Ever since I upgraded to General, I knew I wanted to get on HF—but I didn’t want to drop a fortune right away. That’s when I came across the Xiegu G90. It’s compact, full-featured, and one of the most affordable HF radios out there with a built-in tuner and waterfall display. It felt like the perfect entry point for someone like me who’s still building out their setup.
The G90 arrived in great condition, nicely packed with everything I needed to get started: the radio body, detachable front panel with cable, power cable, mic, and a USB cable for firmware updates. As a bonus, the seller also included a DigiRig Mobile interface — a great addition for when I’m ready to start experimenting with digital modes. No unnecessary frills—just solid, functional gear.
Right now, I haven’t gotten it on the air yet. I’m still trying to decide between a Buddipole or a Wolf River Coils setup for portable ops. Since I plan to use this radio for POTA activations and other on-the-go fun, finding the right antenna is key. I’ll share more about my decision soon in a follow-up post.
What I love so far is the size. This thing is smaller than I expected—it easily fits into my Apache 3800 case with room for accessories. If you’re looking for a rig that won’t take over your desk or backpack, the G90 checks that box.
Until I’m up and running, this post is just the first look. But if you’re eyeing an HF rig that won’t break the bank, the Xiegu G90 is definitely worth checking out. I’ll be posting a follow-up soon with my full portable case setup—and eventually, on-air impressions too.
73, Daniel // W2DIY