I'm getting bored and looking for something new to play with. Has anyone played around with any of the Xiegu transceivers? Their G90 interest me the most. I will be using this for receive only as I am not licensed at this time.
Xiegu Transceivers (Xiegu G90)?
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I have one and so does a friend of mine that has been a ham for decades. They are really decent for the cost. My friend has a K3, and it compared favorably side by side using the same antenna in audio quality and use. Biggest complaint was size of the screen
I bought one last summer after reading a favorable review in QST. I like it a lot. There was some initial confusion with Radio Oddity over shipping. They said that there would be an extra charge if it was shipped from China. I told them to cancel the order, but then they said it would be shipped from the US and I went ahead.
There is another thing to keep in mind with this radio and that is that there will be firmware updates that may increase the features. For example, they might add six meters.
There is an aftermarket display available. I think it is too expensive, but it does address the complaints about the small screen. However, if you want to use it portable in the field, you don't need extra stuff to carry around.
Antenna tuner seems to work well and it looks like it works outside the ham bands even though the radio will not transmit in the ordinary way.
There is another thing to keep in mind with this radio and that is that there will be firmware updates that may increase the features. For example, they might add six meters.
There is an aftermarket display available. I think it is too expensive, but it does address the complaints about the small screen. However, if you want to use it portable in the field, you don't need extra stuff to carry around.
Antenna tuner seems to work well and it looks like it works outside the ham bands even though the radio will not transmit in the ordinary way.
techman210
Member
If there's no way to bypass that tuner, then you'll get varying degrees of reception across the tuning range of the radio, and to use the tuner, you'll have to transmit until it comes up with a solution to the mismatch.
Retroradio
Member
I like mine and am really impressed with its features and performance. However I am not fond of the sound from the speaker as I find it harsh. Fully expected from a small speaker and I am picky ...lol I run filtered speakers on all my radios 
My workaround is I am putting together a filtered external speaker for it. Anyone else not fond of the sound?
My workaround is I am putting together a filtered external speaker for it. Anyone else not fond of the sound?
My G90 actually has much better sound than my IC-7300. Go figure! The GSOC is on sale for $100 off, so I've ordered one this morning. I already own every other option for the G90.
ecollins11
Member
I have a Xiegu G90 the audio sounds great with my Sony stereo headphones...I like mine and am really impressed with its features and performance. However I am not fond of the sound from the speaker as I find it harsh. Fully expected from a small speaker and I am picky ...lol I run filtered speakers on all my radios
My workaround is I am putting together a filtered external speaker for it. Anyone else not fond of the sound?
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
Execute this search on SWLing.com - there's been several articles and a review of the G90 here...
Mike
Search Results for “xiegu” – The SWLing Post
swling.com
Mike
I would expect the speaker not to have much fidelity and would plan on a Astatic external speaker or headphones. Thanks for the FYI.
My G90 actually has much better sound than my IC-7300. Go figure! The GSOC is on sale for $100 off, so I've ordered one this morning. I already own every other option for the G90.
I do see a lot of IC-7300's for sale. I wonder why?
As a listener only I'm a little concerned with the fact that it has transmits briefly to tune the antenna which is expected. How long is that process. Would anyone notice and would it be considered illegal to do so?
Yes.
Don't freak out everyone, I'm not condoning breaking the rules, but some rules are well...that being said, would it even be realistically detectable under everyday circumstances or really interfere with anyone or anything. I would think it would be a minimum power level and for a very short duration. In other words a mere blip on the air. Even license hams don't announce their call letters when they auto tune their antennas correct?
techman210
Member
Illegal, yes.
Chance you’ll get cited? Probably 0.0001%. Likely less.
As for tuning speed, I can’t speak for that radio, but some tuners I’ve seen can take as long as 30+ seconds to reach a solution. Most of these have an internal frequency counter, so they remember a finite combination of frequency and L/C matches, so when you return to that frequency (or nearby) it selects that same solution for minimum VSWR.
Chance you’ll get cited? Probably 0.0001%. Likely less.
As for tuning speed, I can’t speak for that radio, but some tuners I’ve seen can take as long as 30+ seconds to reach a solution. Most of these have an internal frequency counter, so they remember a finite combination of frequency and L/C matches, so when you return to that frequency (or nearby) it selects that same solution for minimum VSWR.
The G90 uses 0.5 watts as a tuning signal source. It typically takes less than 4-6 seconds to tune my G5RV. Honestly, if it takes up to 30 seconds to tune on any frequency at all, you've got a ****ty antenna system IMHO.
techman210
Member
If you’re tuning into a resonant antenna system, then you really don’t need a tuner.
That is absolutely correct. The chief problem is that truly resonant multi-band antennas are as rare as hen's teeth, and problems are exacerbated by inadequate yard space. I'd love to erect a "DX Commander Extreme" vertical because it can be tuned to resonance on 80m - 6m. There is another option to add the 160m band to it should one desire.
The problem is I simply don't have nearly enough yard space for the guying and my electric service runs at a diagonal across by limited back yard.
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