POTA Field Report: Attempting to deplete the Xiegu X5105 internal battery at Lake Norman
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL
Excellent video!
Hi Thomas, after watching your video I ordered this cute x5105 today! Thank you and 73s from the German Baltic Sea, DK7WS Peter
I think you'll like it. It's a very basic but effective field radio. Not meant for contesting, but excellent for the field. Cheers, Thomas K4SWL
Hi Thomas! Great video. I was on the fence before starting to watch, it was either this video or 'The Cure for Insomnia' (85h long btw) I naturally decided for your video and I am glad I did. If I were on the market for another radio, you would have sold it to me. Thanks for sharing.
I can't thank you enough Thomas for these videos. You bring forth the essence of amateur radio more so than the other TH-cam personalities. The Xiegu 6100 is on the horizon and the specs look good. I have an IC-705 and a TX-500 and having so much fun with them. Take care! W5HRH
Thank you so much, Rudy. I really appreciate that. I'm looking forward to checking out the X6100. I really hope it's a great rig out of the gate! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL
I love X5105 and have used it pedestrian portable with the high gain Abbree antenna that tunes to 1.0 SWR on 12 and 1.1-1.2 on 10 and 15!
I can't believe I watched the whole thing... still trying to learn CW and it was fun trying to copy :>
Great job on your CW! You've got this!
Was that reporter Steve Herman W7VOA? I follow him on the socials for news updates. I think Josh at HRCC interviewed him around this time too? Maybe earlier. The guy is really interesting.
Great video❗️need a follow-up on Xiegu 5105 , I am very interested in getting this one❗️
The hamgadgets ultra pico keyer would be very handy here. If you are not aware of it look into it. You could possible put it inside your rig's case...
4 memories
Beacon setting
Pause setting
More....
OK, this is funny: I built one of those a few months ago to pair with my FT-817. I keep forgetting to pop it in the bag when I go on activations. It never crossed my mind to use it with the X5105. Of course! Thanks!
Well Thomas I also made it thru the end of the video, between working in the garage on a bookshelf and playing on the radio. This video has made me ask for this radio for my birthday. It will really sit in the saddlebag of my motorcycle with some speaker wire for sure and nothing else is needed. Long video but it shows what the Xiegu X5150 will do. Thank you.
Oh, now I think an X5105 saddlebag mobile sounds brilliant! Thank you!
Thank you very much for the video.
73s 4S6RSP
My pleasure! Thank you! 73 K4SWL
I own both the g90 and the X5105. Given the choice I would take the X5105 over the G90 any day. It’s a way better radio.
That's how I feel, too. The X5105 is just a better package, in my opinion. Plus, I'm a big fan of top-mounted controls.
I took my X5105 to Scotland last year inbetween lockdowns, and it would last for three straight evenings of FT8 between charges. The SWR graph is a life saver when you're trying to tune up an antenna in a new location. That said, as you've noticed, the on board tuner will cover up a multitude of RF sins :) For price and features it's hard to beat.
Another cool video to watch while at work. I learned something with the video - my IC 705 power cord works with the X5105...brilliant. I believe if you long press either the NB or RIT (I think RIT) it will tell you how much battery is left. I have the radio in my car so couldn't check before posting. 73 and thanks again.
It's the NB button. The battery "percentage" display, however, is really poor on the x5105. Much better to have it display the voltage as you can see what's what.
@@RonanCantwell I knew it was one or the other. I thought for sake of the video I would point that out.
Well.... I did it! I watched the whole video! It took me 3 days, but I did it! Thanks for sharing.
Woo hoo! Congratulations! :) Ha ha! It was a very, very long video.
@@ThomasK4SWL well, it was for the X5105. Don't tell anyone, but I'm the guy that asked for the review. 😏
@@rightpedaldown9346 this ended up being a pricey review for me. Not sure I'm going to jump on your next suggestion!! ;) Ha ha!
Thomas, Help.... Is it possible to brick that radio?.... I have a second hand one. Could use some one on one assistance. If ya ever have a break, I'm good on QRZ. Thanks. W4EMB.
Hi, Ed, Wow--I'm afraid I'd be the wrong person to help here. I never bricked mine and I recently traded it for an FT-891 with a local friend who really wanted an X5105. This might be a good question for a Xiegu discussion group.
@@ThomasK4SWL // Thanks Thomas. Also a friend of mine used the 891. He says to make sure you monitor the voltage as you use it. He says it's sensitive to voltage. So he bought an inline voltage meter to to make sure he keeps it within specs. Thanks for the reply.
You’re making it very tempting for me to go out and buy one of these Thomas
They're great fun. Not the best receiver or audio in the world, but good enough for an effective field radio!
Are the mast sections like aluminum tent poles- shock corded together? How long? About 18 ft whip I guess.
Yes, they are like tent poles and use shock cords. And, yes, I believe it's about 18' when both sections are combined? Would need to confirm that.
Great video...just wandering what Red ox bag that is? I have a qrp ranger myself and need a bag for it...
Thanks..73's
Marc
That is the Red Oxx Hound: www.redoxx.com/the-hound-91087/p
Great bag! I use it for my X5105/QRP Ranger all the time now.
Cheers, Thomas
Kudos to the Groucho quote
And a gard boiled egg!
Another great video, sir!
Thank you!
Hi. How many radials did you use with your mpass and how long were they?
I typically only use one counterpoise with the MPAS Lite and I usually unroll about 25' of it.
I noticed keyers are different for each radio brand. Three of my QCX are the same and both my g90 are same. But my KX2 is so different I have to retrain my fingers. Not so much going between the g90 and qcx. Glad you said that since it confirms what my limited experience determined. It reminded my of my 9mm semi automatic pistols. I took them all out at the range at same time. Every felt different and had a different trigger pull. I was surprised at how totally different they were. All in a good way at that.
Also I always set cw functions the same for all of them. Thus comparing apples to apples.
I would love to see you do an activation using a QCX mini. From QRP labs
Funny thing (that's not so funny): When the QCX Mini was released, I purchased one immediately. Had it delivered to my paretns' home and it arrived when I wasn't visiting them. Someone swiped it from the front porch! Hans told me he'd send another one even though it isn't his fault whatsoever. I haven't asked for him to do so yet because I've too many projects at the moment.
Tell me more about the QRP ranger?
It's a great little LiFePo4 pack made by Hardened Power Systems in Tennessee. I love it. It's not the cheapest battery option, though, as a Bioenno battery is about half the cost, but doesn't include the awesome ABS enclosure. I've had the QRP Ranger for 5 years.
@@ThomasK4SWL excellent quality. I have the Re Volt and it does the job.
My Aunt and Uncle live on Lake Norman. I think I need to visit them again. 🤔😁
I saw you on that portable podcast here on youtube. Was cool to see you pop up on there! I verbally said, "i know that guy" when the podcast came up on recommended. Still working on code. The motivation's there, just takes some time to grind it out. Got my first pota activation out of the way too. I think for me, the trick is sneaking out around 8pm or so and working the late shift. I worked stations for 30 minutes straight till I got a bit winded and had to QRT lol.
I still like these videos of what equipment you're using and some real time footage of it in action. I'll catch you on pota spots sometime in the future. 73s
Code does take time, but if you practice even a little, you will become fluent in it! :)
I have to agree. The little X5105 really is a neat little radio. BUT.....I'm looking forward to seeing the new X6100.
Again, great video. Nicely done.
Barry, KU3X/QRP
You and me both!
@@ThomasK4SWL hope its soon because now I want an X5105 !
I watched the whole video over the course of several hours. Nice going with Alaska.
Is the battery better on the X5105 versus the KX2? I heard you mention the X5015 receive is 300 ma, whereas I believe the KX2 is 145 ma? I heard the new X6100 is 550 ma, so the X5105 is better in battery consumption. With the X5105 cheaper than the upcoming X6100 and better battery consumption of the X5105...I think the X5105 is the better deal than the X6100. From what I've seen in your video and though other videos too. I think the X5105 looks like it's a pretty decent "poor man's" KX2.
Yes, the X5105 is far from being a perfect radio, but it hits the sweet spot. :) I think the battery in the X5105 compensates for the fact the radio is a little more power hungry. The KX2 is way more efficient and one good thing about it is output power can be set to 10 watts on battery. It'll maintain 10 watts out until the voltage drops to a level where it then shifts to 5 watts.
Really enjoyed your POTA X5105 video. I've purchased one myself. Would be great if you would do an in depth on the X5105. Great stuff. Any recommendations on antennas for the X5105 would be well received. I'm a novice and have the buddistick at present.
So the X5105 is great because the built-in ATU can match any antenna you throw at it. You might consider simply building a wore antenna t first. Maybe a variation of this one: th-cam.com/video/haPPUo1KLjs/w-d-xo.html
Of course, I'm very fond of some commercially-available antennas like the Chameleon Emcomm III Portable, PackTenna (either 9:1 or EFHW), or even the MFJ-1984LP EFHW.
Those are all wire antenna, but might be a nice change since it sounds like you've been using a vertical.
As usual a fine video, I am now considering the X6100 when it comes out or a X5100 at a discount price, ( retired HAM ).
I'm eagerly awaiting the X6100. Very curious how it might perform.
Hi Thomas,i love your Video´s. One Thing ... the X5105 has iambic A and B Mode i think. The IC 705 do not have this option in the settings ...
73 de dc5ly Thomas
I have both 5105 and 705 and i really expected the 705 to do Iambic A.
You know, I've never checked the Iambic modes on the IC-705. Seems they could add that in a firmware update.
Interested to see the new Xiegu QRP rig that is soon to be released, the X6100 I believe. Similar features (integrated PTT and mic for example) but with 5w on battery and 10w external power
Yes, I'm looking forward to checking it out.
It's a shame that Yaesu is not throwing its hat into the QRP ring; would be nice to see what they can come up with to battle the current run of ICOM/Discovery labs/ Xiegu rigs...
Can someone help me, I have a Xiegu X5105 and I would like to use it on the truck as well. In Europe the 11 m band is legal CB band. Did anyone manage to emit in 11 m? I am waiting for your answer 73
I'm willing to bet there's a "MARS mod" out there for the X5105. Doing it will void your warranty, though, if still under warranty. I believe Xiegu.eu will perform a "Frequency Extension" for something under 50 EUR and your warranty will remain in tact.
@@ThomasK4SWL I no longer have it under warranty, and I assume my intervention. If anyone can help me with this MARS MOD
Hi Thomas, your doing a great job. One request " Can you try to keep the logbook in view when your copying CW. I'm trying to learn, and it's good to follow when you write call signs down. Regards Peter Melbourne Australia
I try to do this when possible in my videos. It can be a challenge based on the situation, though. I recently purchased a new camera and it has a wider angle view which should help.
Great video and yes Lake Norman is a great park. Why did you use the MPAS 2.0 instead of the MPAS Lite? 73. Roger N4GF
No good reason, it's just the one I decided to deploy that day.
@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks !
660ma rx current? Ouch!
Yeah, but that's only when it's charging the internal battery as well. Due to this spec, though, I assumed the X5100 would have terrible battery life--buy, was I wrong about that! :)
Great video and a great rig. The sidetone is a little bit "square wavey" though!
Agreed!
Bet that was the same day I went out. Man it was a struggle to get on 40 but 20 was good. Qrp
Antarctica on SSB, wow! What kind of antenna were you using and what was your power output?
It was a skyloop wire antenna and I was running 50 watts. It was amazing.
We have hot and humid weather here in Georgia, too. I am a complete radio nerd, too. Is that Morse Code reader any good?
The one built into the X5105 isn't terrible. Like some decoders/readers, it seems to be hit and miss. Sometimes, I'm surprised it's decoding correctly, other times I assume it would and it doesn't. Much depends on spacing and if it's tuned in properly.
You are amazing doing this CW. another Great video. where can the POTA.app be found. are you using an iPhone? I cant find it for the iPhone
Just point the web browser on your phone to pota.app - it is a web based app, not in the app store.
Search "parks on the air" in the iPhone App Store. That's where i got mine. 73
@@dwallich56 thanks but i cant bring it up from the app store
@@dannybryant4440 Hmm, sorry about that. It worked for me just before I posted my Reply to you.
@@dwallich56 could you do a screenshot. i can go to the website, but I wanted the app. thanks
Hi Thomas, interesting video, I'm not in the market for a X5105 did I notice that it had a morse decoder built in that's useful it's a shame icom don't have this in their current line up I think I'd rather have a morse decoder than an rtty decoder, maybe icom might offer up two firmware options, me thinks that might be wishful thinking, I did hang on to the end and didn't fall asleep 😁 till next time Thomas, Adam G7CRQ
Yes, the X5105 has a built in decoder and it is okay at decoding--not wonderful, but not bad either. I was a little surprised, too, that the IC-705 didn't have a CW decoder.
Love my X5105! Battery will not die….😂
I wonder if the X6100 Bluetooth will let you use a keyboard to enter CW messages? Thanks K7WHN
Wow...I've no idea. I don't think so because I haven't heard of anyone successfully pairing a keyboard. That would be a great feature, though.
Great video. I just got an X5105 and I’m curious about the power cord you used. I have the original wall wart but looking to get a power cable with Anderson power poles. Where did you get the cable? If you don’t mind.
So the X5105 ships with a cable that has exposed pigtails. I'm guessing you might have gotten this, too. The cord I've been using is actually my IC-705 cord. It's the same connector. I will eventually put powerpoles on the end of the cord supplied with my X5105.
@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks! Unfortunately, my radio is second Gand and only gafe the wall plug was going to order the one with exposed ends but not sure if the plug is 2.5 or 2.1mm. I keep reading it can be either or based on production date.
Hi Thomas, I have done a video on how to do the memory keying on my channel: Simon M0SYS. I found it quite easy to set it up once I did the first memory. I'm really loving the radio, I've had it a few weeks now and been out with it portable 2-3 times. I'd love to see more videos on this radio!
Kind regards,
Simon, M0SYS
Thank you, Simon! I'll check out your video. I used the memory keyer quite a lot last week while on a camping trip. I'm getting more used to it, I just wish there were three or so one touch message buttons like they had in an earlier firmware release. Best, Thomas K4SWL
@@ThomasK4SWL Love the videos, keep up the good work!
Simon M0SYS