The Xiegu X6100 is a highly portable HF transceiver that has been garnering attention in the US radio market. Its compact size, rugged build, and affordable price point make it an attractive option for amateur radio enthusiasts looking for a powerful and versatile transceiver that they can take with them anywhere.
One of the standout features of the Xiegu X6100 is its compact size, which makes it an ideal choice for portable operations. Despite its small form factor, the transceiver boasts a full range of features, including support for HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies, as well as a built-in Bluetooth module for wireless connectivity. The X6100 also features a high-resolution color display, front-facing speaker, and top-mounted controls for easy access to all the essential functions.
Overview of the Xiegu X6100
The Xiegu X6100 is a portable SDR transceiver that offers a range of features and capabilities that make it an excellent choice for field operators, DXers, and portable operations. In this section, we will take a closer look at the design and build quality, as well as the features and capabilities of the Xiegu X6100.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiegu X6100 is a well-designed and well-built radio that is both compact and rugged. It has a chassis made of aluminum, which gives it a sturdy and smooth feel. The radio is designed to withstand drops and bumps, which makes it ideal for portable operations. The front panel features a color screen that displays a waterfall display, and the top-mounted controls make it easy to adjust settings on the fly. The X6100 also comes with a built-in battery, which makes it easy to use in the field without the need for external power.
Features and Capabilities
The Xiegu X6100 offers a range of features and capabilities that make it an excellent choice for field operators. It has a frequency coverage of 1.8-54 MHz, as well as VHF/UHF coverage. It also comes with a built-in antenna tuner, which makes it easy to tune the radio to the desired frequency. The X6100 has a maximum output power of 10 watts, which makes it ideal for QRP operations. It also has a built-in electronic keyer, which makes it easy to send CW. The radio also comes with variable filters, which makes it easy to adjust the filtering to the desired level.
The X6100 also has a range of digital modes, including FT8, RTTY, and PSK31. It also has a general coverage receiver that covers mediumwave and shortwave frequencies. The front-facing speaker makes it easy to hear incoming signals, and the internal microphone makes it easy to transmit. The X6100 also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it easy to connect to external devices. The radio also comes with firmware updates, which makes it easy to keep the radio up to date with the latest features and bug fixes.
Performance and User Experience
The Xiegu X6100 HF Transceiver is a highly capable radio that provides excellent performance and user experience. This section will cover the receiver and transmitter performance, as well as the ease of use of the X6100.
Receiver Performance
The X6100 has a highly sensitive receiver that is capable of receiving weak signals with ease. The receiver is also capable of blocking adjacent signals, making it suitable for use in crowded RF environments. However, the receiver can overload in the presence of strong broadcast stations, which can be a problem for some users.
The X6100 also has a variable filter that allows users to adjust the bandwidth of the receiver to suit their needs. This feature is especially useful for DXers who need to narrow the bandwidth to reduce interference and improve signal clarity.
Transmitter Performance
The X6100 has a maximum output power of 10 watts, making it suitable for portable operation. The radio also has a built-in battery that provides several hours of operation, depending on usage. Users can also connect an external power source to the X6100 if they need longer operating times.
The X6100 also has an internal antenna tuner that can match a wide range of antennas, making it suitable for use in the field. The radio also has a built-in microphone and front-facing speaker, which makes it easy to operate without the need for additional accessories.
Ease of Use
The X6100 is easy to operate, with a built-in spectrum monitor that allows users to visualize the RF environment in real-time, making it easier to tune the radio to the desired frequency.
The X6100 also has a built-in electronic keyer that makes it easy to operate in digital modes. The radio is also compatible with Linux, which makes it easy to integrate into a computer-based radio system.
Comparison to Similar Radios
When it comes to portable HF transceivers, there are several options on the market. In this section, we will compare the Xiegu X6100 to three similar radios: the Icom IC-705, the Radioddity G90, and the Xiegu X5105.
Xiegu X6100 vs. Icom IC-705
The Icom IC-705 is one of the most popular portable HF transceivers on the market and for good reason. It offers a wide frequency range, a spectrum monitor, and a color touch screen. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of around $1400. The Xiegu X6100, on the other hand, is much more affordable at around $640. It also offers a color screen, waterfall display, and Bluetooth connectivity. The X6100 has 10 watts, compared to the IC-705’s 5-10 watts. The X6100 also has a built-in battery, as does the IC-705. The IC-705 has all-mode VHF/UHF transmission capabilities, while the X6100 does not.
Xiegu X6100 vs. Radioddity G90
The Radioddity G90 is another popular portable HF transceiver. It offers a similar frequency range to the X6100, but has a lower output power at 20 watts. The G90 also lacks some of the features of the X6100, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a color screen. However, it is slightly more affordable at around $500. The X6100 also has a built-in antenna tuner, while the G90 requires an external tuner.
Xiegu X6100 vs. Xiegu X5105
The Xiegu X5105 is another portable HF transceiver from Xiegu. It offers a similar frequency range to the X6100, but has a lower output power at 5 watts. The X5105 also lacks some of the features of the X6100, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a color screen. However, it is more affordable at around $550. The X6100 also has a built-in antenna tuner, while the X5105 requires an external tuner.
Overall, the Xiegu X6100 offers a great balance of features and affordability for portable HF operation. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, it still offers plenty of power and functionality for most operators. Its built-in battery, antenna tuner, and Bluetooth connectivity make it a great choice for field operation. However, some users have reported bugs and issues with firmware updates, and battery life may be a concern for some.
Conclusion
The Xiegu X6100 HF Transceiver is a compact, portable, and versatile radio that has received positive reviews from users and experts alike. It offers a range of advanced features and capabilities at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for both amateur and professional radio operators.
One of the standout features of the X6100 is its software-defined radio (SDR) architecture, which provides excellent performance and flexibility. The radio is capable of operating on HF, VHF, and UHF bands, and supports a range of modes including SSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes. It also features a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which can save time and effort when setting up the radio.
The X6100’s compact size and rugged construction make it ideal for portable operations, whether in the field or on the go. Its top-mounted controls and front-facing speaker provide easy access and convenient operation, while its high-resolution color display offers clear and detailed information.
Overall, the Xiegu X6100 HF Transceiver is a reliable and capable radio that offers excellent performance and value. Whether you are a seasoned radio operator or just starting out, the X6100 is definitely worth considering for your next radio purchase.
Thanks for your analysis, but I found several errors:
X6100 has not a touchscreen, it is passive.
IC-705 actually has internal battery (rear attached)
IC-705 has all mode VHF/UHF transmission capabilities, while X6100 has not.
73
Thanks for the corrections Mikel. I should not trust foreign writers so much. I have updated the article thanks to you.
Hi, Rick,
Just an FYI in addition to Mikel’s comments since you’re making adjustments to the review:
I think Mikel alluded to the fact that the X6100 is HF only and has no VHF or UHF capabilities. It still mentions VHF and UHF capabilities in several spots in the article.
It also reads, “The X6100 has a slightly lower output power at 10 watts, compared to the IC-705’s 5-10 watts, but it still offers plenty of power for most operators.” Both radios max out at 10W.
Also, “The Radioddity G90 is another popular portable HF transceiver. It offers a similar frequency range to the X6100, but has a lower output power at 20 watts.” The G90 actually has a *higher* output power of 20W compared to the X6100’s 10W.
The X5105 and X6100 both have an internal ATU (the same one, most likely!). The article states the X5105 needs an external tuner.
I would add that the X6100 is one of the least capable radios I’ve ever tested in terms of blocking adjacent signals. It’s mediocre at best–sort of goes hand-in-hand with the terribly weak front-end of the radio. It needs a BCI filter if in the presence of a local AM B’cast station.
Cheers,
Thomas
With all this feedback one would expect XIGUE to improve their radio’s front end and come out with the “6200” and give the icon 705 a run for its money.