Thanks for the review. My GSOC arrived yesterday. What I've seen in my operation and set up so far: The GSOC will not work without updated firmware on the G90 (I'm using 1.75) which makes sense. There's two instances of non-VFO related artifact on the scope, "birdies" that don't move with QSY, approx. +/-35khz off the center indicator. The artifact positions however, are affected by changes in scope span. A significant latency exists on CW side tone and keying when heard through the GSOC which is very disorienting. The good news is the mouse and keyboard work properly to control the GSOC. Obviously, the GSOC is a work-in-progress. One challenge for the developers going forward is updating firmware that works consistently with both the G90 head unit and the GSOC. Looking forward to the next firmware updates before making a verdict on the GSOC.
Group.io have decoded the G90 head to main unit coms, so this might lead to the GSOC being remoted from the G90, then it would get more exciting. Having the G90 networked to the GSOC would be a significant upgrade.
Great video. Thanks. Quick question. For digital modes like FT8 or JS8Call, will those run from the GSOC or do you need to run them through the radio itself? 73, KO4CLV
At this point, only PSK-31 is implemented in the GSOC (like other radios). There are so many digital modes... I prefer Olivia mode -but I am sure I am on the minority. So yes, I'll continue to connect directly to the radio.
Bom dia. Gostaria de saber se este xiegu gsoc sintoniza emissoras em FM,AM e OC normalmente igual um rádio comum tipo os tecsun,ou ele e somente para rádio amador. Tô querendo comprar um,mas queria esclarecer está dúvida.
hey peanut butter :) any chances you can review a nanoVNA? i bought the SAA-2N from randl for a fraction of what amazon wants. neat device, figured it's right up your alley for video making purposes hihi.
Fabulous review Bob! You answered all the questions I had about the GSOC but I was left with one unrelated question… I happen to be a musician as well as a ham - so curiosity is killing me! Given your name and also the Met sweatshirt, are you any relation to the famous tenor? Thanks again for the wonderful review. I am going to check out your other videos. 73 -
Thank you for the review. I’ve asked about upcoming features, and CW decode, and RTTY are in the works. I noticed that they had a little screen real estate up by the CH# (Upper, middle, left-side of screen). I wonder if Xiegu could put a small 6-8 character tag in there for channel ID? 73!
I would expect some display re-arrangement soon. Also, user configurability. The GSOC can do anything the G90 does. (capability wise) They have every reason to make this combination competitive with other radios in it's class.
Well that IS Nice Bob, I see it has an IF input for future expansion... wouldn’t that make a superb add on panadaptor for other radios. They would make a lot of sales if it worked like the Elecraft P3😏 Good review..
Wow, that is so right. Please give all ideas you have for it here- as Xiegu is very responsive to user demands. They need to be- to be competitive with other brands.
Hi, Please help me ... I will buy a new radio and I am in doubt which one to choose ??? Kenwood ts 890 or Icom 7610 ??? yaesu ftdx 101mp can you help me with the opinion on which one is best ??? thanks 73
I'm looking for a SHTF radio and I think this might do it. Do you know when the next update is expected. Is a computer able to be added to it for expansion purposes. Do you have any idea on pricing? Thanks for the great video. 8P6RC
Yes, of course. I use it on all digital modes with audio cables to my laptop. This is the perfect SHTF radio. The current firmware on the G90 is mature...it works well. On the GSOC, there are several changes in the works. I expect it to be user-configurable. Also, watch for bundle prices pretty soon on the G90/Amplifier/GSOC etc.
Nice review, thank you! Just out of curiosity: if you disconnect the I/Q-connection between the GSOC and the G90, will the waterfall/scope stop working?
Good to see a quick tour of GSOC functionality. Pretty much the product I imagined - but the price point of GSOC and radio combined makes this an an expensive combo. The unit held in your hand looks beefy and as robust as the G90 itself. 73's Pete 2E0WHT
If don't already have a G90, seems like a better idea, price wise to buy the IC-7300. Of course with the G90 you have to versatility of having a small portable radio in the G90, 73
@@frankENZC Really for two different markets. A better comparison would be to the ICOM IC-705, as they are both portable QRP rigs with touch screen display. However, for those of us with by a G90 and an X5105, we can basically split the cost of the GSOC over two radios.
@@frankENZC The GSOC version 1 will require many changes just like the 5105 and the G90. Xeigu seems to use early adopters as Beta testers. It is fun but rather frustrating.
@@frankENZC Yeah. If you ever want to operate portable, the 7300 requires a huge battery and really eats power on RX. The G90 itself is VERY effective portable. Going from 10W to 20W makes a huge difference out in the field. With bundle pricing discounts, this combo (including 100W amp) will be quite competitive.
@@Yavor54 would you mind sharing which firmware sre you using on the radio and which firmware on the GSOC? Im using original cables from Xiegu and I do have the center line noise issue on the waterfall
I see some other CZcams Enfluencers are not as happy as you are. XIEGU GSOC | THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!!! K8MRD RADIO STUFF 3.5K views 5 months ago Watch This Before Buying A Xiegu GSOC Ham Radio Crash Course 16K views 6 months ago
I'm just an optimist by nature. Xiegu has been very responsive to user input. The Japanese makers don't listen at all. It's a cultural thing. The GSOC is evolving and so is Xiegu. It's a small shop. Look, the Chinese are just newer at this. they will catch up.
Right now, no. Expect considerable additions to the GSOC with the next firmware releases. There is plenty of processing power for more features. I have sent a laundry list of upgrades for it to the Xiegu engineers. They were very responsive on the G90 items I sent them. (display fill, etc)
@@robertnagy2163 The next "Laundry list" you send to the Xiegu engineers might include a request for a ACTUAL FUNCTIONAL CW DECODE on the X-5105 THAT I ALREADY PAID FOR!
The markings for the bandwidth control are exactly opposite their actual function. You adjusted the outer one, marked “LOW” and it shifted the UPPER frequency edge of the bandpass. 🤦🏻♂️ This was upper sideband, on lower sideband the markings would make sense wrt audio bandpass, but still backward for RF.
CW may be added, but there are dozens of digital modes and I know what I would select, but I am sure other people would select other modes. RTTY? Couldn't care less. Additions are coming- let's see what they add.
Mine i think is going back....the scope has birdies, its not looking like yours as far as color or sharpness no matter how much i tweak it......it doesnt work with my w2ihy gear and my sure boom mic like the original head unit does as far as line in input per the accessory port in the rear of the main body. It doesnt seem to do what mine does with 1.74 v software that i have with the body and face matching firmware..... its just not right as far as function compaired to the original head unit.......i was stoked to see this video only to be let down by the particular unit i recieved.........what a disappointment............Greg, kc3obq
Also way too many cables....why in the world couldnt it just have the 9 pin cable both power it and show the info? It makes it way too bulky to take portable......3 cables plus mic, its just not ergonomically simple......
Thanks for the review. My GSOC arrived yesterday. What I've seen in my operation and set up so far: The GSOC will not work without updated firmware on the G90 (I'm using 1.75) which makes sense. There's two instances of non-VFO related artifact on the scope, "birdies" that don't move with QSY, approx. +/-35khz off the center indicator. The artifact positions however, are affected by changes in scope span. A significant latency exists on CW side tone and keying when heard through the GSOC which is very disorienting. The good news is the mouse and keyboard work properly to control the GSOC.
Obviously, the GSOC is a work-in-progress. One challenge for the developers going forward is updating firmware that works consistently with both the G90 head unit and the GSOC. Looking forward to the next firmware updates before making a verdict on the GSOC.
I have the G90 and was interested in how this unit performs. Looks fine. Thanks Bob
Thank you for the great video. It just might be my first hf radio.
Its not a radio, its only a add on for the Xiegu radios.
@@dennishixson1908 got it
Robert what can i said the remote console is exactly what my x5105 craves...your reviews are spot on honest, intelligent ty you sir!
Tank you Alex! I try to be fair, straight -forward...and complete. It will be very interesting to see what Xiegu puts in this device in a few months.
It is interesting. This 7" display is actually higher resolution than the IC-7610 screen. It is 1024 res. 7610 is 800.
Well. Thank you for this early review. It looks like its ready to go. Im glad i waited. Ron. Z. Pittsburgh. Pa.
best coverage i have seen on the gsoc thust far
WOW..........That adds a lot of functionality.
Group.io have decoded the G90 head to main unit coms, so this might lead to the GSOC being remoted from the G90, then it would get more exciting. Having the G90 networked to the GSOC would be a significant upgrade.
Thanks so much for this look at the GSOC!
Great video! Awaiting the shipment of my GSOC...
I love it. Thanks Bob for the look. 73 Joe
Thanks Very interesting
$425.00 (on sale) for the G90 and $550.00 for the GSOC. Hmm. An accessory that costs even more than the radio.
Thanks for the video.. the unit is larger than I thought. Maybe it will morph into a radio itself!
only time will tell.7 3
It is "virtually" the same dimensions as the G90 - you could lay it on top...
Great video. Thanks.
Quick question. For digital modes like FT8 or JS8Call, will those run from the GSOC or do you need to run them through the radio itself?
73, KO4CLV
At this point, only PSK-31 is implemented in the GSOC (like other radios). There are so many digital modes... I prefer Olivia mode -but I am sure I am on the minority. So yes, I'll continue to connect directly to the radio.
Suggest they put that Xiegu GSOC with all its features on the the front of the Xiegu G90 and sell it as one..
Thanks for the video!
I'm very curious about ft8
73 de N2NLQ
A joystick or two might add to the experience....wowzer!
How's this going to connect to the X5105? Looks like a great addition
from the quick guide: Connection Guidance with X5105
Icom should make something like this for their 7100.
thank you for this informative video 73 de HB9GNK and KB9GNK
How did you get the waterfall to work properly? Mine doesn't move with the tuning knob at all.
How is the notch? That is one thing missing from the G90. Big bonus points if the filter display can show the notch position like the 890.
I have not given it a real test... Will-Do!
Bom dia.
Gostaria de saber se este xiegu gsoc sintoniza emissoras em FM,AM e OC normalmente igual um rádio comum tipo os tecsun,ou ele e somente para rádio amador.
Tô querendo comprar um,mas queria esclarecer está dúvida.
Excelente comentario.- Gracias Roberto.- 73 de CE4RWS
hey peanut butter :) any chances you can review a nanoVNA? i bought the SAA-2N from randl for a fraction of what amazon wants. neat device, figured it's right up your alley for video making purposes hihi.
Geeze...I have the V model here. Could do it....but am doing the IC-705 right now...then maybe the VNA
Will the GSOC add the waterfall display if used with the X5105 radio? Thats one drawback to that radio is not having that scope view.
No sadly.
@@Yavor54 darn, that would have made it worth the small fortune they want for it, lol
Fabulous review Bob! You answered all the questions I had about the GSOC but I was left with one unrelated question… I happen to be a musician as well as a ham - so curiosity is killing me! Given your name and also the Met sweatshirt, are you any relation to the famous tenor? Thanks again for the wonderful review. I am going to check out your other videos. 73 -
I am indeed...my dad. I'm now on the board of directors of the Met auditions. That's how my dad got into the Met himself! Thanks for asking.
Thank you for the review. I’ve asked about upcoming features, and CW decode, and RTTY are in the works. I noticed that they had a little screen real estate up by the CH# (Upper, middle, left-side of screen). I wonder if Xiegu could put a small 6-8 character tag in there for channel ID? 73!
I would expect some display re-arrangement soon. Also, user configurability. The GSOC can do anything the G90 does. (capability wise) They have every reason to make this combination competitive with other radios in it's class.
Well that IS Nice Bob, I see it has an IF input for future expansion... wouldn’t that make a superb add on panadaptor for other radios.
They would make a lot of sales if it worked like the Elecraft P3😏
Good review..
Wow, that is so right. Please give all ideas you have for it here- as Xiegu is very responsive to user demands. They need to be- to be competitive with other brands.
How much additional power consumption does the GSOC add ? Does the GSOC replace the radio faceplate, or supplement the radio faceplate?
not a bad unit.
Hi, Please help me ... I will buy a new radio and I am in doubt which one to choose ??? Kenwood ts 890 or Icom 7610 ??? yaesu ftdx 101mp can you help me with the opinion on which one is best ??? thanks 73
I'm looking for a SHTF radio and I think this might do it.
Do you know when the next update is expected.
Is a computer able to be added to it for expansion purposes.
Do you have any idea on pricing?
Thanks for the great video.
8P6RC
Yes, of course. I use it on all digital modes with audio cables to my laptop. This is the perfect SHTF radio. The current firmware on the G90 is mature...it works well. On the GSOC, there are several changes in the works. I expect it to be user-configurable. Also, watch for bundle prices pretty soon on the G90/Amplifier/GSOC etc.
Does automatic voice call and preset message storage & sending work on the GSOC?
Nice review, thank you! Just out of curiosity: if you disconnect the I/Q-connection between the GSOC and the G90, will the waterfall/scope stop working?
Yeah. the GSOC is doing all the work on the raw I/Q signals.
Good to see a quick tour of GSOC functionality. Pretty much the product I imagined - but the price point of GSOC and radio combined makes this an an expensive combo. The unit held in your hand looks beefy and as robust as the G90 itself. 73's Pete 2E0WHT
If don't already have a G90, seems like a better idea, price wise to buy the IC-7300. Of course with the G90 you have to versatility of having a small portable radio in the G90, 73
@@frankENZC Really for two different markets. A better comparison would be to the ICOM IC-705, as they are both portable QRP rigs with touch screen display. However, for those of us with by a G90 and an X5105, we can basically split the cost of the GSOC over two radios.
@@lmcelhiney Hi Larry. Good point about he IC-705.
@@frankENZC The GSOC version 1 will require many changes just like the 5105 and the G90. Xeigu seems to use early adopters as Beta testers. It is fun but rather frustrating.
@@frankENZC Yeah. If you ever want to operate portable, the 7300 requires a huge battery and really eats power on RX. The G90 itself is VERY effective portable. Going from 10W to 20W makes a huge difference out in the field. With bundle pricing discounts, this combo (including 100W amp) will be quite competitive.
How did you eliminate the waterfall center line noise?
I did nothing. Must be my cables. I will look at it again and see if cable placement or quality changes this.
@@Yavor54 would you mind sharing which firmware sre you using on the radio and which firmware on the GSOC? Im using original cables from Xiegu and I do have the center line noise issue on the waterfall
Thank you for this. Speaking of FM, I wonder if it's possible to add WFM and maybe 2m and 70 centimeters to this device?
I believe that this would be precluded by the radio, as it is not included in the G90.
@@lmcelhiney Thank You
I see some other CZcams Enfluencers are not as happy as you are.
XIEGU GSOC | THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!!!
K8MRD RADIO STUFF
3.5K views 5 months ago
Watch This Before Buying A Xiegu GSOC
Ham Radio Crash Course
16K views 6 months ago
I'm just an optimist by nature. Xiegu has been very responsive to user input. The Japanese makers don't listen at all. It's a cultural thing. The GSOC is evolving and so is Xiegu. It's a small shop. Look, the Chinese are just newer at this. they will catch up.
is the cw decode displayed on the GSOC? I also think that they need to add a voice/cw memory keyer de K8MH
Right now, no. Expect considerable additions to the GSOC with the next firmware releases. There is plenty of processing power for more features. I have sent a laundry list of upgrades for it to the Xiegu engineers. They were very responsive on the G90 items I sent them. (display fill, etc)
@@robertnagy2163
The next "Laundry list" you send to the Xiegu engineers might include a request for a ACTUAL FUNCTIONAL CW DECODE on the X-5105 THAT I ALREADY PAID FOR!
Great video. 73 WA6MOW
The markings for the bandwidth control are exactly opposite their actual function. You adjusted the outer one, marked “LOW” and it shifted the UPPER frequency edge of the bandpass. 🤦🏻♂️ This was upper sideband, on lower sideband the markings would make sense wrt audio bandpass, but still backward for RF.
You caught that! It is a tiny issue that is on the fix list.
Would be almost perfect witha KEY connector on the front panel or on this controller. 73 de YO3HJV
Who would be so crazy to pay $550 for it?! Over $1k for G90+GSOC?! Go into IC7300 instead...
modems ae ONLY Psk 31 ? you forget klick to more, or only psk31 ? , No rtty ? o olivia, no mfsk ?
CW may be added, but there are dozens of digital modes and I know what I would select, but I am sure other people would select other modes. RTTY? Couldn't care less. Additions are coming- let's see what they add.
Looks like this is just a replacement front display panel that costs more than the entire radio does.
Yup. But the other radios like the G90 are twice it's price to begin with. Plus the GSOC adds features.
Mine i think is going back....the scope has birdies, its not looking like yours as far as color or sharpness no matter how much i tweak it......it doesnt work with my w2ihy gear and my sure boom mic like the original head unit does as far as line in input per the accessory port in the rear of the main body. It doesnt seem to do what mine does with 1.74 v software that i have with the body and face matching firmware..... its just not right as far as function compaired to the original head unit.......i was stoked to see this video only to be let down by the particular unit i recieved.........what a disappointment............Greg, kc3obq
Also way too many cables....why in the world couldnt it just have the 9 pin cable both power it and show the info? It makes it way too bulky to take portable......3 cables plus mic, its just not ergonomically simple......
Way to much money for that unit, for the price of that unit and the G90 i might as well buy the IC-7300.
Now if it was a transceiver, I might buy it.
This is a joke. Pure stupidity to pay that much for it. Just buy an ICOM 7300 instead !
I think you better wait to see some upcoming bundle deals. This option gives you more versatility, a killer display and portability.