FT8 Config For X5105 (Tutorial)

Working FT8 with a QRP radio can be very fun and rewarding. You will be surprised what you can work with FT8. Especially if you are a SSB operator you will experience that FT8 will enable you log weak DX stations where SSB stands no chance. This opens up a whole new world as bands like 160m and 30m where where CW has been the dominant DX mode now flourish with activity from new stations and more DXCC thanks to FT8.

Here is a step by step tutorial to get started with FT8 using the Xiegu X5105 HF+6M transceiver.

Hardware Needed

X5105 Transceiver with antenna
CE-19 Expansion port
Audio cable with 3.5 mm stereo TRS plug and the apropirate connector(s) for your PC.
8-pin mini-DIN accessory cable for X5105 (included with CE-19)
USB serial cable for X5105 (Included with X5105)
PC with sound card

Software Needed

WSJT-X Weak signal communication software
Omni-Rig Tranceiver CAT control software

Step-By-Step Preparations

1. Start by preparing the audio cable, some soldering might be necessary. As printed on the CE-19 interface ground needs to be connected to the Sleeve, AF out to the Ring and AF in to the Tip of the 3.5 mm TRS plug. In the sound card end you need to wire the connector(s) as required to both send and receive audio to your PC’s sound card. Some PCs will have separate in and output jacks, others might have one jack for with both in and out in the same 4-pole plug.
2. Connect the X5105 transceiver to power and antenna.
3. Connect the CE-19 Expansion port to X5105 using the 8-pin mini-DIN cable provided together with the CE-19.
4. Connect the audio cable previously made to the sound card.
5. Install driver for USB cable. In some cases you will need this driver.
6. Install Omni-Rig. Configure according to screen shot.
7. Install WSJT-X. Configure WSJT according to screen shots.

You can connect the WSJT-X software directly to the serial port and not use Omni-Rig. Our experience is that this connection isn’t reliable. WSJT-X has issues keeping the connection alive. This is not only affecting X5105, but also other transceivers. Our recommendation is to use Omni-Rig to control the X5105, then configure Omni-Rig as the transceiver in WSJT-X.

WSJT-X Radio Tab Configuration

Now its time to fire up WSJT-X and configure it to communicate with X5105. Click File on the menu, then chose Settings. Click the Radio tab and make the settings as indicated in the screen shot. Make sure to set Rig to Omnirig Rig 1 or Omnirig Rig 2 depending on which Rig setting in Omnirig that has been configure to talk to your X5105.

WSJT-X Audio Tab Configuration

You also need to configure the Soundcard settings in WSJT-X. Click the Audio tab and select the input and output of the sound card that you connected the audio cable(s) from the CE-19 expansion port to.

X5105 Settings

There are a few settings you have to check and might need to adjust in the X5105 transceiver to make digital modes work.

First of all set the transceiver in USB mode.
Change the MIC input to AUX LINE IN by pressing MENU and selecting sub menu #7.
Enter the settings menu by pressing and holding the MENU button, use setting #18 to adjust AF IN and #19 for AF OUT.
Finally, earlier versions of the X5105 had an “undocumented feature” causing AF OUT to be muted when speaker volume was turned all the way down. Make sure you have speaker volume adjusted to some audible level. If you like to work FT8 in total quiet mode, connect a headset or even just a 3.5 mm plug into the headphones jack.

Adjusting Transmit Power Levels

Now when everything is setup and working you should adjust the audio levels to your required power level.

Start by adjusting the RX level using the Then set the X5105 output power by pressing the PO button and rotating the VFO.

Then press the TUNE button in WSJT-X to start transmit a test tone. Adjust the PWR slider carfully to maximize the output power of the X5105, then back it off half a dB or so. Note the slider dB level.

Then transmit FT8 and set the output power to the same dB level as you set it till while tuning. (I never understood why WSJT-X has separate slider controls för tune and signal output, makes no sense).

Now you’re all set! From here on consult the WSJT-X manual for more information on its usage.