Table of contents: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Setup options 01:00 CE-19 Expansion card 02:13 Enabling VOX 03:00 External audio interaces 04:45 Favorite data mode setup 05:05 Radio settings 08:05 CAT/Rig Control FLRig 11:07 Setting up WSJT-X 13:13 Setting up JS8Call 15:34 Setting up FLDigi 17:29 Final thoughts and more 18:03 End screen & sneak-a-peek G90 Current draw: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/itWIn62HuczTgok.html G90 Walkthrough: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mKmjiJRlt7HTqQ.html G90 playlist: kzfaq.info/sun/PLKMrdrsNkFA61ybQikT6xGjXNe0H2pj-n

Its now 2023 and I am just now buying a G90. Have a laptop in hand. Perhaps things have changed a bit over the last few years but betting your video is still the best starting point even now. I bet it has aged well.

I ordered a G90 yesterday from Radioddity on a Black Friday special. It was 399.00 for the radio, the CE19 breakout and the fan/stand. I will coming back here to set it up for digital when it comes in.

Just got my G90. Setup was flawless just as you instructed. This thing started picking up js8call right in my living room with the antenna still in the house. Dont really care for using voice since I am a developer. Your videos on the G90 and using digital modes are the best in class. Thank you!

I watch way too much ham radio KZfaq but I think I can speak for many that your videos to promote QRP and field ops are the best by far. Can you give us some more info about the G90 field set-up shown in this video, the battery pack you're using with the Powerfilm, the display/keyboard, and what was the Molle case you are using with the G90. A sincere thanks for always being so clear, concise and informative.

I'm about to get my General ticket to do off-grid HF comms. Your videos have not only being entertaining but have led me the entire way for deciding just about every part of the equipment, software, accessories and antennas. Great job OH8STN, much appreciated!

Thank you for this. I have been using a G90 for a while now, it's my first HF rig. I have been able to get digital modes working, but was having issues with the cat cable disconnecting I'm guessing from stray rf. I never considered VOX, but after giving it a try I was able to make more digital contacts in one night than the entire time I've had my radio.

I kept my IC 7200 for basically this same purpose and for portable-camp ops. But, I do like the looks of the unit in your presentation. I'm always impressed with your thought process related to the overall system, not just the individual items. You see the big picture !

Noone does high quality videos like you Julian! It's all in the details and you cover them perfectly! Thanks and 73 de KE2YK

I finally setup the G90 with the CE-19 with help from this video. I wasn’t expecting VOX to work so easily. I got FT8 and WSPR spots on 5w, mag loop inside the house for testing. Thank you very much.

Your reviews and operating tips are ALWAYS appreciated. My own G90 is en route and am looking forward to operating portable. My choosing this radio was close to your reason. I have a QRO radio and a QRP set. This is something in the middle, the extra power will help with SOTA activations and Parks on the Air both of which I enjoy when its not 40 C here on the east coast of VA. -73- and thank you for the investment in time.

Well. As a new owner of the g 90 i must say thankyou for this video. You cleared up a lot of questions i haf about dig. Modes and i find your explanations to be something i can actually comprehend.keep up the good work and once again thanks

Such a useful video. It would be wonderful if you could spare the time to make an updated version still using the Xiegu G90 and Raspberry Pi but with the XGGComms Digimode-4 interface, especially now that G90 can be configured in Flrig. Thanks for such valuable material.

Thank you! I just purchased a G90 to experiment with HF digital modes. I really appreciate it! 73, KH6HOU

I have two Xiegu's the G90 and the G1M that I use with JS8call. I suggest that you turn off polling of all the commands which the G90 does not share with the IC7100. If you look at the debug log, you'll see a ton of time out errors. Also, I've been watching FT8 people talk and they say to use split mode in "fake it". I'm not I understand complete, but I suppose it's more linear. For that you'll need the CAT. I use the EasyDigi isolation board for the G1M and DigiRig for G90. I'm confused about ALC. I'm glad you mentioned it to be inverted from normal.

Awesome, getting my radio on Wednesday and my general ticket on Thurs. Thanks!

Really useful video. I used this info and my first FT8 contact on my G90 was a station 1200+ km away in Italy. FLRig seems more stable for me than OmniRig 2. Thank you.

Nice work, Julian. Much appreciated.

Thank you Julian from KI5SOH!! I have the Xiegu G90, the CE-19 thingie and I cobbled together the three 3.5mm jacks with bare ends into a "AF-CON" cable that plugs directly into the 3.5mm headphone jack and the 3.5mm microphone jack on my laptop running Linux Ubuntu 20.04. I had to upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.04 in order to install WSJT-X 2.5.4. By adjusting the Microphone level in Ubuntu upper right control bar, I can get the input level just right and get this beautiful water fall display and stations are just pouring into the list of "Band Activity". In WSJT-X, I have the radio set to "none" and the PTT method is "VOX". I have the radio set to VOX and set the input and output audio levels as you explained in the tutorial. I also set the input from "mike" to "line". BUT, when I click on "TUNE" button on WSJT-X, the CPU usage goes to 100% and the waterfall display stops. I click on "Exit" and it appears to exit, but when I check in a terminal via the "top" command, it is still there hogging 100% CPU. So I have to kill the process "wsjtx" to stop it. Just to check for audio output from the laptop, I put my earbuds in the headphone port and did not hear anything when I clicked on "TUNE". Likewise, the G90 did not respond in any way to "TUNE" as expected since WSJT-X crashes before any audio comes out. Any hints?! Thanks! Zac

Thanks very much for this, I have a G90 in it's packaging waiting for me to open it and get started, so your video information will be very useful.

ZLP out of stock but ended up getting a Tigertronics to keep it clean based on your experience. Thank you for the tips!

After some consideration I tried to order a MiniProSC but alas, they are not shipping to the states at the moment. Again video is much valued!

Thanks for this great video...I just ordered a G90 today and I was worry as to how to interface it with digital!!!

Another GREAT video Julian. I was so glad to see your interface methods to the G90 for data modes. Just wish there was a way to interface without the ZLP-size box. But I understand that without an internal digital audio card in the G90, it has to exist outside. With the delays of the IC-705, I may consider purchasing a G90 or mcHF just so I can have a small portable digital station. Thanks again for such informative videos. 73, Terry W4ZQ

Very cool! Just got my G90 and this will be very helpful.

Thank you Julian for explaining the setup. Once again, another outstanding video! 73!

Sorry I missed the premier chat. Looks good. 73

Thanks for the video. I didn't get the CE-19 since I had a Sabrent USB sound card dongle, a M/M 3.5mm plug audio cable, a clamp-on ferrite choke and a couple capacitors. Just purchased the 8 pin mini-DIN plug. Just got to sit down long enough to put it all together with solder and heat shrink tubing.

Ecellent video, lots of good info. For man portable digital operations the X90 looks like a winner. The cost is perhaps the most attractive feature, but all things considered it really holds its own compared to more expensive rigs.

Best Xiegu G90 video on KZfaq. Helped me with mine!

I have been drooling over this radio since your first video. I pulled the trigger this morning. When comparing the G90 and the Icom 705, what do you prefer?

Hi Julian. Excellent video, once again. I received my G90 yesterday and are struggling to get it to work on the ACC connector connected to a SignaLink USB sound card. I've got the Xiegu CE-19 Expansion bord, but like you said, no use going portable with so many cables. I cut the 8-pin mini DIN cable that came with the CE-19 to make my own SignaLink to G90 ACC port cable. - Signalink SPK to G90 ACC pin 4 - Signalink MIC to G90 ACC pin 5 - Signalink PTT to G90 ACC pin 2 (if not using VOX on G90) - Signalink G to G90 ACC pin 7 Issue 1 - PTT/TX does not trigger on G90. Not on VOX mode (line input selected) and not via die Signalink PPT as explained above. Issue 2 - When doing the PTT on the remote myself to avoid Issue #1 above, the ALC stays on 0 on the G90. Seems like no audio in is reaching the G90. I did play around with all levels on the Signalink and G90 to test. Wiring headphones to the SignaLink MIC & G pins, does give me audio, so no issue on the SignaLink side it seems. In a nutshell, I can RX, but not TX digitally. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. Riaan ZS6MAN

I like the to the point, no nonsense video. Rationale well explained.

Xiegu G90 is soo.. lovley radio for digital emisions and other best thigs...

Just checking out some Raspberry Pi for beginner videos and so I can get up to speed...😎🤙🏾73great vid

I have one of these radios and the CE-19 interface on the way. Your videos have been very informative. Thanks! 73 de N2NLQ

Brilliant video, full of useful and very helpful information, I learnt a lot about the G90. Very many thanks 73

I am only getting 7-10w out, followed your settings, swr is 1.2. MIniProSC here as well. ALC is at 99. Using Fldigi on Contestia 4/250. With JS8Call looks like what you are getting. Edit. Sound volume on laptop. Solved it...lol. Great videos, Julian!

Been rewatching this to setup my G90 for digital. I have yet to make up the cables for connecting the audio from my laptop to my G90. Was hoping for info on the wiring of the audio cables.

Top information ..run vt ..:-)cant wait to get one .. thanks for keeping me up to speed on something I know nothing about until I started watching your videos very informative easy to understand great work brother keep it up see you on the airwaves soon

You make me want one🤤👍🏽 great presentation

As of my download today, 10-18-2023, flrig now includes the G90.

Great video. Do you find the PTT is slow to respond when using WSJT-X and FT8? I have the CE-19 but I've not used it yet with my Xiegu radios, but some friends told me it didn't work very well due to transmit lag between the software and the radio. Perhaps the VOX setting that you described will solve this...

Thanks for this video! After looking closely at what it is, I don't want to use that CE-19 adapter. I appreciate it, but mostly for the parts that kit gives you which frankly, I could have sourced elsewhere. I want to have it all with one USB cable, so right now I'm cobbling together a USB hub to plug the USB sound device and G90 data cable into so I also have a CAT control option. My plan is to strip all of the connectors and cases from the devices, direct-wiring all of the components to minimize the size and build it all into a compact adapter that can live in the "luggable" case system (go box?) that I've built for my G90. One box with USB, DIN and 3.5mm connector cables to rule them all... I have a low power/high run time PC that should be fine for digital modes, but it only has 2 USB ports and I don't want to use them both. I have the hub and sound device stripped and wired, but have been dragging my feet on stripping the Xiegu adapter and finishing the wiring. An Altoids tin was my first choice of enclosures, but I'm staying open to alternatives... 73 de N2NLQ

Thanks for the video!

Great info. Thanks! Subscribed.

Did you make the cable or is it something I can buy?

How do you wire the 3.5mm jacks together to go with the external sound card

outstanding video... I am new to the hobby... the G90 is one of 2 HF rigs that i have but the G90 I am developing into portable station.... currently working on completing my Pi4 and ..... getting my general...... I am working backwards

Thanks Julian for all your excellent work. I am really enjoying my XG90 these days 😊 73 Rob G3RCE

Great video, really helpful!

Will you do an updated video with the DE-19 expansion card?

Brilliant tutorial, thankyou.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Julian. I just ordered the MiniproSC and the cable for the Xiegu G90. Is the short cable you have in the video the same one I will recieve or is your cable a custom shorty? I would really hope it's a short cable like yours, but if yours is custom, can you share the source? Thanks!

great Video presently i play whit the Idea to order an XIEGU G90 for anny portable activitys, it is DG1RUG

Great video Julian! What is the bag you have your G90 in at the 17:50 mark?

Great video but I need help with the CE-19, can you talk/show how you soldered up the jack plugs, which colour goes where sort of thing? I don't want to mess things up by soldering the wrong colour to the wrong plug section. Many thanks and keep safe

Excelente video !! 73" dx

A lot of computer operations taken for granted here. Particularly the audio input/output selections.

Thanks for sharing !

Thank you for the video! I am fairly new to amateur radio and very new to HF. I bought the G90 as my first HF rig. I bought the CE-19 too. Quick question, how did you wire the audio input/output to make it a splitter cable?

You make a big point that the CE19 requires more cables than the MiniProSc. Granted, the length of the cables provided with the CE19 are much longer out of the box than the custom cable you show with the MiniProSc but that can be significantly reduced when making the cable. The total number of cables is the same. One from the radio to the CE19 or MiniProSc and one cable from the CE19 to the inputs on the computer audio input/output or USB sound card and one from the MiniProSc to the computer USB. Basically there is one in/one out either way. I am confused as to what role the cable used for programming plays. Does it replace the CE19 or MiniProSc or is it used in conjunction? If used in conjunction the, how does it enhance operation. Obviously you can operate without it.

Julian, I really like your videos. How do you handle, or should I say what program do you use for logging your qsos. For my Xeigu when I am not at home, I use N1MM, for logging and rig control. I have repeatedly tried to download FLRIG, but my Windows computer doesn't seem to want me to download it from W1HKJ. I have tried numerous times, but to no avail. N1MM for CW and non-digital qsos works just fine but won't support any of the digital modes. At the home station, I use HRD - no problem, just don't use Xeigu, but in some instances like 60mtrs and 80mtrs, the Xeigu's tuner can handle my two wire antennas, better than my LDG tuner. Also, HRD does not support the Xeigu for now, hope eventually that will change - so use N1MM for uploading qsos to eQsl. Your reply is appreciated. Kevin, KD8IE.

Thanks!

Great! Thanks for this! BTW what antenna were you using clamped to the bench?

Thanks using FT8 getting long distance on your settings alc 100

As so many others have said,...great and INFORMATIVE video. Curious toward the end, I can't quite make out what antenna you're using. What is it??

Another good video. Did you have to add your user to the dialout group in Linux? That has been a pesky security feature dating back to modem control to keep the phone bills down. If I missed it just tel me. I always appreciate your videos. I hope to go portable next summer. First I am working on the shack at the qth

If you're not fussed about 2m/70cm would u buy the G90 over the FT-817/818?

Thanks for your super detailed video which is a great help. Can you tell me how many % or dB you set your sound card level to please?

NICE WORK

🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

Julian - Have you tried hooking up the G90 to the DRAWS board via one of the mini din connectors on the DRAWS board yet?

Thanks for these great videos. I have followed this to the letter and yet I am still unable to key the G90 using VOX only. It works fine with CAT. All settings are as you suggest when I try VOX. I am guessing it may be the USB sound device I'm using. Right now I'm stuck with the CE-19 but I am awaiting an XGGComms cable. Hopefully that cable with its built in sound card will get me over the top. It's been somewhat frustrating to date as I have some type of problem, probably stray RF, that's keeping me from running FT8 on 20m. At about 11 seconds the CAT gets disconnected. Reducing power does not help. I have no need to run CAT seeing how the radio is right in front of me, so hope to find a solution. Thanks for your clear and concise instructions! Scott/KC1UA

Thanks for the great videos on the G90. You inspired me to try FT8 and the other digital modes. Maybe you can point me in the right direction. I bought a G90 and the MiniProSC that you used here. I'm using a Windows 10 laptop. But, for the life of me, I cannot get WSJT-X to work. Is there a step by step out there that I can use to configure WSJT-X with my Windows laptop to work with this specific set up? Thanks, Julian. 73 from W5DUI.

Our group wants to find the simplest system to use only JS8CALL for E-Comms within 100 mile radius on 80m NVIS for mountainous terrain. Our goal is a simple system new HAMs can use. As close to plug and play as possible and low cost single purpose system. Is this a good transceiver to build around. Suggestions?

How are you setting up your filters in the G90 for digital work ?

After watching this a couple of times it looks like I have two options , the Ce-19 or the digimaster. Correct ? If I choose the digimaster option , what cable do I select ? Icom 7100 or Icom 8 acc. Awesome video btw

Hi, I want to know how you connected the wires from the 3 jacks from xiegu ce-19 because I also have xiegu g 90.

Would it be possible to add to this video using the Xggcomms Digimode 4?

Thanks for your kind replies. Your constructed cable from the CE-19 to the computer sound card has two 3.5 mm plugs but the CE-19 only has one AF jack. If I use separate cables where does the second cable connect to the CE-19 ?

How would you setup the G90 for hf aprs with an opentracker

You did not explain line input filter. Many station uses 240 Hz tone (for example) for FT8, but that does not pass through transmitter. Simply 0 watts out.

Outstanding review! I'm trying to decide between the X5150 and the G90. I am most interested in portability but also the ability to interface with a laptop. Any comments regarding that capability with respect to the X5150? KI5KET

What is that great radio pack and case for the G90?

Hi Julian, thanks for this video. Somewhat of a newbie here. Question: Could I use Ham Radio Deluxe for cat control in this scenario if I wanted to? thanks!

Could you elaborate a bit more on why you prefer non-cat control of the rig? (Is it a preference that applies generally, or just to this radio?) I have an ic-7100 and I love the ability to have one wire (single USB) to get audio AND cat control AND gps data to a pi, and this arrangement has proven very reliable and convenient. It seems like some of the newer ALE modes would require cat control, wouldn’t they?

I noticed that you are using the usb port on the side of the pi to give it power, but in earlier videos you describe using a buck converter exiting the rear of the pi for the sake of cable management, as well as using a sabrent sound card instead of the ZLP. Any reason for going back to the ZLP and usb port for powering the pi? Thanks and take care.

Great video. I followed all your recommendations for set up, and have run into a problem. With the CAT cable and mini din connected with the CE19; running flrig and wsjtx/js8, the radio will is connecting and initializing. Then when I send a message or a heartbeat it does not xmit. I get 0 w on the meter. I can xmit 20w no problem with phone, but nothing on digital. HELP!! was able to get a few signals a couple of day ago but today nada.

Great Video! could you share what zipper pouch you are using for the G90 shown at 17.53? it looks perfect for my G90 field use. thanks!

Well with a digirig I am now sending emails from a TM-733a. Looking at the G90

Nice job Julian! I followed this video and got a MiniProSC and connected it to the G90 and ran WSJT-X on the Raspberry Pi 4. I initially set the line audio as suggested, but, noticed that even when I had the Pwr slider on WSJT-X at max I could only see about 4 watts into a dummy load at a 20 watt setting on the G90. Another odd thing was no matter where the Pwr slider was Min to Max, the G90 always showed 100 ALC. I then changed Aux In volume to 15 and the power out went up only to about 11 watts. That is as high as I can get the output to go. It is acting like I just can't get enough audio to drive the G90 (even though the alc always stays at 100 no matter where the settings are at). Would love others thoughts on this. :) Is there a way to adjust the gain of the MiniProSC? tnx, 73, phil KF6IF

How many db is "extremely low"? I decode -17 regularly, sometimes even -20 with my radios and the cheap USB

I'm trying to set up WSJT-X on a Pi 3B that is running the 7-inch touch display, but I can't seem to re-size the application screen. Is there a fix for this? The display is 1024x700 resolution.

Got my G90 working with HDSDR software on computer, but the question is do you need two antennas or just one and the panadaptor just takes whats on radio screen to computer screen.

Tnxs for video just got a new desktop and it doesn't show any comports. Running windows 10. Really give up and ideas. Could use some help. Would like to get G90 but until I get windows 10 to show comports

Could you please run through the making of the splitter cable that plugs AF CON to audio in and out. I want to make sure I am wiring it correctly

I'm pretty clueless on RaspberryPi, but I'm wondering why you have a RPi and a laptop on the picnic table? Why do you need a RPi if you have a laptop?

How do I connect my Samsung tablet to the G90 for psk31? I dont have a big usb port, just the micro usb. Thankyou.

How did you setup thw watt meter on the XG90 to show up,i can get the ALC to show but no watt's Thank's