Examining the real purpose behind the development of the Xiegu X6200

Introduction:

In the world of amateur radio, portable ham radio operators are always on the prowl for new gear that reduces weight or enhances performance while maintaining affordability.

The ham radio community has been getting more pre-production details about the release of the Xiegu X6200 recently. So what is it that really sets the X6200 apart from its predecessors?

Yes, there are cosmetic changes, buttons have been shifted around, built in handles which protect the knobs and radio face, the ability to view filter settings on the screen, a detachable battery pack as well as wide FM and air band reception. But these changes are not what sets the X6200 apart. Let’s jump into the reason why the Xiegu X6200 is worth a closer examination:

The X6200 and DRFS – Direct Radio Frequency Sampling

Software Defined Radio (SDR) has interested researchers for years and SDR has been proven as a promising architecture in applications such as navigation and other wireless systems. SDR, along with new integrated circuit development is pushing the performance of RF transceivers forward. DRFS overcomes the limitations of the traditional IF design that’s been around since radio’s inception.

Image Source: Anh-Quang Nguyen, Alireza Avakh Kisomi, René Jr. Landry
Laboratory of Space Technologies, Embedded Systems, Navigation and Avionic (LASSENA)

The main difference between the DRFS receiver architecture and traditional receivers is that, DRFS removes IF/LO mixer stages, which reduces the quantity of analog components. DRFS radically simplifies RF front end complexity and increases access to more radio spectrum.

DRFS in ham radio is not new. It’s my understanding that ICOM and other low end Chinese transceivers have been using DRFS for some time now. But Xiegu’s implementation of DRFS truly is what sets the X6200 apart from all Xiegu’s birdie riddled predecessors. Apparently, this architecture change will result in firmware that will then offer a way to run transverters for VHF and UHF operation.

Conclusion:

I think the implementation of DRFS architecture will make the Xiegu X6200 a contender within the realm of portable QRP ham radio operators. It should be a hit for hams who understand what DRFS means to things like weak signal work. So keep an eye out for the release of this price competitive HF QRP transceiver in early 2024.

    The YouTube video below by GraymanPOTA does a good job of highlighting the cosmetics of the X6200 but strangely makes no mention of DRFS. So take a look at the video if you are interested in the look of the radio. Of course information and Xiegu teaser photos can also be found on Radioditty. Note: For those seriously interested, during the course of the video the author mentions a web page where anyone can sign up for X6200 updates.