Xiegu G90 HF Transceiver:
I’ve just taken delivery of a Xiegu G90 HF Transceiver. What a fantastic piece of kit!
Mobile 40 metres:
Here is the 40 metre AM-PRO mobile antenna ready to mount on the car.
Using my NanoVNA, I’ve adjusted the length of the 40m whip for best SWR. As you can see, the SWR is 1.16:1 on 7160kHz. I did make a final adjustment to get an SWR of 1.15:1 on 7140kHz. If I move to the band edges, the auto ATU in the G90 will deal with any rise in SWR.
Portable 60 metres:
Here is the 60 metre AM-PRO mobile antenna ready to mount on the car. However, I will mount the aerial on a metal pole, away from the car along with the radio, so I’m properly portable rather than mobile. Mobile operation is not allowed on 60 metres in the UK.
Using my NanoVNA, I’ve adjusted the length of the 60m whip for best SWR. As you can see, the SWR is 1.227:1 on 5390kHz. The calling or centre of activity frequency is 5398.5okHz so I’m close enough.
Power Cable:
I’ve fitted a non-reversible plug and socket in the power cable. Yes, it’s the type used on lawn mowers etc. Don’t laugh! I happened to have it to hand and it can handle the current so it does the job. The reason I fitted it? Apparently, the idiot diode in the radio is in series with an inductor. I’ve not seen the circuit diagram so don’t quote me on that. If the radio is wired incorrectly, the fuse is slow to blow and the inductor burns up. Whether this is true or not, I don’t know. Either way, my plug and socket arrangement is useful for disconnecting the radio when charging the battery.
The Battery:
Several people have suggested using a lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery. I might go down that route at some stage but, for now, I’m using a sealed lead acid battery. It’s 20 Ah so it will last a long time with the G90.
Fan and and stand assembly:
I wanted a stand for the G90 but, so many appear to be made from plastic. This one, from Waters and Stanton UK, is all metal construction, and it includes a thermostatically controlled cooling fan.
When the stand is fitted and connected to the power supply, the fan starts to rotate at a low speed and provides a relatively low air flow. When the sensor detects that the case temperature of the radio rises above 60℃, the fan will automatically run faster, increasing the air flow. I might fit a switch to turn the fan off during long periods of receive only.
Going mobile:
Mobile up the hill:
More coming soon…