Hi Group,

When asking Radioddity for support on ATU usage, I receive the following response which I found to be helpful:

The tuner will attempt to save the settings for each frequency you tune. I prefer to tune each time I move more than 100 kHz to get the best match, even if I have tuned on that band before. Rain, Ice, Moss - nearly anything that can come into contact with the antenna can change the match the tuner needs to achieve. If nothing has changed, the tuning cycle will be very brief.

73
Joe K9SZ

Hi Group,

This is the process for calibrating the SWR Meter as recommended by Radioddity using v3.0.0 firmware

Recommended:

1. Disconnect the antenna
2. Turn PRE and ATT Off
3. Turn NB Off
4. Set RF-Gain = 50

I additionally, but not sure that it makes any difference

Turn DSP-FLT Off
Turn EQ Off

Recommended:

5. Long press the Menu button to enter configuration menu
6. Select #11 RSSI Scale
7. Adjust until there is barely an indication for S1 (58 for me)

I additionally:

Adjusted one higher (59)

8. Save settings


Joe K9SZ

BACK to X5105 dealers -
Post #79, starting the thread "

New US dealer.."

has the name and website for another dealer, who was well recommended by the poster, and by another one shortly afterward.
--
Doug, K8RFT

Yeah Doug that is correct IIRC. I was RADAR in the army and we had a simular setup for a Hi-Par radar that used a Klystron output tube.? Neat stuff.

Rick/K9ETE

On Thu, Feb 18, 2021 at 08:47 PM, Joe K9SZ wrote:
calibrate the S-Meter
Please consider starting a thread on that subject.

That is a wonderful suggestion. I cannot seem to find it in my email trash but will go through the steps and record them to share here soon.

Joe K9SZ

On Feb 19, 2021, at 7:11 AM, DougVL <K8RFTradio@...> wrote:

On Thu, Feb 18, 2021 at 08:47 PM, Joe K9SZ wrote:
calibrate the S-Meter
Please consider starting a thread on that subject. It should be a valuable skill to learn. If you received the info via email, you might be able to just copy and paste it into your new thread in this group.

--
Doug, K8RFT

Oops!? I should have remembered that really pure water is a good insulator.? One of the long-range radar sets I used to work on in the USAF had a reverse osmosis filtering system to ensure there were no minerals in the water cooling system for the megawatt-output power amp tube (a klystron, I think.)
--
Doug, K8RFT

Yes that would be a good idea, I could use that info also.

Rick/K9ETE

On Thu, Feb 18, 2021 at 08:47 PM, Joe K9SZ wrote:

calibrate the S-Meter

Please consider starting a thread on that subject.? It should be a valuable skill to learn.? If you received the info via email, you might be able to just copy and paste it into your new thread in this group.?
?
--
Doug, K8RFT

开云体育

I wanted to get one late last spring, and MFJ said they were out.? I asked about getting more, and even then they said "not until the new model comes out".? I heard of the "Pro" quite a while ago, but no mention of it since.

So I got mine from Radioddity, and theirs is the "outdoor model" which comes with the CE-19 interface junction "box" kit? that's a $30 option from MFJ.? And I've read somewhere that the 'outdoor model' uses a type of screen that's more visible in sunlight.

And there's a newer dealer stocking them too, mentioned in an earlier thread, but I forget the company name.?
The poster of that did say that the new seller already had a very good reputation for support (he sells other equipment too).
When I ordered mine from Radioddity, around the end of last May, they were temporarily out, but got more after about 2 weeks.
It's great radio for portable operation.? Factory support and documentation are not especially good, though.
You might also find more info at? the Xiegu.eu website.
--
Doug, K8RFT

--
Brian
K0FBS

The 5105 looks interesting but I notice that MFJ is SOLD OUT of the 5105
and the G1M too.? Does this mean that the 5105 is being phased out or
that MFJ will no longer handle?? I see Radioddity has them but have not
called them to discuss.

Thoughts?

jim/w4qo

开云体育

I've done a lot of operating from my boats over a period of fifty years all the way from ocean crossings to local cruising and even some kayaking.

On Wed, Feb 17, 2021 at 05:03 PM, KT8DX wrote:

operating from my boat.

Hmmm!? I wonder if an aluminum-hull boat would make a good antenna counterpoise?
I do have an aluminum canoe, and a body of water at my back yard.? But it's got ice fishermen all over it now.
?
--
Doug, K8RFT

Related to the list of things to carry, a suggestion would be an antenna like the MFJ-1899T "6 Band Walkabout", much like the Outbacker - but cheaper.? It's a bit heavy on the radio, but manageable.? I bought a version called GRA-1899, made in Taiwan, for a bit less than MFJ's price.? MFJ also has smaller, lighter single-band loaded telescoping whips in their MFJ-1800 series, like the MFJ-1820T for 20 meters.? Again, I bought something extremely similar from an ebay seller, who I think is in Taiwan.? With a 'random' (about 10 or 12 foot) counterpoise wire, the X5105's SWR sweep showed an excellent swr curve across the band.? I took pictures of the screen for 4 sweeps, but didn't make a note of the radio setup for each.? I tried a couple counterpoises, and also none.? SWR was _quite_ high with no counterpoise.? I used a piece of hookup wire with a "bulldog" sort of clip (roughly like an alligator clip, but with short, wide jaws) clipped onto the antenna BNC connector.? [Hmmm - maybe I need a new thread!? I'd been planning to do a "review" of the antenna, but haven't done much real testing yet.]

--
Doug, K8RFT

Bob,

The X5105 is a good POTA Rig because it only requires an antenna and feedline. Makes POTA easy and less stuff to carry. The 5 watts can be frustrating if the bands are dead.

Brian
K0FBS



--
Brian
K0FBS

Just put my order in with Radioddity for a x5105 and interface.? Looking forward to receiving the rig and giving it a try.? Main interest is POTA and operating from my boat.

Bob KT8DX

Looks like the family will be moving me into a room at my daughters house.
Probably in about 4-6 weeks!
Anyone interested in an X5105?
I have two, going to keep one!

Emails direct will save cluttering up the list!

Dave KK7SS

Thanks for all the input everyone.? Still not completely decided but the 5105 seems to fit the bill nicely for my purposes.? Radioddity seems to have the best price - how are they on service?? And if warrantee repairs are needed?

Bob KT8DX