Thanks for the shout out. I'm a fan of the G106 - it doesn't do much, but what it does do it does really well and I think it's higher quality than the *SDX rigs, so that explains the price. You can use the DE-19 for digital work, or make a cable to plug into the mic jack. Have Fun!
Had to give you a shout out since it was your video series on it that convinced me to buy it. So, it’s your fault! Hahahaha. I will be re-watching your video on doing the version update. Thanks!
I haven't used the DE-19, but I have used the digirig interface, and before that a signalink. Especially for portable work the DE-19 is too big. I don't need the PA interface. If you plan on bringing both radios, you could just get cables for the FT-817 and the G-106 and have a slightly smaller/lighter kit.
I have a number of radios but always have fun with my G106 "barefoot". Its simple and easy to use, and compared with my first ever HF rig (an HW-8 I build back in the 1970's) it is fun to use.
Thanks Chris, nice review. I like my G106, it's good for what I use it for, making SSB contacts. If I had to complain about something it would be the audio or the lack of audio, I usually end up running at full volume on the speaker/mic to hear it.
Nice look at the G-106! I have been curious about this little radio. I like small radios and milking them for all they are worth...lol! So, I may purchase one soon. Like you, I am a die-hard Yaesu FT-817nd fan. Those little radios were way ahead of their time and often overlooked. Looking forward to more videos of the Xiegu G-106 in action. 73!
Hi Chris, thanks for the great walkthrough! I'm really interested in seeing how this small inexpensive rig works for you. Two is one, one is none 😀Talk to you soon and 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
I have a G-106, and a G-90, I also have a couple of versions of bitx, and a (tr)uSDX. I like the G-106. An external speaker DOES make a difference. I've gotten several 59 contacts going through a ZM-2 ATU into a hustler 5-btv that needs some maintenance, hence the tuner. 73 de nm9o
Thanks! How do you connect the speaker to it? Do you just run the wire from the mic? I’ve been looking at the ZM 2 tuner also. Might be my next addition.
K2CJB and friends, I've been licensed (Tech) for 20-some-odd years. I first got my license for emergency services (ARES, RACES, OEM, etc) that used 2m and 70cm back then. After I got my 2m and 70m radios, times were hard, and money was very tight. I couldn't even afford the QRP "in the field" radios that I always wanted. Back then, the 817s may as well have been $6,000. Now, we have Chinese companies that are making affordable QRP rigs. It renewed my interest in QRP, however, I will be a newbie tech. Price and situation-wise, would this be the radio to consider starting to get into QRP and eventually upgrade to General?
You're going to need to take it into the field for some trials in place of the 817 to see how it compares. Try some ear buds with the mic. That may make for better audio.
I love mine. It’s a quirky little thing but fun. I works pretty well for a radio that fits in pocket. I have a X108G outdoor version, a G90, X6100. So I thought I give the G106 a try. De KK4LBJ.
@@k2cjbradio That's amazing for the price. I know there's another around $250 that does not have SSB, and I assumed this one was the same. I'm going to do what you did and buy one as a backup, except I'm also going to have it t in my car (removable). I have an FT-981, but don't want to leave it in a car. I agree it should have a speaker plug, but the microphone plug could be split to a feed to a speaker. Someone good with patchcords could easily make it. That's not me, of couse.
Thanks for the shout out. I'm a fan of the G106 - it doesn't do much, but what it does do it does really well and I think it's higher quality than the *SDX rigs, so that explains the price. You can use the DE-19 for digital work, or make a cable to plug into the mic jack. Have Fun!
Had to give you a shout out since it was your video series on it that convinced me to buy it. So, it’s your fault! Hahahaha. I will be re-watching your video on doing the version update. Thanks!
@@k2cjbradio if I have helped just one ham justify just one more radio, then my work is complete.
@@temporarilyoffline Temp - you do great videos.
@@K5JHP-John thanks!
I haven't used the DE-19, but I have used the digirig interface, and before that a signalink. Especially for portable work the DE-19 is too big. I don't need the PA interface. If you plan on bringing both radios, you could just get cables for the FT-817 and the G-106 and have a slightly smaller/lighter kit.
I think that I want one now. $239 bundled with the DE-19 Data Interface Expansion Adapter.
Yup! Great sale!
Where did you se/get that? 😮
I have a number of radios but always have fun with my G106 "barefoot". Its simple and easy to use, and compared with my first ever HF rig (an HW-8 I build back in the 1970's) it is fun to use.
Made several pota activations using the G106, for an entry level qrp rig it gets the job done and easy on the wallet. Very happy with mine. 73
Good initial review and demonstration. The menu looks nice and simple.
Thanks Mike! It’s a simple rig that should be a good backup for my 817.
Thanks Chris, nice review. I like my G106, it's good for what I use it for, making SSB contacts. If I had to complain about something it would be the audio or the lack of audio, I usually end up running at full volume on the speaker/mic to hear it.
I agree. Looking forward to trying it in the field.
Good review Chris.. Looks like it will make a nice, compact backup radio for you.. Cant beat the price either.. Thanks for sharing.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb
You should have gotten a G90! Great radio!
I was afraid I’d want to use that more than my 817 which I’m not ready to move on from.
Nice look at the G-106! I have been curious about this little radio. I like small radios and milking them for all they are worth...lol! So, I may purchase one soon. Like you, I am a die-hard Yaesu FT-817nd fan. Those little radios were way ahead of their time and often overlooked. Looking forward to more videos of the Xiegu G-106 in action. 73!
The 817 is a workhorse and very reliable. I will be running the 106 through some paces to see how it holds up. Stay tuned! Thanks for watching!
The G106 is a great radio but only if you get it on sale. At full price you are honestly better off with a G90 which has the tuner and 20 watts
Hi Chris, thanks for the great walkthrough! I'm really interested in seeing how this small inexpensive rig works for you. Two is one, one is none 😀Talk to you soon and 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Definitely more to come on this one!
I have a G-106, and a G-90, I also have a couple of versions of bitx, and a (tr)uSDX. I like the G-106. An external speaker DOES make a difference. I've gotten several 59 contacts going through a ZM-2 ATU into a hustler 5-btv that needs some maintenance, hence the tuner. 73 de nm9o
Thanks! How do you connect the speaker to it? Do you just run the wire from the mic? I’ve been looking at the ZM 2 tuner also. Might be my next addition.
I think if that radio ever went on sale for $200, I'd buy it.
I have the 106 and I like to play with it. I have three other Xiegu radios. If I had to give up all but one, I probably would keep the g90..
K2CJB and friends, I've been licensed (Tech) for 20-some-odd years. I first got my license for emergency services (ARES, RACES, OEM, etc) that used 2m and 70cm back then. After I got my 2m and 70m radios, times were hard, and money was very tight. I couldn't even afford the QRP "in the field" radios that I always wanted. Back then, the 817s may as well have been $6,000. Now, we have Chinese companies that are making affordable QRP rigs. It renewed my interest in QRP, however, I will be a newbie tech. Price and situation-wise, would this be the radio to consider starting to get into QRP and eventually upgrade to General?
It could work for you as it is very affordable. Like I said it’s not a great radio. But it does work!
You're going to need to take it into the field for some trials in place of the 817 to see how it compares.
Try some ear buds with the mic. That may make for better audio.
Great idea for the ear buds!
I love mine. It’s a quirky little thing but fun. I works pretty well for a radio that fits in pocket. I have a X108G outdoor version, a G90, X6100. So I thought I give the G106 a try.
De KK4LBJ.
I swore off BNCs....I had so many failures it wasn't funny. But that was my experience and probably not typical.
Yeah not my favorite either. I may opt for a short pigtail rather than have an adapter on the back of the radio.
Is it any good as a hf communactions recivier I'm a swl
Good question. I’m taking it on a trip this week so I’ll try it out. Stay tuned!
Does it have ssb?
Yes. SSB and CW.
@@k2cjbradio That's amazing for the price. I know there's another around $250 that does not have SSB, and I assumed this one was the same. I'm going to do what you did and buy one as a backup, except I'm also going to have it t in my car (removable). I have an FT-981, but don't want to leave it in a car. I agree it should have a speaker plug, but the microphone plug could be split to a feed to a speaker. Someone good with patchcords could easily make it. That's not me, of couse.
G90 is a much better radio