First a bit of context about me:?
- Currently living in a flat/appartment 1st floor. Small balcony, neigbors and HOA are all about "keeping the aesthetics of the building" Spanish law would (after some administrative procedures) allow me to install an antenna on the roof, whether the neighbours like it or not, but I don?t want to go this way, as I know I will only live here for a year, maybe two, and getting the antenna authorized by the spanish equivalent to FCC or OFCOM could take me 6-8 months.?
So, we have good weather 80% of the year, after all this is southern Spain (Sevilla, to be specific)?
I also have a disability - basically my left leg is dead from the knee down. I can walk, but only short stretches and without much weight
So I'm currently looking for a portable / POTA setup. On the antenna I have quite a specific idea, it's very likely going to be a JPC-7 or JPC-12. However I am struggling with a radio to go with it.?
The X6100 is at the limit of the budget I am able to afford, and also what I'd like to spend. It has the features I want, seems light enough to throw in a backpack with my antenna, a very light laptop and head out and either work from the huge park opposite my house or do some light POTA around the area. 1 1/2 - 2 hours at at time is fine for me in terms of battery life, as my laptop won't run much longer without external power either.?
I like the idea of the radio being completely self-contained including an internal battery. I had a G90 in the past which I sold because I thought I wouldn't be doing radio in a long time, but then the interest in the hobby came back. I was quite happy with it, with all its quirks, but I'm not considering buying one, because of the requirement for external power and because it's quite heavy.?
I will probably buy in 2-3 months. I know, of course the X6100 isn't an IC-705 or an Elecraft rig. I intend to work mostly digital modes, so I'm also considering other options like QRPlabs SDX, (tr)uSDX to curtail my budget. However, if/when I move to a more antenna-friendly place, I also like the idea that I can slap the XP125 PA on it with a simple cable and go QRO.?
So, i want an overall recommedation on the value for money and the actual and real quality of the X6100, because reading the reviews there are too many issues with self-generated IF "birdies" and intermodulation from nearby AM stations, though I hope that the 50kW transmitter 25 Km away from my home won't be an issue. Given my acquisition timeframe, I am also wondering if the upcoming X6200 isn't an option as well.?
Does this radio really drives as many people nuts with its quirks and (supposed) issues or is it the usual internet phenomenon? and bias that happy users aren't heard on forums and discussion groups? I mean, there is always the risk of getting a lemon, but I want a realistic view of whether the issues with this radio are wildly exaggerated, and maybe an insight into the ratio of radios actually sold vs. real "lemons"
Thanks in advance,?
Volker, EA7KLK
