The Xiegu G106 SDR Transceiver Review

By Richard Constantine G3UGF, practicalwireless@warnersgroup.co.uk

Practical Wireless Rating: A great radio, with lots of future potential.

Introduction

The Xiegu G106 is a new curve-sided radio with a futuristic appearance, reminiscent of 1960s and 70s science fiction. Despite its appearance, it is reassuringly solid, weighing 733 grams and measuring 120mm wide x 40mm high x 135mm deep. It is smaller than a Yaesu FT-818ND, lacks an internal battery, and is priced significantly lower. The 'groovy', stove-finish casing is quality steel and features protective corners for external controls, making it suitable for outdoor use.

[Image description: A photograph of the Xiegu G106 radio's front panel, displaying "LSB" and "07.185.010" MHz on its screen, alongside a "Practical Wireless Rating" graphic that states "A great radio, with lots of future potential."]

Out of the Box

Unpacking the Xiegu G106 reveals a 16-bit CODEC SDR design with receive capabilities from 0.55-30MHz, plus 88-108MHz wide-bandwidth FM broadcast reception. It can transmit SSB & CW out-of-the-box and is prepared for lower and upper sideband data operation with the optional DE-19 interface. It covers amateur bands from 80-10 metres, including WARC bands, and features a portion for 5MHz.

Firmware and Manual

The initial handbook may appear basic, but it contains all necessary information upon closer study. While version 1.0 firmware inhibited AM transmit mode, the latest V1.1b01(EN) firmware includes this feature along with others. A downloadable firmware upgrade guide is available on the Xiegu website: https://tinyurl.com/mr2rxw8t.

Xiegu describes the G106 as "An entry level, portable SDR transceiver, G-106 will be a good helper for you to play CW and FT8." It is positioned as a cost-effective alternative for portable activity and PC linking/data use, priced around one quarter of an Icom IC-705 and one fifth of an Elecraft KX3.

RF Power & Modulation

The 5-watt carrier output is accurate only on the 5MHz band. Other bands typically produce 8-9 watts into 50Ω, with 24MHz reaching 11 watts. The radio lacks an on-board speech processor but features adjustable microphone gain settings (0-30, corresponding to 0-15dB in 0.5dB steps). With the gain set to the handbook default of 20, peak SSB meter results are around 8 watts, with 24 and 28MHz producing approximately 10 watts. Modulation is described as clean and crisp.

For UK QRP operators, low power is 5 watts. While there is no power control option currently, it is expected in future firmware updates. The extra watts are considered a bonus by many users.

Receiver Performance

The G106 features an exceptionally high-gain RF amplifier, typical of Xiegu's range, making it suitable for portable use with potentially compromised antennas. Receive sensitivity is rated at 0.25µV for 10dB S/N CW and 0.5dB for SSB, which is on par with other radios. The reviewer noted that a random 30m long wire could overwhelm the receiver at times, particularly on LF bands at night, but this was resolved by using a band-specific, coaxially fed antenna. Portable use with a resonant single-band vertical or inverted-V presented no issues.

5MHz Band

The 5MHz band is highlighted for its unexplored potential for amateur use. Xiegu has engineered the G106's 5MHz capability to align with the WRC-15 bandplan. However, this does not currently correspond with the UK allocation, preventing the use of the QRP CW frequency of 5.262MHz. Operators are advised to be cautious to avoid contacting stations outside their allocation. The factory is reportedly aware of the UK dilemma, and a fix may be forthcoming.

Operation and Options

The 5cm (2-inch) monochrome LCD display is clear and readable, even in strong light. The display backlight can be turned off via the power button. In normal operation, it shows the mode, A/B VFO frequencies, and an S-meter bargraph. It also indicates whether VFO or memory is in use, with 50 memory channels available. The useful panadapter is displayed at the bottom of the screen, offering options for amateur band or "Full band" views, and a larger "Big Scope" display.

Tuning rate is adjustable by holding the Up or Down band button for two seconds, with the current rate indicated by a highlighted digit. In TX mode, the S-meter functions as a comparative modulation or keying indicator, also visible on the panadapter.

[Image description: The front and top panel of the Xiegu G106 HF Transceiver.]

[Image description: The rear view of the Xiegu G106 HF Transceiver.]

[Image description: The Xiegu G106 radio in use outdoors, described as "Fun on a foul day in my van."]

[Image description: The Xiegu G106 radio shown with the XPA-125B 100W amplifier.]

[Image description: A schematic illustrating the rear panel connections of the Xiegu G106, indicating ports for ANT, KEY, COM, ACC, and DC IN (9-16V).]

Four Magic Buttons

Four buttons below the screen control most of the radio's functions, similar to the Yaesu FT-817. Pressing any button replaces the panadapter with four headline menu options. Rotating the VFO dial navigates through further sets of options, offering a potential for 20 headline options, with some reserved for future upgrades.

CW and Accessories

The radio offers QSK break-in for CW, with adjustable ratios and sidetone frequency. It features switchable and effective receive bandwidth CW filters. There is no VOX facility. The internal speaker is adequate but can sound 'toppy' due to the metal casing. Notably, there is no conventional 3.5mm external speaker socket on the rear panel. Headphones connect via a 3.5mm socket on the base of the hand microphone. Using a stereo connector results in sound in only one ear, requiring switched headphones or lead strapping for full stereo effect.

The 4-pin RJ type Speaker/Microphone socket pin-outs are available in the handbook, facilitating the creation of a PTT breakout box for headsets and boom microphones.

Data and Accessories

The G106 supports use with Xiegu's XPA-125B 100W amplifier, computer control, and data communications. The standard 8-pin accessory socket provides waveband data voltage signals. With the optional DE-19 interface adapter and its interconnecting leads, plug-and-play operation for computer connection and the XPA-125B amplifier is enabled. The handbook recommends the CH342 port driver and datacomms software similar to that used with the Xiegu G90.

[Image description: A photograph of the XPA-125B HF+6m Linear Amplifier, displaying its front panel controls and screen.]

Impressions

The Xiegu G106 has FCC approval (2ANLH-G106), with a complete test report available online, including detailed photographs of its internal workings (https://tinyurl.com/bdh2azmu). The reviewer found the radio fun to use, both at home and in the field, appreciating its potential. In terms of value, it offers strong competition within the Xiegu product range. It is described as a compact, 'friendly' radio that users simply want to use, especially for casual portable operation. The simple front panel conceals a wealth of features.

The radio is rated 4 stars in its current form, with potential for value increase through free firmware upgrades. It can serve as a monitor or data radio without occupying a main station.

Pricing

At the time of press, the Xiegu G106 Radio sells for £349.95, while the DE-19 Data Interface costs £49.95.

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