Not here to kill your hype, but... Mine died, also a friend of mine had one, which died and i know 3 more cases of dead Q900! Now i switched to G90, and for now it hold's up! In my mind the G90 is lesser radio in many ways, but it has been with me on many POTA, SOTA and contests and it is going strong! I loved the Q900, maybe i will try to repair it some day, but... it is what it is! I wish you many hours of operating with this great radio without problems :)
Waves, Wires and Dives. See if Guy Fieri would do an episode where you drive around the New England coast making contacts, then stop at a seafood restaurants and eat.
I bought a G-90 open box 8 months ago for $250 shipped and it turned out to be one of the coolest rigs I have owned in the last 48 years of hamming. Have had zero problems with it so far, making a little go pack for it so I can take it portable but mainly use it as a QRP base. I wanted an FT-818 but yaesu dropped it before I could buy one. I've owned the 817nd & the G-90 turned out to be an excellent and much lower price replacement for both. The G-90 iatu has never let me down plus I like having a dial for tuning. Your dinner really made me hungry :o)
Hi Walt, Thanks for taking one for the team. I noticed several RUclips videos on the Q900. Might be a help with the learning process. You and Allison stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Hay Walt. Appreciate you reviews and heads up on products. It was your repeated prase of the G90 that pushed me over the edge (and consequently several other in our local club) to precious Xeigu radios as replacements to our field radios. I kind of had a feeling the Q900 might fall a little short on performance but they may improve with time. Looking foward to seeing your take of the radio over time. Keep up the great work.. 73s WB7VEQ (PS: You keep it up and I'm going to have to make a Road Trip over to Mo's in Newport Or. LoL)
I would not call the q900 a bad radio, from what I see and read, but compared to the great and almost magical G90 it fades... I am the happy owner of a G90 and I think its got something special....
Walt: Saw you in QST yesterday. Fine on the new radio. I hope you run it through its VHF/UHF operation during the September VHF Contest September 14/15, 2024. De WB2VUO in Amherst, NY
1st time new rig, still not too bad. I did a POTA dry run at a place in Douglas, MA near the state forest today with a friend's IC-705, a PA50 and an ATU 130. Used a 20m 1/4 wave (~16.5') on the roof of the truck with 4 20' radials. I only worked 20 so didn't use the ATU. The noise floor there was impressive. After using a slew of G90, FX-4CR and other similar rigs the 705 may make me never look back except at my wallet and the setup and tear down time. Looking forward to more videos of the Q900. I often operate at night and appreciate rigs with back-lit buttons (which the 705 lacks). It looked good, but that aintchowdadude :)
I've thought that radio would take a little getting used to without a knob. But the idea of a shack in the box is so appealing. I can't wait to see more!
I thought I was looking at a beach house when I first saw the thumbnail, it was only when I spotted the microphone on top that I realized what it was !!
Hi Walt… I think you’re a nice chap and your enthusiasm makes me smile in a nice way… learned a bit about ununs and Baluns from you as it was fusing my brain trying to overthink things… a lot of folks like the G90 and it’s a small object of desire now. Only just coming back to Ham Radio Ops after life took me away from the hobby some 28 yrs ( no I wasn’t doing time 😆 ) thankfully I put my then new icom 706 + atu in the wardrobe and recently resurrected it… What a lovely area you live in and the food, Gordon Bennet, that would be a big problem 🤔 I’m subbed now. Best wishes to everyone.73. G0UVL 💙
Interesting for sure. Thanks for another great video Walt, i look forward to your journey with this radio. I looked at it, but i think I'll look elsewhere. Thanks! N2SCD
Just received my new G90 😊 Thanks for all your videos and what you do for new hams that are learning. Now I’m shopping for a portable mast for wire antennas. Currently only have Wolf River Coils antenna.
No VFO, not sure I would be able to get over that. That was the big reason back in the day I didn't do much SWLing with the Sony 7600gr or Grundig YB400. Much easier just to spin knobs. Looking forward to seeing the CAT control video, if a computer makes it easier.
I respect your honesty there Walt, i was going to say have a word with my mate Ben M7FRS regarding this radio but he’s on it. As for ketchup dipping is a must.
It will be interesting to see your full review of this rig, when you have got used to it. Is the audio good? It didn't sound as good as a G90? I really liked your travel log section, it's great to see more of your surroundings and lifestyle. Especially interesting for your international viewers. 73 , Ace
Thanks for your honesty about the radio. As far as eating fries, I dip. The only exception is New England style when you drench them in malt vinegar and sprinkle some salt on them. It becomes a soggy mess but is delicious. Finish it with some soft serve ice cream too.
I owned one, glad i sold it. This promising concept is still not finished, buggy and the newer versions (remake) does lack support also. Your video’s are great thumbs up
Walt, Good information content video and reinforced my interest is buying a G90 based on previous postings. Great to see the beauty of the area and the wonderful sea food. Look forward to your future videos. Best regards to you and your wife.
I bought the G900 about a year ago. I thought it would be a great replacement for the 817/818. The internal battery charger never worked and I never go a response from the distributor. Also found the mike to have a defective connection. It had a lot of potential but at less than half the price of a IC 705 I had to give it a try. Eventually bought the 705 and the G900 sits on a shelf.
Keep us posted on this Q900. Not sure if the RF gain was up way too high but you definitely could tell your X5105 noise level was way down under S1 and the Q900 was way up by S7. Hopefully its just an RF gain setting for the fix. Thanks Walt!
Well it seemed promising from the first 45 seconds of the video given the foreshadowing. Hopefully once you get more acquainted with the radio and make some adjustments it will perform better. Not being able to tune on 17 and 15 out of the box doesn't seem promising though. It does seem interesting for someone who wants a portable shack in the box for field operations at a more affordable price than the Icom 705. I would definitely do the power pole mod on your G90 to fix the broken power connector. Power poles can be found pretty much anywhere you get radio equipment and supplies where as I can't really find a good place to order the exact same female mini tamiya connector on the G90. If you decide to get another G90 maybe leave one in your Jeep as a permanent mobile and use one for portable when you either want to set up away from your Jeep or when you can't have your Jeep with you.
10m is really starting to open up this week and will get better as we go into the Autumn and Winter. Looking forward to another contact with you on a new band Walt, 73s Jim G5MCL
I have two G90's, Walt, and in comparison, the Q900 looks like a waste of time, and money. Thanks for your time, and trying to make it go... 73 Bruce VK2EM
Most radios have a learning curve. The ATU on G90 hard to beat. Windy and rainy hear in NY today. Some Thunder in AM . Food looks great ! I do know 10/11/12 meters has been open some days. Haven't done much. I got different UNUN 4:1 on the way. 1KW 1-54 MHZ rated. Sept 25Th was ship date. Just coming from France. UK is fast to me. like 7 to 10 days. some times 5 days . With 10 meters getting better I want to compare the 1/2 wave to the 5/8 wave vertical . I did on 20 meters. 5/8 better RX . But was done in a slope setup. Need longer pole. 73
Don't give up on the Q900 yet! Like everything else in the world, it has its limitations. Once you learn what those are you'll be stretching its legs in great fashion.
It's like anything new. It takes some learning new equipment. Also I would like your antenna book as a physical copy on some plasticised paper so it's a bit water resistant and great for outdoor use and experimenting. I think Amazon does on demand print options. Just a thought if possible a hard copy would be nice :) Thank you Walt M7LDK
Great video Walt, and the food segment is very cool too. That red chowder looked good enough to get me to try one. My home made Lobster chowder is pretty fair fare as well. For me it's the creaminess of the white chowder. Now to the Crux of the biscuit, the G-90 is very likely IRREPLACEABLE. I like mine a lot. The Q looked very Light though.... But that Tuner in the G90 is really the kicker. 73, Walt. Joe
If there’s positives to take away it needs an external speaker. I’m keen to hear more of you using it on here and see where you go with it, especially exploring tropoducting on 2m SSB but personally it’d be going back for a refund. Hopefully you’re appreciating the G90 for what it used to be.
Impressive food even if not the radio! Love this part of the video. Find some of these places for me in the Hampton Roads area! I know there has to be some.
Red is my fav!! I'm also a dipper. Ketchup or Thousand Island, or are you ready for this? Hot fudge. Try it, you'll like it. Plus I'm glad the Q900 didn't replace the G90. Where's the tuning knob? It's gotta have a knob on it somewhere. Otherwise it looks like a calculator. LOL Another great video my friend. Seriously looking forward to you playing with the rig a little more. It might just need a tweek somewhere to get 17, & 15 to tune up. Never know. 73 de KA9TII
Hi Walt, new radio…might be a learning curve - might not. It’s tough to beat the G-90. On this past Thursday I did a POTA activation up in North Central PA using my 2 - Shark 20m hamsticks up on the painters pole with decent results after the G90 tuned it up. A little later after dark I was using it with no responses. I checked the SWR again and it was all over the place. I checked the power output and it was less than 1w. Have to do some more testing; however, I may have burnt up my radio. If so, I’ll be looking for a good repair firm to fix it as I really like the radio. Great food segment today; I love clam strips! Take care & keep safe my friend. (🙏 Mrs) ‘73 AC3EA
1W - 30W not too bad... 160m to 70cm.... Nice... SMA connectors for VHF/UHF? Odd... Not so great tuner.. Look forward to seeing more of it in the future. 73
Great video. Sorry this one didn't perform as easily and well as you'd hoped, but I'd love to see it again if you keep playing with it. I wonder if any of the current issues might be resolvable with firmware updates.
Nice partial review, Walt! I was guessing how this radio would perform in the past. See how it turns out in the end. I pre-ordered a Yaesu FTX-1f. Seems this will also be a big question. I suspect Yaesu will be less of a risk, but more expensive. The presence of the FT-101 SDR core just pulled me over the line. Be very careful with what you are eating at those restaurants. I do like seafood very much, but all on the menu is served with FF, what really are Belgian fries! Having to work in Poland you will be aware of the mix-up of the FF (BF) heritage, hi hi. Just as Poland, the food is really very heavy and greasy. I know, as my wife is half Polish, and we went regularly on holiday in PL country. Keep those videos rolling. I like what you are doing with the channel. Good health to your lovely wife and stay on top of things. Ron, ON2RON
Thanks for the video! After upgrading the firmware on my g90, I no longer like to use it for CW. The filtering is too limited and I no longer can easily scan the band. Looking for a replacement. For now, all portable apps are on our qcx mini and soon qmx when it arrives. Upgraded the house to an ic7300, and put the g90 in a drawer. 73 Mike N4FFF es Becky N4BKY
This type of test is particularly interesting to me, because I like to jump right in the deep end with a new rig. So, yeah, watch a couple of vids and straight into a field test really resonated with me. It'll be interesting to see how this evolves. My intuition says that you might have received one with a few issues (antenna tuner, to be sure), but then again, it might just not be that good of a radio. Keep up the good work -- really enjoy the channel! 73 de N8ESP
Hi Walt. Thanks for your great broadcasts - I love them. I will have to make a comment about your Q900 radio. I have had 3 different Q900 radios. The last one I bought with all the modules installed. but but - I haven't been very happy with them. I've experienced a frustration like you - and my last Q900 - with VHF and UHF on separate antenna connectors - my God it's so stupid... The sound in the speaker is so low and digital to listen to. The tuner is almost non-existent. I could go on with bad reviews - Now it's packed away in the drawer. I almost only use my G90 and 6100 and my IC705. Best 73 de OZ1LKY - Christian
I commented on another video that you are the reason why I bought a second G90 after selling the first one; and it works great but the old one was better; this new generation one has some weird bugs like turning the dial but the waterfall its frozen or I get birdies symmetrically on booth sides of current frequency that are getting closer together or further apart as I tune the radio; these things never happened with the old one that I really never updated
I like your idea to compare the original G90 to the newer G90! How does one tell the possible 'cut over date' of production? Food: I dip :). Here in Ocean City MD folks compare crab soup, either cream of crab or tomato base. ,(White vs Red) Several years ago restaurants started offering a third option of half red and half white. My wife loves the mixed version. You fried clams looked so good! 73, w3rrm
Great Video! I was thinking about this radio and was waiting for someone to give it a test run. Yeah, you have to play around with gear for a while before giving it the thumbs up or down. I was a little concerned about the tuning on 17 and 15 meters. I really like that this transceiver is a small shack in a box with the additional bands. However, I like having a physical knob for tuning. Still, transceivers are a compromise and I look forward to further testing from you. Thanks for doing this video and all the great work you do...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
Going to the beach north myrtle next week cant wait to have some fresh seafood thanks for the video seems like a cool beginner radio but no radio built in tuner is better than xiegu tuners
Thanks for the video.....I dip. Have thought of getting the G90....but still thinking. The G90 has such a great reputation, especially the tuner, but the small screen is a bit tiny for me.
Man Walt, those clam strips made my mouth water… looks awesome. Just wondering if you still have the ft891 and if you take it out anymore. I got one a few months back and love it but I mostly use resonant antennas with it so I don’t have a need for an ATU. Another great video… keep up the good work
I got one with all the options. The mike was different. I had to drill a 2 mm hole in it, and it worked.DMR didn't work, V and Uhf fm worked good.The waterfall is junk. The radio in Hf SSB was OK, but it turned off by itself sometimes. The seller in Alliexpres didn't accept the return. After a dispute I got the money back. Happy ending.
From what I’ve seen online the tuning on 15/17 is not user error but more lack of capability of the internal tuner. Paired with a decent external tuner the radio is supposed to perform well. Personally I’m sticking with my G90.
Walt, too bad you couldn’t get the new radio to work well. However, I love seafood. You keep making me hungry. Unfortunately, my wife hates seafood so I don’t get it too much. 73
I’m don’t know anything about the Q900, but it just might be that the tuning range (3:1?) may not be as wide as the other hf rigs. If you have a manual tuner (10:1) try to test it on 17m again if you want to. It may not be a loss after all. On another note, the chow looks great! It looks like the Temperature in Texas this morning is 70 degrees this Saturday morning! It is time for me to roll out of the rack and go on a short 2.5mile ruck with the Baofung UV5R. Lately I have gave up soda water and immediately lost 10lbs! The treadmill and short rucks are building this hams leg and core muscles back up. Will it last…, who knows. But I know what happens if I do nothing. 73 es give it heck good sir! Hope to catch you on 40/20m one day. de kc5ngx
I have one of these radios. It can be frustrating to get it transmitting right. Mine came with the smaller mic that i ended up replacing with a powered mic to get enough signal INTO the radio to make an okay sounding transmission. It took a lot of time tinkering with the settings to get to something acceptable.
Of all the Chinese made radios the G90 has been a one-off on the good side. I know a few hams who have purchased the Q900 and they all share similar stories of buyers remorse.
Good stuff... I love my G90. Made some great DX contacts last weekend from a small peak in Maine using a Home Depot special random wire - gotta love it. Thanks for the video and initial review - 73 KB1GIY
My friend, your new channel name should be "Make Me Hungry!" Man, I love fried clams, and the red soup looks fantastic. And I am like, you get a new piece of gear and head to the field. I hope you get the radio sorted out. All the best. I hope to catch you on the air someday. 73s
I feel your pain, Walt. You asked the radio to do something really easy, and it flopped. No amount of fiddling will fix that. Let us know how it tunes on other bands. Maybe their 17 meter engineering was done on an off day. I'd likely return it immediately and ask for another to evaluate. There's that off chance you got a dud.
I enjoy your videos they are interesting. Not to be Grim on this Q900 but if you look at multiple reviews there are not too many good ones. It really looks like a nice radio I hope you are an exception to the other reviews in the future.. 73's KC3ZDW
Thanks for this walt dont think i will ever find aG90 repacement they are so good, but you never know i will be watching closely ,take care ...this is the way of the ham
I think I will go G90 (one day).....you don 't see too many second hand G90's, nor complaints but the Quonset has had good and BADDDDDDDD press! 73 and TU OM fer the info and entertainment! As for tuning the G90 is legendary for its ability to tune. I had to call my cardiologist....at the end of this video after just watching the food.....
Thanks for showing this rig Walt, seems to me they are close to getting things right with this radio, but not quite. Frustrating! The Xiegu radios seem to be an exception to the rule that Chinese radios are junk, and most are. Hope the Q900 works out ok after getting to know it a little more. 73 M7WUK
I suggest the "whole belly clams" as these are local and market priced. The clam strips are generally frozen and often not local, and that explains the fixed price. Local and fresh is better IMO. Try to keep the butter off the beard "flavor saver". LOL "OM NOM NOM". On the new radio.... I suspect the odd waterfall is something in the setup menu. Looks like zero Hz is in the center, and all the correct frequencies are to the right. The internal tuner probably doesn't have the range you're asking it to do. The G90 tuner is exceptional and not the norm. Most tune a 3:1 SWR at best. This is by design to keep cost down as any further SWR requires beefier parts and cost goes way up out of reach. It's also very inefficient (RF wise) to do it this way. The ATU should be at the antenna end of the coax. The rig looks like it has good potential. I suggest using an external speaker on either one. Perhaps a connection to your stereo in the Jeep. Use one rig into a dummy load and receive on the other (with headphones) so you can adjust mic gain, compression, EQ etc on the first radio, then reverse the process. Keep em coming Walt. Stay salty. 73 OM
Yeah, I'm going to look and see if my VSWR threshold setting has any thing to do with the ATU. I'm going to bring my external speaker with me the next time out with it. 73, Walt
Not here to kill your hype, but... Mine died, also a friend of mine had one, which died and i know 3 more cases of dead Q900! Now i switched to G90, and for now it hold's up! In my mind the G90 is lesser radio in many ways, but it has been with me on many POTA, SOTA and contests and it is going strong! I loved the Q900, maybe i will try to repair it some day, but... it is what it is! I wish you many hours of operating with this great radio without problems :)
Thanks Walt! I realize that sound quality is often subjective. To my ears in this first demo, it seems pretty tinny compared to the G90.
also wider than an 817
Looks like the G90 isn’t in danger of being replaced!! De NØPL
You are so right my friend!
Walt I appreciate your time, effort, and content. Thank you for your time. 73
Thank you so much for watching and commenting my friend!
Waves, Wires and Dives. See if Guy Fieri would do an episode where you drive around the New England coast making contacts, then stop at a seafood restaurants and eat.
Great video Walt. Looking forward to the updates.
How close to being a master engineer to make it work right < I still want a G90>
I bought a G-90 open box 8 months ago for $250 shipped and it turned out to be one of the coolest rigs I have owned in the last 48 years of hamming. Have had zero problems with it so far, making a little go pack for it so I can take it portable but mainly use it as a QRP base. I wanted an FT-818 but yaesu dropped it before I could buy one. I've owned the 817nd & the G-90 turned out to be an excellent and much lower price replacement for both. The G-90 iatu has never let me down plus I like having a dial for tuning. Your dinner really made me hungry :o)
Coastal Waves, Wires and Eats! 😀
hahahaha
Anything that does everything, seldom does anything very well.
Hey… that’s a good saying… I’m going to use that… thanks. 💙
Hi Walt,
Thanks for taking one for the team. I noticed several RUclips videos on the Q900. Might be a help with the learning process. You and Allison stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Thank you my friend! Yes I for sure need to do some homework on this radio.
Visited the Seabee Museum yesterday. Much nicer than I remember it from 20+ years ago. Managed to drop $100 on t-hirts to support the museum
Hay Walt. Appreciate you reviews and heads up on products. It was your repeated prase of the G90 that pushed me over the edge (and consequently several other in our local club) to precious Xeigu radios as replacements to our field radios. I kind of had a feeling the Q900 might fall a little short on performance but they may improve with time. Looking foward to seeing your take of the radio over time. Keep up the great work.. 73s WB7VEQ
(PS: You keep it up and I'm going to have to make a Road Trip over to Mo's in Newport Or. LoL)
I would not call the q900 a bad radio, from what I see and read, but compared to the great and almost magical G90 it fades... I am the happy owner of a G90 and I think its got something special....
I completely agree with you! 73, Walt
Yeah, the G90 is a fabulous rig. Glad I have one...as well as a G106...adding the 6200 after the holidays
Walt: Saw you in QST yesterday. Fine on the new radio. I hope you run it through its VHF/UHF operation during the September VHF Contest September 14/15, 2024.
De WB2VUO in Amherst, NY
1st time new rig, still not too bad. I did a POTA dry run at a place in Douglas, MA near the state forest today with a friend's IC-705, a PA50 and an ATU 130. Used a 20m 1/4 wave (~16.5') on the roof of the truck with 4 20' radials. I only worked 20 so didn't use the ATU. The noise floor there was impressive. After using a slew of G90, FX-4CR and other similar rigs the 705 may make me never look back except at my wallet and the setup and tear down time. Looking forward to more videos of the Q900. I often operate at night and appreciate rigs with back-lit buttons (which the 705 lacks). It looked good, but that aintchowdadude :)
I've thought that radio would take a little getting used to without a knob. But the idea of a shack in the box is so appealing. I can't wait to see more!
I really need to get deeper into it. One thing I really want to do is CW with a USB keyboard. This radio does that.
Don't hold your breath... I bought it two years ago. it ended up in my junk box. Today I'm a happy G90 user
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Id like to see that! But in my own experience using this radio it is a far better at being a receiver than a transmitter.
I thought I was looking at a beach house when I first saw the thumbnail, it was only when I spotted the microphone on top that I realized what it was !!
Hi Walt… I think you’re a nice chap and your enthusiasm makes me smile in a nice way… learned a bit about ununs and Baluns from you as it was fusing my brain trying to overthink things… a lot of folks like the G90 and it’s a small object of desire now. Only just coming back to Ham Radio Ops after life took me away from the hobby some 28 yrs ( no I wasn’t doing time 😆 ) thankfully I put my then new icom 706 + atu in the wardrobe and recently resurrected it… What a lovely area you live in and the food, Gordon Bennet, that would be a big problem 🤔
I’m subbed now. Best wishes to everyone.73. G0UVL 💙
My wife and I were in RI activating 3 parks on Labor Day . We always hit the seafood spots. I also love the red chowder and clam cakes.
Me too!
Thanks, Walt. Great video. I have been looking at the Q900. I will hold onto my G90 for now.
Best wishes for the Mrs.
73 de N4RVR
good on ya Walt love the sea food places u have been doing an the last few vids great idea
Thanks! I'm having fun checking out the seafood spots.
Interesting for sure. Thanks for another great video Walt, i look forward to your journey with this radio. I looked at it, but i think I'll look elsewhere. Thanks!
N2SCD
Just received my new G90 😊 Thanks for all your videos and what you do for new hams that are learning. Now I’m shopping for a portable mast for wire antennas. Currently only have Wolf River Coils antenna.
There is a mod to convert the G90 power connections to power poles. Might be a good time to investigate that! Thanks for the video Walt! 73
No VFO, not sure I would be able to get over that. That was the big reason back in the day I didn't do much SWLing with the Sony 7600gr or Grundig YB400. Much easier just to spin knobs. Looking forward to seeing the CAT control video, if a computer makes it easier.
Great video Walt. Great looking radio but thought the audio wasn't too great. I believe the G90 is easy to convert it to power poles 👍🏽73
I live by CHowder Ted's and nothing beats that pail full of chowder.
I respect your honesty there Walt, i was going to say have a word with my mate Ben M7FRS regarding this radio but he’s on it. As for ketchup dipping is a must.
It will be interesting to see your full review of this rig, when you have got used to it. Is the audio good? It didn't sound as good as a G90? I really liked your travel log section, it's great to see more of your surroundings and lifestyle. Especially interesting for your international viewers. 73 , Ace
Thanks for your honesty about the radio. As far as eating fries, I dip. The only exception is New England style when you drench them in malt vinegar and sprinkle some salt on them. It becomes a soggy mess but is delicious. Finish it with some soft serve ice cream too.
Oh yeah, I love the malt vinegar option when I'm eating fish and chips! 73 my friend
I owned one, glad i sold it. This promising concept is still not finished, buggy and the newer versions (remake) does lack support also. Your video’s are great thumbs up
Can’t beat the G90…. Your dinner looks good too!
Just realized I wasn’t subscribed. Fixed that. Your reminder definitely gained at least one.
Very interesting radio, unfortunately I can't see this as a replacement for my G90. Thanks for the video, Walt.
There's no way it's a G90 replacement, you need to buy a rotary encoder if you want a dial to spin the bands.
as it stands right now the G90 is safe and sound! 73 my friend!
Been using this radio on 5-6 sota/pota trips. only good things to say about the Q900. Turn of preamp for better RX and better reading on scope
Thanks for another great video! Look forward to seeing more on the Q900. The G90 is going to be hard to beat.
Walt, Good information content video and reinforced my interest is buying a G90 based on previous postings. Great to see the beauty of the area and the wonderful sea food. Look forward to your future videos. Best regards to you and your wife.
I bought the G900 about a year ago. I thought it would be a great replacement for the 817/818. The internal battery charger never worked and I never go a response from the distributor. Also found the mike to have a defective connection. It had a lot of potential but at less than half the price of a IC 705 I had to give it a try. Eventually bought the 705 and the G900 sits on a shelf.
Keep us posted on this Q900. Not sure if the RF gain was up way too high but you definitely could tell your X5105 noise level was way down under S1 and the Q900 was way up by S7. Hopefully its just an RF gain setting for the fix. Thanks Walt!
Thanks for experimenting but I'll stick with the G90 for now.
Well it seemed promising from the first 45 seconds of the video given the foreshadowing. Hopefully once you get more acquainted with the radio and make some adjustments it will perform better. Not being able to tune on 17 and 15 out of the box doesn't seem promising though. It does seem interesting for someone who wants a portable shack in the box for field operations at a more affordable price than the Icom 705. I would definitely do the power pole mod on your G90 to fix the broken power connector. Power poles can be found pretty much anywhere you get radio equipment and supplies where as I can't really find a good place to order the exact same female mini tamiya connector on the G90. If you decide to get another G90 maybe leave one in your Jeep as a permanent mobile and use one for portable when you either want to set up away from your Jeep or when you can't have your Jeep with you.
10m is really starting to open up this week and will get better as we go into the Autumn and Winter. Looking forward to another contact with you on a new band Walt, 73s Jim G5MCL
I'm headed out today with just my 10 meter radio!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Cool, I will look out for you Walt.
10 has been awesome. I worked Norfolk Island with 9w and an indoor mag loop from FN03.
I have never heard of this radio. Thanks to you I will now learn about it. It must have some strong points. Love my G90 though. Thanks. KD2UTJ
I have two G90's, Walt, and in comparison, the Q900 looks like a waste of time, and money. Thanks for your time, and trying to make it go... 73 Bruce VK2EM
Hi Walt, Good Luck with the new radio. 73 KM4SON
Thank you, I've got some tweaking to do!
Most radios have a learning curve. The ATU on G90 hard to beat. Windy and rainy hear in NY today. Some Thunder in AM . Food looks great ! I do know 10/11/12 meters has been open some days. Haven't done much. I got different UNUN 4:1 on the way. 1KW 1-54 MHZ rated. Sept 25Th was ship date. Just coming from France. UK is fast to me. like 7 to 10 days. some times 5 days . With 10 meters getting better I want to compare the 1/2 wave to the 5/8 wave vertical . I did on 20 meters. 5/8 better RX . But was done in a slope setup. Need longer pole. 73
Don't give up on the Q900 yet! Like everything else in the world, it has its limitations. Once you learn what those are you'll be stretching its legs in great fashion.
It's like anything new. It takes some learning new equipment.
Also I would like your antenna book as a physical copy on some plasticised paper so it's a bit water resistant and great for outdoor use and experimenting. I think Amazon does on demand print options. Just a thought if possible a hard copy would be nice :)
Thank you Walt
M7LDK
Great video Walt, and the food segment is very cool too. That red chowder looked good enough to get me to try one. My home made Lobster chowder is pretty fair fare as well. For me it's the creaminess of the white chowder. Now to the Crux of the biscuit, the G-90 is very likely IRREPLACEABLE. I like mine a lot. The Q looked very Light though.... But that Tuner in the G90 is really the kicker. 73, Walt. Joe
I agree Joe, I think the G90 can only be replaced with another G90. 73, Walt
If there’s positives to take away it needs an external speaker.
I’m keen to hear more of you using it on here and see where you go with it, especially exploring tropoducting on 2m SSB but personally it’d be going back for a refund.
Hopefully you’re appreciating the G90 for what it used to be.
Impressive food even if not the radio! Love this part of the video. Find some of these places for me in the Hampton Roads area! I know there has to be some.
Oh when I get back home I will show all my 757 and OBX spots for sure!
Red clam chowder pairs well with the Q900. Go back to white chowder and G90.
Red is my fav!! I'm also a dipper. Ketchup or Thousand Island, or are you ready for this? Hot fudge. Try it, you'll like it. Plus I'm glad the Q900 didn't replace the G90. Where's the tuning knob? It's gotta have a knob on it somewhere. Otherwise it looks like a calculator. LOL Another great video my friend. Seriously looking forward to you playing with the rig a little more. It might just need a tweek somewhere to get 17, & 15 to tune up. Never know. 73 de KA9TII
Just so you know you are making a fellow fry dipper hungry😂
Love the t-shirt Walt.
Hi Walt, new radio…might be a learning curve - might not. It’s tough to beat the G-90.
On this past Thursday I did a POTA activation up in North Central PA using my 2 - Shark 20m hamsticks up on the painters pole with decent results after the G90 tuned it up. A little later after dark I was using it with no responses. I checked the SWR again and it was all over the place. I checked the power output and it was less than 1w. Have to do some more testing; however, I may have burnt up my radio. If so, I’ll be looking for a good repair firm to fix it as I really like the radio.
Great food segment today; I love clam strips!
Take care & keep safe my friend. (🙏 Mrs) ‘73
AC3EA
Good honest straight out the gate initial comments ,,lets see how it develops as you get used to it!!
1W - 30W not too bad... 160m to 70cm.... Nice... SMA connectors for VHF/UHF? Odd... Not so great tuner.. Look forward to seeing more of it in the future. 73
Great video. Sorry this one didn't perform as easily and well as you'd hoped, but I'd love to see it again if you keep playing with it.
I wonder if any of the current issues might be resolvable with firmware updates.
Nice partial review, Walt! I was guessing how this radio would perform in the past. See how it turns out in the end. I pre-ordered a Yaesu FTX-1f. Seems this will also be a big question. I suspect Yaesu will be less of a risk, but more expensive. The presence of the FT-101 SDR core just pulled me over the line.
Be very careful with what you are eating at those restaurants. I do like seafood very much, but all on the menu is served with FF, what really are Belgian fries! Having to work in Poland you will be aware of the mix-up of the FF (BF) heritage, hi hi. Just as Poland, the food is really very heavy and greasy. I know, as my wife is half Polish, and we went regularly on holiday in PL country.
Keep those videos rolling. I like what you are doing with the channel. Good health to your lovely wife and stay on top of things. Ron, ON2RON
Thanks for the video! After upgrading the firmware on my g90, I no longer like to use it for CW. The filtering is too limited and I no longer can easily scan the band. Looking for a replacement.
For now, all portable apps are on our qcx mini and soon qmx when it arrives. Upgraded the house to an ic7300, and put the g90 in a drawer.
73 Mike N4FFF es Becky N4BKY
This type of test is particularly interesting to me, because I like to jump right in the deep end with a new rig. So, yeah, watch a couple of vids and straight into a field test really resonated with me. It'll be interesting to see how this evolves. My intuition says that you might have received one with a few issues (antenna tuner, to be sure), but then again, it might just not be that good of a radio.
Keep up the good work -- really enjoy the channel!
73 de N8ESP
As always, a great video. Thanks for review, obviously this radio is not a G90 killer. 73s N5MLS
Nice video Walt. I just went to Chowder Ted’s last week. Funny how you mentioned that place. If you ever come back to Jacksonville hit me up. KG2MM
Hi Walt. Thanks for your great broadcasts - I love them. I will have to make a comment about your Q900 radio. I have had 3 different Q900 radios. The last one I bought with all the modules installed. but but - I haven't been very happy with them. I've experienced a frustration like you - and my last Q900 - with VHF and UHF on separate antenna connectors - my God it's so stupid... The sound in the speaker is so low and digital to listen to. The tuner is almost non-existent. I could go on with bad reviews - Now it's packed away in the drawer. I almost only use my G90 and 6100 and my IC705. Best 73 de OZ1LKY - Christian
Some days just seem to go that way Walt.... Looking forward To view future Videos On this radio, FYI I'm a red guy also
I commented on another video that you are the reason why I bought a second G90 after selling the first one; and it works great but the old one was better; this new generation one has some weird bugs like turning the dial but the waterfall its frozen or I get birdies symmetrically on booth sides of current frequency that are getting closer together or further apart as I tune the radio; these things never happened with the old one that I really never updated
I like your idea to compare the original G90 to the newer G90! How does one tell the possible 'cut over date' of production? Food: I dip :). Here in Ocean City MD folks compare crab soup, either cream of crab or tomato base. ,(White vs Red) Several years ago restaurants started offering a third option of half red and half white. My wife loves the mixed version. You fried clams looked so good! 73, w3rrm
Ooooooo yeah! Maryland Crab Soup!!!! I like that Old Bay twang in the tomato base. 73, Walt
Thanks! And good luck.
Thank you! And thank you for supporting the channel. 73, Walt
Great Video! I was thinking about this radio and was waiting for someone to give it a test run. Yeah, you have to play around with gear for a while before giving it the thumbs up or down. I was a little concerned about the tuning on 17 and 15 meters. I really like that this transceiver is a small shack in a box with the additional bands. However, I like having a physical knob for tuning. Still, transceivers are a compromise and I look forward to further testing from you. Thanks for doing this video and all the great work you do...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
Going to the beach north myrtle next week cant wait to have some fresh seafood thanks for the video seems like a cool beginner radio but no radio built in tuner is better than xiegu tuners
Hey Walt. Another great video. That rig looks similar to what Radioddity offered at one time. 73
Thanks for the video.....I dip. Have thought of getting the G90....but still thinking. The G90 has such a great reputation, especially the tuner, but the small screen is a bit tiny for me.
Man Walt, those clam strips made my mouth water… looks awesome. Just wondering if you still have the ft891 and if you take it out anymore. I got one a few months back and love it but I mostly use resonant antennas with it so I don’t have a need for an ATU. Another great video… keep up the good work
I got one with all the options. The mike was different. I had to drill a 2 mm hole in it, and it worked.DMR didn't work, V and Uhf fm worked good.The waterfall is junk. The radio in Hf SSB was OK, but it turned off by itself sometimes. The seller in Alliexpres didn't accept the return. After a dispute I got the money back. Happy ending.
From what I’ve seen online the tuning on 15/17 is not user error but more lack of capability of the internal tuner. Paired with a decent external tuner the radio is supposed to perform well. Personally I’m sticking with my G90.
That g 90 is gonna be hard to beat.. thank Walt! 73s KC3WJV
Walt, too bad you couldn’t get the new radio to work well. However, I love seafood. You keep making me hungry. Unfortunately, my wife hates seafood so I don’t get it too much. 73
Roger that, I'm going to keep tinkering with the radio. Maybe it will win me over. 73, Walt
Another great video Walt. Thank you
I’m don’t know anything about the Q900, but it just might be that the tuning range (3:1?) may not be as wide as the other hf rigs. If you have a manual tuner (10:1) try to test it on 17m again if you want to.
It may not be a loss after all.
On another note, the chow looks great!
It looks like the Temperature in Texas this morning is 70 degrees this Saturday morning! It is time for me to roll out of the rack and go on a short 2.5mile ruck with the Baofung UV5R. Lately I have gave up soda water and immediately lost 10lbs! The treadmill and short rucks are building this hams leg and core muscles back up. Will it last…, who knows. But I know what happens if I do nothing.
73 es give it heck good sir! Hope to catch you on 40/20m one day.
de kc5ngx
Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to that QSO on 40/20m. 73, Walt
I don’t think this will unseat the king G90
I have one of these radios. It can be frustrating to get it transmitting right. Mine came with the smaller mic that i ended up replacing with a powered mic to get enough signal INTO the radio to make an okay sounding transmission. It took a lot of time tinkering with the settings to get to something acceptable.
Of all the Chinese made radios the G90 has been a one-off on the good side. I know a few hams who have purchased the Q900 and they all share similar stories of buyers remorse.
thank you for going outside the wire Walt!
Wow and double Wow!!!!! '73 lmc Upstate NY
I am interested in hearing more about this radio
Good stuff... I love my G90. Made some great DX contacts last weekend from a small peak in Maine using a Home Depot special random wire - gotta love it. Thanks for the video and initial review - 73 KB1GIY
Awesome! I still love my G90 too! 73, Walt
My friend, your new channel name should be "Make Me Hungry!" Man, I love fried clams, and the red soup looks fantastic. And I am like, you get a new piece of gear and head to the field. I hope you get the radio sorted out. All the best. I hope to catch you on the air someday. 73s
I can easily say that any G90 ops can get spoiled by the capabilities of the tuner. Mine tunes stuff that my Yaesu won't touch.
I feel your pain, Walt. You asked the radio to do something really easy, and it flopped. No amount of fiddling will fix that. Let us know how it tunes on other bands. Maybe their 17 meter engineering was done on an off day. I'd likely return it immediately and ask for another to evaluate. There's that off chance you got a dud.
I enjoy your videos they are interesting. Not to be Grim on this Q900 but if you look at multiple reviews there are not too many good ones. It really looks like a nice radio I hope you are an exception to the other reviews in the future.. 73's KC3ZDW
Hi Walt, Tech minds has done a video on this radio. All the best with the set. David M0DUU
Awesome video Walt! 👍👍👍 Cool looking rig but eham reviews dont say much for the radio.
Thanks! i can understand why. I'm still going to give it some more time and see.
Thanks for this walt dont think i will ever find aG90 repacement they are so good, but you never know i will be watching closely ,take care ...this is the way of the ham
You should ask the restaurant if you can operate from the back.
I think I will go G90 (one day).....you don 't see too many second hand G90's, nor complaints but the Quonset has had good and BADDDDDDDD press! 73 and TU OM fer the info and entertainment! As for tuning the G90 is legendary for its ability to tune. I had to call my cardiologist....at the end of this video after just watching the food.....
Great video. I like to see videos on things that don't work as well as things that do work. Many thanks!! Robert K5TPC
Thanks for showing this rig Walt, seems to me they are close to getting things right with this radio, but not quite. Frustrating! The Xiegu radios seem to be an exception to the rule that Chinese radios are junk, and most are. Hope the Q900 works out ok after getting to know it a little more. 73 M7WUK
I suggest the "whole belly clams" as these are local and market priced. The clam strips are generally frozen and often not local, and that explains the fixed price. Local and fresh is better IMO. Try to keep the butter off the beard "flavor saver". LOL "OM NOM NOM".
On the new radio.... I suspect the odd waterfall is something in the setup menu. Looks like zero Hz is in the center, and all the correct frequencies are to the right.
The internal tuner probably doesn't have the range you're asking it to do. The G90 tuner is exceptional and not the norm. Most tune a 3:1 SWR at best. This is by design to keep cost down as any further SWR requires beefier parts and cost goes way up out of reach. It's also very inefficient (RF wise) to do it this way. The ATU should be at the antenna end of the coax. The rig looks like it has good potential. I suggest using an external speaker on either one. Perhaps a connection to your stereo in the Jeep.
Use one rig into a dummy load and receive on the other (with headphones) so you can adjust mic gain, compression, EQ etc on the first radio, then reverse the process.
Keep em coming Walt. Stay salty. 73 OM
The tuner problem needs to be corrected, it also seems like the speaker is really harsh and tinny sounding. The food though, came through in the end!
Dipper, for sure!
Yeah, I'm going to look and see if my VSWR threshold setting has any thing to do with the ATU. I'm going to bring my external speaker with me the next time out with it. 73, Walt