Xiegu X6100 HF-6 Meter Ham Radio Review Part 1 | The Good

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  • Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024

Комментарии • 92

  • @RicSpivey
    @RicSpivey 2 года назад +10

    I have this radio! I got it for cw portable, but instead of getting a rig that tops out at 5 watts, I got the x6100 that tops at 10w with a simple 18650 battery pack. I plan to get an xpa125 to go with it for higher power ssb work, but I've been making cw contacts with it since I purchased it! With a USB keyboard you can actually type in saved messages with the radio only with no computer. There's def some wonkyness, but I'm really enjoying the rig

  • @w4mkh
    @w4mkh 2 года назад +6

    Thanks Mike. It is a beautiful radio. I think the biggest Pro with this radio is that since it is using Linux it is essentially an open source radio. I do think it was released a little early in order to get into the Christmas market but Xiegu has been releasing firmware upgrades about every two weeks. Sounds like they are on an Agile Software Life Cycle with 2 week sprints. The potential for this radio to be really great is huge. People are already working on third party SDR firmware for this. It may end up with Xiegu going the GSOC route with this but I'm confident that third party developers wont' let it die. Looking forward to your follow up.

    • @TXLorenzo
      @TXLorenzo 2 года назад +2

      I am ready for the LINUX smart among us to create a whole new look and feel for the X6100 and address some of the current issues. The open source potentialities is one of the reasons I purchased.

  • @kf8s
    @kf8s 2 года назад +4

    I’ve had fun with this radio. Did 10m on 10w from belle isle with FT8 this past weekend. It is a bit of an undocumented how to get it to talk to the computer. I was able to connect mac, linux, windows to it for FT8. You just need to put radio in USB-Dig and make sure the wsjtx-j software is set to none for the mode so it doesn’t try to flip it to usb-voice. I did winter field day qrp with this thing and had some fun as well using js8call and psk31. My advice for folks with no radio yet is to get a proper hf radio first. 7300/991a. This is pretty much a toy or second radio imo. If you like the hacking around aspect of the device etc. linux was plug and play, windows needed a driver, can’t remember what I did for the mac offhand. Also make sure you have a ferrite choke on the usb-c cable especially 40m and below.

  • @mikemiles3068
    @mikemiles3068 2 года назад +4

    Great video Mike👍 I loved the look build, and feel of X6100, I wanted to keep it so bad but I was having so many issues it was just a hassle to deal with and yes it is not Apple friendly. I was following TO’s videos hopping to solve all my issues and he did a super job and still is, I am just too old and contagious to deal with all of these types of problems. I hated to return the X6100 and was very unhappy but Ziegu unfortunately did not deliver what they promised, when all the bug 🐜 🐛 🐞 get worked out I think this will be a nice little radio. Keep up the great videos and see you in Orange 🍊 73. KV5P

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +2

      Good to know I'm not the only one who couldn't get it to work with Mac. I watched TO's, Ham Radio Dude's and Ham Radio Crash Course's video and none of them did it on a Mac. If I'm gonna spend the money I want a product to work. Especially if its advertised to have all of these great features.

  • @docpearson
    @docpearson Год назад

    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 Winlink over it with just the USB interface 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.

  • @walteredwards544
    @walteredwards544 2 года назад +2

    I love the layout and the concept of this device. What I'm still holding out hope for is an upgraded G-90 that has this layout and list of features....... without all the major bugs of course.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +1

      You and me both. They are really trying to innovate and have a beautiful product. I just wish it worked better.

    • @walteredwards544
      @walteredwards544 2 года назад +1

      @@hamradiotube That G-90 can bark! One night I had my G-90 and my Chameleon F-Loop on the front porch of my apartment in Georgia and once I got it aimed, I made a QSO with Russia and got a 5.7!!!

  • @BikingHikingRadio
    @BikingHikingRadio 2 года назад +1

    Mike - I always respect your reviews of different radios. I've had this radio since the first shipments went out. Since the part two is the cons, I will hold off comments. The CW messages do transmit, as well as the SSB stored messages. To listen to what you recorded you need to go into Radio Settings1 and select Moni Level to 1 or above and you can hear what you recorded. I've done a dozen activations with the x6100 and it's a keeper. 73.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +1

      Well that is good to know. Thanks for the info.

  • @antonisxenos1053
    @antonisxenos1053 2 года назад

    Thanks for a great video Komrade.

  • @HamTechRadioScannerDrones
    @HamTechRadioScannerDrones 2 года назад

    Nice clear information on the X6100 ,the firmware updates are coming fast to fix the bugs for me overall the radio works great the bugs are as described and do not take anything away from the HF 6 meter enjoyment including digimodes the main beef is get bluetooth working for headphones and WiFi usable for remote control with a high function large sdr screen you do need a spare battery/Back up power supply the DC input makes this easy and low cost the CW and Voice record/Transmit wirks well once they do the final tweaks to firmware same goes for the birdies - Thanks for the Video - I think you have an older Firmware - Thanks Andreas.

  • @gaptastic
    @gaptastic 2 года назад +1

    Seems like one should wait to buy or be comfortable with updates. TOS has been producing allot of firmware update videos, so they're working on it.

  • @haroldskinner1783
    @haroldskinner1783 2 года назад

    When you said the list of cons is a lot bigger,that was enough for me , thanks for sharing

  • @hamsignalsocialnetworkforh2102
    @hamsignalsocialnetworkforh2102 2 года назад

    Thanks for video and discount coupon. Good job 73

  • @W9HJBill
    @W9HJBill 2 года назад +2

    Unless you are a hacker who likes messing with Linux, get either a G90, IC-705, or a Lab599.

  • @paulbyrne3328
    @paulbyrne3328 2 года назад +2

    When is Part 2 coming out?

  • @Screamingtut
    @Screamingtut 2 года назад +1

    Hi Mike, I was going to get one & I ordered it but when Steve & Sean had so many problems with Linux and I cannot deal with this crap. I'm way too old (68 1/2 yrs old BTW) for it. I got my money back.

  • @Embarking-on-a-new-adventure
    @Embarking-on-a-new-adventure 2 года назад

    The turning knob can be unscrewed so it will turn easilier.

  • @IrregularInterest
    @IrregularInterest 2 года назад

    I really hope Xiegu is able to get this radio to a more polished state. At its price, it could be a huge bargain for a general-purpose QRP rig. Thanks for the great video Mike, 73 KE8HYN.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +2

      If it actually did what they said it was going to do I would be singing praises left and right for this radio.

  • @MrApolloTom
    @MrApolloTom 2 года назад

    Still researching but the fact it accepts anything between 9-15 V could be the clincher. This means a 3s external Lipo will last far longer than if it only accepts down to 11 V.

    • @MrApolloTom
      @MrApolloTom 2 года назад

      Went for the IC-705 + external tuner in the end, based on reports of better RF performance

  • @mattghoward
    @mattghoward 2 года назад

    you can use the big tune knob as well as the +/- buttons in menus to change values - great rig for what it is - sick of people trying to make it something it is not (KX2/3 IC705 etc) - plenty of stuff out there on making the big know turn free or less free.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +1

      Of all the things wrong with this radio that I point out, the one you focus on is the knob??

    • @mattghoward
      @mattghoward 2 года назад

      @@hamradiotube Yes - it is what it is - we are beta testers - so what? Personally having an open source radio that we can potentially hack is a great thing.

  • @pawekocur8961
    @pawekocur8961 2 года назад

    Can anyone tell me few things because Idont know anything yet, please :
    1. Is this tsc have FM mode like normal radio receiving?
    2. Does it have basic walkie talkie stations (is it HAM I guess
    3. Is device can receive more frequences then transceive as itis HF only ?
    4. Is it good for receiving all emergency/ communicate stations ?
    5. What about 27m CB like we play when we were kids ,is it working on it?
    Thanks guys, I start to love this radio things 🥰🥰🥰

  • @ai5dd
    @ai5dd 2 года назад

    I'm more interested in the cons, thanks for the overview on the pros. 73 de AI5DD

  • @k8iong734
    @k8iong734 3 месяца назад

    Hoping have this HF radio, 😂

  • @davidbrowne1588
    @davidbrowne1588 2 года назад

    Hi Mike to be fair , i think you should update the firmware before the next review,
    great vids mike keep them coming, Thanks Dave

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +1

      I already sent it off to the next reviewer. This was my experience with the radio and I think its mediocre at best.

    • @davidbrowne1588
      @davidbrowne1588 2 года назад +1

      @@hamradiotube ok thanks, just waiting on the next vid, Thanks Dave

  • @scottgarvy
    @scottgarvy 3 месяца назад

    Is the operation similar to the G90?

  • @SheepdogPreparedness
    @SheepdogPreparedness 2 года назад +1

    I absolutely love mine! The good heavily outweighs the bad. For the price point, I can't complain. Once they get bluetooth and a couple of other features working well, it will be golden. I love that it runs Linux, so the sky is the limit on updates and open source tweaks. Amazing little radio!

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      I think if they didn't promise the world with these radios it would be an easier pill to swallow, but Xiegu has gotten into the habit of releasing radios that aren't ready and telling folks there will be updates. That's not what I want from a new product. It should work out of the box.

  • @ReedAB8AS
    @ReedAB8AS 2 года назад

    I'm shopping for another POTA rig and I am leaning toward the 891. I was thinking the 6100 would be a good choice but I'm going to watch part 2 first.

    • @W0KNI
      @W0KNI 2 года назад +1

      Stick with the 891. 100w, great filtering and a fantastic track record in dependability.

    • @haramanggapuja
      @haramanggapuja 2 года назад +1

      The FT891 is a nice radio but the menu system (especially band switching & mode selection) drives me nuts. It might make a decent POTA radio but you're still talking serious power source needs. I have the X5105 and find it to be reasonably good but full of strange little burbles here and there (like a nasty strong spur in the middle of 17m and an even worse one on 10m around 28.4 [plus/minus 5 or so kHz]) that make it less interesting for POTA. Right now I'm thinking -- once we get past winter & plague season -- taht the best POTA box is going to be DL2MAN's (tr)uSDX. Seriously. It's actually better than the X5105 and way smaller 'n the '891.
      . . . That said: I've been following the X6100 group traffic and (a) I ain't fallin' for it yet and (b) I don't feel like being a beta tester. The radio looks nice but the street cred on it is abysmal. Too many undelivered promises & way too many FW bugs. All that should have been squared before they radio went on the market, let alone be out for delivery to buyers. Bad prep. Like I said: I don't wanna be a beta tester. (Which seems to be a Xiegu thing: making the customer the beta testers.)

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +3

      You don't need to watch part 2. Just get the 891.

    • @TXLorenzo
      @TXLorenzo 2 года назад +2

      I have a FT 891 rigged up in a a manpack that I use for short distance SOTA and POTA. Having 100 watts on tap with a killer DSP, it rocks as a mobile rig. Make sure though, you pack some big batteries.

  • @cthoadmin7458
    @cthoadmin7458 2 года назад

    Wish there was an Elecraft KX4. I imagine if there ever is one, it will look something like the 6100.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      That would be an Elecraft I would be all over. I'm sure it would be priced out of my budget though. I think they are way over due for a new radio. The KX line is quite outdated.

    • @cthoadmin7458
      @cthoadmin7458 2 года назад

      @@hamradiotube yeah, I have the kx3 and the k3 and love them both, but I’d really like a radio with a band scope. I think Elecraft are struggling to keep up with demand for the K4. Maybe there will be a kx4 soon…. Disappointing about the X6100, just seen your negative reviews.

  • @DonzLockz
    @DonzLockz 2 года назад +2

    It's a great looking unit but I think they released it too soon.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад +2

      That seems to be their strategy lately with the last 2 products now. I applaud them for trying to innovate, but these are just not ready.

  • @graeme9184
    @graeme9184 2 года назад

    The 10khz works on your radio, I thought they tuned 100khz minimum,
    Has there been a software update?

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      I updated the software when the unit was sent to me. There have been a couple more since then to my knowledge, but I don't have the radio. It was just a loaner.

  • @TXLorenzo
    @TXLorenzo 2 года назад

    if you don't mind being a permanent beta tester, the x6100 is just fine. Still waiting for that firmware of the week that allows the blutooth, wifi and decoder to work right. If you think this radio is an inexpensive alternative to the IC 705, its not anywhere in the same class. If you value your time in aggravation, save the money and just get the IC 705. If you want a lower cost project radio that you can throw in your bug out bag, the x6100 may be for you.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      Boy ain’t that the truth!

    • @TXLorenzo
      @TXLorenzo 2 года назад

      @@hamradiotube Having both the X6100 and the IC 705, I can say how refreshing it is to get back on my IC 705 after trying to twiddle and fiddle with the X6100. The latest firmware does correct some problems, but there are some other fundamental issues that may not be fixed in software. For example, here in Europe we have some strong shortwave stations on 40 meters that will overload the 40 meter ham band at night (Chinese stations, go figure) The only solution I know of is to build a front end filter between the coax input (there is a project video on YT that shows how). Unfortunately, this is a hardware and not a firmware fix. Again, everyone should consider this radio as a project and not a finished product. If you go in with this mindset and bet on the come that all will be fixed in the future, go ahead and purchase. Buyer beware. Having said that, I will say the size, format, screen and built in antenna tuner are positives. Xiegu just needs to get on the ball and make all those other "potential features" like wifi, blutooth and ect.. to work as advertised. It would be nice to have a wireless speaker and WIFI control, but until then, it will be with the IC 705. 73s IU3JNT

  • @84rafaelkld
    @84rafaelkld 2 года назад

    Hello.
    Thanks for your video.
    Do you know if there is any software update to be able to use the CB27 band (TX/RX) in all its modes (AM, FM, SSB, CW...).
    Have you tried it with a walkie talkie antenna?
    Does it have good performance with a CB27 walkie antenna?
    Thanks.

  • @paulhastings3109
    @paulhastings3109 2 года назад +1

    Hope it's not another headache

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      Not for me. I was just sent this as a loaner and I already shipped it off to the next reviewer.

    • @paulhastings3109
      @paulhastings3109 2 года назад

      @@hamradiotube nice radio NOT

  • @W3GYV
    @W3GYV 2 года назад

    I think you have to have an SD card mounted to record and playback audio. No excuse for not telling you that it is not mounted however.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      I did. I took it out before filming.

    • @BikingHikingRadio
      @BikingHikingRadio 2 года назад

      John - no you do not need to have an SD card in for recording the audio messages.

  • @enriquediaz7547
    @enriquediaz7547 2 года назад

    Subscribing. Because I’m a Mac user too! (& integration with it is important to me )

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      Thanks for the sub and welcome to the channel.

  • @RichardHopkinsLobosSolos
    @RichardHopkinsLobosSolos 2 года назад

    Will there be a third video about the ugly?

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      There will be a second video called The Bad & The Ugly.

  • @dangermandave67
    @dangermandave67 2 года назад

    Is it lighter than the G90? Been using the G90 for SOTA and it's a heavy beast. I'm wondering whether I should get the X6100 or a TX-500 or X5105.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      Its def lighter than the g90 for sure. You can always buy it and if you don't like it you can return it.

  • @dwDragon88
    @dwDragon88 2 года назад +2

    Made in Chyna

  • @jsm9001
    @jsm9001 2 года назад

    Like your vid’s mike but remember the g90 was no better when released. Now a high rated radio after updates. Ver 1.1.4 fixed many bugs. They will get it fixed

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      I didn't get the G90 right when it was released but I've had it for a few years now. It never had the problems this radio does, it's just gotten better with a few basic tweaks to it. The same could be said of the X5105. Not perfect when it was released but not that bad. Now it's fantastic for what it is 3 firmware upgrades later. This has already had 6 firmware updates and still sucks! I hear what you're saying, but no.

  • @hillbilly4christ638
    @hillbilly4christ638 2 года назад

    So, why does xiegu continually bring out experimental radios to the market? Their name is so tarnished at this point that their proposed market is dwindling. Why don't they hammer out a viable radio without bugs and go from there?

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      I don’t have any idea. I wish they would just test their radios instead of having the customers beta test them. People are buying them so I suppose there’s no reason to put out anything good.

  • @toclose33
    @toclose33 2 года назад

    so what do you think about the g 90 when i get my taxes back i want to make it a go box?

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      I think you should watch my videos on my G90 Go Box. It's a great idea. ruclips.net/video/AHS1ONJ3TrI/видео.html

  • @Frisky0563
    @Frisky0563 2 года назад

    I want this radio so I’m worried now..

  • @AliReza-zx8km
    @AliReza-zx8km 2 года назад

    Nice.................

  • @DR4Christ
    @DR4Christ 2 года назад

    Would a android phone work via the USB-C port?

  • @tallyjbud
    @tallyjbud 2 года назад

    So this or g90 for a first HD rig?

  • @nr3rful
    @nr3rful 2 года назад

    Interesting....i did hear that the radio is full of bugs....I stay away from Chinese stuff....Ill keep my FT 817

  • @ChatGPT1111
    @ChatGPT1111 2 года назад

    There's enough negatives (bad) here to not need to see part 2. Not being able to connect to PC is a deal breaker. Plus Chineseum quality in general is a non-starter.

    • @hamradiotube
      @hamradiotube  2 года назад

      Yeah but part 2 is even better! I'm posting it Friday morning.