Blog - Ham Imports

Xiegu X6100 firmware update to v1.1.8

Xiegu have just released an update to the Xiegu X6100 which fixes a number of well-known bugs, and make a number of improvements to features such as the waterfall, bluetooth, and wifi.

Changes in this version:

Adjust the gain allocation in the baseband section, improve the received signal- to noise ratio, reduce broadcast crosstalk, and minimize birdies.
Adjust the spectrum/waterfall automatic level tracking mode, improve the signal contrast when dealing with strong signal, easier to distinguish between signal and noise.
Add audio spectrum/oscilloscope switch, turn off the spectrum/waterfall diagram can be exclusive display.
Fix a bug where MFK tags could not be saved.
Optimize the NR algorithm.
Adjust the following CI-V data format：
S-Meter:
0000=S0,0120=S9,0242=S9+60dB
SWR-Meter:
0000=1.0,0048=1.5,0080=2.0,0120=3.0
Volt-Meter:
0000=0V,0075=5V,0241=16V
Adjusted the operation logic of the WLAN settings interface
Key description:
F1(CONFIG):Edit the selected SSID in the left list (the selected SSID will be displayed in the Config SSID text box)
F2(CONNECT/DISCONNECT): Connect/disconnect the selected SSID in the left list
F3(WIFI SWITCH):Turn on/off WIFI power
F4(TOGGLE/KEYBOARD):TOGGLE is displayed when the right button switch is selected. Press it to change the state of the button switch (on or off).
Press while the text box is selected to turn on/off the virtual keyboard
F5(EXIT):Exit
###knob description:
MFK knob: Adjust the selected item in the left list
VFO knob: Adjust the widgets selected on the right
###Other description:
The virtual keyboard automatically selects the initial state according to different text boxes for quick input
Numbers and decimal points can be input quickly through the handle
Adjust the operation logic of BLUETOOTH setting interface
###Key description:
F1(SCAN):Start scanning
F2(CONNECT/DISCONNECT):Connect/disconnect the Bluetooth device selected on the left
F3(ON/OFF): Turn on/off Bluetooth power
F4: No function
F5(EXIT):Exit
###knob description:
MFK knob:Adjust the selected item in the left list

Download: Xiegu X6100 firmware v1.1.8

Shout out to Andeas M0FXB for the heads up about this. He’s done a great video overview here:

Xiegu X6200 Firmware upgrade v1.0.1

A new firmware upgrade has just been released for the Xiegu X6200 taking it to version 1.0.1, fixing a few bugs, and introducing a few new features.

There is an official firmware upgrade tutorial from Xiegu, and Matt from the Tech Minds YouTube channel has also provided a video overview of the new features and the upgrade procedure.

Highlights of this new version:

Adds transceiver audio equalizer
Adds display adjustment options, bandwidth/spectrum/waterfall color, etc
Adds the spectrum center line switch, the user can choose to turn on or off
Adds MFK variable step
Adds voice compression
Adds automatic screen backlight dimming/off
Adds CW decoder threshold adjustment
Adds the waterfall map translation switch, the waterfall map will translate with the frequency change after opening
Optimizes frequency spectrum display speed, more smooth
Optimizes spectrum and waterfall automatic level, better signal contrast, easier to see clearly
Optimizes the function key operation logic (some switch parameters can be adjusted directly by pressing the button without turning the MFK knob, easy to operate)
Fixes some display content display incomplete issue
Fixes the power alarm BUG
Fixes the CW auto key BUG
Fixes the transmit power control BUG(voice plosive sound, such as p,t, etc., is prone to to make popping sounds)

Download X6200 firmware v1.0.1

Chinese radios or a Kenwood TH-D75?

The Kenwood TH-D75, a revamped version of the TH-D74, is now available with an eye-watering price tag of $750. No, that’s not a typo, Kenwood are really expecting you to fork out SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY dollars (or Pounds or Euros) for a handheld radio. Lets take a look at what you could get from China for that kind of money.

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Guide to Buying Budget QRP Radios

Walt K4OGO has put together this great run down of some of the most popular budget QRP radios, all of which we have listed here on Ham Imports!

He’s speaking from experience, having owned and used all of these, so it’s great to hear his views on the various models that are available.

Radios mentioned:

Watch

Upgrading the Super Antenna with cheap Chinese parts

Let me be clear from the start, the Super Antenna MP1 is a good antenna. I have one myself that I use for operating portable. The main reason I chose it was because of the extremely compact size when disassembled. You see, I tend to go out on my bicycle, and while taking a fiberglass “squid pole” is possible, it’s a bit of a pain having a chunky pole strapped to the crossbar. With a few cheap mods, we can improve it from being a good antenna into a great antenna!

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How China is influencing the future of ham radio

The future of ham radio as a hobby is a topic that has been the subject of much discussion in recent years. With the rise of new technologies like software-defined radio and cheap hardware, the hobby is poised for a major transformation. While some hams see these technologies as the future of amateur radio, others worry that they are eviscerating some of the best things about it.

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Exploring Chinese Alternatives to Branded Ham Radio Products

Ham radio enthusiasts often find themselves searching for the perfect equipment to enhance their radio communication experiences. While established brands like Icom, MFJ, and Super Antenna have long been trusted sources for quality ham radio products, Chinese manufacturers have been gaining recognition for their affordable, feature-rich alternatives. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some Chinese alternatives to well-known ham radio products, highlighting how these offerings can provide excellent performance without breaking the bank.

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Latest Xiegu X6100 firmware update enables wfview

Xiegu has released firmware version 1.1.7 for the Xiegu X6100 radio. This update introduces several new features and improvements.

The biggest new addition is support for the wfview remote control software, which allows you to control and monitor the X6100 from a computer or mobile device over WiFi or Ethernet. You can view the radio’s spectrum display on a larger screen and control functions from a keyboard or numeric keypad. Wfview works on Linux, Mac, and Windows computers.

This update also improves the battery management system. It now uses the built-in fuel gauge to measure battery capacity rather than just voltage. The release notes provide instructions for recalibrating the fuel gauge after updating through 4 full charge/discharge cycles. It also changes the charging indicator lights and how low battery is detected.

Some other notes mention that the best performance is achieved when connected to your network via an external USB Ethernet dongle, instead of the internal wifi. This makes for a much more reliable connection. As always, be sure to read the full update logs for any other details or precautions regarding the new firmware.

If you have an X6100, now would be a good time to update to the latest firmware version 1.1.7 to gain wfview support and improved battery monitoring. Just be aware it may take a few charge cycles for the fuel gauge to calibrate accurately after installing the update.

Xiegu X6100 firmware files.

Ham Radio Lifestyles of the Poor and Shameless

Let’s face it, ham radio as a hobby has a pretty high barrier to entry. First you have to study, then pass the exam, then potentially spend thousands on equipment to actually get on the air and start making contacts. We take a look at how the more budget constrained (or just tight fisted) can set up a station without breaking the bank.

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