Xiegu G90 Portable SDR HF Transceiver

Catalog

This manual covers the operation of the Xiegu G90 Portable SDR HF Transceiver. Key sections include:

• Basic Features and Panel Buttons
• Interface Definitions and Connections
• Handheld Microphone (Hand MIC) Operation
• External Power Connection
• Interface Display
• Operating Procedures (Power on/off, Frequency selection, Mode selection, Volume control, Multifunction knob, Transmit power adjustment, Frequency setting)
• Automatic Antenna Tuner (ATU)
• Function Buttons and Table
• Split Frequency Transceiving and VFO Settings
• CW Features (Caller, transmission)
• Standing Wave Scanner (SWR)
• Digital Filter
• Line Input/Output
• Channel Storage and Naming
• Boot Interface Call Sign Setting
• Computer Data Communication
• System Configuration (CIV instructions, Band voltage data)
• Performance Parameters
• Packing List and Optional Accessories
• Connection Diagrams
• Appendices

1. Basic Features

1.1 Panel Buttons

The front panel of the G90 features several controls for operation. The diagram shows the layout:

Diagram Description: The front panel features a display screen, several knobs, and buttons. Key controls include a large central display, a volume knob (VOL), a multifunction adjustment knob, a power button, and various function buttons arranged below the screen and to the right.

Front Panel Controls:

• 1. Volume knob (VOL): Controls audio output volume. Short press enters headphone mode.
• 2. Power/ Receive or transmitting status pilot lamp: Indicates device status (yellow-green for standby/receive, red for transmitting).
• 3. Power switch: Press to boot, hold to shut down.
• 4. Multifunction adjustment Knob: By default, adjusts frequency in 100 kHz steps. Press and hold to access custom functions.
• 5-6. Mode Switching Buttons: Used for switching operating modes.
• 7-8. BAND Switching Buttons: Used for switching frequency bands.
• 9. FUNC pilot: Indicates when a secondary function of a button is active.
• 10. ΔF Pilot: Indicates frequency offset or adjustment.
• 11. Main Knob: Adjusts the current operating frequency.

Additional Buttons (visible on Page 5 diagram):

• FUNC: Accesses secondary functions.
• A/B: Switches between VFO A and VFO B.
• MW: Memory Write (channel storage).
• MC: Memory Clear (channel clearing).
• PRE: Pre-amplifier (ATT).
• CMP: Compression.
• NB: Noise Blanker.
• AGC: Automatic Gain Control.
• VM: V/M (VFO/Memory mode switch).
• ATT: Attenuator.
• F-L: Digital Filter Low-end frequency selection.
• F-H: Digital Filter High-end frequency selection.
• SPL: Split frequency operation.
• TUNE: Activates the Automatic Antenna Tuner.
• AF: Audio Frequency adjustment.
• Po: Transmit Power adjustment.
• KEY: Telegraph key settings.
• LOCK: Locks the controls.

2. Machine Interfaces

2.1 Front Panel Interfaces

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the right and left sides of the transceiver head.

• 20. MIC Interface: Located on the right side. Connects to a multi-function microphone. (Pinout: MICE, MIC, GND, MDATA)
• 21. Headphone Interface: Located on the left side. A 3.5mm stereo jack (3-pin) for connecting headphones.
• 22. Self-defining (communication) Interface: Located on the left side. Used for firmware updates (Controller) and other features.

2.2 Tail Plate Interface

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the rear panel of the transceiver with various ports.

• 13. Antenna Interface: SL16-K type, 50Ω impedance.
• 14. KEY Interface: 3.5mm stereo jack for connecting manual/automatic telegraph keys.
• Diagram Description (Telegraph Key Connection): Shows a diagram illustrating the connection of manual telegraph keys, noting the need to connect "di (滴)" and "da (嗒)" together for proper operation.
• 15. COMM Interface: Used for firmware updates.
• 16. I/Q Signal output: 3.5mm stereo jack for "I/Q" signal output.
• 17. ACC: 8-pin mini DIN interface, defined in the interface definition.
• 18. DC power interface: External DC power input. The round hole is "-", the square hole is "+".
• 19. Ground terminal: For grounding the unit.

2.3 Interface Definitions

Diagram Description: Detailed pinout diagrams for various interfaces.

• 1. MIC Interface: Pins include MICE, MIC, GND, MDATA.
• 2. COMM Connector: Pins include RXD, TXD, GND.
• 3. Headphone Interface: Pins include Signal and GND.
• 4. ACC Interface: Pins include GND, +8V, ALC, BAND, DATA, AF_OUT, AF_IN, PTT.
• 5. Telegraph key wiring diagram: Illustrates connection for Morse code keys, with Chinese labels "滴 (di)" (dot) and "嗒 (da)" (dash), and "公共 (common)".

3. Hand MIC Operation

Diagram Description: An image of the Hand MIC with numbered buttons.

• 1. LOCK: Lock button.
• 2. PTT: Transmit control button.
• 3. UP/DOWN: Frequency "+" or "-" buttons.
• 4. Receive/transmit indicator: Hand Mic operation indicator.
• 5. Numeric keypad: Numeric keypad area.
• 6. FIL: Filter selection.
• 7. MODE: Mode selection.
• 8. Function indicator: Case operation mode indicator.
• 9. Function button: No specific function listed here.
• 10. MW: Storage operation.
• 11. V/M: F1/F2 self-defining setting button.
• 12. XFC: Frequency/channel switching.
• 13. TUNER: Hold press to turn on the built-in automatic antenna tuner for tuning.

4. External Power Connection

The G90 requires a 13.8V external DC power supply with a current capacity of at least 10A. The supplied power cord is used for connection.

Important: Connect the DC power supply carefully to avoid reverse polarity. The red wire connects to the positive pole (+), and the black wire connects to the negative pole (-).

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the rear panel of the G90 connected to a power supply. It illustrates the DC IN port and the power supply terminals, indicating the red wire (红线) for positive and black wire (黑线) for negative.

Operating with External Power

To prevent external interference through the power line, install an EMC magnetic ring on the power line as close as possible to the power plug. Wrap the power cord around the magnetic ring 2 turns.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows a power cord wrapped twice around a magnetic ring, positioned close to the power plug.

• Always check the polarity of the power cord and do not reverse it.
• Damage caused by external power connection errors or improper voltage is not covered by the limited warranty.

5. Interface Display

The G90 uses a Quick Mode button operation for functions. The interface display shows various parameters.

Diagram Description: A representation of the G90's screen display, labeling key areas:

• Main frequency: Displays the primary operating frequency.
• Input voltage: Shows the current input voltage (e.g., 13.4V).
• Status Display: Indicates current status (e.g., AM, AGC-A).
• Mode: Displays the current operating mode.
• VOF status: Indicates VOF status.
• S-table and power mete: Shows SWR and transmit power.
• Waterfall image display: Visualizes signal activity over time.
• Volume: Indicates current volume level.
• Functions display: Shows active functions.
• Standing wave: Displays SWR readings.
• Signal level: Indicates signal strength.

6. Operating Procedures

6.1 Turn on/off Transceiver

To Turn On: Press the power button (?).

To Turn Off: In the powered-on state, hold the power button (?) for 1 second.

Turn off screen operation: Tap the switching button to turn off the screen display while the unit remains operational. Pressing any button or turning a knob will wake the screen.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel highlighting the power button.

6.2 Operating Frequency Band Selection

The G90 covers frequencies from 0.5 to 30 MHz, divided into multiple amateur bands. Band switching can be done in several ways.

Operation Method: Press the BAND's '+' or '-' button to switch to the next or previous operating band.

Frequency Bands Illustrated:

• 1.8MHz ← 3.5MHz ← 5.2MHz ← 7.1MHz ← 10MHz ← 14MHz
• 28MHz ← 24MHz ← 21MHz ← 18MHz

• Each amateur band can have a user-defined frequency band for temporary use.
• The availability of the 60-meter band depends on local regulations.
• Different machine versions may have different frequency divisions based on country/region laws.
• VFO-A and VFO-B are independent modes that can be set to different operating states. Refer to [VFO Settings].

6.3 Operating Mode Select

Press the [MODE] button to cycle through modes in a fixed order.

Mode Loop:

• LSB ← USB ← CW ← CWR
• AM ← NFM

Note: The FM mode is only available when used with the GSOC controller.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel showing the MODE and BAND buttons, and diagrams illustrating the "Mode left loop" and "Mode right loop".

6.4 Volume Control

Speaker mode: Rotate the volume knob left or right to adjust output volume.

Headphone mode: Short press the volume knob to enter headphone mode. Rotate the knob to adjust headset volume.

VOX mode on/off: Press and hold the volume knob for 3 seconds to toggle VOX. (Note: This feature may not be activated yet.)

When using the AF in/out Port of the ACC interface, adjust volume in the system menu.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the volume knob with rotation indicators.

6.5 Multifunction Adjustment Knob

This knob offers several operation options and allows feature customization.

Operation Method:

• Default: Adjusts frequency in 100 kHz steps.
• Short press: Enter SQL item to adjust SQL noise depth.
• Hold press: Access the User Custom feature menu. Rotate the main knob to select functions, then short press the "SAVE" key to confirm.

Customizable Features:

1. Frequency 100k, stepping 100k
2. SQL Level, squelch setting
3. Po Level, transmit power setting
4. Key Speed, automatic key rate setting
5. FFT Scale, spectrum reference level setting

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel highlighting the multifunction adjustment knob.

6.6 Adjustment Transmitting Po (Power)

Operation Method:

1. Short press the [Po] button to enter power setting mode. The screen will display the power setting number.
2. Rotate the [multifunction adjustment knob] to set the power, with 1W stepping.

Note: When using the G90 for the first time, especially without understanding the antenna state, minimize the transmit power value.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel highlighting the Po button and the multifunction adjustment knob.

6.7 Set the Operating Frequency

There are two methods to set the operating frequency: using the main knob or the multifunction handle.

1. Set frequency using the main knob:

• Short press the main knob to select 100Hz, 1kHz, or 10kHz stepper.
• Rotate the main knob to set the frequency for the current step.

2. Set frequency using the multifunction handle:

• Press the [F-INP ENT] button. The G90 enters frequency setting state, and the cursor blinks at the first digit.
• Enter the desired frequency values.
• Press the [F-INP ENT] button again to complete the setting.

Example: To set the frequency to 14.09000MHz:

1. Press [F-INP ENT].
2. Enter "1 4 0 9 0 0 0" using the numeric keys.
3. Press [F-INP ENT] again to confirm.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel highlighting the main knob and the F-INP ENT button.

6.8 Automatic Antenna Tuner (ATU)

The G90 integrates an efficient automatic antenna tuner to help set up and debug antennas.

• Short press the [TUNE] button to activate the built-in tuner. The "TUNE" logo appears on the screen.
• Press and hold the [TUNE] button for 1 second to activate the ATU auto-tuning function. The receiver status returns automatically after tuning.

Notes:

1. The antenna icon on the screen indicates the ATU function is on, but tuning may not have started.
2. Tune once after enabling the ATU feature.
3. If "SWR" flashes during transmission after tuning, retuning is needed.
4. Turn off the ATU feature when the antenna naturally resonates with the band.
5. Using a whip antenna with the ATU for tuning may cause RF interference to nearby devices.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel highlighting the TUNE button and indicating the "Tuner" function.

6.9 Function Button

Function keys have common and secondary functions. When a function is selected, use the main knob to adjust its value.

Operation of the second function:

• Press the [FUNC] button. The "F" indicator lights up. Then press the desired function button.
• Press [FUNC] again to exit the second function; the "F" indicator turns off.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel showing various function buttons (PRE, CMP, NB, AGC, VM, ATT, F-L, F-H, SPL).

In any function, press the main knob to exit settings and return to the main interface.

7. Button Function Table

This table details the functions assigned to each button under different press conditions.

8. Split Frequency Transceiving Operation SPL and VFOA/B Settings

The G90 has two independent VFOs (VFO-A and VFO-B) allowing separate frequency and mode settings. The SPL function facilitates split transceiving.

VFO Setting:

1. Press the [A/B / A>B] button to switch between VFO-A and VFO-B.
2. When in a VFO state, you can set its operating frequency, mode, and other settings.

Split Frequency Transceiver SPL Operation Method:

1. Set the receiving frequency and mode (VFO-A) first.
2. Set the transmit frequency and mode (VFO-B).
3. Operate the second function of the [AGC/SPL] button.
4. Turning on the SPL function activates split transceiver mode.

You can utilize VFOA/B to set different frequencies or modes and switch between them in real-time.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the front panel showing buttons related to VFO operation and SPL.

9. CW Features

9.1 CW Automatic Caller MSG1~MSG3

The G90 provides 4 sets of CW preset telegraph text storage for automatic calls in CW mode. (Note: This feature is not yet fully opened and requires the GSOC controller.)

Operation method: To be determined.

10. Standing Wave Scanner SWR (Not yet opened)

The G90 has an antenna standing wave scanning function to measure SWR parameters of the current antenna, aiding in antenna adjustment.

Operation method:

1. Operate the second function of the [Po] button to start the standing wave scan.
2. After scanning, the process exits automatically.

Note: Scanning results may have errors; for accurate measurements, use a professional antenna analysis device.

11. Digital Filter

The G90 features a built-in variable digital filter for narrowband filtering to improve signal identification.

Operation method:

• Operate the [CMP/F-L] button and the second function of the [NB/F-H] button.
• Rotate the main knob to adjust the lower and upper limits of the digital filter frequency until the user experience is appropriate.

You can adjust filter parameters according to your listening preferences for the best experience.

12. Line Input/Output

The G90 has an external line input interface for data communication with computers or external modems. Ensure correct input/output selection.

Operating method:

• In the system menu, use the ACC port line input: select AUX LINE IN and set the appropriate input volume.
• In the system menu, select AUXAFOUT VOLUM to set the appropriate output volume.

When digital communication is in progress and audio is input via the ACC port, ensure sufficient line input volume.

13. Channel Storage MW, Clear MC

Channel Storage:

1. In VFO mode, adjust the required frequency, mode, and advanced function parameters.
2. Press the [MW/MC] button to start channel storage.
3. Rotate the main knob to select the channel number to store, then short press the main knob to complete storage.
4. If the current channel already has stored information, storing again will clear the previous information and save the current channel.

Bring up the storage channel:

1. Press the [VM] button in VFO mode to enter channel mode.
2. Rotate the main knob to switch the current channel.

Clearing channel storage:

1. In channel mode, operate the second function of the [MW/MC] button to start the channel clear function.
2. The channel number will flash. Rotate the main knob to the desired channel number and press the main knob to complete clearing.

14. Channel Naming TAG (requires GSOC large screen controller)

Stored channels can be named with "tags" consisting of letters and numbers.

Operating method: To be determined.

15. Boot Interface Call Sign Setting CSN

The G90 can set the call sign information displayed on the boot interface.

Operating method:

1. Press and hold the [FUNC] button to access the system setup menu. Select the [CALL SIGN] function to enter the call sign editor.
2. Edit the call sign, save the text, and return to normal operation.
3. The edited call sign will display on the boot interface when the unit is turned on again.

16. Connect to a Computer for Amateur Radio Data Communication

The G90 transceiver can connect to a computer for data communication using compatible software.

Operation connection method:

• Connect the computer's audio output/input to the G90's ACC port (MINI-DIN8).
• Insert the data cable into the COMM port, connect to the computer, and ensure the computer driver for the data cable is installed correctly. PC software can then control the G90.
• Adjust the G90's volume and the ACC port's input/output volume appropriately. Observe the software interface to avoid excessively large audio frequency amplitude that could hinder communication.
• Select the corresponding working mode for data communication.

Note: For interference prevention, ensure the radio and computer are well grounded. Install EMC magnetic rings for the data and audio cables as close as possible to the radio.

17. System Parameter Configuration

17.1 Computer Control Instruction

The G90 uses the standard CIV instruction set for remote control and configuration via software.

17.2 Band Voltage Data

The G90's ACC port provides band data for each band, enabling peripheral control for automatic band switching or band information sharing.

18. Performance Parameter

General Parameters

• Frequency Range: receive: 0.5MHz~30MHz; transmitting: 160M~10M (Amateur radio band only)
• Transmitting mode: A1A(CW), A3E(AM), J3E(USB/LSB), F3E(FM)
• Mini step: 10Hz
• Antenna impedance: 50Ω
• Range of operating temperature: 0°C ~ +50°C
• Frequency stability: ±10 ppm for 10 to 60 min after power on @25°C: 1ppm/h
• Voltage: 10.5~16.5VDC, Negative ground
• Electric current: receive: 500mA@ Max; transmitting: 8A@ Max
• Case size: 120*45*210mm (W*H*L) (Noprotrusions)
• Weight: about 1.63kg (only case)

Transmitter parameters

• RF output power: 20W (SSB/CW/FM), 5W (AM Carrier) @13.8VDC
• Modulation type: Digital modulation
• Stray radiation suppression: ≥50dB
• Carrier suppression: ≥40dB
• Mic impedance: 200~10kΩ (conventional 600Ω)

Receiver parameters

• Circuit type: ZIF
• Adjacent channel suppression: ≥60dB
• Sideband suppression: ≥60dB

Sensitivity:

(PRE-on, ATT-off, NB=off, NR=off, SSB/CW/AM = 10dB S/N, FM = 12dB SINAD)

• Image rejection: 70dB
• IF suppression: 60dB
• Audio output: 0.5W (8Ω, ≤10% THD)
• Audio output impedance: 4~16Ω

Note: Parameters may be adjusted without notice. Operating frequency range may vary with machine version; consult your dealer.

19. Packing List and Optional Accessories

Packing List

Optional accessories

¹ The GSOC controller is expected to be available in 2019.

20. Connection Diagram between G90 and XPA125B

Diagram Description: A block diagram shows the connection flow from G90 to CE-19, then to XPA125B.

• G90 → ACC (8-pin) → CE-19 → TO XPA125 (6-pin) → XPA125B

Note: The 8-core ACC control line is delivered in the CE19 kit.

21. CE-19 Expansion Adapter Interface Diagram

Diagram Description: A circular diagram illustrates the ports on the CE-19 adapter.

• PTT CON: PTT signal/BAND signal output port. Provides a "low level" trigger isolated from the host.
• TO XPA125B: XPA12B dedicated interface.
• AF CON: Audio input/output port. Direct audio output after demodulation, no filter.
• DATA CON: Data output port in NFM mode. Two terminals in parallel relationship, outputting the same signal.

Copyright Notice

All rights reserved 2018

Chongqing Xiegu Technology Co., Ltd. reserves all rights to this manual, and reproduction of any part of this manual is prohibited without permission.

Version: V1.0.01

Document Code: 1010160204-C