comments:
For normal phone/CW use....no, the radios would work just fine. For integration with a computer (or the like) to use with digital modes...yes. To be able to use a FT-891 or G90 with a computer for modes like FT8/4, JS8Call, VaraHF, FreeDV, WinLink, etc, you'll need to get an extra device (like a DigiRig) to pass audio and CAT control traffic between the radio and the computer. So, to make use of said digital modes, something else must just be added... A X6100 (and other radios like an IC-7100, FX-4CR, or QMX) have this capability built in. Basically all you need is a USB cable to connect from the radio's USB port to the computer. So, with something like a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W based DigiPi, you can have a incredibly compact, low power use, digital setup...as all you would need is the DigiPi, a USB cable, and a small powerbank to power the RPi.... You can see, in the attached, a similar setup in use with my UV-5R Mini with a AIOC (All in One Cable), which acts the same as the aforementioned DigiRig (Sound card & PTT control). To use with my X6100, I would just need need to move the USB cable from the AIOC to the X6100 and swap SD Cards for the X6100 configuration. The 5k mAh powerbank would run the RPi/DigiPi for many hours due to the incredibly low power use....I also have a DigiPi in my mobile setup (also pictured) with my IC-7100 being powered off my truck's USB port 😁 I've also ran my radio(s) directly off my Phone/Tablet using just a OTG Adapter (like this) and specific apps designed to make use of this capability. While more compact, it does only you to what apps are available for your device and their capabilities....BUT, the possibilities are there 😉