Re: 5105 vs G90 vs RS-918
I have had all three of them. Still have the MCHF and the X5105.
The G90 is really nice but the push buttons on the bottom are crap. Most of the tome you need to use your nails to push them. No build in battery.
I had the RS918 that I bought used but the touch screen didn't work. Now I have an original MCHF with build in ATU and really love it. Again no build in battery.
I have the X5105 and it is really build like a tank. ATU, battery, large display. Even build in mike. But only 5 watts.
I also have the KX2 with build in batty and ATU but with the build in battery the power goes time from 10w to 5w after a very short time. It also cost much more
money than the other 3. I bought it used as new it is not worth the money for me. It is also the smallest one.
Which one would I keep if no other choice? I hope I don't have to choose. The first to go would be and was the G90 because foo the too small text on the screen.
Just my two cents.
73.
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Re: Memory program for X-5105
Oh my appologies¡ Doug :-)
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On Feb 12, 2021, at 10:03 AM, Joe Wittmer <Joseph.E.Wittmer@...> wrote:
Nice Dave,
I finally tried this with my macBook using FLRig with WSJT-X instead of using the IC-7000 setting in WSJT-X. FLRig worked well.
Did you get happen to get power output and SWR indications when transmitting? I wasn¡¯t able to see that working here, but might be missing something¡ If that worked, it would be a good reason to use the combination.
Either way, I¡¯m half way there for when I want to try some of the other digital modes that are FLDigi now. :-)
Thanks,
Joe
On Feb 8, 2021, at 1:58 PM, DougVL <K8RFTradio@...> wrote:
Yesterday I discovered that the rig control/interface software "FLRig" now includes the X5105 in its list of supported radios.
I have not yet had a chance to try it, but it might offer a way. I started a separate thread about FLRig, too. That's where any new-found information will go.
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Doug, K8RFT
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Re: Memory program for X-5105
Nice Dave,
I finally tried this with my macBook using FLRig with WSJT-X instead of using the IC-7000 setting in WSJT-X. FLRig worked well.
Did you get happen to get power output and SWR indications when transmitting? I wasn¡¯t able to see that working here, but might be missing something¡ If that worked, it would be a good reason to use the combination.
Either way, I¡¯m half way there for when I want to try some of the other digital modes that are FLDigi now. :-)
Thanks,
Joe
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On Feb 8, 2021, at 1:58 PM, DougVL <K8RFTradio@...> wrote:
Yesterday I discovered that the rig control/interface software "FLRig" now includes the X5105 in its list of supported radios.
I have not yet had a chance to try it, but it might offer a way. I started a separate thread about FLRig, too. That's where any new-found information will go.
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Doug, K8RFT
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Re: 5105 vs G90 vs RS-918
I have all three. What is it you wud like to know? Personally in my opinion the Xiegus are the better of the bunch. The G90 is a fine rig @ 20watts out and internal tuner that will tune just about anything within reason with a hot receiver. The X5105 is built like a brick also with a great tuner and a larger LCD. Only drawback is the 5watt output. If thats not an issue for you then it wud be a good POTA or SOTA choice. Then we have the RS918. If I were to sell any of the three it would be the 918. Around 10 watts out and the LCD is about 2". No tuner in that one in stock form but there is an after market unit that can be incorperated. Its open source so there are constant updates it seems from various sources. The rig is more for ops who dont mind experimenting with firmware downloads.
There you have my opinion and only my opinion. Im sure others with add more and disagree with my assesments. Thats fine, its good to have more data than less.
Best 73s and good luck in your search.
Rick/ K9ETE
On Thursday, February 11, 2021 kt8dx <[email protected]> wrote:Hello - I'm thinking of upgrading my POTA station - I like the form factor and screen of the 5105 but I hear a lot of good things about the G90.? Anyone have experience with both?? Or have opinions?? I'm primarily a CW op and would most likely be sticking to 5 watts.
Thanks for your input.
Bob KT8DX
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Re: 5105 vs G90 vs RS-918
This coming from a 5105 owner who thinks that walking more than a few hundred feet is suffering:
The tradeoff I would think about is weight. The 5105 is a heavy little beast, mostly due to the battery. But that¡¯s not fixed by any of the competition as they mostly need an external battery. And all of that is strongly affected by whether you think you need the power output.
I¡¯m attracted to rigs with lower power drain especially on receive. But I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m up to running less than five watts especially on SSB. So my fix so far is to be able to use CW, SSB and digital, in this case PSK31 on an Android phone. But again, PSK is a battery hog so there goes the battery weight.
I really like the physical arrangement of these new rigs. Putting the display and most of the controls on the largest face of the cube is wonderful. I dislike the tiny screen and mobile radio design of my FT-817. Otherwise it is a great radio.
My prime mode is to ride my motorcycle up into the mountains of southern Baja and throw a wire over a cactus. I have the bike battery there for backup. Except for this year when I¡¯m stuck up here in the rain for obvious reasons. Grump.
Mike
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I only have the X5105, but I've read about the other 2 models you're considering.
The main difference I can think of is the built-in battery in the X5105.??
The screen size it larger too, I think.? And I've read that the "outdoor model", with the clear cover shield over the display screen, has a different display type that show up better in sunlight.? You might be able to confirm that with Radioddity, and there's also another, newer dealer who was mentioned (and recommended) in a thread a few weeks ago.
One of these radios will probably have a controls layout that will work out better for you, but you'll have to use your imagination to figure out which.? Unless there's a COVID miracle and hamfests can get going again - AND you can find one with all 3 radios to see and feel.
None of the three get much factory support as far as I know, but the RS918 has been around for a while and I think has open-source firmware.? That might make it easier to find schematics and "how things work" inside the radio.
Oh, one other reason I think the X5105 is is a good POTA choice is the built-in mike.? And with the X5105ps shape factor, by mounting a whip antenna on the BNC you can use it like a walkie-talkie.? Check some of the youtube videos.
Not likely a big factor for you, but the X5105 also has the I.F. output for a panadapter, and there's a $35 SDR tiny dongle kit for that (for use with an android phone or tablet & android app).
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Doug, K8RFT
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Re: 5105 vs G90 vs RS-918
I only have the X5105, but I've read about the other 2 models you're considering.
The main difference I can think of is the built-in battery in the X5105.??
The screen size it larger too, I think.? And I've read that the "outdoor model", with the clear cover shield over the display screen, has a different display type that show up better in sunlight.? You might be able to confirm that with Radioddity, and there's also another, newer dealer who was mentioned (and recommended) in a thread a few weeks ago.
One of these radios will probably have a controls layout that will work out better for you, but you'll have to use your imagination to figure out which.? Unless there's a COVID miracle and hamfests can get going again - AND you can find one with all 3 radios to see and feel.
None of the three get much factory support as far as I know, but the RS918 has been around for a while and I think has open-source firmware.? That might make it easier to find schematics and "how things work" inside the radio.
Oh, one other reason I think the X5105 is is a good POTA choice is the built-in mike.? And with the X5105ps shape factor, by mounting a whip antenna on the BNC you can use it like a walkie-talkie.? Check some of the youtube videos.
Not likely a big factor for you, but the X5105 also has the I.F. output for a panadapter, and there's a $35 SDR tiny dongle kit for that (for use with an android phone or tablet & android app).
--
Doug, K8RFT
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Hello - I'm thinking of upgrading my POTA station - I like the form factor and screen of the 5105 but I hear a lot of good things about the G90.? Anyone have experience with both?? Or have opinions?? I'm primarily a CW op and would most likely be sticking to 5 watts.
Thanks for your input.
Bob KT8DX
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Re: Memory program for X-5105
Yesterday I discovered that the rig control/interface software "FLRig" now includes the X5105 in its list of supported radios.
I have not yet had a chance to try it, but it might offer a way.? I started a separate thread about FLRig, too.? That's where any new-found information will go.
--
Doug, K8RFT
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Re: Bioenno lithium iron battery
Thanks you as well for the info and kind words Brian!
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Re: Bioenno lithium iron battery
Also congratulations on the 1st place low power award. Great work
Brian
K0FBS
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Brian
K0FBS
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Re: Bioenno lithium iron battery
Justin,
Thanks for that great info. I have the same battery and it performs great. I can¡¯t remember about the PowerMax (sp) but I think you still need a charge controller between the solar panels and the battery that works w/ LiFePO4 batteries. I bought the one Powerwerx sells along with the Bioenno batteries and charger.
Also if you do not want to wait on PowerSaver/PowerMax (Can¡¯t remember their name) some knock off brands of 60w panels perform adequately and do not seem to produce any noise.
For your 991 if you are not looking to take the 30 Amphr battery portable consider a SLA gel cell of Deep Cycle RV/Marine battery. They are less expensive than LiFePO4 batteries. Of course they heavy as rocks but if you aren¡¯t moving them once in place the weight is almost irrelevant. If you are looking to use it portable definitely go with theLiFePO4.
That is what I do, LiFEPO4 for portable ops, SLA gel batteries for emergency backup in the shack.
Brian
K0FBS
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Brian
K0FBS
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Re: Computer Rig Control -
Doug,
This is great news! Thanks so much for sharing and checking into it! Now to figure out how to upgrade my flight on the Pi.
Brian
K0FBS
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Brian
K0FBS
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Bioenno lithium iron battery
I¡¯m not sure if this was covered here or not but picked up one of these great little batteries and wanted to share my thoughts on it.?
Bioenno Power model BLF-1203
12V 3AH 36W hours lithium iron Phosphate ?battery.?
You can draw a constant 3 amps and a max surge of 6 amps. This battery weighs only?0.8 lbs. (0.4 kg.)
the battery can run the X5105 a long long time and takes only 2 hours to charge.?
the Bioenno Pwer company also sells the for charger for $20. And I¡¯m pretty sure it will charge all or their batteries in case you want to own more then one. I plan to buy a larger 30A battery to support my Yaesu FT 991A.?
here is a link to the company:
anyway, I¡¯m I¡¯m also planning to purchase the LightSaver Max Portable Solar Generator. From what I¡¯ve read, they are of the highest quality on the market but they are not cheep. They are also sold out and won¡¯t be caught up on production until March or so. If anyone owns one of these, I would love to hear your thoughts! ?Here is the link for this power option that seems to be both comparable and a perfect fit for the X5105 field operator.
?
thanks for reading and 70+3 hi hi
KG2RG Out!!
 
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I saw a note on the Xiegu G90 group that said that the G90 now had FLRig computer control support. Checking up on that to see if the X5105 is included, I found that it is!? Or at least it looks like that. Here's my source: (this is just the top of the chart)
Supported Transceivers
| Elecraft |
Icom |
Kenwood |
Ten-Tec |
Yaesu |
Other |
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I only learned this a few minutes ago, and have not yet done anything about testing it. Maybe you can do it first! -- Doug, K8RFT
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Re: X5105 stopped transmitting
Hi Tony
Did you succeed in finding the schematics of the xiegu X5105?
73
Giovanni, HB9EKH
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Re: My battery charger for the Xiegu X5105
On Tue, Feb 2, 2021 at 08:05 AM, <justinandyazny@...> wrote:
snow storm here in up state New York and it¡¯s a great time to hang an antenna, I think. Lol.?
It sounds like you needed to order one of these, too -->
( 143554977275 )
from eBay.? (But you would have needed to really plan ahead - delivery from Taiwan is estimated at 3 to 8 weeks!? I did order one, though, and it worked very well in my initial tests.? As long as I connected a counterpoise wire too.
? It's a telescoping whip with BNC connector and loading coil for 20 meters.? Mounts right on the radio, and you have a 20 M. walkie-talkie. -- Doug, K8RFT
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Re: My battery charger for the Xiegu X5105
On Tue, Feb 2, 2021 at 08:05 AM, <justinandyazny@...> wrote:
I meant to ask if it was ok to operate the X5105 while using the MFJ3240DMP as an external power source.?
?
The radio doesn't care much about the source, just the voltage is within factory specs and the current capability is high enough. I suppose there could be problems if the supply had a LOT of noise in its output, but there's no way to know that in advance (except maybe in reviews). The (earlier version)X5105 manual from MFJ says "13..8 vdc +/- 15% (9-15 vdc); Current: RX, 500 mA peak, TX 2.5 A. peak." There's a "Charging" setting referred to in the manuals, too.? In "Charge" mode, you should not transmit while charging.? ?The manual says "The total current could exceed the capacity of the radio's power management components."? (It didn't say what the other mode is!) ? -- Doug, K8RFT
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Service Manual / Schematics
Hi
I'm looking for the Service Manual or at least schematics of the xiegu X5105. I Need these documents because I have a broken Transceiver I would like to repair.
Thank you in advance for every Information and tip
Best regards from Switzerland
Giovanni, HB9EKH
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Thank you to all who replied and helped. Everything is working fine now both by pushing the XFE on the mike or the PTT on the radio.
Sorry for the late feedback I have been busy with work.
73, to all
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Justin I am not aware of that capability in the 5105. It may be possible but I don¡¯t think so.
Brian
K0FBS
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Brian
K0FBS
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Brian Smith