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

Xiegu X108: In Production

"Today began assembling verification, testing the machine"

Xiegu X108: COM Port

The X108 shows up as a COM Port. Woo hoo!

Xiegu X108: Videos

CW narrow filter receiver test X108's (No. T401 demonstrator):


X108 VS IC756PROIII weak signal contrast:

Xiegu X108: Product Page

The Xiegu X108 has made it to the company's website. Product page is here.

Xiegu X108: More Pictures

More glamour shots of the X108..

Xiegu X108: Pre-order at Import Communications

Ed has posted the X108 kits for pre-order at Import Communications. The Standard edition kit is $595.00, but on sale now for $535.50. Likewise, the Deluxe edition is normally $695.00, but available for $625.50. Sale prices are good through July 15. He should get the kits in late July.

Xiegu X108: More from Import Communications

Ed at Import Communications shares:

There will be two versions: X108 Standard and X108 Deluxe.
Standard will have no noise blanker and 1 ppm TCXO module.
Deluxe will have noise blanker, 0.5 ppm TCXO module and those plastic handles front and rear.

These extra items are available as options that can be added to the Standard version.

Xiegu X108: Import Communications

Ed at Import Communications has some more information about the X108.

First, he will be the North American distributor for any of the new Xiegu radios - including the X108. The factory says that the X108 is still in a testing period and there is no definite release date. They will release 30-50 units for testing, but in the Chinese market only. Pricing is not established yet, but Ed hopes to hear something from them soon. They will continue to make the X1M-Pro as the X108 will be at a significantly higher price point - perhaps as much as two or three times higher than the X1M-Pro.

Xiegu X108: Clarifications

First, a clarification from me... I should have put more detail on the post about the X108. My usual readers know that I don't actually sell radios here. I just copied the Google translation of the forum post about the X108. At the moment, I've not even been able to find a place to purchase the X108.

Second, a clarification from Bill, VK7MX, who went through the translated mess and tried to figure out what everything actually meant.

Xiegu X108: Video

Xiegu X108: Update

X108 Update (and pics):

X108 is the X1 one series. It is a single-conversion shortwave transceiver. In strict accordance with standard industrial design, design optimization transceiver channels, improve the overall receiver dynamic range and SNR; To enhance SSB and CW transceiver performance, specially customized military-grade crystals, crystal filters for the production of IF. X108 machine configured 2.4k and 500Hz for SSB , CW filter, the filter performance is excellent, comparable merchandise machine crystal filters to ensure excellent frequency characteristics of the machine. In addition, the machine is also equipped with AGC , S meter, power meter standing wave, NB (module) function, the operator can meet their daily needs. RF transmit channels using imported MOS tube, the machine APC circuit to ensure the machine is kept constant RF output power level of each band, and also according to the actual needs, adjust the output power level, and have a high VSWR protection. Overall performance indicators to meet the national standard, FCC (or CE ) certification requirements.

Receiver characteristics
Low noise, single-conversion superheterodyne receiver;
Double-balanced diode mixer, providing excellent dynamic range;
Receiver sensitivity: . 0 2 uV (preamp open);
Narrow-band double-tuned band-pass filter, to achieve coverage of all amateur bands ( WARC band);
6 emission in low-pass filter, the filter function to provide excellent performance;
IF channel AGC ( AGC ), providing a constant in the amplifier gain;
Preamplifier and switchable attenuator;
Excellent performance of narrowband IF crystal filter shape factor of up to 1.7 ;
Multi VFO mode , can vary the frequency of work;
Provide S meter, power / SWR meter display;
Optional NB modules;
Optional front panel knob;

Transmitter characteristics
Power adjustable, from 1W ~ 20W ;
Dedicated RF power tube, superior performance;
High VSWR protection, durable, safe and reliable;
Stray radiation rejection: ≥ 40dBc
Standard CW amplitude newspaper;
Automatic key rate adjustable;

Receiving frequency range: 0.5 ~ 30MHz
Transmitting frequency range: all WARC bands ( HAM band)

Work mode:

SSB ( J3E )
CW ( A1A )
AM ( A3E )

Frequency Stability: 1.0 ppm @ -10 ℃ ~ +60 ℃ (standard)
0.5 ppm @ -20 ℃ ~ +75 ℃ ( military regulations, optional)
Receiver sensitivity: . 0 2 uV

Optional:
SSB 2.4kHz (-6dB)
CW 0.5kHz (-6dB)

Dynamic Range: 95dB
RF Power Output: 20W ;
Spurious rejection: ≥ 45dBc
Carrier suppression: ≥ 45dBc
Antenna Port Impedance: 50 Omega
Operating voltage: 12.5V ~ 14.5V DC ;

Current
Receive 0. 75 ​​A ( Max )
Transmitter 7A ( Max )

With multifunction digital microphone in hand, can achieve full function control, such as digital set-frequency operation;
Equipped with a USB port for easy connection to PC end, realize software control;
32 channel storage;
RIT fine-tuning;
Front panel to protect the handle (optional);
Dimension: 120 * 45 * 180 ( mm )




X108 production is currently being prepared and is expected in 25 days you can get a production machine. X108 is divided into standard and high version in two versions, specific pricing as follows: Standard Edition: 2280 yuan / Taiwan, including the Standard Edition host, hand microphone, power cord, CW plugs, packaging (accessories). High version: 2680 yuan / Taiwan, Standard Edition contains all the configuration, front panel knob, NB modules, high version identifier starting a discount for X1M old user has another offer, so stay tuned! Have everyone's support, we will do better!

More Amplifier News

When I saw all the information about the Xiegu amplifiers (XPA100, XPA20), I thought I would check with Ed at Import Communications. He says he should have an American designed 20W amplifier that matches the X1M form factor available in kit form by the end of the month.

Xiegu XPA100 Amplifier

So today must be Xiegu amplifier (see XPA20) day here at brickolore.com... I saw this a while back, but did not get it posted:

"This stuff has been tested over time, the basic OK. Linear power amplifier input 5W, output 100W, emission indicators shown below, the maximum operating current of approximately 26A.

Have the following basic functions:
automatic frequency measurement
automatic transmission control
automatic temperature control fan
high VSWR protection, thermal protection, overcurrent
power detection
power can set the data format compatible ICOM and YAESU key indicators are as follows: Frequency Range: 0.5 ~ 32MHz Operating voltage: 13.8V Current: 22A @ 100W Max Maximum input power: ≤ 5W maximum output power: ≥ 100W emission efficiency: ≥ 36% work: AB class amplifier input VSWR: 1.2 ≤ fluctuation gain band: ≤ 1.0dB ALC control Range: ≥ 20dB Spurious emission rejection: ≥ 55dB Output Impedance: 50 ohms Frequency Detection time: ≤ 5ms Input Protection: Built-in terminal load Display: 3.0-inch color TFT LCD screen Dimension: 138mm * 85mm * 270mm XPA100 amplifier project completed, the indicators parameters comply with FCC and CE certification requirements, protection agency act quickly to meet the needs of residential, commercial, professional and other applications. My goal is clear, is to make products for everyone to use, do not take the Simple equipment compared with XPA100, we do not fight the price is expected sale price: 2788 yuan / Taiwan (only in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan foreign) after May 5, scheduled to begin. Thanks again for everyone's attention and support has always been, because of you, we can do better"

And an update later:

XPA100 amplifier project has been completed, the indicators parameters comply with FCC and CE certification requirements, protection agency act quickly to meet the needs of residential, commercial, professional and other applications. My goal is clear, is to make products for everyone to use, do not take the Simple equipment compared with XPA100, we do not take the low road is expected sale price: 2788 yuan / Taiwan (only in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas) after May 5, scheduled to begin. Thanks again for everyone's attention and support has always been, because of you, we can do better