Hi Robert, I am an 80 year old radio engineer and ham since 1956 that got let behind in understanding SDR radios. I have just purchased my second SDR ham radio. Your coverage of how SDR radios differ from the past technology and the advantage of the new technologies were out standing and so easy to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to put your presentation together and helping me to come up the new SDR learning curve. 73 from Bill K4HVH
Robert, your info on SDR was priceless. This was a wonderful overview of the G90, I am just getting back into Ham Radio (currently radio and wallet poor) and have narrowed my search for equipment to the G90 for it's portability and for it's small foot print for my small shack. I have subscribed to your channel and thank you for being here.
Bob, very comprehensive. I think it's the most thorough review I have seen on youtube. Thank you for putting so much time into it. I'm going to buy one. Looks like fun. Take care, Tim
ALERT: Xiegu took my main suggestion and added trace color fill and averaging. Latest Firmware includes this and other tweeks. Install it. Looks fabulous now.
Just ordered one and the apparent "small company agile" responsiveness and openness to feedback of Xiegu sure seems like a big plus for long term improvements. Thank you for the most in-depth review I've seen on the radio and for the SDR intro content.
Subscribed! Thank you Robert. I’m a relatively new ham with only a QRP-Labs QCX. I just ordered my G90, admittedly with a little hesitation. But, your video has restored my confidence. I also appreciate the explanation of the SDR radio and how they work. Very informative! Thank you and 73! -Michael
Exceptionally complete review & an excellent tutorial regarding SDR nomenclature for those not yet familiar with the "buzz" words, or unfamiliar with the workings of an SDR radio. Well done !
What a well-executed video! Very professional, exceptionally informative, and a joy to watch and listen to. Thank you. This was my first encounter with your channel; instantly subscribed. I look forward to seeing your future updates on this radio.
Got out of the hobby for a few years, sold all my gear to start a photography business which eventually died due to Covid. Looking to get back on the air now, and I noticed the G90. I've seen several reviews that were basically crap, but your video tour of the G90 opened my eyes and I learned a lot from it. I like what the G90 brings to the table and will be perfect for my return to ham radio, operating in portable mode much of the time - either from home or one of the many parks in my home area of Central Texas. I'll purchase the radio soon and give it a whirl on all modes. Thanks for helping me decide what rig to purchase and get back on the air! 73 de WQ1C - Kempner, Texas.
So glad I could help. SDR is really a nice jump in radio technology. The Yaesu FTdx-101D ($4k) uses the same architecture as the G90. They both use one stage of superhet type mixing before the SDR section. The G90 actually uses a 24 bit ADC chip and the 101D an 18bit. It is hard to find fault with the G90. Test it against most ANY other RX and it just sounds slightly better. It's hot and has good selectivity. I've got the big boys to compare it to here in the shack. Welcome back. I left Central TX in 2003 for Hot Springs AR. Had a great time in Austin during my and it's hayday! 73's
Perfect explanatory video. Wish everybody on the net would be this detailed, highly informative and caring for making such a good quality video. I enjoyed every second of it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a professional way. You’ve just gained a new subscriber :-) Compliments from PD0WVS (NL, Europe).
Wow! Thank SO MUCH for you explanation of SDR. I have been playing with SDR products of various types including my IC-7300 and never understood it to that extent, and I've heard it explained before, but the way you explained it was great.
Great video! I just got mine a few weeks back and love it and your video was so helpful in helping me make my decision and then learning the rig. Thank you!
Ok I do believe this was the best in depth review I have watched on RU-vid and I watched a lot. Just so happens a used/new G90 came up on are local online swap net and as a result of the RU-vid reviews I purchased the G90 from a local Ham who didn't admire the radio. I was still shy and uncertain of my purchase until now; after finding your channel review on the G90 I was once again feeling positive. Thanks for a deep dive into this radio. I subscribed and will binge watch your videos while waiting for the post. Cheaper then the cost of gas and my time. Tha is again.
the G90 is really one of the best portable radios you can get. I have the Icom IC-705 here and although it is much more polished, the RX in the G90 has superior selectivity and sensitivity. The difference between 10 and 20 watts output is also HUGE when operating in the field. Use a folded dipole or other gain antenna and everyone hears you.
Got mine yesterday. Hooked it up to a SotaBeams inverted v dipole and worked a station in the Solomon islands from Nevada. I owned an ft891 previously and this radio is WAY more fun to use.
Got mine couple of months back and the portability and performance is amazing for it's size. I use it exclusively for ssb voice contacts and my best catch is Oslo Norway with 20 watts.
Many thanks for your very clear review. And many thanks for your excellent introduction to SDR!! the best summary I have read after spending many hours studying the subject.
Hello Robert isolated with covid-19 getting a chance to catch up on your videos at g90 is a nice radio thank you for sharing and happy New year and thanks for educating new hands they're watching your video
Excellent review. Loved the SDR theory part. So clear and concise. Just bought the G90 here in October 2023. I full time RV, and didn't really think a station in the fifth wheel was practical. Now I know better. Should be here in a couple days! Thanks a million for this EXCELLENT work.
Thanks so much Bob. I try to do in-depth reviews instead of unscripted ramblings. Everyone's time is valuable! You'll love the G90. RX is identical to my IC-7610. (in operation/feel)
Thank you Robert, Great video. I just order one last week. I love to go portable with my radios. I do a lot of traveling with my FT-817nd. Thanks again.
Thanks for the in depth review. It looks like Xiegu is stepping up their game on this unit. I just bought my first QRP rig an FT-818 and now after seeing this G-90 review I wonder if I should've bought the G-90 instead....I'm hoping I didn't make a mistake.
Robert, appreciate your style of videos, very informative and to the point. Looking at buying a G1 to operate QRP at the beach here in France on our holidays. Regards and Merci
THANK YOU so much for going over the whats and hows of SDR radios! Now, I understand! My rig has been an Icom 756 Pro3 for many years now, but i'm sure even the less expensive SDR radios outperform it.
Thanks for a great video, Robert .... from yours, Mike's and Fred's suggestions, I bought a G-90 myself. It arrived yesterday and I'm excited to learn as much as I can before taking it outside. :)
Thank You. This is an awesome video, especially the introduction that helps me understand the concept of how this radio is designed and how it functions. I'm still waiting for the Icom 705 to see how it compares to this radio once again, thank you and 73's
This radio is rough-N-ready... not like the Japanese radios which are very mature designs. The Xiegu has warts...but still works very nicely. The 5W-10W output on the 705 is a big issue. 20W makes ALL the difference.
Excellent factual review. Well structured and informed analysis. - I think this is the best review of the G90 I have seen. Have ordered one myself... 73, M7KPS
Thank you! That is indeed my goal...to be complete in my analysis. These are fun little radios and the 20W is enough to be heard on SSB. Not lowering power out at down to 10 volts is also a great design feature.
Ahoy there watchers- I just received info that the Xiegu engineers took all of my upgrade suggestions and are trying to implement them. I think we can expect to see some really nice improvements soon.
@@TXLorenzo I think that the existing hardware doesn't support a USB codec internal sound card. For portable operation, I''m fine with analog audio and CAT.
That's great, I'm really keen on seeing a decent AGC-T or RF gain added, hope they do, it's a pleasant radio to listen to and that would be icing on the cake :)
Getting back into ham radio after 20 year hiatus. Found your channel and bought the Icom 51a based on your excellent review. Amazing little radio! This radio looks very good also and considering buying it. Question is do I buy it in it's current config or wait for the improvements you suggested. They seem to be very open to suggestions. Do you have any idea how long it will take them to integrate your suggestions into a new radio?
@@dreamer43061 Well, since it is a game of telephone, I cannot tell. I give them to my contact at Radioddity.com and they forward them. I do translate them into Chinese as well. They recently did a really nice update which made the radio more fun to operate. If you get one, any updates are easy to install. They provide the programming cable and installer program. Yaesus are much more difficult to update. The radio is totally usable as is now. If I never got an update, I'd still be very happy. I told them to raise the power to 25 watts too. If it was to be your only HF rig, I'd say you need an amplifier. So many folks run amplifiers now. One small glitch I found so far is that some times when you turn it on, you have to turn the tuning dial for it to start receiving. That's a firmware fix. No biggie. Hope this helped!
Nice review. And thank you very much for explaining to this old analog radio guy how SDRs work & what's important in looking at them. Hamvention 2019 starts next weekend. I am soooo tempted. Especially after this review. TNX big time, amigo. . . . And by the way: Black cats rool!
Do yourself a favor and GO. I went for the first time last year and it was phenomenal. Just pace yourself. the food is new and improved too from what I heard... good grub. Take breaks...and cash!
Absolutely brilliant video and explanation of SDR, I'm probably old school and prefer that to digital stuff, nevertheless, I purchased the G90 which arrived today and I've thoroughly enjoyed your video and a look inside. Thank you. Mike G8POL Nottingham, UK..
Just bought a G90 package deal from RadioOddity, it included the G2 bracket and the digital adapter package. Paid $485. Just waiting for my antenna to arrive to play with the radio. Thanks for the review de k7dgf
Thank you for this video Bob. I have been watching it for a while now and it looks very promising. I am hoping this will be a good starter/ entry level HF radio. It would be nice to have 6m as well. Eventually I see myself buying the matching amp and GSOC for better base functions.
Really, it is a good choice. On amps, Xiegu's XPA-125B is a super one. It isn't cheap, but it very robust and includes a great antenna tuner. Radiooddity has their tiny HF amp and low-pass filter pack. I use them portable. Not as polished a system, but it works. Watch the GSOC to see how their firmware improvements go... it is a maturing product. The G90 itself is a winner.
Have ordered one and expect it next Monday. 1. How long is the DB-9 cable? 2. I can't find a good explanation on how to choose settings for the bandwidth filter (except for what the difference between them should be). Since the Low and High are set independently: a. How do you know what to choose for the low and high? b. Does this ability allow it to function as an IF Shift control?
I've told a lot of people about this radio and they look at me likes it's a toy. Well, I've had mine for a week, yesterday and I am very impressed! I have had QSO'S in South Africa and Mexico from West Virginia on this rig. Looked at Mr. Farson's videos and he has a lot of insight on SDR radios. He is great! For those that think this radio is a toy, better look again. This is the 🌊 wave of the future!!
Can't thank you enough for the detailed analysis of this radio. Too many Bubbas on RU-vid with babbling reviews that add little to knowledge of the product. Very detailed with facts about the radio that give me confidence in its capability and add to my operating techniques. Thank you!
Great radio. I love it and transmit reports are glowing. The receive audio is very good for such a small footprint. The only issue I have is the noise blanker which though adjustable makes no discernable difference. Its a pity it doesn't come standard with a mounting plate in order to sit the front face up off the desk which means it can get quite warm during the summer months.
I see that the QSK delay is adjustable. I wondered what the minimum delay is, and how well it works for those that prefer a short delay. Thanks for another great review Bob!
Great review Robert, really impressive. The specs of this radio claim Frequency coverage 0.5-30MHz, but is that uninterrupted on both tx/rx or do they lock it to the bands? Quite curious about how this would fare as a mobile rig too.
I got a G-90 and built a 55 Watt amp to go with it for portable use with less than optimal antennas. Haven't needed to use the amp yet. I like fishing on light tackle.
I agree Rob, 20W is a minimum for SSB (i even prefer a little more, as 50W when necessary) ; and now we have the battery tech to handle that with a reasonable weight (i have LiFePo4 actually). Thanks for this very informative video, have fun. 73, de ha7wx chris
I'm on the G90 list, been watching this one with some interest. Seems to me it might almost be usable eyes-free. Would like to see one of these. Definitely a lot of radio for very little $$.
Very impressive review and overview of sdr technology. Looks like a lot of features for the money. My main concern would be service. I assume that it would need to go back to China for repair. I guess MFJ buys in quantity and trades out for warranty not doing actual repairs there.
Hi Bob, excellent review. I just bought this little rig from your review. After playing around I noticed the Audio is a bit full, any way I can narrow down the TX audio bandwidth?
Really good review. I have macular degeneration and having trouble seeing overall but especially up close. I’m trying to find a good QRP rig with large enough numbers so that I can see them enter. Any suggestions? I’ve looked at the KX2 and the X-5105
The 5105 has larger letters...and the G90 has a 7" color screen remote being released soon. I will post it as soon as th efirst one arrives. The KX3 is a super radio too!!
I was running Field Day last year 1E-Solar and between limited sunlight and having too many unnecessary shack accessories (like the Wires-X node) on the LiFePO4 40AH battery, the voltage dropped below what could run the IC-7610. I swapped in the G-90 and had a blast with it... nice little receiver and 20W was enough to be heard (of course, I was using a decent antenna). Glad I had the little W2ENY desk mike for the Xiegu.
Interesting ehh? Because you can't get full technical detail on the G90, I have to assume they are down-regulating the supply voltage on the finals - which results in no loss of power output with lower voltages. The finals are 2X 20W mitsubishi devices with a drop-dead power out of 42W total. The 6 watt driver is feeding at 60mw, so a slight tweak of it would result in increased power out. I'm sure we could go 30W without overheating in SSB. I'll give it some research time soon.
im in the process of selling off 150 radios from 1944-2005 Racal, Plessey, Rockwell, Ettus, (yes Ettus) Harris etc etc fleabay Glitchfunk, and moving to Thailand with a new YL :-) . What am I going to do to stop these terrible nightmares and withdrawal symptoms??? Buy a Xiegu, G90 wheeeeee! Darn it , didn't know they existed until today !!! No more meds......super review... Thanks and 73s
No comparison really. The design of the 918 is very simple and results in a lot of image signals on the display. It's receiver is not in any way in the class of the G90. I find the G90 receiver to be almost identical to my IC-7610. The G90 is a little more sensitive though. Sherwood numbers may place the G90 lower than the 7610, but in actual use, the G90 RX is VERY respectable. Sure, the display is small, but it is so useful that I sold my GSOC large screen accessory for it. If I grab a portable radio to go, it's the G90. (and the 20W makes a Huge difference) I do suggest a folded dipole resonant antenna at that power level. A little gain and everyone can hear you.
Hoping you might offer some advice. I am tech studying for general. I really dont want to rag chew alot, but the learning is what i enjoy. Want to practice nvis and ssb voice around the globe, along with FT8 and other packet stuff. Also would enjoy POTA. I am in a new neighborhood with strong HOA restrictions so permanent HF antenna is doable but tricky and will have to be subtle. My end goal is a FT710 and I have the money for it. BUT, it will take all my money, so there wont be much for antennas, etc. I hear low watt rigs are bad for beginner, especially when learning antennas. Would you think a G90 would serve me well, then get a 710 later, or just get the 710 now? I think a 817 replacement is close, and that is another reason I am leary of the G90 although the replacement will likely be pricey like the 705. Not sure what to do. KD9IRA
Hey Robert, I looked over the manual, and it says an external power supply "may be used", and again something like "if an external power source is used.." implying the G90 has an internal battery. I see no mention of an internal battery, so does it have one? thanks.
No, no internal battery. It is just a semantic language issue. I suggest making a LiPo pack out of 18650 cells. Google it. I've made 30+ amp hour packs that weight just a few lbs. Surge capacity on this pack is 100 amps.
qrp is per definition 5 watt or less, this radio is doing 4 times as much. i would not call it a qrp radio aaah, who cares :-) What i really wanted to say is - thanks for the thorough review robert. Really nice I must say, the chinese have really filled a gap here, and done so in a brilliant way. Respect and kudos to xiegu, this WILL be my next rig for portable operation. And i would not be surprised if i wnd up buying all the acesories too.
I am putting this radio on my Christmas list. Bob, how about the Nov. 3 firmware upgrade? Have you seen it or tried it? Look forward to an update on your channel. 73, John NO0I
Really, I would make a 139ft closed loop. Get it as high as you can. Shape and evenness are not important. The internal tuner should resonate it on all bands. It's low noise, cheap and a good performer. Just feed it with RG-58-U or whatever...one side hot, the other ground. One step up would be a Carolina Windom
how does this compare to "classic" analog hams (icom, yaesu, kenwood) ? im looking for something that can run on external battery pack and (with proper antenna that is) would cover at least central europe. also, is there option to use external screen or you have to buy whole front panel from producer of radio?
I just got this for my first HF radio. I only have my technician's license.. so I'll only use it it Rx. For only Rx, do you think think the end fed qrpguys antenna will be good for Rx. And later on to TX? it's rated for 20watts.
Getting a lot of noise from my 12VDC power supply. Want to install a ferrite like you did. Which ferrite did you use and where did you get it? Also, how do you remove the pins from the white connector, what type is it? ( I want to try another ferrite that requires pin removal). Thanks for your help - great tutorial, BTW! 😊
I used a generic clamp-on ferrite. I think you'll have to get a cleaner power supply. Don't waste your time. I'm sure you are using a switcher. Go get a 12A linear power supply. There is a pin removal tool... little tube device.
looking at the RF like the IC-7300 SDR has front end overload. noticed it bad on a IC7300 on contest with a lot of CW the IC-7300s there were all having this problem . The FT-DX10's did not have the front end over loading and single out signals cleanly .
I agree on the 20w level. I had the Xiegu X108, and I worked 10 of the 16 stations on the American Colonies contest from Nebraska. Took a little patience, but was heard.
Great reviews, many thanks. Interesting to see the G90 uses the Tayloe quadrature mixer, just like the $120 uSDX rigs. I think the 48khz spectral display is a bit low, 96khz would be my minimum, kiwiSDR for example shows the entire band or even MHz.
Paul- Well, amazingly, the little screen is very usable. There is no "monitor out", so the only option is to use their new GSOC 7" color touch screen...coming out soon. Watch a G90 video and make your monitor's screen such that the G90 screen is 1.5" X 1.5" . See if you can read it!
