XIEGU X1M Pro User Manual

A User's Guide for the X1M PRO Transceiver

Frederick A. Lesnick, VE3FAL

Paul W. Ross, W3FIS

Charles O. Vest, W5COV
Revision 3.1.4 – 12/19/13

This guide is for the X1M HF PRO (Platinum) model QRP transceiver, manufactured by Chonqinq
Xiegu Technology Co., Ltd. of China.

Technical Specifications

The published specifications for the radio are as follows:

Receive: 0.1 - 30MHz continuous.

Transmit: Band 1 3.5 – 4.0 MHz (80 Meters)

Band 2 7.0 – 7.3 MHz (40 Meters)
Band 3 14.0 – 14.35 MHz (20 Meters)
Band 4 21.0 – 21.45 MHz (15 Meters)
Band 5 28.0 – 29.7 MHz (10 Meters)

The full range of transmission from 0.1 to 30 MHz is available with suitable external
bandpass filters. Otherwise, transmission is limited to the listed amateur bands via
internal programming.

Operating modes: USB, LSB, and CW.

Receiver sensitivity: better than 0.45 μVolts.

RF power output: 4.5 Watts.

Frequency stability: better than 0.5 parts per million.

Memory storage locations: 32 pairs of VFO settings (both VFOa and VFOb)

Operating voltage: 9.6 – 14.5 Volts DC

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Receive/Standby current: 0.5A

Transmitting current: 1.8A, Maximum

Size: 97 x 40 x 155 mm [3-13/16 x 1-9/16 x 6-1/8 inches]

Connecting the Radio

The power jack is a standard 5.5 x 2.1 mm jack coaxial power jack. The center pin is the positive
connection, and the outer shell is the negative connection. Connect the radio to a suitable power
source of 9.6 to 14.5 volts, direct current.

A key or paddle is connected with a standard 3.5 mm stereo plug. The tip is the “dot,” and the ring
is the “dash.” The common connection is to the sleeve. The dit/dah arrangement may be changed
in a menu for left-handed operators. For “straight key” operation, use only the tip and sleeve, and
leave the ring floating.

The RF antenna connection is a standard BNC female connection.

The COMM connection – this is a standard 9 pin RS-232 connector for computer interfacing.
However, the signal levels however, are TTL level signals, not the standard RS-232 level signals.
An appropriate adapter cable is available for computer connection. Do not plug the radio
directly into a computer fitted with an RS-232 connection.

A set of headphones may be plugged into the headphone jack on the back panel. This disables
the built-in speaker when the headphones are connected.

The supplied microphone plugs into the front panel. The connection is a standard 3.5 mm stereo
plug. The microphone is a re-purposed speaker microphone, with the speaker circuit
disconnected. Ignore the connection on the microphone for an ear bud. A dab of RTV Silicon
rubber can be inserted into the plug for greater mechanical stability. A red LED is activated on the
microphone when the PTT switch is pushed.

A set of four small rubber or vinyl feet on the bottom will protect your X1M case from scratches
and improve air circulation for cooling, as the case serves as a heat sink.

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Screen Icons

R/T Receive mode /Transmit mode.
USB/LSB/CW Current operating mode.
PRE Receive pre-amplifier is on when there is a solid dot on the icon.
SPL Split-Frequency Mode is on when there is a solid dot on the icon.
Key Symbol – keyer speed.
RIT Receiver Incremental Tuning. Change the value with the frequency knob.
CH00 Memory mode operating channel being used. No digits shown when in VFO mode.

07.209.000 VFO mode current operating frequency. The active VFO is the top one.
V-B VFOb frequency.
V-A VFOa frequency.
KYR Keyer mode. Manual, auto left, auto right.
Lock Symbol Keyboard lock mode. All functions except on/off and volume disabled.
Loudspeaker Mute on/off for indicator “beeps.”

Operating Controls

Control of the various functions of the transceiver is through the buttons and knobs on the front
on the unit. Pressing and holding the F5 key will return the build date/time and firmware release
version of the unit. Press the frequency knob to return to normal operation. The firmware may be
updated by the user. The LK/SYS key either locks the function keys (short push), or allows
access to the system menu (long push).

Power off/on and volume – This is the knob on left side. Rotate it clockwise to turn the radio on,
and increase the volume.

There are a series of four menus, which are accessed though successively pushes of the
frequency knob on the right hand side of the front panel. The function keys – F1 through F5
correspond to the five various items directly over the function keys.

Screen 1:

TS+: Frequency Step up. Underline shows digit that can be changed. Move with frequency knob.
MD: Mode for LSB-USB-CW.
A/B: Toggle between VFOa and VFOb.
A=B: Set VFOa and VFOb the same. Active VFOa into inactive VFOb.
TS-: Frequency Step down. Underline shows digit that can be changed. Move with frequency
knob.

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