In the life of most amateur radio operators comes the time, that you’d like a transceiver to be able to use the hf bands. With me it was combined with the wish to be able to do CW. There are many transceivers on the market and in all price categories. I chose the lower spectrum, that can still do all hf bands and all modes. The device that fit most was the Xiegu X6100.

Why didn’t I go for the Xiegu G90?

It has more power (20W VS 10W) and costs less. My main reason was, that doubling the power only increase the S meter by one unit. The second reason was that the 6m band (50-54 MHz) was only available for the X6100.

First thoughts

When I unpacked the device I noticed, that it feels heavier than expected. No problem for me, since I don’t plan to be portable with it. It just needs to be small.

After hooking up the microphone, that seems a bit cheap (maybe because it’s light) I turned the device on. I noticed a line _ on the screen which reminded me of a typical boot up on Linux. I felt at home instantly.

The Interface seems very simple. You have three rotating nobs, two of which you can press as well. There are plenty of buttons. I’m sure that you’ll get to know them, as soon as you use the transceiver.

After hooking up a CB-Antenna, I tested the SWR-Meter and tuner and found they work well.

Next steps

Since the X6100 can take a micro SD card, I will preparing one. If needed I’ll do a firmware update. Other than that I might open the device up, that it could send out of the ham bands (which would be illegal, so I’d not do it).