As a dedicated ham radio enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new gear to test and integrate into my setup. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the PAC-12 HF ( JPC-12)
. Antennas for Ham Radio with a Slide Regulator covering 7MHz-50MHz (40m-6m) and 8 Bands. Alongside this, I decided to pair it with my new Xiegu G-90, hoping to explore the potential of both the radio and the antenna. Here’s a rundown of my experience.
Initial Setup and Expectations
Full disclosure: I had previously connected the PAC-12 to my Yaesu FT-857d and found it somewhat lacking. However, I attributed this to the terrible band conditions at that time. Therefore, I decided to give the PAC-12 another chance with the Xiegu G-90 to see if my initial impression would change.
The Testing Phase
Day 1: Disappointment on 40 Meters
Yesterday, I set up the PAC-12 on 40 meters and fired up the Xiegu G-90 with a sense of anticipation. Unfortunately, the results were disappointing. The Xiegu G-90 didn’t pick up any signals, making me question whether the issue lay with the antenna, the radio, or simply poor propagation conditions.
To ensure a fair comparison, I connected my Yaesu FT-857d to my homemade multiband wire dipole. The Yaesu was alive with activity, picking up numerous stations. When I tuned the Xiegu to the same frequencies that the Yaesu was receiving, the Xiegu remained silent. This stark contrast was discouraging, but I decided to swap the antennas to further investigate. When I connected the Yaesu to the PAC-12, it successfully made several contacts, indicating that the antenna was functional.
Aesthetic Appeal and Features
One thing that stands out about the Xiegu G-90 is its aesthetic appeal. The radio is compact and sleek, with a modern design that’s quite attractive. Additionally, the built-in waterfall display is a fantastic feature, usually reserved for much more expensive devices. This visual representation of signal activity is not only useful but adds a touch of sophistication to the radio.
Overnight Hopes and Morning Revelations
I decided to leave the PAC-12 connected overnight, hoping to take advantage of better propagation conditions early in the morning, especially for the 40 and 20 meter bands. To my pleasant surprise, the Xiegu G-90 picked up several stations in the morning. This was a relief, indicating that the radio and antenna combination could perform under the right conditions.
However, when I conducted a side-by-side comparison between the two radios using both the PAC-12 and the homemade wire dipole, the Yaesu consistently outperformed the Xiegu. In every instance, the Yaesu demonstrated superior receive capabilities, making it clear that while the Xiegu has its strengths, it doesn’t quite measure up to the Yaesu FT-857d in terms of reception.
Final Thoughts
Despite the mixed results, I’m not giving up on the Xiegu G-90. Its aesthetic appeal and useful features, like the waterfall display, make it a valuable addition to my collection. I’ll continue to experiment with it, particularly in different band conditions and perhaps with other antennas, to fully explore its potential.
However, for now, the Yaesu FT-857d remains my go-to radio, especially when paired with my homemade multiband wire dipole. The combination of reliability, performance, and the wealth of features it offers makes it hard to beat.
In conclusion, the PAC-12 HF Antennas and the Xiegu G-90 have shown potential, but they also highlight the importance of matching the right equipment with the right conditions. I’ll keep tinkering and testing, always in pursuit of the perfect setup. Stay tuned for more updates and happy DXing!
* * * * UPDATE * * * *
Major Goof Alert!
Alright ham radio enthusiasts, buckle up for a plot twist! In my previous write-up about testing the PAC-12 antenna and Xiegu G-90 radio, there was a major goof on my part. Turns out, I accidentally connected the radio to a Two Meter antenna instead of the intended wire dipole. ♂️ Big brain fart, I know.
The Redemption Arc
Thankfully, the radio gods smiled upon me. Once I finally hooked the Xiegu up to the correct wire dipole antenna,everything clicked into place. The Xiegu performed admirably, picking up signals loud and clear. Both the Xiegu G-90 and the PAC-12 antenna work well together!
Lessons Learned
This experience serves as a hilarious reminder to double-check your connections before diving into testing.
Going Forward
With the confusion cleared, I’m even more excited to explore the potential of this Xiegu and PAC-12 combo. Stay tuned for future updates on how they perform in different band conditions and perhaps with some additional antenna experimentation.
In Conclusion
While my initial findings were skewed by user error, the Xiegu G-90 and PAC-12 HF antenna have redeemed themselves.This highlights the importance of proper setup and careful testing when evaluating new equipment.
As always, happy DXing!