Yeah maybe this is mainly for Ham’s who want the extra power after the fact that they bought the QRP radio. Good video and it’s always nice to see you! 73
For a few bucks more if your running data modes the Xiegu DE19 (to replace the CE19) has a sound card like a digirig included in the “break-out" circuitry. Digi-rig will work but makes the amp auto functions problematic because it populates the mini din on the radio requiring a "Y" connection which I haven’t tried. Also the 125b still doesn’t meet the fcc spec on 160 meters (only 30 db from fundamental carrier on harmonics). All other bands it’s fine and a great amp/total solution for minimal wiring. I think a little pricey compared to off brand separate amp and tuner. Still a great system. Yes, I am enjoying mine.
For those looking for portable and base operation this combination is good if expensive, they get the best of both worlds. IC7300 + X5105 or another qrp radio will cost more. For those moaning about the video showing unethical transmissions , he was transmitting to a dummy load. You could still take the amp portable if you want , bring a couple of LiPo batteries and off you go. Is the IC7300 a better radio ? I don't own one but I am sure it is but the X5105 + amp is great for someone who wants to work portable and can use it as their base station without buying another radio.
Hi Eric, thanks for the demo. Did you ever measure the 1 dB compression-point on various bands? All the review videos I've seen so far show saturation at about 90 Watts! I'm concerned that the shown DC "supply" voltage seems to drop badly on TX.... 73! Tim
I may have to get one of these amps to go with my Yaesu 817 ND. This would make it worth while to put in my vehicle so I can have a mobile HF radio then pack the 817 and go in the field. I wish Yaesu had done something like this them selves.
Thanks for the helpful video quick question what do you use as a power supply or how do you power the radio / amp while using it thanks I’m new to the hobby.
Eric, if you did buy this amplifier, would you please do a demo to show it working with a non-Xiegu QRP radio? Xiegu claims it will work with any QRP radio, but then states that you need the CE-19 module for it to work with it's own X5105. If it truly does work easily with any QRP rig it makes it a more valuable purchase for me.
X5105 is a nice little qrp rig... latest update has CW decode, along with audio equalizer, and 10 keyer/psk memories you can send with a button on the mic; the amplifier is a tad squirrely to use as first (this video demo apparently uses a dummy load; it's a lot different if you attach it to a non-resonant antenna); amp will shutdown if you don't use the exact correct approach on tuning; the manual is probably the worst i've ever read for any piece of ham gear (even the current one on-line doesn't match the amp, and still refers to the now-discontinued rig, the X108G); there is no hint on using the Xiegu G1M w/this amp, nor any hint about hooking up other transceivers; manual refers to tuning using CW at 5W, but this does not work; the amp does work with the Xiegu G90, but it's not as plug-and-play as this demo makes the operation seem; you must use a very specific approach and sequence for tuning and then transmitting - this is not documented in the manual
Other than not being able to have the smaller 5w stand-alone rig, the Icom IC-7100 is only $820 after rebate, instead of $1200 for this combo. It even does 2m and 440mhz. Even the IC-7300 is $1000 after rebate.
My comment exactly, An FT-897 is $600 range and you can always turn down to 5W for QRP operation. An it is more portable than carrying both the Xiegu boxes.
Good demo. The first non "B" version of the amp would not meet FCC spurious radiation requirements. I'm glad that Xiegu stepped up to the plate and corrected that issue with the "B" model. I see you did not get 100 watts out. Is there an ALC setting that you can adjust so you can get 100 watts out. Yes, I know the DB difference between the two power levels is not a big deal. I was just curious ? Barry, KU3X
I like it when you repeat that an antenna tuner only matches the impedance and doesn't make the antenna perform any better. So many hams can't understand this. They think that as long as a tuner can tune, they are good to go and their antenna performs great. This is so wrong! A tuner should only be used to correct a slight mismatch between the antenna and transmitter. This is why most reputable radio manufacturers only limit their internal tuners to 3:1 SWR or less.
That's why you have to manually adjust the physical characteristics of your antenna system and use an antenna analyzer to make sure you are getting as close a match as possible for the frequencies you want to use. Once you are close enough, then you can let the antenna tuner do the rest.
Awesome video and beautiful dx ham equipment I got me and my sweetie 2 baofeng radios looking to build up a base station someday once I get a place out of my apa.rtment complex they don't like bleed over to we'll that's why we have portable 5 watt radios for now I'm x navy communications desert storm 73s to ya take care out there
Thanks for the review. I found it helpful. I recently picked up a G90 and have been thinking about getting the amp. The G90 is priced right for what it offers but the amp is way over priced and as others said, if you are going to spend a grand you might as well get a decent rig. If this was in, say, the $200 range it would make sense. I want to put a kit together for travel. I want to have the 100watts and power supply for back at the hotel but when I am off hiking up the side of a mountain I just want the G90 a wire ant and a couple of batteries. I would be interested to know if there are other compatible amps on the market.
Hi, great video and thanks for sharing. I have a G90 and would like to get the amp. If the amp is used in manual mode, do you have to use the CE-19 interface and connect it to the amplifier . The reason I ask is I use a SignaLink for data modes, and that uses the ACC port on the G90. If I can use the amp in manual mode then am I right in saying I could leave the cable from SignaLink plugged into the ACC port of the radio ?
I almost gagged when I checked the price of XPA125B ($550.00) on Amazon. Have you looked at the PAX100 amplifier by Radioddity? It is designed to work with the X5105 and the G0.
newb question. you stress it doesnt tune your antenna...can you still hurt your radio then? or is it still being filtered thru the amplifier before it gets to your radio?
Funny you should ask, yes, however I havent got a scanner yet. The Uniden scanner is like $600 bucks but it is sweet. Not on the priority at the moment.
The good thing about this amp is that it is running at only 50% of the output devices capabilities, which keeps it in the linear part of the operating curve. You are unlikely to blow the output.
Maybe if someone is a heavy QRP operator and occasionally wants to TX from the home QTH, otherwise there are better options from the big manufacturers. Having choices is what it's all about.
Looks like a good match the small radio and the amp. the radio looks to be a good value, did you mention the cost of the amp, perhaps I missed it. If the amp is a good value I would go ahead and buy it, KB9JQV
I never got people buying a QRP radio then spending more money on a separate amplifier, Just buy a 100W radio like a FT-891 or similar. They're small and portable for field use. Kind of like why buy an IC-703 when you can buy an IC-706. (just as an example)
In future videos please be vigil to stay within the limits of you license. You were transmitting on the band edge in FM and AM modes. Being at the band edge, your emissions were below the limit for the license. About 4 to 6 Khz below the band edge. While you may think this is fine because you were transmitting into a dummy load, you dummy load is an antenna--just not a very good one. It is not unheard of for a QSO to occur and one station is still using a dummy load after testing. Also try to keep the FM and AM emissions up in the voice areas of the band plans so as not to interfere and disrupt CW and digital communications. Good video and looks like a decent little amp.
The QSO situation you described most likely has more to do with RF coupling into the antenna at the antenna/dummy load selector switch than the actual dummy load’s radiated emissions. It would also depend on the dummy load’s construction. A light bulb “dummy load” is a surprisingly good antenna.
Built in tuner? Built in SWR Analyzer? Built in battery? Small form factor? SDR upgradable? Different mission - This is for the outdoor QRP enthusiast that wants more power when home.
What a stupid combo not to say a waste of money. Why would anyone spend big bucks on a qrp radio when there are multiple portable 100w radios that you can dial back to 5w. Who is going to lug all that crap
If anyone is transmitting FM on 40m, I can assure you no one is listening, except the FCC, and they already have their hands full with idiots on 7.200.
@@RobPetty622 The difference is that 40 years ago you could hear something useful and you could talk with humans beings. Noe you hear only lunatics exchange characteristics or hear Russian, corean and Chinese broadcasts.
Seems crazy to me to invest that much money in a Chinese rig, very basic and just about same money I can do a lot better. WOW over a grand for the 2 ...wow brother , not for me, specially a Chinese outfit . NOWAY , NO HOW. I love your videos, I really like you, but that outfit, too me is just not practical.KD9GRP
Yeah maybe this is mainly for Ham’s who want the extra power after the fact that they bought the QRP radio. Good video and it’s always nice to see you! 73
That amp makes the X5105 a legitimate first HF radio!!!
Solid video Eric. I just ordered an X5105,. I dont plan on the amp, but nice to know that this pairs up so well. Good stuff
I like that amp. I think I want to match it up with a Hermes Lite 2 next year.
Thanks for the video. ;) 73
For a few bucks more if your running data modes the Xiegu DE19 (to replace the CE19) has a sound card like a digirig included in the “break-out" circuitry. Digi-rig will work but makes the amp auto functions problematic because it populates the mini din on the radio requiring a "Y" connection which I haven’t tried. Also the 125b still doesn’t meet the fcc spec on 160 meters (only 30 db from fundamental carrier on harmonics). All other bands it’s fine and a great amp/total solution for minimal wiring. I think a little pricey compared to off brand separate amp and tuner. Still a great system. Yes, I am enjoying mine.
For those looking for portable and base operation this combination is good if expensive, they get the best of both worlds. IC7300 + X5105 or another qrp radio will cost more.
For those moaning about the video showing unethical transmissions , he was transmitting to a dummy load.
You could still take the amp portable if you want , bring a couple of LiPo batteries and off you go.
Is the IC7300 a better radio ? I don't own one but I am sure it is but the X5105 + amp is great for someone who wants to work portable and can use it as their base station without buying another radio.
Hi Eric, thanks for the demo. Did you ever measure the 1 dB compression-point on various bands? All the review videos I've seen so far show saturation at about 90 Watts! I'm concerned that the shown DC "supply" voltage seems to drop badly on TX.... 73! Tim
I may have to get one of these amps to go with my Yaesu 817 ND. This would make it worth while to put in my vehicle so I can have a mobile HF radio then pack the 817 and go in the field. I wish Yaesu had done something like this them selves.
Sell it and get an 857d. Then you'll have the same radio, only you'll have an amp built in!
You are enjoyable to watch /listen to.
I will be buying that amp for sure!!!
Thanks for the helpful video quick question what do you use as a power supply or how do you power the radio / amp while using it thanks I’m new to the hobby.
Eric, if you did buy this amplifier, would you please do a demo to show it working with a non-Xiegu QRP radio? Xiegu claims it will work with any QRP radio, but then states that you need the CE-19 module for it to work with it's own X5105. If it truly does work easily with any QRP rig it makes it a more valuable purchase for me.
I also want to how it works with any qrp radio.
Thanks
X5105 is a nice little qrp rig... latest update has CW decode, along with audio equalizer, and 10 keyer/psk memories you can send with a button on the mic; the amplifier is a tad squirrely to use as first (this video demo apparently uses a dummy load; it's a lot different if you attach it to a non-resonant antenna); amp will shutdown if you don't use the exact correct approach on tuning; the manual is probably the worst i've ever read for any piece of ham gear (even the current one on-line doesn't match the amp, and still refers to the now-discontinued rig, the X108G); there is no hint on using the Xiegu G1M w/this amp, nor any hint about hooking up other transceivers; manual refers to tuning using CW at 5W, but this does not work; the amp does work with the Xiegu G90, but it's not as plug-and-play as this demo makes the operation seem; you must use a very specific approach and sequence for tuning and then transmitting - this is not documented in the manual
Can you document specifics?
Other than not being able to have the smaller 5w stand-alone rig, the Icom IC-7100 is only $820 after rebate, instead of $1200 for this combo. It even does 2m and 440mhz. Even the IC-7300 is $1000 after rebate.
My comment exactly, An FT-897 is $600 range and you can always turn down to 5W for QRP operation. An it is more portable than carrying both the Xiegu boxes.
The 7100 is terrible for SOTA work. This set up allows choices.
Good demo. The first non "B" version of the amp would not meet FCC spurious radiation requirements. I'm glad that Xiegu stepped up to the plate and corrected that issue with the "B" model.
I see you did not get 100 watts out. Is there an ALC setting that you can adjust so you can get 100 watts out. Yes, I know the DB difference between the two power levels is not a big deal. I was just curious ?
Barry, KU3X
I like it when you repeat that an antenna tuner only matches the impedance and doesn't make the antenna perform any better. So many hams can't understand this. They think that as long as a tuner can tune, they are good to go and their antenna performs great. This is so wrong! A tuner should only be used to correct a slight mismatch between the antenna and transmitter. This is why most reputable radio manufacturers only limit their internal tuners to 3:1 SWR or less.
That's why you have to manually adjust the physical characteristics of your antenna system and use an antenna analyzer to make sure you are getting as close a match as possible for the frequencies you want to use. Once you are close enough, then you can let the antenna tuner do the rest.
I am getting raped on the previous video of antenna tuners.. They hate me.. LOL
Awesome video and beautiful dx ham equipment I got me and my sweetie 2 baofeng radios looking to build up a base station someday once I get a place out of my apa.rtment complex they don't like bleed over to we'll that's why we have portable 5 watt radios for now I'm x navy communications desert storm 73s to ya take care out there
Thanks for the review. I found it helpful. I recently picked up a G90 and have been thinking about getting the amp. The G90 is priced right for what it offers but the amp is way over priced and as others said, if you are going to spend a grand you might as well get a decent rig. If this was in, say, the $200 range it would make sense. I want to put a kit together for travel. I want to have the 100watts and power supply for back at the hotel but when I am off hiking up the side of a mountain I just want the G90 a wire ant and a couple of batteries. I would be interested to know if there are other compatible amps on the market.
Hi, great video and thanks for sharing. I have a G90 and would like to get the amp. If the amp is used in manual mode, do you have to use the CE-19 interface and connect it to the amplifier . The reason I ask is I use a SignaLink for data modes, and that uses the ACC port on the G90. If I can use the amp in manual mode then am I right in saying I could leave the cable from SignaLink plugged into the ACC port of the radio ?
WORKS GREAT WITH THE ICOM 705. No special cables or adapter boxes needed.
Did you get the auto band switching to work? Did you use the CE-19?
@@dennisschultz1175 No, and did not use.
@@kenthufford743 So direct wire into the back of the 6 pin mini din?
@@dennisschultz1175 Pin 2 is PTT and Pin 6 is ground for the 6pin mini din.
I would of liked to have seen the amp draw at different power settings.
I almost gagged when I checked the price of XPA125B ($550.00) on Amazon. Have you looked at the PAX100 amplifier by Radioddity? It is designed to work with the X5105 and the G0.
Is the output wattage adjustable on the radio, to give you 5 watts on all band or is it a fixed value?
Whoa… You sure got that amplifier nice and hot. I saw that reading go up as high as 45°C.
VE7NDE
is this the only amp in the world w/o. a RCA jack for key??
In the 11m lane, someone managed to open the station. and how did you do it. Thanks 73!
Eric! Any word on MFJ selling the panadapter in the near or distant future?
Not yet...stay tuned!
Price of both of those components together is comparable to the IC-7300 price - Its clear to me which way to go.
I have my Icom IC-7100 for 2 mts / 440 to be used at home and for the park and
field day too. Only cost me $700 after $200 rebate.
newb question. you stress it doesnt tune your antenna...can you still hurt your radio then? or is it still being filtered thru the amplifier before it gets to your radio?
..can you do something on police scanners & the digital direction they're going & everything..? thanks..
Funny you should ask, yes, however I havent got a scanner yet. The Uniden scanner is like $600 bucks but it is sweet. Not on the priority at the moment.
My 891 is the same size and is 100w and can do qrp if I want!
The good thing about this amp is that it is running at only 50% of the output devices capabilities, which keeps it in the linear part of the operating curve. You are unlikely to blow the output.
Maybe if someone is a heavy QRP operator and occasionally wants to TX from the home QTH, otherwise there are better options from the big manufacturers.
Having choices is what it's all about.
Looks like a good match the small radio and the amp. the radio looks to be a good value, did you mention the cost of the amp, perhaps I missed it. If the amp is a good value I would go ahead and buy it, KB9JQV
I only wish the tuner in the amp was as good as the one in the G90!
Ke0 uef Chuck hear love your videos keep up the good work love the radio check them out a little bit over my pay grade Niceville really nice 73
Cool. But at $1150 for the pair it's a pretty big ask.
Add up same price for comparable KX3 and amp, ouch!
For that much money you could almost buy a Elecraft KX3
Check out the bird 4314 C.
That one does peak reading
I never got people buying a QRP radio then spending more money on a separate amplifier, Just buy a 100W radio like a FT-891 or similar. They're small and portable for field use. Kind of like why buy an IC-703 when you can buy an IC-706. (just as an example)
Because those rigs are not good for trail or SOTA work. The draw to much power on receive. With this setup you get some choices.
Why is Visio so dark?
Good video and review. But,, in order for me to buy this, it would have to be cheap. And I mean like baofeng cheap. 200 maybe??
MSRP?
I followed the MFJ Enterprises link. They sell it for $549.95.
ATU = antenna tuning unit
謝謝，你選擇中國產品。
(*&^%%^&^%$#@#$%^%$#@#$%
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹☕☕
I'll keep my Elecraft gear!
Bacana
Price is pretty stupid.
From Red China??!!
In future videos please be vigil to stay within the limits of you license. You were transmitting on the band edge in FM and AM modes. Being at the band edge, your emissions were below the limit for the license. About 4 to 6 Khz below the band edge. While you may think this is fine because you were transmitting into a dummy load, you dummy load is an antenna--just not a very good one. It is not unheard of for a QSO to occur and one station is still using a dummy load after testing. Also try to keep the FM and AM emissions up in the voice areas of the band plans so as not to interfere and disrupt CW and digital communications.
Good video and looks like a decent little amp.
This is not the first time this operator has done this...
The QSO situation you described most likely has more to do with RF coupling into the antenna at the antenna/dummy load selector switch than the actual dummy load’s radiated emissions. It would also depend on the dummy load’s construction. A light bulb “dummy load” is a surprisingly good antenna.
Give him a break...he's from Florida! Lol
Please be vigil and pay attention - He was on a dummy load when he did that.
Buy a FT 891 for less than $600
Built in tuner? Built in SWR Analyzer? Built in battery? Small form factor? SDR upgradable? Different mission - This is for the outdoor QRP enthusiast that wants more power when home.
What a stupid combo not to say a waste of money. Why would anyone spend big bucks on a qrp radio when there are multiple portable 100w radios that you can dial back to 5w. Who is going to lug all that crap
AGAIN, FM on 40m IS NOT LEGAL....
N0RDC
I am curious as to where in FCC Part 97 does it state that FM is
not legal on 40 meters. AB9VM
He was transmitting into a dummy load... so who cares...
If anyone is transmitting FM on 40m, I can assure you no one is listening, except the FCC, and they already have their hands full with idiots on 7.200.
I think the whole thing is complete waste of money. Just buy a 100 w HF radio. Now there you go. 😉
This hobby became only about spending money.
Guardian Observer New bear has come out since the hobby began. And that new gear was never free.
@@RobPetty622
The difference is that 40 years ago you could hear something useful and you could talk with humans beings. Noe you hear only lunatics exchange characteristics or hear Russian, corean and Chinese broadcasts.
Seems crazy to me to invest that much money in a Chinese rig, very basic and just about same money I can do a lot better. WOW over a grand for the 2 ...wow brother , not for me, specially a Chinese outfit . NOWAY , NO HOW. I love your videos, I really like you, but that outfit, too me is just not practical.KD9GRP