Introduction
The Xiegu G90 is an HF multi-mode transceiver that represents a significant step forward, employing up-to-date Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology with a 24-bit data and 48kHz sampling rate. It is the successor to the X108G model. The G90 covers the HF bands from 1.8MHz to 30MHz for transmitting and 500kHz to 30MHz for receiving. It features a removable head unit, offering flexibility in setup.
This review follows a previous assessment of the Xiegu X5105 transceiver, which was described as a substantial improvement over earlier Xiegu offerings. The G90 continues this trend of advancement.
Product Image Description
The Xiegu G90 transceiver is presented in a front view. It features a prominent display screen that shows frequency, signal strength, and a waterfall spectrum analysis. Key controls include a large [Volume Knob] (VOL), a [Function Button] (FUNC), and various mode/memory buttons such as [Memory Write] (MW), [Memory Recall] (MC), [Band/Mode Selector] (A/B, A-B, V-A, U-B), [Automatic Gain Control] (AGC-A), [Tune Button] (TUNE), and [Morse Code Mode] (CW). Other visible indicators and controls include [Power Output] (Po), [Signal-to-Noise Ratio] (SHR), [Software Defined Radio] (SDR), [Pre-Amplifier] (PRE), [Attenuator] (ATT), [Compressor] (CMP), [Filter Settings] (F-L, F-H), [Noise Blanker] (NB), [Automatic Gain Control] (AGC), [Squelch] (SPL), [Voltage Meter] (VM), [Power Button] (POW), [Keyer Button] (KEY), and [Lock Button] (LOCK). The unit is finished in a matte black with white lettering and is designed with a detachable head unit.
The Package Contents
Upon arrival, the G90 is typically found in a plain brown cardboard carton with a label identifying its contents. Inside, the documentation is presented first, which may include a photocopied instruction manual (a revised version is available for download) and a warranty/maintenance record card. The radio and accessories are protected by polystyrene foam. Included items generally consist of:
- A 1m-long power cable with an inline fuse.
- A 90cm-long USB adapter cable.
- An Allen key.
- A 1m-long separation cable for the head unit.
- A multifunction microphone with a coiled lead that extends to approximately 2m.
Items not typically supplied include a spare fuse, accessory plugs, and a microphone hook.
Layout and Design
The G90 features an all-aluminium case. The bottom and sides are formed from a single casting, incorporating small cooling fins. The back panel, top, and head unit are constructed from aluminium sheet. The transceiver has a professional matte black finish with white lettering, giving it a solid feel despite its relatively compact size.
The head unit can be detached from the main body by removing four hex-headed bolts. It connects to the main unit via a supplied 9-pin D-type to D-type cable. The provided Allen key is used for this detachment and also for securing/detaching handles that protect connectors and rotary controls.
The head unit itself contains numerous sockets and connections. The multifunction microphone supplied is consistent with those provided with other Xiegu HF radios.
Display and Controls
The colour display is adjustable through five brightness steps and remains easily viewable even in bright sunlight. The screen is densely packed with information. It can be blanked by a brief press of the power button and reactivated by pressing any button or rotating any knob. A video output for an external screen would be a useful addition but is not supplied.
The head unit's front panel includes controls such as the [Volume Knob] (VOL), [Function Button] (FUNC), [Memory Write] (MW), [Memory Recall] (MC), and band/mode selectors. The display shows frequency, signal strength, and a waterfall spectrum. The G90 also features a real-time band scope and waterfall display, along with a function to scan the VSWR of an antenna across a range of frequencies.
The head unit can be detached from the main body by removing the four hex headed bolts.
Performance and Features
Transmit Power: The G90 is equipped with a 40-watt PA device, operating well within its specifications when delivering its maximum output of 20 watts.
Receive Performance: On receive and during SSB contacts, the radio remains only gently warm. During continuous full power transmit (drawing approximately 4A at 13.8V), the underside of the radio can become quite warm after about 10 minutes, with the sides and top also warming up moderately.
SWR Scanning: The transceiver includes an SWR scanning function. This can be configured to scan five different ranges, from 150kHz to 750kHz, centred on the dial frequency. The display reconfigures to show a continuous graph of the scan and the lowest SWR value. While the User Manual notes potential measurement 'errors', it serves as a useful basic guide to antenna performance.
Auto ATU: A standout feature is the automatic antenna tuner (ATU). It has demonstrated success in quickly tuning a 160m quarter-wave antenna and an 80m dipole across all HF bands, with other users reporting positive results.
CW Reader: The inbuilt CW reader functions but requires very accurate tuning to operate. A yellow LED is present, which is understood to indicate signal lock, though its function is not detailed in the manual. The reader's performance with hand-sent Morse code can be challenging, similar to other radios.
Preamp/Attenuator: Cycling through the preamp/attenuator functions shows a difference in the waterfall display, bandscope, and audio level, though the S-meter reading difference is minimal (around 1 S-point).
Spectrum and Waterfall: The spectrum and waterfall displays are useful, but the bandwidth is fixed at 48kHz and cannot be adjusted.
Noise Blanker: The noise blanker has been found to be largely ineffective, acting more like a squelch and not significantly reducing pulse-type noise.
Button Usability: Several front panel buttons are small and require a firm press to register. While top panel buttons are easier to use, the front panel buttons can be difficult to press without the radio sliding, exacerbated by the lack of rubber feet. Pressing one button can cause adjacent ones to move, particularly the middle button of a set of five.
FM Capability: As supplied, the transceiver does not support FM mode. A 'panadapter' is mentioned as a forthcoming accessory that is intended to enable FM reception.
Audio Quality
On SSB, transmit quality reports have been good, with audio described as crisp. Monitoring adjacent frequencies revealed no significant wideband synthesiser noise, though faint carrier bleed-through was detected. Receive audio quality is rated highly; the loudspeaker can be turned up loud enough to listen to QSOs from outside the shack without objectionable distortion until very high volumes are reached.
Conclusion
Priced at approximately £399.99 (and often available for less), the Xiegu G90 is positioned as a budget-friendly HF transceiver. While it has some quirks and is not perfect, it offers considerable value for money. It is anticipated that the manufacturer may address some of its shortcomings through software updates, similar to previous models.
This review was made possible by Alan Clunnie of Sinotel (www.sinotel.co.uk), who loaned the review model and has shown a willingness to improve the product.
