Recently the VFO B encoder on my KX3 failed. When Elecraft informed me that repair would take 5 months, I used that as an excuse to buy a new experimental rig: the Xiegu X1600. I've enjoyed using, modifying and hacking a variety of low-power rigs in the past and was interested in trying this one. Then I decided to tackle the KX3 repair myself and am happy to report that both are now functioning well.
The KX3 is a great little transceiver, as everyone knows. It is also expensive and has been difficult to get at times, however. I have found the X6100 to be a very enjoyable and useable rig, comparable in many ways, at less than half the prices. Note that I am CW only, and primarily a ragchewer on 80, 40 & 30M, rather than a DX-er and have not used it on other modes.
Mine is equipped with the most recent firmware - v.1.1.6 - that fixes many earlier problems. Keep in mind that many written and video reviews of this radio are based on earlier, more problematic, firmware versions. (As someone has observed, Xiegu in essence uses us consumers as its beta testers, releasing hardware before firmware is refined.)
In the following chart, I have tried to compare some of the features. This is not a comparison of performance. I have found the performance to be fairly comparable in general use on CW, but have not tried to do any precise performance testing or comparisons.
KX3 X6100
-No spectrum display +Nice spectrum display
+Larger readout on screen -Smaller character readout on screen
-No audio/RF scope in display +Audio and transmit scope on screen
+Quick access to main controls -Some frequently-used controls take
several taps to access
+15 W maximum output +10 W maximum output
+Heat not problem on CW -Can run warm on long CW QSOs (10W at 13.8v)
+Very good DSP filters -OK DSP filters
+Peaking filter, tho difficult to use -No peaking filter
+Excellent ATU +Excellent ATU
-Std internal batteries Alk or NiCd +Lith internal batteries though charger
& monitor are iffy so far
-Firmware development seems ended +Firmware development ongoing
-Firmware proprietary +Firmware open source; alternate firmware being
developed
+Excellent internal keyer +OK internal keyer
-Poor but useable internal speaker -Internal speaker almost unusable
-External speaker must be powered +External speaker does not require power
+Decent, not great, tuning aid -Tuning aid requires use of decoding screen
+Spotting button -No spotting button
+Good but short decoder -Decoder OK and longer but small
+SWR & power indicator +SWR & power indicator
+S-meter +S-meter
-RF gain (behind AF gain control( +RF gain (behind AF gain control)
-NR cuts gain significantly -NR cuts gain significantly
+Attached paddle option -No paddle attachment option
+Full output requires 12.8v+ *Full output at 12v
(external battery) (external battery)
+Max DV voltage 16v -Max DC voltage 15v but may overheat
at 10W output at that voltage
+Excellent tuning rates (2X) -Selectable tuning rates but none perfect
for all-round use
+Nice tuning knob, good feel +Nice tuning knob, good feel
+Easy band changes +Easy band changes
+A & B VFOs +A & B VFOs
-S-meter calibrated with Preamp on +S-meter calibrated with Preamp off,
RF gain at 63
-AGC mode - no dedicated button +AGC mode has dedicated button
+Monitor level easily set +Monitor level easily set
+Good user manual -User manual almost worthless due
in part to firmware upgrades
-More self-contained (with attached -Less self-contained for portable use
paddle and passable speaker) (requires external speaker and paddle)
+Earphones work well +Earphones work well
+Compact +Compact; slightly smaller than KX3
-Expensive +Less than half the price of KX3
+Elecraft parts & service -No US service available
(Though huge repair delays currently)
+Active online community +Active online community, including
developers and hackers
+No BCI filter necessary -May require BCI filter for nearby AM
stations
+Sidetone/offset easily selected +Sidetone/offset easily selected
+Draws less current on receive +Display requires more current on receive
(.24-38ma at 14v) (.42ma at 12v)
+No known birdies +Low-level birdies reported by some testers
and users though firmware versions unknown
In my experience so far, I find the X6100 to be a practical alternative to the KX3 for CW ops who want to save money and are willing to learn to use it relying on internet recourses and some trial-and-error rather than a fixed, printed manual. I especially like having the bandscope.
There are two active groups for it on groups.io, and more on the Discord/TOADs app.
If you have a nearby AM station, you will definitely want an in-line BCI filter. K9DP sells a nice compact one on eBay for about $20. I have also made similar filters using the kit from qrpme.com.
The inexpensive MFJ-281speaker works great on the X6100. I have tried a variety of external speakers (they must be powered) on the KX3 and never found one that was fully satisfactory for me.
I run both of these exclusively on solar-charged batteries. Although I sometimes operate at 5W QRP, I often run both rigs at their full power to make copy easier for ragchewing. As noted above, the X6100 will run at its full 10W on 12v DC, and my impression so far is that it runs cooler at this lower voltage.
I'll be interested in others' experiences and impressions.
Many thanks for this KX3 /X6100 comparison. I am very happy to see your review as so much negative information on the X6100 reflects the status of the rig with early firmware versions. so it is hard to find an accurate representation of the rig as it exists today with current firmware, especially from the viewpoint of a CW op.
I picked up a Xiegu X5105 just about at the point where the X6100 was released. I use the X5105 for portable operations in winter, at the beach and as a travel rig, but lately I am wondering if I should have waited for the X6100. Xiegu has a history of using its early adopters as beta-testers so I …