X-108 Info Best rig control programs for X108G? (1 Viewer)

[KH6BE]

I am trying to get my new Xiegu set up for digital modes. I think I have the sound card/input issues worked out, but the CAT control doesn't seem to be very well emulated in many of the rig control and digital programs.

In WSJT-X, I can't make the radio transmit via CAT. flrig doesn't seem to work at all. DX Commander has been the one with the least problems. I haven't tried HRD because it is not freeware.

In every program, I set the rig as IC-7000 using the virtual COM port at 9600/N/8/1.

Has anyone had success with computer control of this radio?

Aloha and 73,
Bob KH6BE

 

[Patrick]

I am trying to get my new Xiegu set up for digital modes. I think I have the sound card/input issues worked out, but the CAT control doesn't seem to be very well emulated in many of the rig control and digital programs.

In WSJT-X, I can't make the radio transmit via CAT. flrig doesn't seem to work at all. DX Commander has been the one with the least problems. I haven't tried HRD because it is not freeware.

In every program, I set the rig as IC-7000 using the virtual COM port at 9600/N/8/1.

Has anyone had success with computer control of this radio?

Aloha and 73,
Bob KH6BE

Hello,

I use the speed at 19200 with Ham RadiDeluxe and DXKEEPER.
73 Patrick

 

[KH6BE]

Both the retailer in Shenzhen and the engineer at Xiegu told me that the only rig control program that they know to work with the X108G is Ham Radio Deluxe. I think Xiegu has some work to do to improve their IC-7000/CAT emulation. It probably also doesn't help that the USB-to-Serial chip they're using is the STMicroelectronics with a 6 year old Windows driver, and no Macintosh support whatsoever. I think the FTDI or even the Prolific chip would be less problematic.

 

[Patrick]

I use WIN 8.1 and windows find the driver directly.
But I continue to make test.
Patrick

 

[KK4LBJ]

I do use HRD to control WSJT-X with my Icom IC-7200. I'm trying to work it out with the X108G now....

 

[Andras]

Hi,

I figured out, that at least some functions like frequency setting etc.work with:

- Linux (I use Ubuntu 16.10)
- Load module cdc_acm (On Ubuntu 16.10 it's loaded automatically if you plug in the radio using a USB cable)
- The radio will be registered as /dev/ttyACM0 (if it's the first one of this type, check dmesg for details)
- Try Flrig and set device to /dev/ttyACM0. The rest doesn't seem to matter, I tried different "baud" rates, seem to work all
- IC-7000 does not work for me but IC-7100 or IC-7200

Observations: Setting frequency works ok, setting SQL or PWR works but is very slow.

Grüsse,
//András

 

[kd4sev]

I got it to work for a while with HRD but only to change frq and other control type stuff, when I tried to transmit with WSJT it all went to hell, next thing I know the driver disappeared ....or really the ports and I am now trying to reinstall the drivers . I want to like this radio but the interfacing with PC is less than acceptable

 

[DD5LP]

Hi Richard,
If the PC is a Windows one youmight like to check out this thread:

X-108 Info - Digital mode x-108G - short summary | Page 2 | Xiegu X-108 - QRP Transceiver - HamRadio - QRP Forum

This covers the interfacing more than the actual program used but it could help you. WSJT-x actually has a "Radio" option for the X-108G.

73 Ed.

 

[probelhat]

what is best solution for control x-108 ?

 

[DD5LP]

Hi Probelhat, I think KH6BE's post 6 posts ago in this thread answers your question succinctly.

If you search the web, you should be able to find the older, free version, of HRD. Try that first and then consider buying the latest (supported) version.

Also of note is that any software that uses HamLib will have a selection for the rig in use and Xiegu X108G is in the list when later versions of HamLib are being used.

On the other hand with HRD you have to select the ICOM IC-7000 option.

73 Ed.

 

[Roberto]

Hello, I'm interested too about X108G on digital modes. I have a notebook with Windows 10 and it seems to recognize the interface (as COM3) but I'm searching infos and tips to make working with Flrig or similars...

 

[DD5LP]

Roberto,
It's important to realise that with the x108g the usb comm port is ONLY used for CAT control. You need to have a separate bidirectional audio path, ideally an isolated one. I can use my x108g with my Windows 10 laptop and wsjtx for FT8 by having both interfaces in place.

Some rigs (eg the ICOM IC-7300 or Kenwood ts590s) have a built in USB accessible audio card within the rig, the Xiegu does not.

73. Ed.

PS if you don't want to make up your own audio interface there's an UK amateur who builds them and sells through eBay.

PPS any software that uses the Hamlib libraries (such as WSJT-x) has the Xiegu X108-G as a radio option and this appears to work better than selecting IC7000.

 

[DD5LP]

I Just looked up the details of the cable - the Ham is Steve Gwilliam G8XGG and his company is xggcomms.
Here's a direct link to the audio interface cable that you could use:

You must be registered for see links

73 Ed.

 

[Roberto]

I Just looked up the details of the cable - the Ham is Steve Gwilliam G8XGG and his company is xggcomms.
Here's a direct link to the audio interface cable that you could use:

You must be registered for see links

73 Ed.

Thanks you for this replay! I’ve seen the cable and it is similar to another one that I have for an old rig I’ve got some time ago.
I’ll test soon.

 

[DD5LP]

Check the wiring of the 6 pin mini-DIN plug that goes into the ACC socket on the X108G. It is NOT wired the same as e.g. Yaesu rigs and using a wrongly wired plug could damage the rig.

 

[Oleg Kulagin]

OMNIRIG. Install, and use like CAT-port with any programms.

 

[Oleg Kulagin]

Install the virtual port driver, connect the transceiver to the computer with a USB cable, this will be port COM3. In the amateur program you will be using, specify the CAT port as port COM3 and the PTT port as OmniRig. Connect the headphone output of the computer to the transceiver mini DIN audio input, and the audio output of the transceiver with the microphone input of the computer. Everything is working.

Also It is possible to connect the transceiver through a controller of the type of a RigExpert directly to one port of the computer, without the use of microphone and telephone inputs, for this you need to install the virtual audio cable program in the computer and redirect the audio to the port.

 

[DM5NSA]

Ham Radio deluxe did the best job for me. Log4OM and fldigi was also ok

 

[Henry Hobart]

I am trying to get my new Xiegu set up for digital modes. I think I have the sound card/input issues worked out, but the CAT control doesn't seem to be very well emulated in many of the rig control and digital programs.

In WSJT-X, I can't make the radio transmit via CAT. flrig doesn't seem to work at all. DX Commander has been the one with the least problems. I haven't tried HRD because it is not freeware.

In every program, I set the rig as IC-7000 using the virtual COM port at 9600/N/8/1.

Has anyone had success with computer control of this radio?

Aloha and 73,
Bob KH6BE

hi bob,,I have a XIEGU x108g i have tryed quite a few ways..with windows 7,,cant get it to work with the computer eather..i bought mine off the ebay..knowing it was damaged from high swr..figured out that issue..and got it transmitting but .i have quite a few hf radios..all seem to work on HRD with no problems...but have not figured out this little bugger yet...best73--==de==--Henry [ n3lvf ]

 

[DD5LP]

The command set needed for the X108G is very similar but not the same as an IC7000. If you use software that uses Hamlib (such as WSJT-x) it has a modified definition specifically works well with the X108G. So many but not all features will work if you select IC-7000 but if you have the option in the software to chose X108G, take that option.

I presume we're talking windows still?

There is about to be an announcement soon about an remote control program with some support for the X108G - I'll update this thread once I have permission to give details.

73 Ed.