Since purchasing the XieGu G90N, I haven't had any downtime. After exchanging the knobs in a previous post, I've been constantly thinking about further modifications and adding more features. Here are some of my recent successful projects:😉
1. Luggage
I spent a long time choosing the G90 case, and I wasn't sure whether to use it for individual components or to fit everything in. At least the original accessories had to fit, but I couldn't find anything suitable online, considering size and protection. I was about to give up, when I thought, why not use the original foam that comes with the machine? It fits perfectly, and I can put the machine parts inside. Finding a box with built-in foam is difficult, so I decided to use the original cardboard box instead.
Through actual measurements, as long as the dimensions meet the requirements of: length: 30cm, width: 23cm, and height: 9cm, it can perfectly fit. The original packaging foam and all included accessories can also be accommodated.😄
II. Power supply
Initially, I used a 12V adapter, but later I thought about getting a dedicated power supply for the radio. I also modified a variable power supply myself, but ultimately decided to choose a fixed-output power supply specifically designed for radios. I saw that some people were using server power supplies, and I had considered this idea before, but in the end, I didn't choose it. One reason was that the G90N radio has very low power consumption, so a 12V adapter would be sufficient. Another reason was that server power supplies are quite bulky, and if I were using a 100W radio, I would definitely choose to modify a server power supply because it would be more cost-effective. Finally, I decided to choose a brand-name power supply, the Mingwei LRS series small power supply. It's compact enough, and most importantly, it's cheaper than a server power supply. I chose a 12V output model, and after adjusting the potentiometer, it reached exactly 13.8V. The original manufacturer also provided detailed test reports, although the G90N is relatively inexpensive in short-tube radios, but it's still quite expensive overall. Choosing a good power supply gives me peace of mind.😄
III. Battery
The currently used battery consists of four iron-lithium cells connected in series, with a voltage that is ideal for the radio. The individual cells are 32700 size and have a capacity of around 3Ah, which is intended for experimental research purposes.
I plan to use 15Ah batteries later, assemble a battery pack with that capacity, and found that the resulting volume would be twice as large as the current battery, but still quite compact.
IV. Power cord
The original G90N power cable has been upgraded. The wire is thicker, and it also includes a 10A plug fuse. I used it for a while, and the main feeling was that the materials were indeed good quality, but the outer shell was also hard enough, especially at low temperatures, making it difficult to bend. Therefore, the cable needed to be replaced. Silicone cables are the preferred choice because they are soft and can withstand high temperatures. I bought a set of items, including Anderson connectors, 2mm² silicone cables (I chose this size), small plug fuses (7.5A), and XT60 connectors. I plan to use XT60 for all power supplies and batteries, which makes it easy to switch between them.
Five. Data cable
The G90N comes with a factory-installed USB serial cable, which is used for firmware upgrades and radio control. It's primarily designed for use in FT8 data mode. Initially, like many others, I simply plugged the 3.5mm connector into the left side of the unit. However, I later found that running a cable around the outside of the radio was much more convenient and less awkward.😁Therefore, I bought a 3.5-inch right-angle adapter based on the size requirements, which allowed the cable to be routed behind the machine, making the front of the radio look cleaner and more organized.
ACC线没有选成品是自制的，买的DIN8插头和4节带线的音频线，建议选铜脚的，没贵多少，电气性能更好，更耐氧化。
Six. Support
Compared to the G90S, the G90N has four additional feet on the bottom. This prevents scratching the case, but because there is no angle, it's uncomfortable to use with the radio underneath, as you need to place a lot of things under it. I also saw that the original manufacturer sells stands, and I wonder why the original model didn't directly design one, like the 891, which only needed a simple wire at the bottom.🤣Once I'm finished using it, I plan to fold it up for storage. I considered the price and weight, and looked online for different ways to support the device. Most of the options I found were laptop stands, which came in single-layer and double-layer versions, as well as adhesive types. After looking at many different options, I realized that none of them really appealed to me.😂Finally, I ended up returning to the laptop stand. It was made of plastic and aluminum alloy, and many were well-made with silicone coverings. However, the silicone covering would often degrade over time. After trying several options, I found this stand that fit perfectly. It's made of steel and is harder than plastic and lighter than aluminum alloy.
Support structure diagram:
The front panel has adjustable height, and the control buttons are very stable and don't move around.
Side effect, length is just right.
The resulting effect is that the power cord and feeder cable connectors will not come into contact with the desktop due to the single-layer support, leaving ample space.
45-degree strabismus effect
Seven, Tian Kuei
Currently, I am using the 20-meter band feed antenna provided by JYR, and it is performing well. I have also made two quick hanging hooks myself, which makes it easy and fast to set up. The G90N internal antenna tuner works very well with it. Last Chinese New Year holiday, I returned home and completed 100 FT8 contacts, with the 100th contact being the furthest, reaching New Zealand, which is approximately 10,000 kilometers away. I am also looking forward to XieGu's upcoming portable GP antenna, which will have a collapsed length of less than 1 meter.
If I had to choose between two types of antennas, the direct-to-home (DTH) antenna has the advantage of requiring minimal or no tuning, making it very convenient to carry and use. You can simply wind up the cable and put it in your bag and go. However, DTH antennas require a relatively open area with minimal obstructions, a certain ground clearance, and ideally, proximity to a large tree.😁"The advantage of using a GP antenna is that it can be mounted with just the ground. Currently, even the smallest antennas require relatively long mounting poles, and there are also many ground wires available. Each frequency band requires adjustments to the antenna length. I haven't had any experience setting up antennas in the field yet. In my opinion, the choice of antenna depends on individual needs and the specific installation environment. There is no inherently better or worse option; it's important to choose one that suits your particular situation."
Based on my personal experience using the XieGu G90N, I hope to share and learn more about amateur radio with the community, and work together to explore and experiment.😁
DE BI1SFC, 73!
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