Xiegu X108G Outdoor Version

Not only was I behind on all the new mobiles, but I'm also overdue for posting about the Xiegu X108G Outdoor Version. The manufacturer's website is here. They provide a list of authorized sellers. In general, folks that have them seem much happier out of the gate than with the previous iterations.

Ed at Import Communications is selling them for $599.95. His page says, "Xiegu has totally remade the X108."

X108G QRP Transceiver
9 Bands AM / SSB / CW 1 - 20 watts

0.5 - 30 MHz (9 filtered ham bands)

Features:Microphone - multifunctional
CW Filter (500 Hz)
SSB Filter (2.4 kHz)
AGC
S Meter - PO Meter - SWR Meter
Adjustable 1-20 watt output
Modes - AM - SSB - CW
0.5 - 30 MHz (9 filtered ham bands)
High SWR protection
Pre-amplifier / Attenuator
USB control port (uses plain USB-a to USB-b cable)
CW Keyer
SO239 antenna connector
0.5 ppm TCXO Module
Noise Blanker
Front & Rear Handles
4-3/4 x 1-3/4 x 7-1/16 inches
Radio Weight - 1 kg - 2.2 lb
Mic Weight - 0.143kg - 5oz
12.5 - 14.5 vdc / 0.5 - 6.0 amps

Xiegu X108: Future II

So the X108 is not going away after all:

"I have just received some further info on the production of the X108 from a reliable source. Xiegu are continuing the production of the X108 and theirs no plans to stop doing so...I have asked if both versions will be produced ie standard and deluxe versions..I am awaiting an update on this so will keep you all posted with any further developments on this..

Wayne 2e0bvj"

(Last Thursday's post about the X108's possible demise.)

Xiegu X108: Future

I've not heard this anywhere else, but I saw this on the X108 Yahoo Group: 

"Well guys my suspicions have been confirmed and its looking like the Xiegu X108 is going out of production.. 

I am greatfull to a member who sent me some information he had back from Xiegu them selves kind of confirming that unless customer demand is higher they are going to stop production..

They only have deluxe models available at present and no standard versions are in the pipe line.. 

Great news looks like we have all been guinea pigs for Xiegu and the X108..
Im sure over the coming days now more info may come to light as to its future if any..
If any body can get more info regarding this then i'm sure the group will be gratefull.
Positive news would be good but im not holding my breath on this one.. 

Wayne 2e0bvj"

Anyone else got any info on this?

Xiegu X108: Better Update

From Fred (VE3FAL):

"Those who have already received the updated radio say it is like night and day between the first batch and the second. Audio on SSB is much cleaner and clearer and the over-driving of the front end has been fixed. AM is also much better sounding according to those using the radio. 

The firmware has been changed as well so the microphone buttons can be programmed by the end user to their choice and option for buttons on the microphone, as well a cw side-tone volume control has been added into the menu options."

And from Ed's Import Communications site:

"-this radio is out of stock- 

the factory is replacing all previously sold radios and stock should return in mid-December"

And also this:

"Xiegu is pronounced 'zee goo'"

Xiegu X108: Second Batch

I've not kept up completely with the X108, but it looks like there were several problems with the first batch. Some (most? all?) of the sellers are working with their customers to replace the radios with new ones that have been updated with several fixes. Again, I've not stayed on top of it completely, but it does seem like satisfaction is growing with the owners.

If you want to check out the details, you can catch up in the X108 Yahoo Group.

Xiegu X108: Firmware Update

A link was posted on the (X1M) Yahoo Group to a beta version of a firmware update for the X108, so Ed (Import Communications) chimed in with the following:

"11/11/14The factory has finally finished the firmware update to correct the few bugs that have been reported. They are testing it and should release it shortly. I will email all owners when it's ready and will also place it in the files section of this group. 

The factory says they will design their own microphone instead of depending on the clone mics they are now using. They say this won't take long and I'll keep everyone posted on how this plays out. 

One of the bugs that bugged me was the noise blanker. Some worked but most did not. When I reported the problem, I assumed it was a firmware problem but that is not the case. It seems two diodes on the NB board are reversed. I'm not sure how this will get corrected because I haven't looked to see the physical size of the diodes involved. My first thoughts are to get a supply of correct boards and swap them out. 

That's all I have for now. 

Regards,
Ed
Import Communications"

The update notes that were posted initially said:

Update records:
Updated: 2014.11.09
Firmware filename: X108_FW_V135_SOFTPTT
Firmware version number: V1.35B 

Update:
1, the band changes and then return to the previous band, the frequency remains the original frequency;
2, increasing the key lock function;
3, increasing microphone in hand UP and DN keys to control the stepping of continuous functions;
4, increase the size of the adjustment menu CW Tone
5. PTT microphone in hand to improve immunity.

Xiegu X108: Yahoo Group

There is now a separate Yahoo Group for the X108 in addition to the original X1M group.

Xiegu X108: VE3FAL1 Demo Videos

Fred (VE3FAL1) has several videos demonstrating the X108. I've embedded a few below.

X108 on SSB



X108 vs. TJ5A CW SS 20meters





X108 TJ5A Comparison 10meters W1AW KP2

Xiegu X108: VE3FAL First Impressions

Fred has his hands on an Xiegu X108.

Xiegu X108: Owner's Manual

Ed (Import Communications) has posted an Owner's Manual for the Xiegu X108 (PDF).

Xiegu X108: T6

"Take a look at the photos T6 version"

Xiegu X108: XG Tech

Hard to translate text on images...

Xiegu X108: Ordering

Andy, DC3AFA posts to the Yahoo Group:

"She [a cqxiegu representative on Facebook] gave an update today. "Good news! The first batch of Xiegu Made hf transceiver X108 will be ready on 10th, October, 2014. But as all of them has been ordered and paid by our sales agent for a long time, they will be sent to our sales agents. Then we will begin the second batch. Orders for the second batch can be accepted from now on."

For US folks, if I were ordering one, I would get it from Ed in case there were any issues with the first release.

Xiegu X108: FCC?

From the X108 thread:

"x108 is to be visited fcc certification, technical indicators promised things would be done, the average user know there is no water on the line. If you want to know the test method, you can refer to a few centimeters of qst information or go to see, of course, if you can, that bob wrote the book arrl can also be bought to see that currently no Chinese version."

That clears that right up for me.

Import Communications Updates

Ed sent out a newsletter with several updates:

September 16, 2014

Dear Customers,

We have some new items at Import Communications with features not found on other imported radios. Things like Frequency Hopping, 2-Tone pager mode and AM Airband receive, just to name a few. Please visit our home page for more details. www.ImportCommunications.com

AT-3318UV-A ............................. in stock now

• Can double as a 2-Tone Pager (any one of 16 different 2-Tone tones can be assigned to any saved channel)
• Both 2-Tone & 5-Tone decode and encode
• PTT id
• PTT DTMF
• CTCSS & DCS (that work correctly in receive mode)
• Stun / Kill
• Memory banks (10 banks, up to 32 channels per bank)
• Assign any channel to multiple banks
• Assign any or all banks as “active”
• Add or remove active banks by key-press
• Fast Scan Rate / Normal Scan Rate, you choose
• Scanning resumes automatically after off/on cycle
• Can operate both VFO and Memory mode at the same time
• Display the frequency of a named channel with a button push
• Independent squelch level for each channel
• Squelch level adjustable on-the-fly
• Remove channel from scan list via the keypad
• Totally lock keypad but still change channels and adjust squelch
• Single or dual PTT buttons
• Talk-around button
• No battery drain during storage
• FCC Part 90 certified
  

AT-3318UV-D ............................ in stock now

• All of the above features, plus
• TRUE DUAL BAND, receive two signals at the same time
• Transmit and Receive at the same time
• CROSS-BAND REPEAT mode
• AM Aircraft band receive
• FM broadcast receive
• Shortwave & Longwave receive
• MSK encode & decode
• FHSS – Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (for private, undetectable transmissions)

AT-3318UV-E ........................... in stock now, limited supply

• All of the above feature, plus
• Tri-Band Radio - transmit three bands
  

                    Transmit 136-174 MHz (5 watts)
                                      222-225 MHz (4 watts)
                                      400-520 MHz (4 watts)
                      Receive 136-174 MHz
                                      220-260 MHz
                                      400-520 MHz
                                         64-108 MHz FM (FM Broadcast)
                                       117-137 MHz AM (AM Aircraft Band)
                                       2.3-29.9 MHz AM (Shortwave Band)
                                     520-1710 kHz AM (AM Broadcast)


AT-5888UV III ........................... available mid-October

• Tri-Band Mobile
• This radio will be available October 2014

                       Transmit 136-174 MHz
                                         222-225 MHz
                                         400-490 MHz
                         Receive 108-174 MHz (AM Aircraft Band)
                                         136-174 MHz
                                         200-260 MHz
                                         400-490 MHz


Xiegu QRP Transceivers

X108

• 9 band, 1-20 watt SSB, AM & CW Transceiver
• This exciting new model can be ordered now for delivery in early October

X1M

• 5 band, 5 watt SSB & CW Transceiver
• Not a new product, but still popular and in stock

Rexon Aircraft Transceivers ...................... in stock, limited supply

• AM & FM modes
• Includes VOR with CDI
• 108 – 143.975 AM & FM

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards,
Ed

Xiegu X108: Testing Results

Some results of the testing... I'm having some difficulty parsing all of this. I'll leave that to the many people who are smarter than me.

"Overall, the test found that the main issue covers both hardware and software, but also more detailed.
The first round of testing yet found a fatal problem, the main problem is the following points:
1, CIV control part of the software is imperfect. (Software perfected)
2, USB port communication, computer recognition, online instability (already rectification)
3, PTT data interference. (Already rectification)
4, some bug (already rectification) software on the
5, optimization of protection mechanisms (already rectification) more than a few problems have been gradually rectification is complete, partial validation machines also made ​​the corresponding comprehensive reform, should be effective, The second round of closed beta has yet to be further verified. Including software on some issues, but also have made ​​the appropriate improvements. Meanwhile, No. 405, No. 406, No. 408 also conducted a precision CNC machine APC improved power control is more precise and stable, and optimized high VSWR protection mechanism to ensure safety when working under prolonged high standing state machine. At the same time, this also verified the reception performance measured X108, or good, with some large base station receives the comparison test results, are also remarkable, I also relieved. Launch is also to force, the indicators are in line with national standard requirements. Niece secretive nothing good question, and found the problem to be improved, which is the measured maximum use and harvest ah"

"USB port problems, one USB port instability, vulnerable to interference, one USB real-time communication interference received, the final decision to abandon USB real-time communication, retaining only brush machine functions. The online task is given to the AUX port, this interface can be extended out."

"USB port to keep the brush machine will use ah. X108 USB port is not simply a serial converter chip, but really USB, brush firmware with USB mass storage mode, and drivers and operating system independent, and do not want to change the structure of the main circuit."

Xiegu X108: Controls

Ed (Import Communications) also translated a document showing some of the X108 controls.

Via the X1M Yahoo Group.

Xiegu X108: Import Communications Update

Update from Ed (Import Communications) via the X1M Yahoo Group:

"At my request, the annoying Pacman that continuously chomps, will be history. Hopefully he won't be replaced with a smiley face.

The fit and finish of this radio is excellent. The speaker holes are CNC drilled, the display cover is flush mounted, it is just a nice looking radio. My sample is getting a workout by a friend and reports are good so far. When he's finished, I'll post his comments here. Another friend is going to display it at the Huntsville hamfest in the fleamarket area. I'll report his space number on the forum later.

My X108 sample arrived assembled, not as a kit. The factory says in kit form, the radio will require 99.9% mechanical assembly with only one wire to solder. I assume this would be a wire to the antenna connector.

About X1M. From the information I have, this radio will continue to be produced. I am not sure when the factory will make another run of them because I know all efforts are going into the X108 at this time."

Xiegu X108: In the Wild

The X108 radios are in the wild and they are awaiting feedback, a look back at the X1M development, and some thoughts about the future:

"Verify machines are sent out, waiting for feedback friends. 

Today is relatively free, I would say some of the X108 is the development of things.
This year in March, when talking with friends X1M, both at home and abroad X1M reputation is still very good, standard indicators that can withstand the test of combat, is a very useful little machine. From our current statistical data, there are about more than 200 domestic users. During also a lot of good feedback comments and suggestions. X1M design is a very simple little machine, only this, so there are a lot of problems and regret, therefore, that there was a domestic Blue and Platinum Both improved X1M, Platinum Edition software The hardware is relatively mature and stable, and it is the largest volume of a model. X1M offering so far there are more than two years, a friend on the proposal, said that a "Commemorative Edition", I also have this effect, so put this matter on the agenda. 

After a commemorative program improvement, only to find that, already out of the scope of a commemorative edition, a new machine, Oh, this is the X108. From mid-April to mid-June, during which a total of PCB board voted three times, each time to improve some of the problems and pitfalls, until I post published the fourth edition of PCB has also been issued to the plate and started trial production of small quantities of ready thing. In other words, the current demonstrator for the fourth edition. During this period, in order to ensure excellent overall performance, our team made ​​improvements in this salute them! In the mind of the customer is responsible, before the problem is not completely resolved, we prefer to offer machines come later, and never rush to finish the work and progress, this is our point of view, but also to the X108 is like waiting for a friend to say again a sorry ah. 

Currently, the verification has been done, the relevant information is collected also began corresponding improvement work has been in progress, production ready also intense, we only hope that we get the X108 is an excellent performance of the machine , is one worthy of the price of the machine, everybody is a trusted machine. 

As in the end how this machine, and the data on the testers to speak it"

Xiegu X108: Many More Pictures

More pictures of the X108 along with unedited labels.

Custom glass protection board.

Transmit mixer ($8)

32-bit ARM microprocessor

BPF module part

Large dynamic low noise preamplifier

Chassis + install aluminum

Bottom

Microphone ALC unit

Imported stereo jack

Transceiver mixer section

The audio output unit

IF section

Front Panel assembly