KN4YZY

This week we’re working with the Xiegu G90. Today let’s put it on FT8. Unlike the IC-7300, the G90 doesn’t have a sound card built in, so you can’t just plug in a USB cable. Xiegu’s DE-19 data interface fills that gap. It gives your computer audio and radio control through one USB cable.

Level: Intermediate  |  Time: About 30 minutes  |  Note: Settings can change with G90 firmware and WSJT-X versions. If a label doesn’t match, look for the closest one.

What You’ll Need

• Your Xiegu G90
• A Xiegu DE-19 data interface and the cables that come with it
• A computer running WSJT-X (free), with its clock set accurately

Step 1: Connect the Cables

• 8-pin DIN cable from the DE-19 ACC port to the G90 ACC port
• 3.5 mm cable from the DE-19 CIV jack to the G90 COMM port
• USB cable from the DE-19 to your computer

On Windows, open Device Manager and look under Ports for the new COM port. If it doesn’t show up, install the USB serial driver for the DE-19’s chip. Write down the COM number. You’ll need it in Step 4.

Step 2: Switch the G90 to Line Input

The G90 has to take its transmit audio from the DE-19 instead of the microphone. Press FUNC, then POW until you reach the input setting, turn the knob to line, and press FUNC to exit. The mic and line input can’t be used at the same time, so switch it back when you want to talk.

Step 3: Use U-D Mode

Set the mode to U-D (upper sideband data), not plain USB. Then tune to an FT8 frequency like 14.074 MHz on 20 meters.

Step 4: Set Up WSJT-X

• Settings › Radio: choose Xiegu G90, pick the DE-19’s COM port, and set the baud rate to match the radio (19200 is a common setting). Set PTT to CAT, then click Test CAT. It should turn green.
• Settings › Audio: set Input to Microphone (USB Audio Device) and Output to Speakers (USB Audio Device).
• Levels: start with the WSJT-X power slider low and bring it up slowly. FT8 transmits a steady signal, so I’d run the G90 below its full 20 watts.

Gotchas

• Waterfall but no decodes. Check your computer clock first. See our clock post.
• Windows sound effects. Turn off audio enhancements and any noise reduction on the USB Audio Device.
• Test CAT fails. Recheck the COM port and baud rate, and make sure the CIV cable goes to the G90’s COMM port.

Your Turn

Running FT8 on a G90? What’s your farthest contact at 20 watts or less? Share it in the comments. And don’t forget this week’s Winlink challenge: a peer-to-peer connection with a friend (details in Wednesday’s post on the Weekly How-To page).

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This site supports local ham clubs.