Due to new regulations, the XieGu G90N is a good choice for beginner HAMs and those obtaining their B-class license because it claims a power output of less than 15W.
However, the XieGu G90N has a transmit power limited to 10W, while the G90N/G90S hardware specifications are identical, differing only in the body version. This led to the idea of flashing the G90S firmware onto the G90N. I recently saw a video by BG5UND on some platform confirming that this method works, which is why I wrote this article.
First, please refer to the following documents or software:
Since HamCQ cannot upload attachments, please go to https://www.kechuang.org/t/90278 Download attachments
1. Original machine version confirmation:
The G90N and G90S versions are identical, both being the V1.80 firmware compiled on 2023.05.07.
The chassis version G90N corresponds to the build date of 2024.01.04, V1.79.（N）Firmware version, while G90S is the V1.79 firmware compiled on 2022.10.26.
Therefore, this flashing process only requires flashing the device's body.
2. Power confirmation:
It has been confirmed that the transmitting power of the G90N at this time is limited to 10W (referring to a screenshot from a test video used by BG5UND).
3. Begin flashing process:
Connect to the official provided write-in line.When the radio is turned off.One end connects to a computer's USB port, and the other end connects to the device's COMM interface.
4. Open Device Manager on your computer and identify the COM port assigned to the official serial cable.
You can see from the image that this computer is connected to COM3.
5. Open the official terminal software: TeraTerm
Select the "Setup" menu bar, the "Serial Port" option, and configure the COM number that you have confirmed. After setting it up, click OK.
6. Briefly press the radio power button. The software will then display a message indicating that you need to press the spacebar on the keyboard within 5 seconds to enter flashing mode.
If you miss this 5-second window, please turn off the power and repeat the process.
7. After pressing the spacebar, you must select whether to upgrade FW within 20 seconds or exit.
At this point, press '1' on the small keyboard and then press Enter. After entering the correct value, the software will clear the existing FW.
If you miss this 20-second window, start from step 6 to re-perform the operation.
8. After the original FW has been cleared, select the "File – Transfer – XMODEM – Send" menu in the tool software. Choose the firmware (firmware for G90S enclosure) that you want to write.
* Because I forgot to take a screenshot, I used the images from the official XIEGU manual for the options interface.
9. After selecting, the device will automatically enter flashing mode.
After flashing, please do not press any buttons (including the power button), simply unplug and then plug it back in.
10. Reconfirm the radio version number, which confirms that the V1.79 firmware, compiled on 2022.10.26 and flashed as G90S, for the G90N has been verified.
11. Power confirmation completed:
It has been confirmed that at this time, the G90N transmitter power output is unlocked to 20W (referencing a screenshot from a test video created by BG5UND).
Friendly reminder: If you have chosen the G90N model, then you are likely a HAM who obtained their B license after the revised "Regulations for Amateur Radio Stations" issued on March 1, 2024. As your first shortwave radio, please continue to operate within the power limits specified in the "Regulations for Amateur Radio Stations" (no more than 15W) even after unlocking it, to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Have fun flying, 73!
BD4XNS, 2024-06-25
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