CQ Reviews: The Xiegu G1M HF QRP Transceiver…
After overcoming some initial challenges, our reviewer found that this low-cost portable QRP transceiver has a lot going for it.
Earlier this year, Chongqing Xiegu Technology Co., Ltd (Xiegu) introduced the G1M G-Core SDR QRP HF transceiver, a highly portable four-band transceiver that covers 15, 20, 40 and 80 meters with a 0.5- to 30-MHz general coverage receiver. For those not familiar with this company, Xiegu is a Chinese manufacturer of amateur radio equipment. Its current product line includes several low-power transceivers including the G1M, G90, and X5105. Additionally, linear amplifiers such as the XPA125B and several accessories are offered at very competitive prices. MFJ Enterprises, Inc. is the authorized North American sales and service distributor for Xiegu products and carries most of its product line and supplied this unit for review. As a dedicated QRP operator who had never operated a Chinese-manufactured radio, I was excited to review this addition to the amateur radio market.
Basic Features and Layout
The G1M is a 16-bit software defined radio (SDR) with 5 watts of output on 15, 20, 40, and 80 meters. The transceiver covers CW and SSB and can run digital modes using an aftermarket soundcard. If you enjoy listening to shortwave broadcasts, the G1M is equipped with AM; however, this mode is for reception only, not transmission. The radio is also equipped with an 800-Hz (non-programmable) CW filter.
The radio is well laid out with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display centered on the front of the unit (). The
