Xiegu G1M G-Core Portable SDR HF Transceiver QRP Quad Band Short-Wave 5W SSB CW AM 0.5-30MHz Mobile Radio Amateur Ham

FINAL UPDATE: Fixed the no-transmit on my first G1M. Opened the unit (voiding the warranty), and touch-soldered the jack pads. An inexpensive stereo jack 6" pigtail extension is now plugged into the mic jack to take off any strain or use of the jack. One has to wonder how long the other jacks in the rear of the rig will last, as they are also simply touch-soldered onto PCB pads and not panel-mounted.UPDATE: dropping the reivew to one star... my original G1M, without abuse or much use has lost transmit on SSB via the mic jack despite the PCB looking like soldering points are fine - stymied at this point... additionally, a second G1M, held as a spare, was discovered to have low ouput (.5W) on both CW and SSB out of the box - i should have tested it more thoroughly...i have contacted the seller and will modify my review following any resolution...updated to four stars - ordered a second unit (built the same day as the previous G1M), and only four serial numbers apart... the unit appears in working order... but the G1M begs for a few improvements (see the end of this review), and that's why it is only a four-star product... Xiegu is aware of a potential issue regarding mic connections to the G1M's PCB, and seller offered a return and repair (which i'm not going to take advantage of, as my G1M with its replacement mic seems to work OK). The issue regarding no PTT has been determined (in at least eight cases) to poor or non-existent soldering on the G1M's main PCB at the mic jack, and other points on the rig's PCB...symptoms of the problem include: rough mic jack insertion, or following an SSB contact, a shutdown, then a restart, the G1M will not go into TX mode via the microphone PTT button; there is also distorted audio output on the 40M band; CW transmissions still work, but audio output features stop working very shortly after first usageunfortunately, this means that you can either return the unit, get it repaired, or void whatever warranty terms exist and effect a fix yourself:- remove front and back cover; carefully remove top of case; check mic connections at front of base PCB (also check soldering points for speaker if your rig suffers low audio output)It has also been determined that the existing mic is prone to RF and/or distorts audio; some fixes have been to use ferrite chokes at the mic jack end or replace with a different mic and electret element... an inexpensive fix is an elecret qrp mic kit or replacement of the Xiegu-included mic element with a electret element of your choiceIf you want to improve the mic, which appears to be a 4-pole speaker mic, first examine, then replace the mic jack. You'll see that the mic cable is 4-conductor with a clipped green lead, and there is no strain relief on the plug. Next, open the mic head, and you'll see there is a speaker (not used), but interestingly, no pinhole for voice input at the tiny element. Drill a 1/64th pinhole on the front of the mic at the element position. If you have a replacement element, note polarity on the original, then solder in your replacement. You should note a vast improvement in the power and quality of your transmitted audio.The G1M has no backup firmware or updated firmware available at this timeOriginal review:First, note that this is not a Xiegu X1M - it is a Xiegu G1M G-CORE transceiver, and has some interesting features as an SDR (software-defined radio). Here's some hopefully helpful info after my initial setup, quick test, and short field outing (i paired it with an LDG Z11 autotuner; there is no indication in the docs regarding SWR foldback or how robust the finals are, so definitely use a dummy load when testing and always transmit into a reasonable match):0. this transceiver will not transmit in AM, so you are going to have to whistle for your autotuner if using voice mode; alternatively, use your key to transmit a CW tone during tuning - or even better, use a resonant antenna system, such as a wire dipole or an unun end-fed.1. great receiver; sounds very nice and has good 'ears'2. band scope is handy, but not sensitive enough to display weak, but thoroughly 'copyable' CW ops (due to G1M's excellent reception); i really like this feature - it works really well for LSB/USB and AMTip: Use the SCL item on menu page #3 to adjust the scaling of the spectrum scope to suit your antenna system or propagation conditions3. AM receive is a good feature and provides excellent sound (you can hear the echo in some broadcaster's studios!)4. there is no voltage readout, and the rig will quit when voltage drops below 9V5. spk jack provides nice audio, even with cheap ear buds6. hand mic is sensitive; the mic's auxiliary audio jack is non-functional (i.e., no speaker mic; there is no audio out on the mic jack)7. CW is supported, such as key speed, type, sidetone, ratio, output on/off (erroneously termed 'QSK'), but there are no keyer memories, no filtering, and no zero-beat indicationIMPORTANT UPDATE:8. at first glance, it may appear that the memory channel function does not work - BUT IT DOES!!! you can store up to 66 memories by setting the VFO and mode, then a long press in Menu 1->B-, scroll the VFO to select an empty channel or overwrite the current one, then Save; to toggle between VFO and memory mode, use a long press in Menu 1->A/B, then use the VFO to scroll through each saved memory channel; to delete a memory channel, long press in Menu 1->B+, then use the VFO to scroll through and select CLR. If you attempt to erase a memory channel while in VFO, you'll see an 'INFO' dialog that states an error, misspelled in English. However, there is no way to copy the current memory channel to a VFO - this is unlike Xiegu's other transceivers, such as the X5105, and is a severe debilitation - if this copy function was enabled, it would be very easy to navigate the bands.you can customize a short power-on message through menu #2, CSN (called a 'boot call'); scroll through the alphabet and select each letter/number, then save your message; it will then be displayed for about two seconds after turning on the rig9. Xiegu has not yet released firmware for updating or restoration of the rig and the documentation makes no mention of updating; this makes it impossible to back up settings, clone radios, etc.10. documentation is preliminary and only half-translated; this in itself creates another problem: the lack of documentation stymies some functions, which remain unexplained, such as the 'SPL' menu item. This is most likely a Split function, where the receiving frequency is set in VFO A with VFO B containing the desired transmit frequency, and then SPL is selected. It is unknown to me at this time whether or not this works in SSB, CW or both. Additionally, the 'VER' menu item is not mentioned in the poor manual at all, but displays the firmware version and its (assumed) date11. there is no power output control; i.e., you cannot dial-down to QRPp levelsand on the subject of power: the Xiegu G1M manual has a table of band voltages output via the ACC port on the back of the G1M, implying that the rig may be used with the Xiegu XPA125B amplifier; however there is no published circuit, interface cable, or other product that can accomplish this; additionally, there is a bug in the current G1M firmware (April 2019) with an incorrect band voltage for 12M (2.34V vs the correct 2.02V); this means that the G1M will not automatically bandswitch the XPA125B amp when 12M is selected; not really a big deal due to the rig's 4-band limit as you can't use 12M (fortunately this bug does not affect the Xiegu X5105, but sadly it does affect the Xiegu G90 w/the latest V1.7 firmware); the product description on this page is INCORRECT - there is NO XPA125B interface or cable for this rig - Xiegu has not provided an amp->G1M cable for the CE-19, and at this time you will have to come up with your own amplifier interface for your G1M12. a pre-amp can be toggled on/off, but that is the extent of 'filtering' - again, no CW filtering at this point with the current firmware (i'll update this review after a new firmware release; Xiegu does have a good track record on firmware updates)13. flrig is able to control and PTT the rig via IC-7100 config, and wsjtx works using IC-7000 rig settings; for fldigi, first configure, then use flrig as the transceiver control, then launch fldigi under GNU/Linux - works great! you'll need to construct a special 3.5mm cable for getting audio into the rig; tip voltage at the G1M is 8.3V, according to one expertHERE'S HOW TO SET UP FOR DIGI-OPS:1. run the included USB CAT cable from your computer to the rig's COM port2. run a 3.5mm cable from the rig's SPK jack to your computer's audio in3. run a 3.5mm cable from your computer's audio out to the MIC jack (connect GND and tip, then mark the jack)4. launch flrig (which had been configured to use IC-7100 192008N1 echo)5. launch fldigi (which had been configured to use flrig as transceiver control)6. adjust sound levelscaution: the 'professional' way would be to use transformer audio isolation; use direct connect at your own risk - there will be a mismatch between your computer's sound card (generally 5V) and the G1M, which uses 8.3V - the idea is to get 'clean' audio transmitted over the air and a clean signal - so keep the 'drive levels' lowtransceiver gets very warm even when just receiving! be advised of this issue, as digi ops can be nearly 50 percent duty cycle... i did find that keeping the audio output low can help reduce overheating, but i did not conduct any empirical tests on heat generation when using just headphones...14. there is no access to internal 'program' functions like previous models; in other words, despite what this product page says, there is no 'project' menu, so internal functions are unavailable on this model and the current firmware15. the G1M has a monochrome OLED display, there is no brightness/contrast control, and such controls aren't possible or needed (AFAIK or concerned)16. there is no SWR indication, only an S meter17. i tested power output on the radio's four bands (75/80; 40; 20; and 15 meters):Using CW mode, key type manual, into an OHR WM-2 Wattmeter (highly recommended!) set to 10W scale:3.500 - 7.5W7.000 - 6.75W14.000 - 5W21.000 - 5WG1M output test, whistling (not the best), into a WM-2 Wattmeter set to 10W scale3.500 - 5W7.125 - 4.5W14.150 - 5W21.200 - 4Wi did have one incident of unstoppable feedback when i inadvertently called CQ with the mic too close; keep at least six inches away, or better yet, conduct a test with a buddy across town on audio quality and best transmission practice... remember, you're only QRP, so unless there's a big band opening, 15M contacts when 10M is open or 40M short hops are going to be your best bet at this point in the solar cycle!all in all, i like the G1M, but at this point it is still in development and has beta firmware; you will be able to use it to make contacts, and it's more convenient to use than at first glance - you can use your own custom memory channels, the band-shift (B-/+), freq-digit (TS) keys and VFO to navigate its frequency range and receive and transmit bandssome improvements which would make this a five-star transceiver:better ventilation for its case or more efficient heat sinkingvoltage/battery display,power output control,hi/low SWR indication;some CW and audio filtering,ability to copy current memory channel to a VFOand a 'tune' function using CW audio transmit via a pushbutton or PTT on the mic (similar to SGC's method)i was going to return the rig (purchased via Amazon, which has a no-questions-asked and 100% guarantee), but after taking it outside was so impressed by its current and promising features that i'm going to wait to see if a new firmware release provides even better featureshope this helps some folks

I received the radio and upon testing it, I found the microphone intermittent as well as the receive audio. This problem has been mentioned already by another reviewer and also has been mentioned on other HAM radio sites on the internet. I have notified Amazon and requested a replacement, as the unit is defective, they are sending me a replacement unit. I will give it a second try as I really want to like the radio.It is as basic as a ham radio can get, but it is tiny and that's what I'm looking for. If I can get a replacement without the microphone problem, Ill be happy. It seems this is a known problem with the current production and I do not wish to void the warranty by tampering with it. The receive is "OK", not a super receiver as the specs mention .45uv, but if needed you can turn on the receive pre-amp, when you do the receive noise also increases, but it does help a little. Did I mention it's small only 3.8X1.57X6.1 inches great for my intend use of backpacking. Once I receive the replacement and the transmit works ok I'll update this review with transmit power data and audio reports as well as the star rating. I don't know why the rating asks about touch screen as it is NOT a touch screen radio.REVIEW UPDATE Oct 4,2019......................................................................................................I have updated the star rating to 4 stars. This is based on the fact this is a "basic field-pack radio"Amazon quickly replaced my defective G1M radio and I've continued testing the newly arrived replacementAs stated previously this radio is OK on the receive sensitivity as noted it is about .45 that about a half micro-volt most higher end radios are in the .25-.35 range, but the radio sensitivity is enough to be a useful and is OK.The connectors on this one seem to be OK now and the transmit audio reports were OK from receiving stations on 40 meters. Keep in mind, this radio is a small basic radio and it's firmware is "FIXED" you cannot change parameters at will, like a conventional SDR radio. Overall I would buy the radio again (for it's intended purpose as a simple pack radio) and I like it. Xiegu seems to be reasonable with their other radio software/firmware updates and lets hope they stay on top of software updates. I own a Xiegu 108G, g90 and now the G1m they are inexpensive fum little radios.

Really nice little rig that gets out and receives very well. At least 5 Watts out on all bands and modes. No RIT though although you might be able to emulate with the split function?Easy to use menu system.Latest version v. 1.05 has AM receive as well as CW, LSB and USB. Mysterious “CW Trainer” function is, I think, the ability to switch off “QSK” thus giving you a Morse code practice oscillator. CW mode switches in an 800 Hz bandwidth filter automatically, which is a reasonable compromise but narrower options would be appreciated.Although not mentioned in the specs., it has a very effective (on all time) speech compressor. Audio on receive is a little low but improves with headphones.The microphone plug concern is probably due to the metal part having two diameters (I.e. it’s *not* meant to be pushed *fully* into the socket).The transceiver gets pretty warm (bordering on hot) in use 40-60 degrees C. is normal per the manufacturer, so... wonder how long the SM components will hold up...Much cheaper and gets out much better (on SSB) than an FT-818ND and no need to buy an accessory speech compressor and/or CW filter.For a 5 watt rig SSB/CW (w/ AM receive) you won’t find any better for the price and features.

A great QRP radio. It doesn’t have all the features of a Yaesu 817 or 818, but this little rig is quite sensitive in picking up stations and I have no problems checking into nets even on 75/80 meters. Radioditty is an exceptional company and they go out of there way to assist if you have questions.

With the aid of a simple 12v Power-bank I was able to operate from 'just about' anywhere. Excellent Transmit & Receive performance with a simple long-wire strung through th trees.

E' il secondo che acquisto e, probabilmente, neanche l'ultimo. E' veramente il gioiellino che promette di essere. Il primo, ahime', e' defunto sotto il carico del digitale. Qui non va bene. Ma in telegrafia QRP/portatile e' una bomba. Valgono precedenti considerazioni sulla scarsa ergonomia. Ma in spazi cosi' ristretti sarebbe pretendere troppo. Considerazioni sulla spedizione: pacco arrivato in scatola originale, non sigillata e senza imballo. Insomma, durante il tragitto chiunque avrebbe potuto infilarci un mattone al posto della radio e farla franca. Inaccettabile!

Ha costado tenerlo pero os lo recomiendo. Increible la sensibilidad que tiene en recepcion. Muy util el espectro sdr, ajustando bien la escala de la pantalla, las señales se ven perfectamente y sabes donde ir. Muy recomendable, de nuevo Xiegu me sorprende gratamente, seguire confiando en Xiegu.

sono molto contento di aver acquistato questo piccolo RTX, rapporto qualità prezzo indiscutibile, usato in SOTA è eccezionale per il peso e la praticità e prestazioni. come fisso ed antenne performanti il RX inizia ad avere qualche problema ma non l'ho preso per stazioni fissa....

Rapporto qualità prezzo molto buono.Oggetto come da descrizione. Buono