Top 10 Reasons Why I bought a Xiegu X6100?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, I'll share with you what pushed me to buy a Xiegu X6100.
This video is sponsored by Contingency Medical. Use code "techprep10" to save $10.00. Visit contingencymedical.com?apply-promo=techprep10&ref=35 and get your kit now.
0:00 Introduction
0:38 What held me back from buying it?
3:15 Contingency Medical Ad
4:07 Why did I buy it?
5:24 Reason #1 - Internal battery
6:18 Reason #2 - Built-in Tuner
7:24 Reason #3 - Small Footprint
8:00 Reason #4 - Price Point
8:31 Reason #5 - Currently Available
9:09 Reason #6 - 10 Watts
9:44 Reason #7 - Built-in Sound Card
10:49 Reason #8 Variable Power Settings
11:14 Reason #9 - Waterfall Display
12:27 Reason #10 - SWR Analyzer
13:47 Loadout Approach
16:20 Close
SUPPORT
www.buymeacoffee.com/thetechp...
RADIO GEAR
1. Xiegu X6100 - amzn.to/3OVgbg1
2. Male-to-Male DC Cables - amzn.to/3XSAcYL
3. Universal DC Connectors - amzn.to/3uhKELZ
4. Panasonic CF-20 Toughbook - amzn.to/3U2Vpg8
#thetechprepper #xiegu #hamradio
Totally agree - This thing "radios" well... but every extra feature is just a tad off. Luckily I'm a linux hacker and I love it for tinkering... The tinkering is enough of a feature that I enjoy having it in my collection.
I echo your sentiments. If it wasn't hackable, it would be a hard no. It has its share of issues. For example, I can't even record a message without getting a ton of audio feedback. But, I also have not touched the firmware yet. Great work, my friend.
T.O. is now known as the "1234 Hacker" haha😉
So much potential in the 6100. Get at it Steve so its all fixed before i get one.👍😁
@@TheTechPrepper Do you have any xiegu x6100 videos planned?
@@kennethrussell5604 I shelved the project until I tackle a larger software project that I've been working on for the last two years. I'll revisit the X6100 late this year or early next year.
@The Tech Prepper can't wait till you're finished got my interest. Since I started your videos, I'm years ahead of where I was comm wise thanks!
I have owned mine now for about nine months and absolutely love it! I appreciate the regular firmware updates and feature enhancements. Once they get the Bluetooth audio working, it will be golden in my book.
Thanks for sharing your success story. It has a lot of potential. I like it more every day. 73
I’m so glad I found your channel, very interesting stuff!
Awesome, thank you! Welcome to the party.
Thanks for another viewpoint on this, and it was nice meeting you a the Hamfest last weekend.
You're welcome. It was nice to meet you, Tim. I plan to setup as vendor at theTBARC hamfest in January. 73's.
Thanks to you and Steve, I'm looking forward to obtaining FW that will fulfill this little radio's potential. I am putting Anderson power pole connectors on everything and using tie-wraps that I can write on for all of my gear now. I want it quick and easy to identify, especially when it comes to programming cables! Great video, thanks!
Smart man, labeling your cables. I made the mistake of not doing it one time.
I like your ideas for your software solution. Hope it all works out.
I'm thoroughly enjoying your tech videos Gaston.👍🤠
Glad to hear it
very cool set up! I had not seen that radio before
It's an interesting radio. Glad you found it helpful. Cheers.
Great opener!!
Thank you. It was fun learning how to do that effect. Cheers!
Every reason you cite makes 100% sense. If there is a way to run a 'lite' version of emcomm on the radio itself, that is huge for plug-n-play usability. Add in the other benefits and it really does make a compelling case. Maybe there is something that can be constructed to provide some physical protection to the screen area and that might help mitigate the biggest failure point if it gets knocked around. That is where the 817/818 shines - it's not a touch screen and the real estate of the screen is small. Awesome work as always. Mike KC8OWL.
Emcom Lite on the 6100 would be a major boon. As its a Linux radio, I wonder if it would be possible to extend the memory with a USB stick. If so, it might be possible to full size Ecom on the radio and run everything on the USB memory stick as a virtual drive.
Don't feel bad for looking for current hardware to make better! The X6100 is an interesting radio and I toyed with the idea of purchasing one. I haven't yet but you may yet convince me. Thanks for sharing and I look for to your videos of you putting the X6100 through it paces. 73!
It's an interesting radio for sure. I was really pleased with the ease of integrating it with a computer. I plan to post a small blog article on the settings that I used under Linux as well as how I configured Hamlib (rigctld) to automatically start and stop when the radio is connected/disconnected.
Pretty cool video. I expected as much from this assessment, the Xiegu X6100 is usable, but I don't hear much about it being someone's favorite radio. Glad there are folks like you and Steve KM9G who will test these out and share the experiences.
I haven't watched really any of the videos on the X6100 yet, but I assumed that the community was 50/50 on this rig. If it wasn't for Steve and his work, this would be a definite pass. Running around with a small footprint HF radio, a simple wire antenna, and a smartphone/tablet could change things. Keep your fingers crossed. I am looking at this through the lens of an underpowered RPi with a powerful SDR. Lots of possibilities. Thanks for the view and comment.
GMan, adapt and concquer!! You are like a ECCOM wizard. See a need, make a tool and move on. Solid logic, great solution. 👍
Great video again. I have a X6100 too and in my experiences it is much more rugged than I expected. I used it in the summer on a 14 days sailing trip on a historic 3 mast bark. I sent you a winlink mail back then :-) I operated from the deck in nearly any weather conditions. So the rig took salty air, I dopped it on the deck twice :-( The side handles prevented it from major injuries :-) Worked 406 (random) contacts with 5-10 watts, and did a lot of winlink work too. Some scheduled ssb contacts with my hometown Mainz worked also well. Seeing your EMCOM tools running on it would be really great! The concept of using an smartphone or a tablet as a frontend is awsome! 73, Stephan, DF6PA
I really enjoyed that Winlink email from you. Sending your message from a sailboat halfway across the world using radio is exactly what this channel is about. Glad to hear that it's proving to be a more robust rig than my initial hands-on first impressions. 73's
Saltwater is magic for propagation and a sailboat can be a very quiet RF environment.
I took a trip to Canaveral National Seashore. When I turned on my FT-857D I heard three distinct QSOs on one frequency, which each group unaware of the other. It was a real treat have a near zero noise floor, especially when my home QTH typically faces an S8-S9 noise floor.
@@vironpayne3405 oh yes the noise floor was so low. I double checked more than once if I connected the antenna correctly ☺️
I worked V31 from the Biscaya with only 5 Watts. Just a few thousand miles of water between us 😂
I have had this Radio since Jan 2022 and I love it. It has some issues as you say, but so do other radios. This has a load of useful features like being able to unlock and use on other bands in an emergency (e.g. CB radio) it also has a PTT so using 6m for close range stuff it can be a BIG WalkieTalkie. If you pair it with a K6ARK EFHW antenna it is even smaller than a packtenna! It can run FT8 and I assume JS8Call on the actual radio. It has Bluetooth for CAT and Audo so when that gets updated and works properly connecting to a phone/tablet or laptop wirelessly would be brilliant. I think you should allow it all to run on the radio with no phone as an option - I think that a phone is a really weak link honestly. Being able to choose from either would be the best of all I guess. If radio only we can just connect a USB keyboard or one of those small bluetooth keyboards. Allowing the radio to boot off the SDCard to run EmComm Tools would mean that even the "experts" can run the radio as normal and throw the SD Card to run up EmComm tools. In any case I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with, good luck with it!
I like your thinking of running Ecom tools from an SD card in the radio. That would make the 6100 a must have tool for many Ecom operators.
Good stuff. No need to apologize for “toys”. Trying out different ideas and playing radio is how we learn. Doing it with specific goals just enhances the learning task. A group needs people that do the stuff you do to figure out the best configurations. Besides, prepping means being flexible, and the experience all builds up. You certainly aren’t the first guy to discover that cheap toys often can do some jobs better than the top shelf products.
Another interesting video. I had ignored this transceiver until now.
I ignored it for the last year, but the ability to tweak the software changed my perspective of this rig. More updates coming as soon as I have a breakthrough. This project is lower on my list of priorities.
Yo Yooooo ! Once again great content Gastone! I really enjoy how you broke the pros and cons Down. You know that I'm a fan of this particular radio ( and the G90) for The Fun Factor and the fact that it has been a toy( I had low expectations) for me! I was waiting to see what you thought! The Sound Card Makes My life easier ( especially in the field). Qrp Baby!! #SOTA
Hey, man. Thanks for popping in and dropping a comment. The built-in sound card is really nice. Cheers.
Ham radio saved my life, video on my channel. Studying to upgrade my license now. Thanks for the great video.
You're welcome! I'll check it out.
Gaffer tape over the SD card slot. I have the 100 watt amp that goes with that mounted in the rig so I have full power when at the car and can play with it remote pretty easy. A stick on screen protector works well and if you break the screen, you can just replace it as it is a standard size on the market vs a custom one ICOM has, etc. software is a PITA though. I’m hopeful the community will develop an open source replacement soon. You seam like a great person to spear that effort especially with your emcom tools. You might be the guy that radio is waiting for.
These tips are fantastic. Thank you. We'll see how this little experiment turns out. I'll update you if this idea ends up being viable.
The main reason I have considered radios like the 705 and 6100 is the size and power consumption. Between the small size and lower power consumption, I can have more space for water or just less weight.
I have heard all the problems, that's why I have leaned towards the 705, that and I prefer higher quality.
I'm going up on a hill soon with my new pack.
I am not thrilled with the power consumption on RX on this rig, but it has a bunch of redeeming features given the price point.
Another enlightening video! Since you didn’t relegate it to being a over priced Chinese door stop is encouraging. Looking forward to your dissecting and further evaluation! 🤓
Thanks, bud. Don't buy anything yet. Thanks for the support as always. I used your light in this video. Thank you! I still need to figure out how to exploit it to its full potential. I have halo rings on my pupils. I'll trade you lighting tips for comms tips.
Every Xeigu owner I've talked to sees Xeigu as a good value radio, in spite of minor quirks or short comings.
Good to step out comfort zone and broaden perspective
I have one and it's an interesting option. I agree - the ability to hack the unit to load your own personalized software options makes it quite attractive. For me an experimental tool that has potential.
It sits beside my 705/tx500/KX2/KX3 as options and one day I will settle on 1 or maybe 2. This one has that potentail.
I'm with Gaston on trying to keep with 1 or 2 radio families, so you don't have to worry about relearning menus you haven't used in months. I'm stuck in FT-897 & FT-857 land, until a new 100W shack-in-box rig hits the market that is geared to portable use. The FT-991 and IC-7300 don't hit the portable operation too well.
I did sell my wide banded IC-706mkiig to a visually impaired new ham as its simple menu structure and front panel I thought might suit him well.
I don't know how many operators I've seen pull out their KX3 after 6mo of not using it spend half their time navigating menus, instead of operating.
The FT-897/857 and IC-706 struck a pretty good balance on menus and buttons. Especially the IC-706.
I like that this radio has Noise Reduction, something the G90 doesn’t and makes a big difference for me. For this reason I’ve been using my 6100 or 891 more than the G90. Thanks for the video!
The DNR is really nice and very pleasant when the bands are noisy. The FT-891 has an exception DSP and DNR. I love y FT-891. It's one of my favorite HF rigs. 73's
I have been using the X6100 as my primary HF rig in the field for the last 10 months. I travel full time in my RV and I POTA with this rig. My QSL card on my QRZ page shows me activating with the X6100 and a CHA EMCOMM IIIP from the middle of the Bonneville Salt Flats. That’s not somewhere I would take any radio that costs more than a grand (except maybe the TX500). It’s not the best at anything (the tuner is pretty darn good), but it’s good at enough things, and it can do more than anything else I have found when size, weight, and price constraints apply. For digital, it is a Swiss Army Knife. I’m not a CW guy (yet), so I could not say anything about that, but it radios on SSB and Digital a lot better than it should, and I don’t feel like I have to baby it like I would with a more expensive rig. As for Chinese radio surprises, the Aliunce HD1 is a rugged piece of kit that you get at a phenomenal price. I have 10 for my crew and it’s built almost as ruggedly as a Moto.
73 de KI5PDK
The Ailunace HD is an exception to the rule as is the AnyTone 878. I gave away my HD1 when I 10K subscribers. It's a great radio with some very nice rugged features. I plan to buy a pair next year when I get into DMR.
This is the sisters still belting it out. Rockin rockets 🚀
For dust and water protection, (raspberry pi) there is something called 'conformal coating', a silicone-based fluid that when brushed on will protect a circuit board. MG Chemicals 422C
A comment if you don’t mind. First, let me say this was an outstanding fantastic video you did. I’m talking about the 6100 Xiegu now.
When I first bought it last year, I had high hopes for it. And sure enough it had problems. For example, you could not finetune it. That portion just did not work. But finally with the last upgrade, I have spent quite some time with the radio. Thank goodness because before when I bought it, I left it in a box and wanted to spit on it every time I walked past. But after I made the last software upgrade it now has wonderful fine tuning and I actually was able to send Vara HF Winlink email over it with just the USB/usb C cable that came with it. I also did WSPR with it. And was able to find tune and do CW with it. It seems like the little box with its upgrade is coming into its own. So I think now if someone talks about it, they should first upgrade the 6100 with the latest firmware and find out that it is coming into its own. I really really like the 6100 now however there’s one thing I do not like. And that is the cheap rinky-dink tinny sound coming out of its speaker. But other than that, with a set of earbuds, I can hear it pretty clearly, and if I was to go portable and want to grab a quick radio that has an internal battery and yes, it has an internal antenna tuner I am giving second thoughts about it and may start carrying it whole lot more. With its internal battery and microphone on the front of it you can almost use it like a walkie-talkie. So the 6100 to me is coming around. I think it can safely be considered when looking for a QRP radio. Because it can also do all the digital modes. Finally, the fine-tuning works. So don’t discount that Xieugu x6100 anymore until you’ve done the last software upgrade, and I think you will be quite impressed.
Oh yes, I don’t want to forget, saying that I was so easily able to send Vara HF Winlink email “without” an external sound card. The one built in this little box is doing just a great job. So this little boy is climbing the ladder.
Comment all you want. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Aside from the low built quality, the X6100 has a lot to offer, especially with regard to its ability to update and improve the capabilities in software. Have you seen the new aftermarket firmware that was recently developed? th-cam.com/video/9lxXWvlGQ1g/w-d-xo.html
The reasons you provided is the reason I bought it. It just fits every criteria I want. The major knockback is the small screen for Linux (sight has really went to crap in the past four years) and not being all-band. The second issue I asked Steve about a long time ago, and I'm guessing him and TOADS have not figured it out as he mentioned it maybe a hardware issue. But, he has not mentioned anything about it since then so I'm guessing it's an impossibility without do major modding.
You make an excellent point..."it just fits every criteria I want". Pick the radio that meets your requirements and budget. T.O. seems to have some renewed interest in the X6100 and the Github project. I've been chatting him outside of Discord. No time for another chat program. Cheers.
The MCHF radio runs Linux as well and is very capable QRP rig. 5 to 10 watts. Smaller less delicate radio with smaller but similar display. You can purchase built or build yourself. DId you consider MCHF? Not as popular but I’m really enjoying it and have some high hopes for it.
That idea with the 818 and a band scope would be great! I’ve wandered about this radio, thank you for the review! 73 de WW4FL
Just as a toss it out there deal. N-connectors offer ruggedness and water proofing. Admittedly that is more important here in the Southeast than in the desert. Also, if you are looking for weather tight enclosures, consider aviation panel connectors. That was Lab599’s approach with their Discovery TX-500. Marine connectors also have advantages but seem to be heavier and pricier.
It sounds like you have another great project in the works, Gaston.
The Xeigu may not be the build quality of Japanese or a USA radio, but overall the feedback is they are a great value in most cases.
For me the drawback on the 6100 is no 2m and 70cm. 2m is a workhorse band all around, including Ecom.
A full S-unit of 5W to 20W in my mind a plus that the 6100 does not have.
Have you played with Bluetooth control dongles for your FT-857D? I believe that may allow use of your phone or tablets soundcard to drive the radio and possibly data to drive a waterfall from the radio.
Good luck! Thanks for another thoughtful video!
Yeah, something else to compete for my time, but this project has potential to really simplify things and at a reduced price point.
Like you, I am a huge fan of all-band, all-mode rigs as 2m SSB is a very powerful tool for local comms. In fact, this is the subject of next week's video. I just picked up a FT-897 at a great price at a local hamfest.
I have not played with BT. The reason is that I still need a computer to handle the digital pieces.
@@TheTechPrepper The FT-897 is a bit of bulky beast, but it is still a great radio. I think you will really enjoy it, especially for net control station use. The FT-857 and FT-897 are essentially the same radio, but the larger FT-897 puts a few things more on a button like RIT and IF Shift instead of under a menu.
If you search carefully you can find a Li prizmatic battery that fits the battery compartment. Unfortunately I deleted the photo I had of the battery in my friends FT-897. It was listed as battery power for an outdoor light. You do have to do some minor carving in the battery compartment and very slight bulge, perhaps a 1/16in or less, in the battery cover.
Good luck! Happy comms!
I think these 5-20W rigs are fine. But have a docking station with boost to 100w and impedance matcher. And for QRP/Mobile, have the "guts" in a box, and have the controls via cell, tablet, laptop.
Not ham, but it uses BT: Lionel. Recent locomotives from train set to high level models can be controlled on the track not from a transformer, or specific clicker, but from an app for c/tl/l!
I agree 👍 with your assessment...it seems to be a disposable/expendable piece of equipment
for particular uses for non-critical environments....it wouldnt be my first choice go-to rig for demanding rugged field operations.
I agree with everything you said. Cheers!
Thank you I have been looking at the 6100 as a solution. The one USB cable interface has a lot of merit.
I bought one recently. It is what it is. I like the size and weight. I like having an onboard tuner but try to run antennas that don't need it. I'm not impressed with the battery life, but I haven't even gotten it "broke in" yet. I used my x6100 (after updating the firmware) to do my first ever POTA activation using the internal battery and transmitting ~5 watts. I paired it up with a CHA-TDL in vertical configuration and the radial kit and was able to make contacts as far as 1800 miles. It's a decent option for that purpose, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. For that I'll step up to an ic-705, ic-7100, ft857, or ft891 with decent batteries and reliable charging system.
Congratulations on your first POTA. The battery life is terrible, but for short commo windows, it looks like it may do the job. I also would not trust this with my life.
@@TheTechPrepper I bought it primarily for POTA and for Maritime Mobile (if I can convince my employer to let me operate when I'm off the clock). It's a great tool for that! I may start carrying it in my ghb after I gain some more experience with it. I bought a 3D printed cage for it from an etsy vendor. I will install it when I get home next week. I really like your idea for a revamped 20 watt ft857 with all the convenient graphics integrated into an off device app. I'd buy two!
I think ( for me) the best radio for high power comms is the FT-891. My favorite radio is the is the Xeigu G90 that I use almost exclusively on CW. However, I just ordered a X6100. The potential as a quick digi mode solution is excellent. Like all things Xeigu it is a work in progress. With a Linux background I see it as an excellent choice as a field rig. For me it is a better choice than the IC-705. No argument overall the IC-705 isn't a better radio, just not the best radio for my purposes.
You almost got me thinking of buying one, almost. Still may for digi work, less cabling used in the feild.
It's a nice unit for digital work. This may be my new EDC digital kit consisting of just the CF-20 tablet (no keyboard) and the X6100 (no mic). Take care, bud.
I like the editing!!! It made me think there was an hdmi port on it for video 😂
Happy Sunday into Arizona 💯🙋♂
Happy Sunday, Guenter. Its 0345 and the coffee is brewing. It's time to seize the day.
@@TheTechPrepper 03:45AM on a Sunday Morning and Gaston is already up and ready to. Hmmm...may be for snow soveling, empty out Rattlesnake Traps...or just getting ready for work? Or ready for portable HAM Radio outdoors?
Have a good one Buddy 💯🙋♂
@@DK5ONV I have been toying with the idea of making a "Day in the life of the TTP". My wife says that no one will watch it. Get up early and get stuff done before the masses wake up.
@@TheTechPrepper Ok then. Hope you having a great Day there. 73 de YFUG 💯👍🙋♂
I was looking at the Xiegu for day hike SOTAs since it small and lightweight and it doesn’t break the bank. I’d rather have a 20w version of the 818 like you mentioned with a way to display a band scope/waterfall on a smart device. You would think Yaesu would be working on something to compete with the Xiegu and Icom 705. 73, KC2KNA
Really like where you are going with the last two videos. I’ve recently hit a wall with digital modes and haven’t had the time to get through my issues because my time is split so much already with family, work, life etc. Making this a kit with easy to follow program to use with it would really help.
Hey don’t be knocking on antenna tuners. I’ve used my gutter as an antenna by using a built in tuner on my G90. Not as good as a dedicated antenna but it’s a nice back up.
Your experience is exactly where I was two years. I hit the wall so many times. It does not need to be this difficult.
A wide band tuner should be part of every kit. I tore apart my OCFD at a QRP event and did not have a spare antenna. Instead of accepting a buddy's hamstick, I hooked up to the pavillion's gutter and an adjacent cast iron grill then tuned it with my MFJ manual tuner. Soon I made an NVIS contact about 150mi away near Tampa, FL on 40m. Then I went up to 20m and broke into a ragchew out west contacting Oklahoma City.
In an ecom or stealth situation being able to load up a metal building or fence could be a major asset.
I enjoyed my Xiegu G90 for over a year before it became unstable. Resets and firmware reloads didn't correct, with no stateside service options I corrected it with a hammer and electrical waste. Disposable radios.
Great video, and thanks for sharing your initial thoughts about this radio, Gaston! I suspected you might be looking into this radio due to its "hackability", which is awesome, but I am still on the fence, regardless. I think the main reason for my indecisiveness is simply because I am more of a VHF and UHF guy. Everything I love about ham radio - FM voice, APRS tracking and messaging, Winlink email, etc. - not only works extremely well on VHF and UHF frequencies, but is perfect for disaster response, as well as my other favorite use for ham radio, which is storm spotting and storm chasing. I look forward to more videos covering your experimentation with this rig. Maybe you'll convince me to eventually take the plunge.
I have always been an all-band, all-mode operator as I really enjoy VHF/UHF for SSB, but also use all the modes that you described. I have given up on trying to finding the "do everything" radio in this foot print. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the long time support on all the platforms.
@@TheTechPrepper I have also come to believe the "do everything" radio simply doesn't exist, as much as I would prefer that it did. Also, I will definitely continue to support you on all platforms; your content is killer and your goals are closely aligned with mine.
@@KenReynolds Thanks, man. The radio community does not have a purple unicorn, yet. If I can ever exit my day job and make it big, I promise to build this radio for emcomm.
@@TheTechPrepper Dude, I'd be the first to sign-up for testing!
Thanks for the review. Actually about the
same price range as the Yaesu FT-891.
73 de W2CH Ray New Hampshire, 60 years
Licensed, 1962-2022.
You're welcome. I have the FT-891, too. It's a superior radio, but it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges. 73 de KT1RUN
Great video, I like the way you process information. Meanwhile... I just bought a 6100 from Radioddity, and it's due here in Texas in a few hours. I'm trying to find the best protection container and like the simi-hard cases in general. You showed a GoPro case. Is this something readily available on Amazon? I plan to carry the radio system in a small field pack with an external battery, pac-12 vertical, a small end-fed, and some edc. Thanks for your case solution and a well exicuted video.
I tried to find the GoPro case as a separate item online, but it did not find anything. I only spent about 5-10 minutes searching, though. Enjoy your new X6100. There's a new firmware made by a Russian ham. Checkout a recent video by Temporarily Offline.
@TheTechPrepper Thanks much. The radio arrived yesterday during Winter Field Day. My first impressions of the 6100 are very good, like the look and solid feel. Thanks for the FW info. I'll continue my search for a case; I think a guy found a generic case that works, and is lighter than that plastic thing being pushed. I'll watch for your next video on the 6100.
I know a guy who has nothing but praise for the X6100. He says that you can change a line of script and force the internal battery to allow 10w output, but obviously it lasts half as long. Could be useful for ultraportable short term ops
Interesting. Something to look into.
You know you talk about how cheap Chinese ham equipment is. First I have a Baofeng hand held and a Wouxon hand held and have really put then thru their paces and they still work well. They are every bit as good as my Yaesu FT-60. I have taken my Xiegu G90 out in the field many times and it has never let me down. I think people just like to say Chinese radios are junk so they don't feel bad for spending a ton of money on more expensive radios with almost the same functionality.
Thanks for the non-biased, non-fanboy evaluation. Yeah the built-in tuner is a compelling draw to this thing . From your discussion I'm thinking this radio could be remotely located with a high gain wifi connection to facilitate laptop control. You'd have to mirror the GUI of the radio but it would be a cool project for multiple user access to one low band radio.
I just bought a brand new 818 at MTC Radio online. It looks like they might have some more available but she said its their last ones
I wonder if the 45W MX-P50M Amp w/c is compatible with FT-817 and Elecraft KX2 be paired with X6100. Thanks in advance.
How many minutes could be used in Rx only? Is it possible to reduce screen light?
What was that little antenna? Newbie here looking for an affordable, portable entry into the field of HAM.
Do you have a link for that GoPro case? Thanks! Great video.
Unfortunately, no. It's the one that comes with the GoPro Hero 9 and 10.
I have used this radio several times for portable operating...you will need to add a heat sink and/or fans if you plan on running high duty cycle or digital using this radio.
I appreciate the tip. Thanks!
You can buy a display for the ft857! Color and not two expensive.
I know this video is year old. Since all the updates since then do you feel the same if so or not why?
I know you are busy working on other stuff. But... is their any update on this? Did you do the latest firmware update? I am new and trying to find a budget HF rig.
This project was put on hold shortly after making this video. I'm
focusing on my EmComm Tools project for the rest of the year. Check Temporarily Offline's channel. He covers the X6100 quite a bit.
Great commentary. This radio has a lot of features that the Japaneses radios are missing and shoes that this manufacturer in forward looking. Am worried about customer support and repair, however. Thanks for the great presentation. W9LGH
I recently got my General and I liked the idea of QRP radios and backpacking/camping with those small rigs. Based on some recommendations (even this channel) I got a FT-818. Its a great radio but 5W I didn't get much contacts. I was able to make one contact on 20m so far and I was at 5000ft elevation. At ground level my CQ calls get no answer with 5W (20m). Since I plan to do more POTA and SOTAs in the future I ordered a FT-891. You can adjust power from 5W to 100W and if you can reach with 5W you will reach with 50W or 100W. I was planing to buy the Xiegu 6100 since its such an attractive radio, but after my disappointing results on 5W with the FT-818, I'm not sure if its a radio that I will have a use for. Thx
Congrats on your upgrade. QRP is rough when you first get started. I took that approach, and it was painful, but it was a great experience. You'll have a much better time with 891.
@@TheTechPrepper Everyone that I spoke too that runs QRP a lot, told me its a more challenging and its more work and prep, but it will make you a better operator down the road. I wont ditch QRP, but I will try to fine tune all aspects of it over time so I can maximize the usage of low power transmitters. I met a QRP guy from Italy that told me: "everyone can run 1000W and make contacts, but not everyone can run 5W and still have fun". :)
@@jolebole-yt I echo and confirm that as well. I am blessed that I started with 5 watts. It will push you to using resonant antennas and becoming a better operator. The sweet spot is about 20 watts. It's the perfect mix of getting your signal out and conserving power.
I like these form factors, but they all seem to lack the UHF capability (2m/70cm), which I see as a necessity. One other thing I wanted to mention, that RJ-45 cable. I would caution anyone against just grabbing a random cable with RJ-45 connectors on each end and just using it. You should first verify that the pin-out matches that of the cable you're replacing because they may not be identical on both ends. I have a couple of things laying around that use these types of connectors for controllers and I've found that they are not straight through. Sometimes a couple of the pins are swapped on one end and sometimes they don't use all the wires in the cable.
I am trying to remember the proper name for the Ethernet cable with a couple of reversed pins. I want to say, "bridge cable."
Like you, 2m and 70cm are a must for an Ecom radio. That is why I am still running FT-897D and FT-857D radios.
If there were a 100W version of the IC-705 I think it would be worth upgrading. The FT-991 and IC-7300 don't fit portable ops too well.
@@vironpayne3405 are you thinking of a crossover cable.
Looks like it could a nice rig with the updates coming. Subscribed to your channel. 73, WG7D
This rig has a lot of potential. Welcome to the channel.
You will need to remove the sim from your phone before, as you suggest, turning it on to see the waterfall via bluetooth
i just got my x6100 and am really looking forward to emcom tools ! my group is useinng the 6100 as out vehical /pack portable radio we are useing the k6ark 49:1 efhw
Your group is on the right track. I enjoy seeing groups standardize on gear to meet their needs. Good luck and be safe.
i will say that the built in cw decode is fantastic its been helping me learn CW!
Should of tested out the fx-4cr transceiver. Smaller and it fits the winlink and js8call in the bag. Just saying.
What I would like to see is a "pick one from column A and one from column B" approach where A is a radio that is simple and bulletproof and B is any computer. You make an excellent point that a large computer screen is a liability in terms of reliability and durability on a radio.
How about a radio with only three connectors; power, antenna, and USB or Ethernet? No display, no knobs, just a waterproof solid brick built like a Sherman tank.
That is an interesting thought, a Sherman tank radio with no screen and only three connections. Are you thinking of a dumb control panel and accessing everything via interfacing to a phone or tablet? If its bullet proof reliable that could be interesting.
I actually prefer the Android version of NBEM fldigi & flmsg on a phone or tablet over the PC version. The Android version loses about 25% of the modes, but the seemless integration and simplicity gained makes it a real winner.
@@vironpayne3405 Exactly! You could have a simple, "grunt proof" app for the phone with minimal controls and options and a "full-featured" app for whatever device you prefer. Run whichever is appropriate on any given day.
One advantage of splitting the functionality is the "half-life" of a computer or smartphone is far less than a radio. In my shack, I run a Yaesu FT-1000 MP that came out about 25 years ago but is still a great radio. Clearly, my computers and cell phones from that era are long gone!
That is the real problem with a radio with an internal computer(s) and big displays; they quickly become outdated.
Ok, great, one thing I have learned in life is never wall yourself in, I will never do this or that, I will Always do it this way, ham radio has so many pathways, there are many roads to Rome, with that said I have a Ziegu G90, had it for about 2 years now, and love it for all the reasons mentioned in your video, I also have 3 yaesu c4fm radios they are awesome, there is a saying in the army that becomes a attitude, ADAPT, IMPROVISE, AND OVERCOME, to accomplish the mission, I'd say you are at that point.
Those are wise words to live by. I have heard great things about the G90. I like the form-factor and that it can do 20 watts. It's always a please when you jump into the comments, David.
I’ll stick to my ic705. The cage and how I pack it. It’s gtg for hiking up mountains. Regardless this is still a good radio for a backpack.
Paired with a 100W amp the IC-705 can fulfill just about any conceivable need. I am still hanging on to my FT-897D and FT-857D radios.
@@vironpayne3405 yep. It’s a great rig!!
@@vironpayne3405 recommend an amp?
Im surprised that Icom can’t come up with a demo unit for you to work with. In my experience with the 705 and working with Ion2g ALE it’s top radio on the market for prepper radio.
Which antenna do you run for ALE? I've been looking a terminated folded dipoles.
do you know of any videos that explain what you are talking about in better detail?
Just ordered one, have heard this radio is fairly easy to mod, there’s talk that there may be a mod in the future to get vhf and uhf
Enjoy your new rig. I've heard the same re: 2m/440.
Made the purchase
I have buyers remorse. I'll do the firmware update but daggum. The radio sucks.
This is the future, and we will always love it for opening up that future, but..., and why did they not continue the 20W power of their G-90 with this radio?
If this was a 20 watt radio it would really make this radio a very powerful platform. 20 watts is the perfect balance of enough RF power to get your signal out while keeping power consumption low.
How do we get your tools? are you going to be able to move them to the 6100?
They have not been released yet. No timeline yet as there's a lot of work ahead.
Fantastic video as always, will be great to see What you figure out with it. I have a 705, as well as various yaesu base units and icom/ yaesu handheld, the xeigu looked interesting and from all I've heard from others is that if you were going with a Chinese the xeigu brand is the best. So since those are easier to find new it's awesome that you are able to expand your projected lineup. Might not be to what everyone already has, but definitely makes it more acquirable to people which will expand your target market greatly as well as replaceable components if radios die or can aquire older yaesu rigsover time to expand users inventory. K8CAG
Thanks, Cody. Yes, this will make things easier for most people. One simple package with no computer and a decent price point for something that is readily available. I just need to figure out how to make my software work with the resources constraints (CPU and memory) of this rig. It's a low priority project, but something that I will be poking at. Take it easy.
What GoPro case did you use in this video?
The case that came with the GoPro Hero 9.
Got to tell us where you get those manpacks. I remember you talked about it in a vid before but it's hard finding anything like it.
There was an entire series on my manpack builds for various radios.. Here's the first video in that series: th-cam.com/video/344QZ79_5EQ/w-d-xo.html
The bag in this video is a custom manpack that I designed called the TTP Manpack. I sold out of the pre-order, but I will announce the public release next year.
I remember asking you about it in the comments, and you said you didn't like it, but I was asking because it is hacked or all band, so potentially ran to a tough book it opens up ALL bands, in a possible scenario where jamming could occur, that is a major advantage, also with the hacked OS, it could allow better integration, I believe its linux based so potentially (in theory, do not ever test encryption it is illegal) it could run kaltura or however its spelled to automatically enrcypt messages, running it through python for automation, so there could be digital hf encrypted comms. It has a lot of potential, despite being cheap Chinese breakable shit
It has potential. Hackability is the only reason why this is on the bench at the moment. I am considering experimenting with symmetric key encryption and messaging with limited modes as the first test here. The only thing I need to figure out is how to put the X6100 into "host AP" mode so that I can run a hotspot. If the native WiFi adapter does not work, I should be able to get a USB-C WiFi dongle to achieve this goal.
I want to like this radio but like you I have a hard time trusting Chinese radios. I have a G90 but it will always be in the toy category. For any serious situation I’ll be grabbing my 818 or 891.
Which goprob case?
Vamos ser realistas! Os equipamentos japoneses são muito bons, todavia estão com preços muito elevados e não são em código aberto onde você mesmo pode alterar suas funcionalidades ou até mesmo melhora-las com o transcorrer do tempo. A relação custo benefício do Xiegu x6100 entre outros permite uma versatilidade de funções que podem ser aprimorados com o lançamento de novos firmwares. Não é o caso de um Icom, Yaesu ou Kenwood temos um equipamento sem a possibilidade de futuras alterações.
A small strip of tape should work to cover the SD card slot.
Electrical tape for the win. I'm a fan of MacGyver'ing stuff.
I agree with your FT-818 successor recommendations. I hope Yaesu has something great in the works
We'll see. I have held off on buying radios before every big ham radio convention just in case they announce a new worthwhile all-band/all-mode rig (QRP or QRO). It has not happened yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 2024.
I like you have been ignoring this chineasium for the past year. However recent events with on the hackability side including WSTJ-X running on device are making it hard to ignore. I really wish Yaesu would fire into this market with exactly your suggestion here. A solid competitor to this and the 705. Give us all bands like the 705 a fully open BT TNC and leave the big lcd screen to us via phone or tablet to keep it rugged and keep a few bucks off the price. I'd sooner pay $1500 for such a Yaesu than $600 for this but it just doesn't exist. I refuse to buy a 705 on the simple grounds that I won't pay over $100 for anything anymore that isn't type-c certainly not 13x that.
Im not a software guy at all, what I can tell you is the 705 and its WLAN is in a league of its own. Man, Hope it works out for you
can you elaborate?
@@anonymous_friend what I'm saying is I've had the 705 since its release .Out of the box everything worked flawless like WLAN and Bluetooth. Didn't have to wait for dozens and dozens of firmware upgrades or people to hack the radio. I know the 6100 had numerous issues with those features. I haven't followed the progression of the radio because I'm no longer interested in purchasing it, so couldn't tell you if issues have been fixed. I really like operating wireless for many reasons out in the field.
@@Scott11B Oh I'm not interested in any chinese radios. The 705 has always interested me as my first radio, but wish it had more power like the portable yaesu's. I was inquiring mostly about WLAN being in a league of its own. Thanks
@@anonymous_friend ive been on the waiting list for the pa500 amplifier and hoping to have it in the next couple of months. I definitely would like to have some extra power available when needed but for the way I operate 10w is fine. If you want to know more about the 705 in the field watch OH8STN channel off grid ham radio.
I have the Rig Expert Zoom 55, really great 👍. 73 de W2CH Ray New Hampshire.
Very nice. Every time you add another band, those suckers go up in price.
Great videos- You Tube tells me your videos are approved for kids; that should be great for your channel in "reach", if true, but notifications for regular viewers may miss videos and in turn your views.
I still can't check the bell- For all notifications however. my YT settings is for adults, so... humm... Yes I am a prepper too; communications is a weak link at this time for me, but I am technically skilled in several areas. I am licensed for GMRS, but we both know the limits of that. 😃
As soon as you modify the radio with Linux, it's a toy not a tool. It's like reloading hot ammunition on a survival gun and sighting in. Something goes wrong and you only can get your hands on factory. Don't leave anything to chance. Use stable and tested software.
That's a good point. I would never trust this radio with my life even with my software.
I always want something like this, the problem with chinese radio is not the build quality, being a "world factory" for so long time chinese can build excellent products, the main problem is the support. If I am going to purchase any electronics gear I will go for Japan made or any non-chinese ones, such as cell phone, and for Ham gear I will definitely go for ICOM for example, but it would cost lot more and less "hack-able".
find a old android cell phone with the sdcard on the side. and pull out the sdcard drawer and us eit cut it to size.
Tool or toy? Well, I mean... you can play Doom on it - so definite TOOL! LOL
If control of the rig is off board, then no screen to mess up
Bingo.
With Chinese radios you get what you pay for, unfortunately the Baofeng has given the Chinese market a really bad name. But not all Chinese radios are bad, take the Anytone 878 DMR HT, it is actually a very good radio.
You make a good point. I give the UV-5R credit for being a gateway drug that gets people into the hobby with little expense, but they have given the Chinese radio scene a bad name. The 878 is a great HT. I considered getting one after they added full APRS for support. Based on what I am doing theses days, I'll likely stick to my older Yaesu radios. Have a good one.
Thanks fantastic video 73 from kb2uew
Glad you enjoyed it
Ever consider a kx2?
Yes. It's too delicate for me. I am also not a fan of the internal battery. I find the size, weight, low current consumption, and receiver to be really appealing.
Lol… don’t like the 705 but will take the 6100?
I'm pretty sure that I made the point on why this radio. I can rewrite the operating system on the X6100. I am not a fan of either rig. They are both too delicate for my use.
Forgot to mention the redundancy of not needing the hand mic since it's also built in!
Great point. That is a nice feature. It makes it more compact, too.
Just wish for the add of 2m/7c.
Ditto. All-band/all-mode rigs are great.
I set my budget to 700 i bought it for 600 yaesu and i com is all over 1000 to 5000€$
Well the Xiegu G90 is double the wattage, and quite a bit cheaper.
No offense, but how is it "ad-free" when there's an ad in the middle of it?
Not sure. This video is old. At the time it was released there were no ads.
@@TheTechPrepper Ah, ok, that makes more sense, it went from you saying "there are no ads" right into an ad which seemed wild :)