Radio Guides / Station setup
A G90 station needs more than the transceiver. Start with suitable external DC power and an HF antenna system, then add computer audio and control connections only if you plan to use digital modes.
This checklist is for a first home station or a vehicle-supported portable setup. The G90 has a built-in antenna tuner and up to 20W HF output, but no internal operating battery.
1. Plan the power source first
Use a regulated DC supply or a compatible battery that remains within the G90’s specified 10.5–16.5V input range. Check the voltage at the radio under transmit load, not just the unloaded battery voltage. Allow capacity for approximately 6A maximum transmit draw, using the correct power cable, polarity and fuse arrangement.
A battery’s nominal voltage is not its full-charge voltage. Check the battery maker’s full-charge rating and use its specified charger. The radio is not a battery charger. A solar panel also needs a suitable charging system rather than a direct connection to the radio.
For a desk, choose a regulated supply with suitable current capacity and practical margin. For the field, include the battery, cables and charger in the packed weight and total budget.
2. Choose an antenna for your actual location
Start with the amateur bands you intend to use and the space available. A band-appropriate dipole or another well-documented antenna is a useful starting point when there is room for the required wire and supports. A compact vertical may be easier to position, but its mounting and counterpoise requirements still matter.
The built-in tuner matches some antenna impedances to the radio. It does not remove feed-line loss, create missing antenna efficiency or make every short wire suitable for every band. Follow the antenna maker’s installation instructions and use the necessary matching or common-mode components for that antenna design.
3. Check the entire feed-line connection
Confirm that coax and adapters fit both the G90’s SO-239 antenna socket and your chosen antenna. An adapter that fits mechanically does not fix a damaged cable or an unsuitable antenna. Check the assembled cable before first transmission and protect outdoor connections as appropriate.
Plan the coax length around the installation. Extra cable adds packed weight and can add loss. Also allow for antenna supports and strain relief so the cable does not carry the antenna’s weight.
4. Add the accessories your operating mode needs
- SSB voice
- Confirm the supplied microphone against the current package list. You do not need a computer audio interface just to operate voice.
- CW
- Add a compatible key or paddle and cable if required for your operating style. Confirm its connector and wiring before ordering.
- FT8 and other computer modes
- Plan both a two-way audio path and a control/PTT path. The included CAT/programming cable is not a USB sound card. See the G90 FT8 connection guide before selecting an interface.
- Portable operation
- Include protection for the radio, a stable operating surface and weather protection appropriate to the location. Do not assume the radio or its connectors are waterproof.
5. Separate the radio package from your station shopping list
Check the current G90 product page for supplied items and price. The external power supply, operating battery, charger and antenna are not included. Do not assume an FT8 audio interface, coax, antenna supports or CW paddle is supplied unless the package list explicitly says so.
Before the first transmission
With power off, inspect polarity, connectors and cables. Connect the antenna system, confirm the selected band and your licence privileges, then begin with low transmit power. Follow the radio’s tuner instructions, stop if you see an unexpected mismatch or voltage problem, and resolve it before increasing power.
For first-use checks and troubleshooting, use G90 support. Firmware files are model-specific; an update is not a substitute for checking station wiring.
Common buying questions
Can I run the G90 from an internal battery?
No. It needs an external DC source. If internal battery operation is a priority, read G90 vs X6100.
Can I buy a single antenna for every band?
Some antennas support several bands, but coverage depends on the design and installation. Confirm supported bands, feed-line requirements and the matching arrangement rather than relying only on the G90 tuner.
What should I confirm before ordering accessories?
Radio model, connector type, operating mode, supply voltage and current capacity, and whether each cable is included. Send us the proposed accessory details if you need a compatibility check.
For longer outings, continue with portable power and antenna planning.
Prepared by XieguRadios.com. Reviewed 25 October 2026. This is a planning and setup guide, not a measured equipment test. Check the current product package and model-specific instructions before connecting accessories. Contact support with your radio model, firmware version and accessory details if compatibility is unclear.