Description
The Tecsun PL-990x High Performance DSP Shortwave Radio may be Tecsun’s last high-end portable and is considered by many to be the Tecsun design team’s final masterpiece. This is Tecsun engineering at its finest. The Tecsun PL-990x High Performance Shortwave Radio uses multiple frequency conversion and modern DSP digital demodulation technology, which greatly improves the receiving sensitivity, selectivity and image rejection.
The Tecsun PL-990x High Performance Shortwave Radio is capable of receiving the FM broadcast, medium wave (MW), longwave (LW), and shortwave (SW) bands. The Tecsun PL990x High Performance Shortwave Radio can receive AM, CW, and single sideband (SSB) communication signals.
Tecsun PL-990x Radio Features:
- FM receiving range 64-108MHz, suitable for global FM broadcast reception.
- Single sideband (SSB) minimum step of 10Hz, independent selection of upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB).
- Synchronous detection range +/- 1kHz
- Provision for connection of an external antenna for SW reception
- External antenna input for all bands
- Local, Medium and DX input selector
- Independent fast and slow dual tuning structure
- Seven channel selection methods: automatic search and storage (ATS), manual search of pre-stored stations (VM), manual search of station frequency (VF), direct input of frequency numbers, direct input of pre-stored station address numbers, automatic browsing of radio frequencies and automatic viewing of pre-stored stations frequency
- Storage for up to 3150 radio frequencies in 25 memory pages
- Capability of playing SD card, supporting 16bit / 44.1KHz WAV, FLAC, APE, WMA and MP3 format audio files
- Class AB power amplifier and super dynamic full-range speaker
- Headphone output, suitable for stereo headphones below 300 ohms
- Audio output, for external amplifier or recorder
- With scheduled power-on and sleep auto-off function
- Powered by a single 18650 lithium battery, with USB smart charging function
Tecsun PL-990x Radio Specifications:
- Longwave (LW) 100-519kHz; 9kHz steps, 1kHz fine-tuning steps
- Mediumwave (MW): 520-1710kHz; 10kHz steps, 1kHz fine-tuning steps; 522-1620kHz; 9kHz step; 1kHz fine-tuning steps
- Short wave (SW): 1711-29999kHz in 5kHz step, fine-tuning step 1kHz
- FM: 64-108Mhz, 76-108MHz, 87-108MHz, 87.5-108Mhz selectable, FM tuning step 100kHz/10kHz
- IF frequency: AM first IF, 55.845MHz, second IF, 10.7MHz, third IF, (DSP) 45kHz
- Audio format: Supports 16bit / 44.1kHz WAV, FLAC, APE, WMA, and MP3 formats Micro SD (TF) Card up to 128G (not included)
- Speaker: 4Ω, 3W
- Power: 3.7V (18650 rechargeable lithium battery)
- External DC power supply: USB 5V current ≥1A
- Dimensions: 198 x 120 x 38mm
- Weight: 620g
Tecsun PL-990x Radio Package Includes:
- 1 x TECSUN PL-990x Receiver
- 1 x 18650 Lithium Battery
- 1 x External Antenna
- 1 x Hi-Fi Stereo Headset
- 1 x USB Charging Cable
- 1 x USB Charger
©Tecsun Radios Australia
Tecsun Radios Australia
Tecsun Radios Australia
John Shepanski (verified owner) –
I was greatly surprised by the sensitivity of this radio. Just by using it’s own antenna, not the external one, I was able to receive so far the Phillipines and India and of course China. I’m only just starting to explore what this radio can do. Very impressive for such a small radio. The FM band is fantastic in clarity and it’s own speakers to a great job. Medium Wave is very clear and so easy to tune stations in. An amazing radio in my opinion.
John Shepanski
Paul Mitchell –
I have the pleasure of purchasing one of the first PL-990 portable radio receivers into Australia from Tecsun Australia. Mine does not have the “X” suffix after the model number.
Forget what you read on eHam. In Australia and possibly country Australia as I live in Inverloch and go camping with my wife and two small dogs once per month. This radio is brilliant. I suffer none of the issues that you read on eHam. Most like that the reviews from eHam are probably in built-up American cities, this is an assumption.
I enjoy it so much in on inclement days, Crazy at G & C Communications in Narre Warren installed an RF connector on the inside of my van and one on the outside to connect the portable wind out antenna from Tecsun Australia and another inside so I can connect it to the radio whilst sitting comfort of a warm van. We Aussies are known for our ingenuity, or in this case Grazy.
If I am not hunting down English Broadcast stations where you can purchase £5 from British DX Clun’s Broadcasts in English booklet. Life is easy. With direct entry stations and the set the internal clock to UTC time. How many features do you want.
The memory management is brilliant. Add your frequencies as you want and at a press of a button they are all stacked in frequency order. I have a memory page for each radio station or country I listen to and as the frequencies change through the year add the new and restock the memories back in frequency order.
Another buzz is its NDB capabilities where one with patience can read off the morse code idents. Just a bit of fun. Who needs a computer or morse tutor.
Inclosing the micro SD Card is almost brilliant. Yes it would be nice record conversations or interesting broadcasts. Though I again use it to collect almost 32Gb of public domain free to download classical books that you know you will never get to read. Sit back with a cup of tea and a scone and listen to some classics whilst my dear wife does her Facebook on the iPad. I should say I am not a big one for enjoying television. Though I do enjoy obtaining my RF fix with my PL-990.
I have read some people complain about SSB reception. Not an issue with a modest external outside antenna. You are the operator and must drive it to your best abilities, capabilities and limitations if that is the latter.
We are currently thinking of downsizing our home and I am thinking what must go. It is pretty hard to validate keeping the Yaesu FTdx101D , fully optioned. I am thinking of letting this go and keeping the PL-990 for home operations and possibly purchase a second or its big brother.
I am glad the plastic hard cases are now available, though they were not when I purchased my receiver. I, at the time purchase aluminium brief cases from Bintel in Sydney. The large cases. I am sure you can find them on the web. Though now that the plastic hard cases are available, I think a fully loaded hard case would be the go.
Lastly, the lovely support with all the bits n pieces you can purchase from Graeme at Tecsun Australia is wonderful support and should be supported to keep this business going so it will be here tomorrow and employing Aussies. I always support a local shop before going to eBay or overseas. I was once burnt terribley by a Canadian business to the tune of $700 CAN. When I rang up in English about my outstanding order the language changed to French.
That my two bob.
I am so proud of the radio I also purchased two extra T-shirts to go with the freebie at the time.
There are cheaper radios yes, though for the extras included in the PL-990 I would not consider anything else unless I was a frequent flyer and listen to air traffic control as part of my must have list.
I also purchased two sets of monitoring headphones. One for the PL-990 when we are away camping and a second for the Yaesu FTdx101D that they are that good.
Enjoy your purchase wit satisfaction guaranteed.
I can still not wipe the smile off my face every time I get it out.
PAUL MITCHELL.