Xiegu G106 User Manual

“The uncomplicated, easy to use, small sized HF portable radio”
Version 1.5 December 2025 (firmware v1.5).
Page 1
Table of Contents
Warnings ..................................................................................................................................................3
About Radioddity .................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION : .......................................................................................................................................5
F RONT PANEL .....................................................................................................................................6
Top Panel Buttons .........................................................................................................................6
Rear panel .........................................................................................................................................7
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTERNAL INTERFACE CONNECTIONS .......................................................9
CONNECTION OF EXTERNAL P OWER SUPPLY ..............................................................................10
O PERATION : ...........................................................................................................................................11
BASIC OPERATION : .........................................................................................................................12
ADJUSTING THE AUDIO VOLUME / OUTPUT DEVICE : .............................................................13
SELECTING OPERATIONAL MODE AND BAND : ..........................................................................13
Setting the Tuning Step (TS) frequency. .........................................................................14
ENABLING THE RECEIVE PREAMPLIFIER . .................................................................................14
CW MODE OPERATION . ..................................................................................................................15
L OCKING THE RADIO ’ S CONTROLS .............................................................................................15
ANTENNA: ..........................................................................................................................................16
L ISTENING TO FM B ROADCAST STATIONS WITH THE G106 .............................................16
View Software (Firmware) version information: ..........................................................16
STORING NEW FREQUENCIES IN CHANNEL MEMORIES .........................................................17
DELETING A STORED CHANNEL : ..................................................................................................17
SETTING THE START -UP DISPLAY TEXT (C ALL SIGN ): ........................................................18
G106 operational display definition: ..................................................................................18
Enable / disable keypad tone: ...............................................................................................18
Factory reset: ................................................................................................................................18
Connection with XPA125B and computer .......................................................................19
COMPUTER CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................20
BAND INDICATION VOLTAGE LEVELS ..............................................................................................21
PACKING LIST ........................................................................................................................................22
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................23
U PDATING THE RADIO ’ S FIRMWARE : ...............................................................................................24
F IRMWARE DOCUMENTATION .......................................................................................................24
Page 2
Warnings
1.
Please read this manual fully before operation so as to get a good
understanding of the G-106’s capabilities and functions.
2. When using an external mains power supply or battery, carefully
check the polarity of the power cord and do not reverse the polarity.
The warranty of this radio does not cover damage caused by an
incorrect external power connection error or damage caused by
improper power supply voltage.
3. Only qualified technicians shall service this equipment.
4. Do not tamper with the transceiver for any reason.
5. Do not operate the transceiver with a damaged antenna. If part of an
antenna comes into contact with your skin, a minor burn can result.
6. Turn off your transceiver prior to entering any area with explosive or
flammable materials. Do not operate your transceiver in any area near
explosive or flammable materials. Turn off your transceiver before
entering any blasting area.
7. To avoid electromagnetic interference, please turn off your transceiver
in any area where notices instruct you to do so.
8. Turn off your transceiver before boarding an aircraft; any use of a
radio must be in accordance with airline regulations and crew
instructions.
9. Do not place the transceiver over any airbag deployment area in
vehicles containing airbags.
10. Do not expose the transceiver to direct sunlight over a long period of
time, nor place it close to any heat source.
11. When transmitting with the transceiver, hold the microphone 3 to 4
centimetres away from your lips and keep a safe distance away from
the antenna in accordance with the ICNIRP and any additional local
regulations.
Copyright
All rights reserved 2025 Chongqing Xiegu Technology Co., Ltd.
Reproduction of any part of this manual is prohibited without permission.
Page 3
About Radioddity
“You, our friend and customer, are at the forefront of what we do.”
Thank you for purchasing a XIEGU product from Radioddity. The strong
partnership we have with XIEGU allows us to bring you the latest technology
from the XIEGU brand and on behalf of the Customer Support team, we strive
to fulfil our promise to better meet your needs every day.
In order to protect your rights please read the terms on the XIEGU Warranty
Card carefully and know the Warranty Policy.
Feedback Survey：scan to share your suggestions!
We look forward to improving our products based on
customer experience, and any ideas would be appreciated!
If you have any suggestions for new XIEGU products, you’re welcome to
contact us via < [email protected] >.
Radioddity thanks Ed Durrant DD5LP for his assistance with revisions to this document
Page 4
INTRODUCTION :
The G106 is a basic 5W portable QRP transceiver with an SDR infrastructure
using 16bit CODEC sampling to deliver superior performance. The radio
supports three transmission modes SSB, CW & AM as well as FM (88-108MHz)
on receive only. Local FM broadcasts can be listened to while operating
portable. A digital CW filter with three bandwidths helps when receiving weak
CW signals. With the external DE-19 digital adapter unit (optional) the G106
can be easily connected to a computer to support digital data modes such as
FT-8. As an entry-level portable robust SDR transceiver, the G106 is well
suited to QRP CW and FT-8 operations while also supporting SSB and AM
modes.
Basic features:
➢
➢
➢
➢
➢
➢
High performance SDR infrastructure
Compact and robust physical structure
Coverage of all HF amateur radio bands between 3.5 and 29.7MHz
FM broadcast receive coverage
Continuous receive coverage across all HF frequencies
Amateur data communication modes are possible by connection to
a computer with the appropriate software installed.
➢ Computer based remote control is available via a CAT port.
Please read this Manual carefully for a better experience and full
understanding of the operation of the G106.
Page 5
FRONT PANEL
1 Volume knob
Turn the knob to increase or decrease the
volume. Short-press to switch audio
output between the internal speaker and
the speaker-microphone.
4 T/R indicator
Transmit/receive status indicator
5 Main-knob
2 Microphone interface
Tuning knob, used to change the radio’s
frequency.
External speaker microphone interface
(RJ10)
6 Multi-function buttons
3 Display
High contrast monochrome display
Short-press these buttons to execute the
corresponding functions displayed on the
screen.
Top Panel Buttons
Page 6
7
Power button/backlight
•
Long-press this button to power the radio on/ off.
•
Short-press the button after power on to turn on/off the display backlight
8 MODE Button
•
•
Short-press this button to switch between operating modes
Long-press this button to turn on/off the preamplifier.
9 and 10 Band switch / Tuning step / lock radio
•
•
•
•
When on the HF bands, a short-press of these buttons switches between bands
(depending upon what is set in the Band Switch Mode (BSM) this will be just the
Ham bands (Ham) or Shortwave broadcast and Ham bands (Full). A long press (2
sec) on these butting changes the cursor position in the frequency display so
changing the “tuning step” amount when the main tuning knob is turned.
A short-press of these buttons in the FM mode switches between stored FM radio
stations.
Pressing both these buttons at the same time locks all buttons and knobs on the
radio.
Pressing both buttons at the same time again unlocks the radio’s controls.
Rear panel
Page 7
11 Antenna Socket
14 Grounding-nut
50 Ω BNC antenna socket.
Connect this to your station earth.
12 CW KEY Socket
3.5mm stereo socket (3-wire), used to
connect a manual or automatic key (see
next page for connections)
15 COM Interface
3.5mm stereo jack communication
interface for CAT control and firmware
updates.(speed 19200 bps).
13 ACC interface
8-pin (not 6-pin as shown in picture)
Mini-Din interface (see next page for
connections)
Page 8
16 DCIN external DC power
5.5/2.5mm DC power supply socket
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTERNAL INTERFACE CONNECTIONS
(2) RJ10 MIC interface
(12) Key wiring diagram
Note: There is a bias voltage on the MIC
cable (pin 2). Avoid shorting it to ground.
(15) COM interface
(13) ACC interface
Connect your straight key/paddle Morse key
according to the diagram shown in the figure
above.
Note:
•
If the connector on your straight key is
a 6.5mm 2-pole plug, please change it
to a 3-pole 3.5mm stereo plug following
the wiring shown in the figure above,
and connect the live wire of the Morse
key to either the "Di" or "Da" terminal.
Note:
•
Page 9
Direct use of some2-pole to 3-pole
Adapters or incorrect wiring may result
in the radio sticking in CW transmit
mode.
CONNECTION OF EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY
A 9-16V external DC power supply can be used to power the G106. The current load capacity
of the power supply shall be at least 3A. The supplied power lead can be used to connect the
radio and DC power supply.
The DC power supply must be connected in strict accordance with following diagram to avoid
a reverse polarity connection.
The white centre-core wire is connected to the positive pole of the power supply, and the
metal-shield is connected to the negative pole of the power supply.
An EMC ferrite bead has been pre-fitted to the power lead supplied with the G106. Its
purpose is to prevent external noise from entering the radio via its power lead and radiofrequency interference from radiating externally from the G106 over the power cable. The
other end of the cable is bare wires for the user to fit their own power connector as required.
It is recommended that the user add a fuse in the resulting power lead.
◼
◼
Before connection the polarity of the power lead should be carefully inspected
to avoid reverse polarity connection from the external PSU
The limited warranty of the radio does not cover damage caused by a fault in
the external power connection or damage caused by an out-of-range voltage
being applied.
Page 10
OPERATION:
The G106 accesses various functions through the multi-function menus. All
functions are allocated to different menu pages and there are 4 options on each
page.
The menu items can be selected and changed using the following method:
•
Short-press any multi-function button to call up the menu and turn the main tuning
knob to switch between the five menu pages in turn.
•
Press the multi-function button corresponding to the menu option displayed on
the screen to execute the corresponding function.
•
Some functions only work if you press "SAVE" after their adjustment. If you press
"QUIT", you will directly exit from the page and the changes will not be saved.
Page
1/5
2/5
3/5
4/5
5/5
Menu Item
V/M
Freq/Ch mode
CWF
CW filter selection
KS
Automatic keyer rate
SPL
Split mode
WFM
FM receiver
Page 11
A/B
MW
VFOA-VFOB switch Mem Ch Write
CWT
CWR
CW sidetone
KM
Keyer mode
DIS
Display mode
BSM
CW dot-dash ratio
IMB
IAMBIC mode
BP
Keypad beep
MG
MC
Mem Ch Clear
QSK
QSK switch
CSN
Startup text
VER
Version info
TXP
Full / Ham Bands Microphone gain Tx Power L/M/H
The G106 uses a black and white dot matrix display screen to display all status information in
a user-friendly way. Visibility in sunlight is also better due to the contrast of a black & white
screen.
Alongside the S value is a moving scale that indicates signal strength on receive and power
output on transmit. This is meant to be a user guide only indicating operation.
BASIC OPERATION :
To turn the radio on and off:
1. A short-press on the power button will turn the radio on when it
is in a powered off state.
2. To turn the radio off a longer (about 2 seconds) press of the
power button is required.
To turn off the screen’s backlight during operation:
•
•
Page 12
A short-press of the power button while the radio is running
will turn off the backlight in the screen.
A second short press will turn it back on.
ADJUSTING THE AUDIO VOLUME / OUTPUT DEVICE :
1.
2.
Rotate the volume control knob at the top left-hand corner to adjust output
volume.
Short press the volume control knob to switch between the in-built speaker and the
speaker in the hand microphone. A telephone-like symbol will appear at the top of
the display when the speaker-Mic is plugged in and selected. When you quick-press
the volume knob so that the internal speaker is used, the symbol will disappear.
3. If you wish to use your headphones, these can be plugged into the 3.5mm socket
on the bottom of the speaker microphone.
SELECTING OPERATIONAL MODE AND BAND:
1.
2.
Press the MODE on the top of the radio to switch to the required mode.
Press the BAND left and right buttons to cycle through the bands
1.8MHz*↔3.5MHz↔5MHz↔7MHz↔10MHz↔14MHz↔18MHz↔21MHz↔24MHz↔28MHz
•
Page 13
1.8MHz(160m) is receive only – Xiegu have been requested to remove this from the
Ham-Band switching sequence but leave it in “all bands”.
Setting the Tuning Step (TS) frequency.
To select the step required when tuning (100Hz, 1 KHz etc) we use the BAND
buttons as follows:
Long-press the BAND left or right button for 2s to step up or down in the
displayed step value.
Once set, turn the main tuning knob to go to the required frequency.
ENABLING THE RECEIVE PREAMPLIFIER.
To turn on or off the pre-amplifier long-press the MODE button. When
enabled a P will be displayed at the top of the display.
Note: The pre-amplifier is rarely required on the lower HF bands and it is
recommended to turn it off on the higher bands if there are very strong
signals or interference present.
Page 14
CW MODE OPERATION .
Insert your straight or paddle Morse key into the KEY interface on the
rear of the G106 (see earlier for the definition of connections).
Suggested configuration steps:
1. Turn on the QSK function through the menu settings and set the
required rate by long-pressing the QSK button which brings up the
adjustment. (note: if QSK is not enabled no CW will be transmitted
although in this mode the radio can be used as a CW practice oscillator).
2. Press on the Morse key to start CW communications. (do not press the
PTT on the microphone)
3. In the menu (2/5) select the CWF function to set the filter bandwidth to
the desired value (options are 500Hz, 250Hz and 50Hz) by turning the
main tuning knob. Press SAVE followed by EXIT.
4. Go back into menu (2/5) and this time select the CWT function to set
which sidetone you wish to hear. Again, press SAVE followed by EXIT to
set the value.
You should now be ready to operate on the CW mode however you may also
wish to adjust the following related settings to your taste or as required by
your key. KS: automatic keying rate KM: manual/auto keyer mode. IMB:
IAMBIC keying mode.
LOCKING THE RADIO ’ S CONTROLS
The controls on the radio can be locked or unlocked by pressing and holding
both BAND buttons at the same time for at least 2 seconds. Once locked a
lock symbol is displayed at the top of the display.
Page 15
ANTENNA :
The G106 requires an antenna that is resonant on the frequency in use. For
“wide-banded” non-resonant antennas an external ATU is required.
LISTENING TO FM B ROADCAST STATIONS WITH THE G106
To have the G106 receive local VHF FM broadcast stations follow these steps:
1. Access the multi-function menu [5/5] and select the WFM function.
2. Functions of buttons while in Wide band FM receive mode:
</> button at the bottom of the screen: tune up and
down the FM band to automatically search for radio
stations. Automatically store the radio stations found
and stop.
② QUIT: Quit FM radio.
①
③ Main tuning knob: Manually adjust the radio frequency.
④ BAND left and right buttons: Switch between the radio stations
that have been automatically stored.
⑤ Use the volume knob to change the volume.
View Software (Firmware) version information:
Access the multi-function menu [4/5] VER function to go to the firmware
version information display. The information is displayed as follows
(example – with v1.5 firmware this will show v1.5):
Press any button to exit the display.
Page 16
USE OF MEMORY CHANNELS:
STORING NEW FREQUENCIES IN CHANNEL MEMORIES
1. Select the desired frequency and mode.
2. Access the multi-function menu [1/5] MW (memory write) function.
Turn the main tuning knob to select a desired empty channel. Then,
a flashing "MW" will be displayed on the screen, next to which,
there is an icon "E", indicating that the current channel is empty and
can be stored to. Press "SAVE" to save the tuned frequency and
mode into the channel. If the channel you have chosen is not
indicated as empty the current data will overwrite the existing data.
3. If you press "QUIT", you will directly exit from the current page and
the channel will not be saved.
4. In channel mode, short-press the BAND left and right buttons to
switch between the stored channels.
DELETING A STORED CHANNEL:
1. In channel mode, select the channel to be deleted.
2. Access the multi-function menu [1/5], MC function and
select "CLR" to delete the current channel. If you press
"QUIT", you will directly exit from the current page and the
channel will not be deleted.
Page 17
SETTING THE START -UP DISPLAY TEXT (CALL SIGN):
Your radio station call sign can be displayed on the G106’s startup screen.
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Call the multi-function menu [3/5], CSN function to edit the startup
interface.
2. The three function buttons on the editor are as follows:
QUIT: give up editing and exit
BACK: delete the last character
SAVE: save and exit
3. Turn the main tuning knob to choose the desired character and press
the main knob in to select the character.
4. Press the SAVE button to save and exit. The information you set will now
be displayed at startup the next time you turn the radio on.
G106 operational display definition:
The display of G106 can be set to display different content as follows:
1. Access the multi-function menu [4/5], DIS function to go to the display
mode selection where three options are available SCOPE+S, SCOPE and BIG
SCOPE:
SCOPE+S: displays spectrum + signal strength S value
SCOPE: displays spectrum only
BIG SCOPE: displays a larger format spectrum
2. Turn the main knob to select the desired display mode, press SAVE to
save and exit. About 5s later, the interface will automatically switch to the
normal display state.
Tip:
◼ If the display menu is already shown, you may short-press the main
tuning knob to quickly return to the spectrum display state.
Enable / disable keypad tone:
Access the multi-function menu [4/5], BP function and press the BP function
button again to enable or disable the keypad tone.
Factory reset:
Press & hold the Mode button when powering on. Answer the Y/N question
with the buttons below the display (saved channels are not affected).
Page 18
Connection with XPA125B and computer
ANT
DC IN
FUSE
ACC
PC
TRX
COMM
XPA125B (optional)
T ype-A
USB
C
IV
PA
ACC
CIV connecting line
L4001 cable
ACC
connecting line
DE-19 adapter (optional)
G106
The G106 can be connected to a computer and an XPA125B using an optional DE-19 adapter, providing convenience for data communication
and power amplifier control.
1. Connect the units as shown in the diagram above.
2. Install the relevant CH342 port driver for the operating system in use (search online and download).
3. Select the model "XIEGU G106" in the data communication software (or control software) you are using (alt. Xiegu G90 or IC7000)
4. Choose the DE-19 virtual sound ports for sound input/output in your software. Note that different sound devices are required for input
and output.
Note: If you choose a different radio model even one that supports C-IV instructions, some actions will not work.
Page 19
COMPUTER CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
Once connected via the DE-19 unit or using a USB-to-serial (3.5mm) cable the
G106 accepts CIV instructions at 19200 bps speed (8 bits, no parity). Through
these instructions you can remotely control the transceiver based on
supported instructions (see below) or configure control instructions required
by other software (e.g. digital data modes). Select Xiegu G90 or ICOM IC7000
as the radio in the computer software if G106 is not shown.
Page 20
BAND INDICATION VOLTAGE LEVELS
The ACC interface of G106 provides a different voltage for each of the
supported ham bands, which can be used to switch peripheral devices
automatically (e.g. automatic antenna switches and linear amplifiers).
Wave Band
Voltage
Wave Band
Voltage
Wave Band
Voltage
Wave Band
Voltage
/
/
7MHz
920mV
18MHz
1610mV
28MHz
2300mV
3.5MHz
460mV
10MHz
1150mV
21MHz
1840mV
/
/
5.0MHz
690mV
14MHz
1380mV
24MHz
2070mV
/
/
Page 21
PACKING LIST
Item Name
G106 radio
Speaker microphone
Power cord
Warranty card
Manual
Certificate of conformity
Qty.
1
1
1
1
1
1
Optional supporting products
▪
▪
▪
▪
DE-19: external USB communications adapter (applicable to G90,
G90S, G106, G106C), used for computer control and digital data mode
communications (audio & serial links).
XPA125B: 100W power amplifier with built-in antenna tuner (ATU)
L4001 cable: dedicated control cable for connecting XPA125B
(applicable to X6100, G106)
SKU:715-XP-L4002: Xiegu FTDI data cable for G106 or G90.
Page 22
SPECIFICATIONS
Receive frequency range:
0.55-30MHz
88-108MHz (FM broadcast)
Transmit frequency ranges:
3.5-4.0MHz
7.0-7.3MHz
14-14.35MHz
21-21.45MHz
28-29.7MHz
5MHz (region specific)
10.1-10.15MHz
18.068-18.168MHz
24.89-24.99MHz
Operating modes:
SSB/CW/AM
(WFM receive only)
Receive sensitivity:
CW:
SSB:
AM:
Frequency stability:
±1.5ppm within 30min after power on
@25°C: 1ppm/hour
Spectrum scope width
48 kHz
Transmitted power
≥5W @ 13.8V DC
Transmission spurious suppression:
Audio output power:
0.3W
Operating voltage:
9-15V
0.25µV @ 10dB S/N
0.5µV @ 10dB S/N
10µV @ 10dB S/N
o
≥50dB
Standby current consumption: 0.37A (max)
Current draw on transmit:
2.8A (max)
Dimensions:
120 x 40 x 135 mm
Weight (radio only)
720g
o
All specifications
are
typical and apply to
amateur bands only. Due
to technical improvements
these specifications are
subject to change without
notice.
The operating frequency
range of transceivers sold
in different countries or
regions will be set
according
to
local
regulations. Ask your local
dealer for details.
Copyright © 2025
All rights are reserved by Chongqing Xiegu Technology Co., Ltd. Reproduction of any
part of this manual without permission is prohibited.
Page 23
UPDATING THE RADIO’S FIRMWARE:
When an update to the software in the radio is needed to either fix a
problem or add a feature a firmware update file will be supplied by
your radio dealer, mostly likely over their website. Unless the file is
marked as essential or contains some features that you wish to use,
you may choose not to update the radio.
Instructions on the step by step, illustrated, process is documented
in the document “Release Notes for Xiegu G106 Firmware update
1.4” available from the Radioddity website.
Overview for those experienced in this process:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Connect G106 to PC using a DE-19 computer interface or USB-Serial
interface cable L4002.
Start the Teraterm program or similar XModem capable software on
a PC connected to the radio via the USB interface (115200,8,N,1)
(check drivers loaded without errors and com port in use via device
manager).
Once ready to upgrade hold in the volume knob and turn on the
radio.
Select FW update option (1) then got to XModem transfer (make
sure that you enable the 1K block option), select the downloaded
and unpacked “xgf” firmware file and upload to the radio.
When complete remove the DC power lead, replace it and turn radio
on a check version number.
This manual is based on a radio with the v 1.4 firmware which was
installed using this process.
FIRMWARE DOCUMENTATION
Changelog for v 1.1b01 firmware upgrade:
1. More precise CW keyer timing
2. Lowered the Tx audio gain to give a higher SNR for Tx
3. Added "MIC GAIN" option into menu [5/5] “MG” with the
range=0-30, gain=0-15dB, step=0.5dB, default=20
4. Added "FACTORY RESET" option
Press and hold the "MODE" button when powering on
Page 24
Note: this only resets the menu parameters to their
defaults there is no change to any stored channels
5. Fixed AM transmission function.
Changelog for v 1.2b02 firmware upgrade:
1. Improved speech intelligibility on transmit & receive.
Changelog for v 1.2b03 firmware upgrade:
1. Added Tx power adjustment option, menu [5/5], "TXP"
option: LOW: 10% MID: 50% HIGH: 100%
Changelog for v1.3 firmware upgrade:
1. To work with JTDX/WSJTX (and other data mode
software packages), added CI-V commands 0x25,0x26,
(set/read VFO frequency of either VFO, report/set data
mode U-D or L-D from the PC).
2. Added CI-V command 0x1D/0x19 to read the XIEGU
RADIO ID. (0106 for this radio)
3. Bug fix: Can't totally mute when RX volume set to 0
4. Bug fix: ACC TRX Pin is output only (now it's bidirectional)
5. Bug fix: Won't lock the long press key
6. Set RX audio bandwidth to 10-3300Hz in data mode
Changelog for v1.4 firmware upgrade:
1. Improved AGC algorithm
2. Improved I/Q balance algorithm
3. Added CI-V command to switch between built-in/external
speakers:
1D 02 01 [XX]
XX=0: select Built-in speaker
XX0: select external speaker (speaker Mic
or amplified speaker plugged into the 3.5mm
on the microphone).
Changelog for v1.5 firmware upgrade:
1. Bug fixed: The handheld microphone occasionally
interferes with the receiving spectrum
Page 25
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