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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I agree! Thanks my friend!

Your one of the few KZreadrs 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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 73 de K4OGO

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Absolutely!

@woodybollox

9 ай бұрын

I've worked him and his brother many times. They really put out a great signal. All the best.

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! I agree, resonant antennas are always a better setup.

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. 😳

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Have fun, I'm actually enjoying this radio at 10 watts, it you didn't get an external speaker yet start looking!

@bransom

10 ай бұрын

@@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.

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Gary, great contact to Brazil! 73

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

7 ай бұрын

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

The struggle is real sometimes. Thanks for another good one, Walt.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Mike! Yes it is!!!!

I appreciate the testing and more importantly, your honesty. 👍

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

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!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and the great comment!

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!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I’m really looking forward to doing that!

@funkyfreshgreg

10 ай бұрын

Good nugget of info 👍

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 😂

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks!!! I’ll keep on trying for sure! 73

@jamess1787

10 ай бұрын

20W != QRP. Would be nice to have to have a chance on pileups.

@imh116

10 ай бұрын

You just described the FX-4CR

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

@@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. :)

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Hahaha thanks!

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 .

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I think the perfect radio would be this radio without the internal battery and 20 watts. Basically a nice portable G90 lol

Great video Walt!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thank you Lewis!!!

It's not easy being qrp. But you have a greater sense of accomplishment.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I absolutely agree!

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

You are absolutely right. Good call on the G90!

Nice contact 4,500 miles 👌 looking forward to the next one walt

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Andy!

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

Super!!!!! thanks!!! and welcome home, again!!!!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!!!

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Shane!

@shanejackson1973

10 ай бұрын

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES You're very welcome!

WD4OBP Thank you Walt. Another great video.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thank you very much! 73, Walt K4OGO

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yes, I do that too, this was just an experiment to see how it would go with the internal battery

@n0vfiradiomisadventures

10 ай бұрын

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.

5 watts is tough. Funny when they can barely hear you then give you a 59

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yeah I call that the good ol Italian five nine lol

@SuperCapsfan101

7 ай бұрын

Nah, it’s a generic 59. Has no real value! 😅

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!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Kurt! Operating portable is a blast!! 73

Good to see you out there Walt. Even my qcx 5w cw is hard going some days on 20m, so I just got my first ever amplifier in 38 years, the micro pa50, plug and go, 3w in, 50w out, makes a difference, and I like the qcx, but some days I only get qrz ? all day hi. 73.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Cool! I've been looking at that PA50, nice to hear that you got one.

Thanks for sharing

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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.

I want one of these so bad

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes I can see my feelings about this radio are going to be about the same. 73 de K4OGO

Thanks, Walt...!!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

73 my friend!

I agree, The screen is nice But if it had 20 watts it would be a huge seller on the market.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yes it would!

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😢

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

8 ай бұрын

Hahaha have fun with that X6100! I don’t have any purchases planned unless Xiegu puts out a new radio!

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😊

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Spot on! 73 my friend!

Great to see what is possible with 'light tackle' Walt 73

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Ady, definitely light tackle!! 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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

hahahaha thanks, I think you might be right my friend!

Great Video Walt! Time to break out the Yaesu! 73

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes indeed, I’m trying to keep a healthy balance of QRO and QRP 😂

Got him in the end :)

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Took some work! 😂

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 !).

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I would even be happy if they completely removed the internal battery and gave that radio 20 watts.

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Roger that! 73 de K4OGO

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I agree and thanks so much!! 73

You are a trooper Walt! Hmmmm .... at 20 watts, that battery would last ....... 😁

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I think they should just get rid of the battery and add a better speaker and 20 watts. It would be a perfect radio.

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

That sounds like a great idea and I plan on building both of those antennas in the future! Cheers K4OGO

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks and I totally agree with you!

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.... 💪

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I’m working on it!!!!

@RonanCantwell

10 ай бұрын

@@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 😁

Here’s a challenge…recruit your home boy Bruce Hornsby to ham radio! Lol Still another good one, Walt!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Great challenge, my son is a local musician. I'll see if he can get in touch with Bruce for me LOL Thanks Frank!

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!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

20 watts is the perfect sweet spot for HF in my opinion

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?

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

7 ай бұрын

Hi neighbor! I have not used it for digital but have heard it’s an excellent rig for that. 73

I agree with the other comments that resonant antennas would have been better than using an ATU.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yep I agree as well, was just putting the Xiegu ATU through a test and exercise

Kind regards from germany vy 73 de Peter 🍀💎👍

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thank you Peter! 73 my friend

Hahaha.. You ❤ QRP, You ❤ QRP .. Just a reminder, LOL.. QRP builds patience and character, lol.. thx for sharing your fun..

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Kevin! patience and character, patience and character hahaha

Make sure you have the latest stock firmware and calibrate the battery you'll get a bit more use out of it.

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

10 ай бұрын

Yes I think it is a perfect match with the PA50. That might be my next move.

@loraz0

9 ай бұрын

@@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.

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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!

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!

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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.

Nice video. Link to your antenna please

I can see that you have been touched by the dark side. Suddenly it's QRO all the way Walt :)

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Hahaha not really!!!!

I agree.. that radio with 20 watts.. they could raise the price $200 and sell out

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Absolutely!!!!

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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

Cue up Carley Simon - Anticipation 🎙to you Walt. 73

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

hahahaha I will have that song stuck in my head all day now! 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. 😢

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yes I noticed my X6100 was very warm too after this time out.

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yes I understand that and actually mentioned how compromised the antenna was at the conclusion of the video.

@pauls8456

10 ай бұрын

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES yes saw that, keep the videos coming !

If I ever see you I'll have to tell you about my 1600 watt mobile

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

7 ай бұрын

Would love to hear that story!

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yes indeed the 20 watts makes a big difference! 73 de K4OGO

I have a lot better luck calling "QRP QRP QRP" then my call.

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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

@K6SUD

10 ай бұрын

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks!

Try that in the woods! Lololol😅😂

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Blahahaha 😂😂😂

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??

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I haven't experienced that but will watch closely now, thanks

Do you use the stock mic with the X6100? I keep getting reports of "funny" sounding audio using mine.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

Yes just using the stock mic

@ivandubinsky1857

10 ай бұрын

@@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.

You gotta use it on an ext battery, I have the same issue on the internal battery.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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.

@Tantalicdavid

10 ай бұрын

@@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.

What was that firmware upgrade your contemplating?

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

3 ай бұрын

r1cbu.ru/index.php/home/files/category/3-x6100

can you add a 20 or more watt external amplifier using 6100?

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

6 ай бұрын

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.

CW or FT8 is your friend

Walt. Try the Russian firmware.... You can squeeze a little more tx power out of her with it.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I will, looking forward to trying it out.

It's funny, but 20w Will be better

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.

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I’ve actually heard a guy in Costa Rica call “CQ DX anybody but the United States” LOL

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?

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

I've been a QRPer for quite a while and calling CQ with 5 watts is pretty hard to do.

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

8 ай бұрын

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

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

@COASTALWAVESWIRES

10 ай бұрын

You will not be sorry. The G90 is great.