have a straight key and can keep the key down.
I used cw in the video too. 👍