Learn how to use FT8 with the Xiegu G90 in this complete step-by-step FT8 setup guide. I’ll walk through the hardware, radio settings, audio levels, CAT control, WSJT-X configuration, transmit power, and the complete process of getting on the air with FT8. I’m using the Xiegu G90 and TOADs DI8 digital interface as the example station, but the FT8 concepts, WSJT-X settings, operating process, and troubleshooting apply to many HF radios.
Hardware:
👉 Xiegu G90: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/m7ri95
👉 G90 Knobs: https://youtu.be/RVCaTIJSxSw
👉 G90 Cooling Fan: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/jxqi20
👉 TOADs DI: https://temporarilyoffline.com/products/toads-digital-interface?utm_content=g90ft8
👉 TOADs DI8: https://temporarilyoffline.com/products/toads-di8-daughterboard?utm_content=g90ft8
👉 8pin Cable: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/yldzxr
👉 Gabil CF Antenna: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/57zbyp
👉 Geekom Mini PC: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/rqpolv
👉 Raspberry Pi 5: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/u0gwtb
👉 Raspberry Pi 5 Case: https://go.temporarilyoffline.com/v62qd5
Info:
👉 Blog Post w/Cheat Sheet: https://temporarilyoffline.com/blogs/tos-blog/xiegu-g90-ft8-setup-guide
👉 WSJT-X Software: https://wsjtx.github.io/wsjtx/index.html
👉 Check Your Time: https://time.is
👉 Pretty Maps: https://pskreporter.info
👉 Find Your Gridsqure: https://whatsmylocator.co.uk/
If you’re trying to set up FT8, WSJT-X, or digital modes for the first time, this video is designed to take you from radio and computer setup through making actual FT8 contacts. Whether you’re using a Xiegu G90, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, or another HF transceiver, you’ll learn how FT8 works, how to configure your station correctly, and how to diagnose the most common FT8 audio, PTT, CAT control, and transmit problems.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:07 Not Just The Xiegu G90
0:24 Windows, Mac, Linux: I got you!
0:35 My Speed Is In Your Hands
0:58 Watch First, Then Play
1:13 Cable The Radio In
2:04 The TOADs DI8
3:15 The Computer
5:44 The Antenna
5:57 Radio Settings
6:16 Cheat Sheet
7:11 What is AGC?
7:57 Watch Your Heat
9:29 Set Your RF Gain
13:01 U-D Mode Now!
13:46 Get The Software
15:15 macOS users: note
15:59 Linux Install
16:55 Linux Dialout Group
18:52 FT8 is NOT a low power mode
19:15 WSJT-X Setup
19:33 General Tab
19:43 How To Find Your Grid Square
20:34 Experiment
22:27 Audio Tab
23:26 Radio Tab
27:38 Reporting Tab
28:20 Left Side dB Meter Control
29:29 RX Audio Trimpots
31:37 Waterfall Overview
32:56 What is Even/Odd?
34:23 Band Activity Window Explained
35:18 Time Sync
39:07 Macros Explained – The QSO Procession
41:07 Computer Audio Settings
41:58 Fine/Course Audio Control
42:25 Am I Being Heard?
45:48 Runaway TX!
46:15 Making A Contact!
47:19 Log It
48:26 CQ POTA!
49:47 Cheat Sheet and Links
50:09 Troubleshooting Example
50:57 More FT8? Subscribe
51:35 Helpful G90 Videos