Xiegu G90 HF SDR Transceiver Current Draw Review

Hello Operators.
In this video we take a look at the Xiegu G90, Portable Ham Radio. We'll talk about who might enjoy this rig, and why we might want to add the #Xiegu G90 HF 20w SDR transceiver to our portable ham radio collection. Finally, we finish up by measuring recieve current, and current draw during transmit. The Xiegu G90 came with a cable for Xiegu G90 CAT control cable. It also came with a breakout box to use the Xiegu G90 with FT8 or other digital modes.
73
Julian #oh8stn

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[ShipWreck]

One of your best “initial review” videos and I thank you for taking the time to take all those power readings. While it may seem insignificant to most, it’s a big deal to those of us living off-grid with only a small solar power system.

[brianshanahan]

Excellent video! I am always thankful for people with the proper gear doing these tests for those of us who don't have the test equipment!

[pablod]

Thanks for taking a look at this rig. I'm planning on testing for my Extra Class license later this year, and I was thinking of rewarding myself with this radio if I pass. If you give it the overall thumbs-up, I'll trust it.

[LinkWulluf]

Just started watching your videos yesterday. The messaging feature is incredible. What I knew about ham radio was from movies, so old guys in their basements. I'm going to be looking into what it takes to become licensed

[jonathanp]

This is great thank you! I might end up getting this as my first HF since its so much more affordable than others.

[Iridium]

I have been looking at this for a mobile rig as well as a backup rig just in case my home radio ever dies and needs to be fixed, Looks to be pretty decent but I cant wait for the full review!

[Johnmfoss]

I have a G90 - bought it to use in my camper, and always power it from a 12 AH battery. The receive current is the important number and the Xiegu pulls half what my Icom 7300 pulls. It's a solid portable rig.

[gac]

Excellent. Can't wait for the full review.

[Robert-jteo]

Nice video on the Xiegu G90 first look on QRZ, had to follow you over the YOU TUBE to comment lol. All I can say is EXCELLENT are always just the facts and no FLUFF. Nicely done, nicely done!!

[LibertyEver]

That's the info I want to see. I'd buy this as a portable field radio and the nice display with low power and bare bones features appeals to me, as does the price. I look forward to future videos showing the G90 in use, and your general impressions.

It'd be nice if someone maintained a comparison chart that had current draws for the popular radios. Maybe we can get Radio Prepper to do that. It's definitely Gil's thing. :-)

[drastikmeazures]

Thank you for covering this radio! I really respect your opinion and analysis.

[zembalu]

Thank you for your video! The G90 was my choice mainly for three reasons:
1st: Weight (1, 6 kg or 3 lib 8 oc) and dimensions, as I use it for backpacking.
2nd: Built-in tuner. Saves weight, size and money, and I need a tuner for portable operation.
3rd: 20 W PEP. With SSB and a not perfect antenna, that counts.
Your measurements are very interesting to me, because I am looking for the ideal power supply/Li-battery. LiPO with typically 3 amps will not work, so LiFePO4. Somewhere else, I read of a 10 A consumption and wondered where all the power goes to :-).

[joecraft]

I appreciate the quality of this review. The "important" things to the Ham are what count. Xeigu has seemed to been listening to its customers and made accommodations to fit the need. I have one of these radios and am liking it more each time i use it. Its in the shack (for learn and burn) before taking it to the field. Your videos (including the next one on this radio) are what assist me in the learning curve. Small print manuals are a challenge to me so these videos are a huge help. Thx, , KI5IQE. 73

[GentiluomoStraniero]

You helped me make a decision on going for this G90 rig for HF go kit radio. I did add a pair of 25W solar panels to my planned self aligning charging rig just to make sure I have enough juice coming in. I'll be looking at antenna options....I can now see a compound bow as part of the antenna rig for HF. To set a vertical antenna up on a tree. 😂Thank you!!!

[nkzp]

Got one a few weeks it. One great feature is output stays where you set it regardless of voltage.

[denisearley]

I've had one for a while and love it for what is. This helps me understand power consumption, and will help me budget battery power while in the field.

[timb]

Super job Julian. I love your logical procedure and how much effort you put in. Keep inspiring ! 73 de 2E0IEH 👍

[rachmielbenberel]

It is really exciting to see a professional and unbiased approach--thank you Julian. After all the specs are measured and connection issues discovered and resolved, the bottom line will be if G90 manufacturing quality can survive the shock and vibration of being repeatedly transported to and from location and operated in the harsh environments of the field. Comparing the survivability of a $400 Xiegu G90 to that of a $800 Yaesu (or the soon to come $1100 Icom) will be very interesting to observe. Frankly, I do not have any ill will concerning this radio--though admittedly it is not for me (I prefer 100 watts). So let the test data--bench and field--speak for itself. Great stuff!

[hhampton]

I can hardly wait for the rest of the series. I certainly hope it isn't going to take 6 months.
I've been looking at the G90 for several months.

[OHSTN]

Table of contents
00:00 Introduction
01:53 Backstory
02:58 Who would want this rig?
04:00 Current Measurements
04:53 160 mMeters
06:04 80 Meters
06:53 40 Meters
07:53 30 Meters
08:48 20 Meters
09:43 17 Meters
10:30 10 Meters
11:50 Final Thoughts
12:15 End Screen & Sneak-a-Peak