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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
I hope icom makes a shack in the box mobile with a nice waterfall that’s full power, I would buy it as soon as I could save the money, and move my ftm400 in the house or maybe another vehicle?
If you run this for sota or pota I feel like I'd be more inclined to grab the x5105. The flush nobs and screen protector. I guess the better waterfall is nice but most sota/pota is calling CQ, no? It definitely has some nice features but idk how much it adds to sota type activation? What do yall think?
@@PortableRadio I didn't want to comment on power draw as it seemed like there power system isnt worked out if its draining in a couple days while off. At least I hope they are fixing that
Unfortunately chinese are not interested in consolidating their products. Bugs remains bugs, forever. Anyway it looks very good at a first view. Good job.
Does anyone think Elecraft will make a radio like this ? it's time they released a new portable radio the KX2 and 3 great radios but a bit dated. If elecraft did make such a radio imagine the cost ? probably 1500 USD then extra for the MIC, Extra for the Tuner, program cable, battery, charger etc lol. Still, it's a shame to see Elecraft not update their portable radios.
@@Trancifiedx I never had the pleasure of using the Kx2 or 3 but the 3 definitely needs a proper lithium battery at the very least and usb for digi modes, perhaps Bluetooth to connect headphones. It would be nice to see them make an SDR though like the X6100, I'd like to see what they could come up with.
Good luck on the bug fixes. If the G90 and GSOC software is any indication of future performance, I'd buy the TX-599 or the 705. Xiegu really, really needs to step up their game. Software development is haphazard at best and after the warranty is up how do you get the radio repaired? No service literature or schematics are available. No official service center exist in the United States or Europe that I'm aware of. The hardware needs to be shipped back to China. So this effectively makes the radio a throw away on anything but a simple repair. I have a g90 and I like it. But the lack of documentation and the slow to now non-existent software updates are a concern. I kept the g90 but I also bought a 705. Certainly far from perfect but if I need a repair part I can get it and service literature is downloadable on the internet.
I think you are a bit generous with stating the power output...your meter (if calibrated) seems to read less than you state. As with many comments to come, this radio is sure to go through prolonged growing pains/firmware updates. Somehow I can't feel confident with this Chinese manufacturer. The Lab599 TX500 from the Russkies gives me a better feeling of completeness/sophistication...if only they can ramp up the production.
Pretty pricey in my book. I've been a licensed him since 1973 and haven't been active for about almost 20 years looking to get back in so maybe it's just sticker shock for me.
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
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
I'll give them kudos for the balls to send a pre production model (quirks bugs and all) to a top RU-vid reviewer. Now if the would just accept $629 pre-production dollars. hi hi.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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!
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.
Bad audio just not remotely comparable to my FT-891, just such a noisy receiver, the NR is not good enough, just far too noisy hurts my ears! The audio from the 891 is just amazing with headphones.
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!
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.
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.
USB-C, a MASSIVE NO NO. Absolutely not. Extremely unreliable. Burnt my fingers with my Samsung phone. USB-C lasted 3 months and then died on me. For 3 years I needed an induction charger. On a higher en HF portable radio, that is going to let you down very quickly. That puts me off of what could have been a great radio. It gets a 1/10 with the USB-C. Sorry Xiegu, you messed up.
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.
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.
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.
@@marketingradioddity that is interesting as my IC705 apparently has a DC to DC converter to boost the voltage and charge their battery. Nonetheless this is an interesting radio. I may get one and kick the tires on my channel. :)
@@marketingradioddity As Ria mentioned, a buck/boost charging circuit could take standard/legacy 5V USB voltage and step it up. But with USB-C connectors supporting newer standards (up to 20V with PD), the connector itself is certainly able to handle the charging voltage/amperage. It's just a matter of what's inside (or in this case, probably NOT inside).
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.
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!!
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.
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?
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?
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
Hmm looks like a cheap piece of junk with enough alleged features to get the Baofeng lovers hot enough to pull the trigger on a new purchase . I'll stick to my Kenwood and Yaesu gear for now,
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).
