QRP is frustrating even with a resonant antenna, but for some reason I like the hard work, especially in pile ups. When you break in it's very satisfying. Thanks for the video, Walt! Peace!
The QRP adventure begins: My X6100 arrives today. I’ve got a small external battery coming, too, so I can use 10w. But thanks for the great video. I know what I’m getting myself into. 😳
@@COASTALWAVESWIRESYeah, I got the little Xiegu one with the radio. My hearing isn’t what it used to be so I figured it was a good idea to get it. And I picked a little 4 ah battery to go with it. Hope to get out in a couple days and see how it does.
A few days ago I worked S51DX, Janez in Slovenia from Georgia on mine using 5 watts and a Gabil vertical. Only took about 5-10 calls. It’s not too hard it just takes patience. It’s a perfect radio for operating Summits on the Air
Oh I won’t, I’ve made some great 5W contacts over the years. This radio just seems like it could have been designed to be a 10W radio under its battery and that frustrates me lol. All the best and 73
Hello! Thank you for the positive and interesting video. To be more confident in using QRP, I suggest using resonant antennas rather than using a tuner.
An honest review Walt. Morten uses a boot to boost his power. I made Brazil from the UK on 20m last week on 5w. I turned the G90 down just to have a bit of fun. Was blown away when he came back to me. 73
Hi Walt very recognisable. I have both g90 and x6100 and it's a huge difference as you experienced as well. X6100 with 20w would indeed be a killer for many other QRP rigs out there. But I do like your passion to keep on trying 😂
You realize that your "trying something different" is actually your same-old same-old... Great channel. Great video. Don't stop changing everything. :)
I agree this is great QRP with a few big issues. My # 1 complaint is the receiver audio being slow to level up after I unkey TX. I miss a lot of callsign prefixes. QRP 5 watts is tough but I knew that when purchasing the rig, and I agree 20 Whiskeys would be the sweet spot! Thanks again for the content Walt!
I am glad that you still like this radio. I did not have good results with the same radio. I have since traded the radio for another one. Good luck! 0:01
The nice thing about the alternate firmware, is that it's not really a "mod" in the usual sense... You boot R1CBU Oleg's firmware off an SD card, and to revert, you just reboot without the SD card... Very clean, low risk operation. I really like Oleg's fw on this radio!
I have been using the Xiegu G90 on my trip to Italy and i am never been disappointed. I was tempted to get a 6100 but i don't think will bring anything more to the table
Your one of the few RUclipsrs that is working with the X6100, it's fantastic to see someone use it and hear their opinion. I've been playing around with the idea of buying one for a while now since i sold my X5105 last year to a new ham. Thank you for the video and look forward to more, 73 de W8MJL.
Walt 5 Watts - 4497 miles is fantastic DX , a bigger internal battery , and as you said 20 Watts would be a game changer . I have a G90 the downside of that radio is its size , and it has a small screen , and no internal battery .
There is always the option to put the external battery on it and double your wattage to 10. That is what I do and I had a park activated and up to 62 QSOs in an hour and a half this past weekend.
The first 20 minutes of my activation was at 5 watts. I had forgot to turn up the power after I plugged in the battery. The alternate interface is nice but it takes some getting used to.
Walt love your Videos, I have the same radio and I always go with 10 watts and the best output is outside the metropolitan areas, the noise is too much for the rig. I have a love and hate relationship with it. If I am going to the woods , OK , but if I am RVing it a no go, take the FT 891. Thanks for the down to earth practical videos. 73's de KC6RZW
Hi Walt. I have a pile of Xiegu gear, the X5105, the G90, the G106 and a new X6200. I had a G1M in the past. The X6100/X6200 get very warm at 5 watts, and IMHO, there is not enough radiative surface to run 20 watts. The 20 power level is ideal, I have to agree on that point. And, the straight whip is a limiting factor, too... I try to go with more antenna and less power. I hve a 40 meter EFHW with an add-on 80 meter loading coil. I also have multiple magnetic loops from a 2-turn rectangular loop for 3 MHz to 8 MHz down to a loop made from aluminum bar stock that's a hexagon that's 11 1/2" corner to corner and covers 17 MHz to 60 MHz. Nothing on 160 meters yet, but working on that! My primary support is a 10 meter telescoping mast, and I have a drive-on mast "foot". All fitting in a sub-compact Scion, heh... CU on the air! 73, Keith, WB2VUO in Amherst, NY
Ok, you convinced me. Just picked up a 2-month old x6100 with the plastic seal still on the front. Should be here Saturday. I also got the FX-4CR after watching your videos, Walt. Please do not buy a Hilberling! Lol😢
Helluva try Walt! 5 watts is just plain tough unless conditions are just right. I love QRP too. Most of my activating is done in the Mojave Desert on SOTA peaks where its quiet. Still tough but have never missed getting the activation done. Take care. 73
I think I see the cause of the difficulty in making QSOs.....you forgot to turn on the "salt water amplifier" or maybe worse yet the salt water amp blew its finals......lol. Great video Walt. Keep them coming.
Cool beans k4ogo de kc2wvb. I too love QRP. I took a hiatus from ham radio for 10 years, but recently placed an inverted V in 40 meters in service and pulled out my HF Signals kit QRP rigs. I likely can hit you easily on QRP and when I fire up the radios I will look for your call sign. Yep, being QRP when the monster stations are calling CQ can be very frustrating and is partly why I placed my kit in storage for a decade. After all, all the credit goes to Kenwood when 100 watt plus equipment is used.
Crazy that Xiegu could have such a winning design and fail to finish it off with some simple upgrades ? It's almost like they do not want the orders ? Ah well I guess the G90 reigns supreme for now in their range. (If they want some advice they could always post me one for some free consultancy 🙂). Actually for qrp a better internal speaker would be my first step (I have a mini guitar amp with a 3" speaker that sounds amazing so I am sure they could squeeze something better in?). The less non-essential clutter to carry around portable the better. Also ironing out the software bugs and get G90 style ATU performance would seem sensible ? Anyway great work sitting on the dock of the bay (hey isn't that a song !).
It will be interesting to see what Xiegu comes out with next. If they could just take the best of this radio and the G90 and morph them together I think they would have the ultimate winner of a portable radio.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES excellent. It's the most satisfying (and most addictive) of all the modes. Jump on the air as soon as you think you're ready, nearly all operators will adjust to your speed. Those that don't aren't worth talking to anyway 😁
Hi Walt. Like you I think the 20w would be great in this radio. Also drop the battery and put a better speaker in it. I love the format of this radio. 73😊
Great video....thank you for being honest. 5w is 5w...we can present dB calculations and rationalize that it is only "1 s-unit difference" compared to 20w , but I don't think that accurately represents the difference. We often do the same thing with higher power....I can say from my experience that 300W vs 100w is a HUGE improvement in communication reliability. QRP is fun at times, but we need to be realistic and not pretend that QRP is "almost as good" as 20w or 50-100w.
Hey Walt! I have been using a G90 for a couple of years, and got a 6100 this week. I have been playing with it at home, and with a 40-10 efhw I have a couple of DX contacts, and have done well chasing pota from OR, NM, CT, NJ and others from WI. It is a different challenge vs 20w for sure. How does it do on the QRP net? I am considering pairing it with a micro PA50. It should kick some butt with it, I love the bigger screen, the improved noise reduction it has over the G90.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I got 9 countries over the weekend along with a bunch of pota with 10w on 10m. The noise reduction makes it less tiring to listen to for me. I agree that it would be perfect with the G90's 20w.
For us newbies would it be possible to show the exact setting you use for your ssb contacts, i.e. noise blanker?, noise reduction?, filters setting?, other tricks. I've done quite a bit of FT8 with my X6100, but few ssb contacts because of 1) mike shyness and, 2) setting ignorance. Thanks for the videos.
I'll look into doing that, to be honest I haven't done too much with the settings on this radio other than setting the AGC to Slow and going with the factory settings that it came with. Key that mic and start making contacts!
If yaesu isnt developing a 20watt/built in atu rig, complete with usb-c and 18650's, similar to the 6100 or 705........anyone listening???? Great video as always, keep em' coming, 73.
Yes, make it 20 Watts!!!!!! I have not purchased this radio because, while I love QRP, I need a radio that gets through (the G90). I once accidentally had my G90 at 1 Watt and made contact wit Simon HamJazz up in Canada (from Northern California). However, QRP can be frustrating and you really need to have absolutely optimal conditions, etc., to work 5 Watts. The 6100 has everything I want, except the Watts and Battery life. As with chess, ham radio is a game of concessions...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
Walt, honest answer please: which one you find to be better, x5105 or this one? I sold my x5105 already (working perfectly and owner is happy), but when I bought it the 6100 had just released and I went for the 5105 because I was sure this one would be worse, on release at least. I went out with the 5105 when it was -35c, I expected the radio to die on me but it worked fine. Also I dropped it on the snow once 😂 73!
Honestly I like the X6100 slightly more than the X5105 because of that incredible SDR screen. That’s the only thing better about it than the X5105 but it’s a big deal.
Hey Neighbor! I love seeing videos of people I live next to. I've sat on that seawall myself, lovely area. When I finally get time to test out to general, I'm definitely looking into HF QRP as the sport of choice. Have you had any luck with that radio using digital modes?
Hi Walt. Is that 1:1 choke something you made or bought? Looking at the Chameleon RF choke but like the size of the one you use. Thanks again for your videos. 73 W6SDK
Nice work. I like the design of the X6100, but I’m not at QRP levels yet. The G90 & FX-4CR (first video with it is up) have 20W, which is comfortable for me atm. 73!
Not sure if it’s seen in this one, but you’ve shown a choke that’s bullet shaped. Are these available somewhere? I think you may have mentioned that a fellow Ham makes them.
Yes it’s made by Tim N9SAB and he sells them on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/164358440127?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=TIbkpe2XS0m&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=IVyKb51XQj2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
If you run 5W you need full size no compromise antennas. That whip at 5.2m with two elevated radials on 20m… and shorten it to a 1/4wave on 17 rather than use the tuner on 17m makes a lot of difference. See Peter VK3YE’s you tube channel
After carefully reviewing your videos about 6100, I am completely certain that I will not proceed with the upgrade . I am sugesting an equation that is guaranteed to bring you substantial satisfaction: consider selling the 6100😊 have fun with your G90 20w🌎make a difference.
I think you just prove to yourself that 5W can get some good DX but after that its just frustrating! Another important point for the x6100, I bought one and love all the things you do however for me RX spurious on every band even without an antenna kills it for me and I returned it. How did you or anyone else experience this??
I ran 10W for a few hours, it was not happy. I ended up draining my battery and going on alternator power (14.0v). She (x6100) was TOASTY, need better thermals! I would love if it had 20W. My 10W QRP only gets me down south, never across the pond. 😢
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I get that, the internal battery has no real battery capacity to support transmitting for any length of time, like you say that's the radios downfall the internal battery is only any good for rx only.use.
Why do people call "CQ N America" and "stateside only". I mean I'm sure you're all nice, but I never hear it the other way around "CQ Europe" or "UK only" or anything 😁 I use my X6100 on my boat with resonant ham sticks. I do ok with it, but it would be cool if it had a little more power and battery life.
QRP is 5w.. not 10.not 20. 🤣.. QRP is a finesse of patience and timing... i say "QRP Callsign QRP"... also contests days might as well give it up they won't play qrp on main bands.
hi Walt xiegu 5105 on tx is much better than 6100,i got 2 6100 but i send back to manufacturi,i did not like at all,after 10 minutes cqing its getting very hot.regards iz6bxv
Love the G90 - three years and it is still my goto radio. That said, 20watts in the X6100/5105 form factor would be the bomb-diggity
I agree! The bomb-diggity!!!!!! 😂
QRP is frustrating even with a resonant antenna, but for some reason I like the hard work, especially in pile ups. When you break in it's very satisfying. Thanks for the video, Walt! Peace!
I agree! Thanks my friend!
The QRP adventure begins: My X6100 arrives today. I’ve got a small external battery coming, too, so I can use 10w. But thanks for the great video. I know what I’m getting myself into. 😳
Have fun, I'm actually enjoying this radio at 10 watts, it you didn't get an external speaker yet start looking!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRESYeah, I got the little Xiegu one with the radio. My hearing isn’t what it used to be so I figured it was a good idea to get it. And I picked a little 4 ah battery to go with it. Hope to get out in a couple days and see how it does.
The struggle is real sometimes. Thanks for another good one, Walt.
Thanks Mike! Yes it is!!!!
A few days ago I worked S51DX, Janez in Slovenia from Georgia on mine using 5 watts and a Gabil vertical. Only took about 5-10 calls. It’s not too hard it just takes patience. It’s a perfect radio for operating Summits on the Air
Absolutely!
I've worked him and his brother many times. They really put out a great signal. All the best.
don't give up buddy... i have the 6100 and hopped into Ireland from SE PA on 17M. 5W into an antron 99 with a feed point only 10ft above ground.
'73
Oh I won’t, I’ve made some great 5W contacts over the years. This radio just seems like it could have been designed to be a 10W radio under its battery and that frustrates me lol. All the best and 73
Hello! Thank you for the positive and interesting video. To be more confident in using QRP, I suggest using resonant antennas rather than using a tuner.
Thanks for watching! I agree, resonant antennas are always a better setup.
An honest review Walt. Morten uses a boot to boost his power.
I made Brazil from the UK on 20m last week on 5w. I turned the G90 down just to have a bit of fun. Was blown away when he came back to me. 73
Thanks Gary, great contact to Brazil! 73
I appreciate the testing and more importantly, your honesty. 👍
Thank you so much!
Hi Walt very recognisable. I have both g90 and x6100 and it's a huge difference as you experienced as well. X6100 with 20w would indeed be a killer for many other QRP rigs out there. But I do like your passion to keep on trying 😂
Thanks!!! I’ll keep on trying for sure! 73
20W != QRP.
Would be nice to have to have a chance on pileups.
You just described the FX-4CR
@@imh116 yes minus the ATU
You realize that your "trying something different" is actually your same-old same-old... Great channel. Great video. Don't stop changing everything. :)
Hahaha thanks!
It's not easy being qrp. But you have a greater sense of accomplishment.
I absolutely agree!
I agree this is great QRP with a few big issues. My # 1 complaint is the receiver audio being slow to level up after I unkey TX. I miss a lot of callsign prefixes. QRP 5 watts is tough but I knew that when purchasing the rig, and I agree 20 Whiskeys would be the sweet spot! Thanks again for the content Walt!
Thanks for watching and the great comment!
I am glad that you still like this radio. I did not have good results with the same radio. I have since traded the radio for another one. Good luck! 0:01
Thanks Shane!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES You're very welcome!
The nice thing about the alternate firmware, is that it's not really a "mod" in the usual sense... You boot R1CBU Oleg's firmware off an SD card, and to revert, you just reboot without the SD card... Very clean, low risk operation. I really like Oleg's fw on this radio!
I’m really looking forward to doing that!
Good nugget of info 👍
Nice contact 4,500 miles 👌 looking forward to the next one walt
Thanks Andy!
I have been using the Xiegu G90 on my trip to Italy and i am never been disappointed. I was tempted to get a 6100 but i don't think will bring anything more to the table
You are absolutely right. Good call on the G90!
Your one of the few RUclipsrs that is working with the X6100, it's fantastic to see someone use it and hear their opinion. I've been playing around with the idea of buying one for a while now since i sold my X5105 last year to a new ham. Thank you for the video and look forward to more, 73 de W8MJL.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 73 de K4OGO
Walt 5 Watts - 4497 miles is fantastic DX , a bigger internal battery , and as you said 20 Watts would be a game changer . I have a G90 the downside of that radio is its size , and it has a small screen , and no internal battery .
I think the perfect radio would be this radio without the internal battery and 20 watts. Basically a nice portable G90 lol
WD4OBP Thank you Walt. Another great video.
Thank you very much! 73, Walt K4OGO
Great video Walt!
Thank you Lewis!!!
There is always the option to put the external battery on it and double your wattage to 10. That is what I do and I had a park activated and up to 62 QSOs in an hour and a half this past weekend.
Yes, I do that too, this was just an experiment to see how it would go with the internal battery
The first 20 minutes of my activation was at 5 watts. I had forgot to turn up the power after I plugged in the battery. The alternate interface is nice but it takes some getting used to.
Walt love your Videos, I have the same radio and I always go with 10 watts and the best output is outside the metropolitan areas, the noise is too much for the rig. I have a love and hate relationship with it. If I am going to the woods , OK , but if I am RVing it a no go, take the FT 891. Thanks for the down to earth practical videos. 73's de KC6RZW
Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes I can see my feelings about this radio are going to be about the same. 73 de K4OGO
Hi Walt. I have a pile of Xiegu gear, the X5105, the G90, the G106 and a new X6200. I had a G1M in the past. The X6100/X6200 get very warm at 5 watts, and IMHO, there is not enough radiative surface to run 20 watts. The 20 power level is ideal, I have to agree on that point. And, the straight whip is a limiting factor, too...
I try to go with more antenna and less power. I hve a 40 meter EFHW with an add-on 80 meter loading coil. I also have multiple magnetic loops from a 2-turn rectangular loop for 3 MHz to 8 MHz down to a loop made from aluminum bar stock that's a hexagon that's 11 1/2" corner to corner and covers 17 MHz to 60 MHz. Nothing on 160 meters yet, but working on that! My primary support is a 10 meter telescoping mast, and I have a drive-on mast "foot". All fitting in a sub-compact Scion, heh...
CU on the air! 73, Keith, WB2VUO in Amherst, NY
Ok, you convinced me. Just picked up a 2-month old x6100 with the plastic seal still on the front. Should be here Saturday. I also got the FX-4CR after watching your videos, Walt. Please do not buy a Hilberling! Lol😢
Hahaha have fun with that X6100! I don’t have any purchases planned unless Xiegu puts out a new radio!
Super!!!!! thanks!!! and welcome home, again!!!!
Thank you!!!!!
Helluva try Walt! 5 watts is just plain tough unless conditions are just right. I love QRP too. Most of my activating is done in the Mojave Desert on SOTA peaks where its quiet. Still tough but have never missed getting the activation done. Take care. 73
Thanks so much! That is an awesome place to activate. 73 my friend
That external speaker sounds good. No way you hit Italy, that's incredible.
Another great vid. I’m new to HF, but somehow I’m going to lug my newly acquired 991a out to a park on low power and give this a try. 😉 73!
Thanks Kurt! Operating portable is a blast!! 73
5 watts is tough. Funny when they can barely hear you then give you a 59
Yeah I call that the good ol Italian five nine lol
Nah, it’s a generic 59. Has no real value! 😅
I think I see the cause of the difficulty in making QSOs.....you forgot to turn on the "salt water amplifier" or maybe worse yet the salt water amp blew its finals......lol. Great video Walt. Keep them coming.
hahahaha thanks, I think you might be right my friend!
Cool beans k4ogo de kc2wvb.
I too love QRP. I took a hiatus from ham radio for 10 years, but recently placed an inverted V in 40 meters in service and pulled out my HF Signals kit QRP rigs.
I likely can hit you easily on QRP and when I fire up the radios I will look for your call sign.
Yep, being QRP when the monster stations are calling CQ can be very frustrating and is partly why I placed my kit in storage for a decade. After all, all the credit goes to Kenwood when 100 watt plus equipment is used.
Roger that! 73 de K4OGO
Crazy that Xiegu could have such a winning design and fail to finish it off with some simple upgrades ? It's almost like they do not want the orders ? Ah well I guess the G90 reigns supreme for now in their range. (If they want some advice they could always post me one for some free consultancy 🙂). Actually for qrp a better internal speaker would be my first step (I have a mini guitar amp with a 3" speaker that sounds amazing so I am sure they could squeeze something better in?). The less non-essential clutter to carry around portable the better. Also ironing out the software bugs and get G90 style ATU performance would seem sensible ? Anyway great work sitting on the dock of the bay (hey isn't that a song !).
It will be interesting to see what Xiegu comes out with next. If they could just take the best of this radio and the G90 and morph them together I think they would have the ultimate winner of a portable radio.
Hopefully Xiegu will listen! 20W on the internal battery would be a game changer.
I would even be happy if they completely removed the internal battery and gave that radio 20 watts.
5 Watts SSB is fly fishing for sure. If that was 5 Watts CW, you'd have been waaaay busier. You've got to get those beeps going.... 💪
I’m working on it!!!!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES excellent. It's the most satisfying (and most addictive) of all the modes. Jump on the air as soon as you think you're ready, nearly all operators will adjust to your speed. Those that don't aren't worth talking to anyway 😁
Great to see what is possible with 'light tackle' Walt 73
Thanks Ady, definitely light tackle!! 73
Hi Walt. Like you I think the 20w would be great in this radio. Also drop the battery and put a better speaker in it.
I love the format of this radio.
73😊
Spot on! 73 my friend!
Hahaha.. You ❤ QRP, You ❤ QRP .. Just a reminder, LOL.. QRP builds patience and character, lol.. thx for sharing your fun..
Thanks Kevin! patience and character, patience and character hahaha
I agree, The screen is nice But if it had 20 watts it would be a huge seller on the market.
Yes it would!
I want one of these so bad
Here’s a challenge…recruit your home boy Bruce Hornsby to ham radio! Lol Still another good one, Walt!
Great challenge, my son is a local musician. I'll see if he can get in touch with Bruce for me LOL Thanks Frank!
Great video....thank you for being honest. 5w is 5w...we can present dB calculations and rationalize that it is only "1 s-unit difference" compared to 20w , but I don't think that accurately represents the difference. We often do the same thing with higher power....I can say from my experience that 300W vs 100w is a HUGE improvement in communication reliability. QRP is fun at times, but we need to be realistic and not pretend that QRP is "almost as good" as 20w or 50-100w.
Thanks and I totally agree with you!
Hey Walt! I have been using a G90 for a couple of years, and got a 6100 this week. I have been playing with it at home, and with a 40-10 efhw I have a couple of DX contacts, and have done well chasing pota from OR, NM, CT, NJ and others from WI. It is a different challenge vs 20w for sure. How does it do on the QRP net? I am considering pairing it with a micro PA50. It should kick some butt with it, I love the bigger screen, the improved noise reduction it has over the G90.
Yes I think it is a perfect match with the PA50. That might be my next move.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I got 9 countries over the weekend along with a bunch of pota with 10w on 10m. The noise reduction makes it less tiring to listen to for me. I agree that it would be perfect with the G90's 20w.
Rough start! Time to bring out the big guns - squid pole and 20m delta loop. Or a a Moxon.
I've never had a contact on 15m :(
Cheers VK5BRU.
That sounds like a great idea and I plan on building both of those antennas in the future! Cheers K4OGO
Great Video Walt! Time to break out the Yaesu! 73
Thanks! Yes indeed, I’m trying to keep a healthy balance of QRO and QRP 😂
For us newbies would it be possible to show the exact setting you use for your ssb contacts, i.e. noise blanker?, noise reduction?, filters setting?, other tricks. I've done quite a bit of FT8 with my X6100, but few ssb contacts because of 1) mike shyness and, 2) setting ignorance. Thanks for the videos.
I'll look into doing that, to be honest I haven't done too much with the settings on this radio other than setting the AGC to Slow and going with the factory settings that it came with. Key that mic and start making contacts!
You are a trooper Walt! Hmmmm .... at 20 watts, that battery would last ....... 😁
I think they should just get rid of the battery and add a better speaker and 20 watts. It would be a perfect radio.
I can see that you have been touched by the dark side. Suddenly it's QRO all the way Walt :)
Hahaha not really!!!!
If yaesu isnt developing a 20watt/built in atu rig, complete with usb-c and 18650's, similar to the 6100 or 705........anyone listening????
Great video as always, keep em' coming, 73.
I agree and thanks so much!! 73
Yes, make it 20 Watts!!!!!! I have not purchased this radio because, while I love QRP, I need a radio that gets through (the G90). I once accidentally had my G90 at 1 Watt and made contact wit Simon HamJazz up in Canada (from Northern California). However, QRP can be frustrating and you really need to have absolutely optimal conditions, etc., to work 5 Watts. The 6100 has everything I want, except the Watts and Battery life. As with chess, ham radio is a game of concessions...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
Walt, honest answer please: which one you find to be better, x5105 or this one? I sold my x5105 already (working perfectly and owner is happy), but when I bought it the 6100 had just released and I went for the 5105 because I was sure this one would be worse, on release at least. I went out with the 5105 when it was -35c, I expected the radio to die on me but it worked fine. Also I dropped it on the snow once 😂
73!
Honestly I like the X6100 slightly more than the X5105 because of that incredible SDR screen. That’s the only thing better about it than the X5105 but it’s a big deal.
Hey Neighbor! I love seeing videos of people I live next to. I've sat on that seawall myself, lovely area. When I finally get time to test out to general, I'm definitely looking into HF QRP as the sport of choice.
Have you had any luck with that radio using digital modes?
Hi neighbor! I have not used it for digital but have heard it’s an excellent rig for that. 73
Hi Walt. Is that 1:1 choke something you made or bought? Looking at the Chameleon RF choke but like the size of the one you use. Thanks again for your videos. 73 W6SDK
Hi! that choke is built by Tim N9SAB and he sells them on eBay. Here's a link: www.ebay.com/itm/164358440127?hash=item264486c4bf:g:gSMAAOSwiABfJgzk
Nice work. I like the design of the X6100, but I’m not at QRP levels yet. The G90 & FX-4CR (first video with it is up) have 20W, which is comfortable for me atm. 73!
20 watts is the perfect sweet spot for HF in my opinion
Not sure if it’s seen in this one, but you’ve shown a choke that’s bullet shaped. Are these available somewhere? I think you may have mentioned that a fellow Ham makes them.
Yes it’s made by Tim N9SAB and he sells them on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/164358440127?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=TIbkpe2XS0m&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=IVyKb51XQj2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Question: How do you drive the ground rod in the ground? You carry a hammer or? How deep, just enough to support the whip? Thx! 73
Typically I hand push it down about 15 to 18 inches. I do have a rubber mallet that I have used a couple times when the sand or dirt was hard. 73
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks!
Thanks, Walt...!!
73 my friend!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Do you use the stock mic with the X6100? I keep getting reports of "funny" sounding audio using mine.
Yes just using the stock mic
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks. Maybe I've been getting some RF in the audio or something. I need to get one of those inline rf chokes to try out.
I agree with the other comments that resonant antennas would have been better than using an ATU.
Yep I agree as well, was just putting the Xiegu ATU through a test and exercise
If you run 5W you need full size no compromise antennas. That whip at 5.2m with two elevated radials on 20m… and shorten it to a 1/4wave on 17 rather than use the tuner on 17m makes a lot of difference. See Peter VK3YE’s you tube channel
Yes I understand that and actually mentioned how compromised the antenna was at the conclusion of the video.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES yes saw that, keep the videos coming !
What was that firmware upgrade your contemplating?
r1cbu.ru/index.php/home/files/category/3-x6100
I run QRP exclusive on myX6100. But CW and FT 8. SSB at 5 watts is possible but the 6100 form factor at 20 watts would cook the rado.
After carefully reviewing your videos about 6100, I am completely certain that I will not proceed with the upgrade . I am sugesting an equation that is guaranteed to bring you substantial satisfaction: consider selling the 6100😊 have fun with your G90 20w🌎make a difference.
Yes indeed the 20 watts makes a big difference! 73 de K4OGO
I think you just prove to yourself that 5W can get some good DX but after that its just frustrating! Another important point for the x6100, I bought one and love all the things you do however for me RX spurious on every band even without an antenna kills it for me and I returned it. How did you or anyone else experience this??
I haven't experienced that but will watch closely now, thanks
Make sure you have the latest stock firmware and calibrate the battery you'll get a bit more use out of it.
Kind regards from germany vy 73 de Peter 🍀💎👍
Thank you Peter! 73 my friend
I ran 10W for a few hours, it was not happy. I ended up draining my battery and going on alternator power (14.0v). She (x6100) was TOASTY, need better thermals!
I would love if it had 20W. My 10W QRP only gets me down south, never across the pond. 😢
Yes I noticed my X6100 was very warm too after this time out.
If I ever see you I'll have to tell you about my 1600 watt mobile
Would love to hear that story!
can you add a 20 or more watt external amplifier using 6100?
Yes, I have the 100 watt Xiegu amp that pairs well with this in a base station setup. Not good for portable. It’s the Xiegu XPA-125B.
Got him in the end :)
Took some work! 😂
I agree.. that radio with 20 watts.. they could raise the price $200 and sell out
Absolutely!!!!
Nice video. Link to your antenna please
You gotta use it on an ext battery, I have the same issue on the internal battery.
Yes I use it on the external battery for 10 watts, was just trying it out at 5 watts to see how it would go.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I get that, the internal battery has no real battery capacity to support transmitting for any length of time, like you say that's the radios downfall the internal battery is only any good for rx only.use.
I have a lot better luck calling "QRP QRP QRP" then my call.
Cue up Carley Simon - Anticipation 🎙to you Walt. 73
hahahaha I will have that song stuck in my head all day now! 73 my friend!
CW or FT8 is your friend
Walt. Try the Russian firmware.... You can squeeze a little more tx power out of her with it.
I will, looking forward to trying it out.
Try that in the woods! Lololol😅😂
Blahahaha 😂😂😂
Qrp is tough at the best of propagation. Next time why don't you pick a clear QRG and try calling CQ yourself instead of try to fight the big QROs?
I've been a QRPer for quite a while and calling CQ with 5 watts is pretty hard to do.
Why do people call "CQ N America" and "stateside only". I mean I'm sure you're all nice, but I never hear it the other way around "CQ Europe" or "UK only" or anything 😁
I use my X6100 on my boat with resonant ham sticks. I do ok with it, but it would be cool if it had a little more power and battery life.
I’ve actually heard a guy in Costa Rica call “CQ DX anybody but the United States” LOL
It's funny, but 20w Will be better
QRP is 5w.. not 10.not 20. 🤣.. QRP is a finesse of patience and timing... i say "QRP Callsign QRP"... also contests days might as well give it up they won't play qrp on main bands.
Don't whine have fun you go into this 5 Watts with eyes wide open. Upgrade firmware
I'm always having fun
hi Walt xiegu 5105 on tx is much better than 6100,i got 2 6100 but i send back to manufacturi,i did not like at all,after 10 minutes cqing its getting very hot.regards iz6bxv
Roger that, I really like my X5105. Great little rig. 73, Walt K4OGO
You convinced me to go with the the G90, I really enjoy it :) DE N7BYD
You will not be sorry. The G90 is great.