Do I sell my Kenwood TS-990s - What to Buy

[@n3cal]

I highly recommend keeping the TS-990s. The Kenwood TS-990s is a solid top performer that will give you years and years of performance without issue. The Flex 6600 will only give you heartache! I have owned several Flex SDR's over the past 10 years including a Flex-6600 for the last 4 years. The Flex 6600 came with frequent software issues that made operating a hassle. I finally had enough and got rid of it! I currently own a ANAN-7000DLE MKII which performs well above what the Flex could ever do. Setting up the ANAN software is a challenge but once set up performs solid with no issues! 73 de N3CAL

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you!

[@slickman1953]

I agree and have gone down this same road.

[@corradoQC]

I'd go for ANAN over a Flex. NR2, Diversity noise canceling & Pure signal are amazing features.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Me too.

[@andylinton2798]

And me. @@johnratcliffe6438

[@n9bc296]

I sold my 6500 to get my Anan G2. Love it!

[@jeffscaparra6985]

I am considering selling my 6000 but only because I love my HL2s so much. With the HL2 I dunno why I would spend the money for the Anan radio. I have no doubt it is better but I doubt I need it or would use it.

[@neilhankey2514]

Pure signal is available on the Hermes Lite 2 and it also uses the Thetis software with NR2 = Spectral Noise Reduction. (PA3OMG)

[@leonvanderlinde5580]

If I had a TS-990, I will never ever sell it. Kenwood are audio people. They have the absolutely best audio on the market.

[@PF9Z-HamRadioDXStation]

thats for sure😊73s Sascha PF9Z

[@StephenFarthing]

Keep the Kenwood. Buy a Hermes lite 2 and a PA. Total cost about £300. The Hermes is controlled by a Computer, Windows, Linux and MacOS are available. There is a very wide range of software available, written and maintained by hams, and you can chat with the developers to get it to do what you need. The problem with the bigger manufacturers is one gets tied in to software which does what they want you to do. And once they retire the model you have software development generally ceases. But open source projects like the Hermes keep on going

[@arturk3810]

I would watch something about setup like that. Definitely not another 6k radio.

[@jeffscaparra6985]

I have both a HL2 and a 6600… Get the HL2 it’s pretty awesome.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Need a front panel :)

[@neilhankey2514]

You can attach any MIDI interface that you like to act as a front panel. This is standard in the Thetis software.@@DXCommanderHQ

[@qualin1974]

Someone made a comment about buying just a 6600 without the front panel and then buying a Maestro to act as the front panel detached from the radio. You certainly would want the M model if you want to have Displayport video out to a video capture device. However, I'd like to mention that with SmartSDR, you really don't need to capture video from the radio, as you can completely operate the radio entirely using SmartSDR without needing the front panel. Having the panel though is nice just to have access to analogue controls and real knobs. That can be a bit of a mindblowing thing to someone not used to it. @@DXCommanderHQ

[@Michael-DE-VO1OP]

Nope you'll regret it. The Flex has allot of issues with software updates and the audio's crap. Sounds tinny and fuzzy, if your gonna do it, get the Yaesu FTDX101MP. Best receiver on the market right now. BTW thanks for picking me up the other day on 40. 73: Mike DE VO1OP

[@BrianFields]

Cal - you're a musician like me. If you truly LOVE the sound of the 990, and the buttons and knobs, KEEP IT.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good point!

[@redforman1648]

I don't have much to do with radios but I do find them and you fascinating at how passionate you are about the entire business. Live streaming a "meeting" between you and Mr. Flex throwing a sales pitch about why you should "upgrade" would also be fascinating! Just my .02 cents worth....Rock On!

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Cal a year ago I was looking at the 890, kept putting it off, but recently bought the Flex, just for the ease of remote and every video I watch, the guys love it. We will miss the 990, she is a real beauty. Cheers n 73

[@VE9ASN]

As was mentioned. Id keep the kenwood for now and dip my toes in with the Hermes lite 2 plus to explore the world of SDR without spending a ton. They are definitely the future.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good advice.

[@ea1pj]

All the Kenwood TS-890 users are happy with this rig. Excellent receiving audio and easy to use, they say. Never saw a complain about the TS890S

[@McRocking]

Only 1 VFO and Cal needs 2

[@johnmunton-G7SSE]

An expensive option but isn't there a way to hook two of them together ?@@McRocking

[@TorLangvand]

Agreed. I'll never sell my 890. I dont need a 2.nd receiver. I use Open890 over network to control and use the Open890 waterfall, which btw is absolutely fantastic. Thats all I need for DX split operation.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Wrong. It has two VFOs. Only one receiver, which isn't an issue for 99% of operators.​@@McRocking

[@AK4TF]

My 2 cents, from a relatively young and new ham. I agree with your sentiment on the dual VFO. My first dual receive radio was an IC-7610. But the dual VFO (I've had a 101MP, an IC-7800, and currently use a TS-990) is hard for me to part with. That being said, I traded my 101MP for the 7800. I didn't care for the layout of the radio, the screen, while nice, felt squished. And the biggest thing that annoyed me on the 101MP was getting the tx audio setup correct. I had to call and speak to Tim at Yaesu on the mic gain/AMC nonsense, and even after getting a clean transmit signal, I still wasn't happy. The transmit audio on the scope looked to be 15khz wide, but I never got any complaints from anyone? The 7800 was built to the same quality of the TS-990, I can't speak for it's replacement the 7851 (US$13,999 price tag). It worked great, but was dated compared to what I had played with already. Then I found a TS-990 for sale for a good deal and sold the 7800. I'm going to keep the 990 for as long as I can. The one radio that lasted the longest in my shack was a TS-890 for about a year before I parted with it. The tx audio is hard to beat (in fact we spoke a few weeks ago during one of your streams, hello from AK4TF in GA!), the build quality, filtering, everything you talk about. I was a little miffed when I got it to find that the last software update (1.25 at the time, my radio came to me with 1.17 on it) was over 3 years old. But there was just a software update a few weeks ago to 1.26. I'm sure with enough poking of Kenwood, the RIT working on both receivers/VFO's can be remedied provided the circuit is designed to allow that. I don't have any experience with Flex, other than being on the receiving end of them. They sound great, they're an interesting concept. If the 6400M vs the 6600M was 100 watt vs 200 watt, I'd be inclined to try one out. But that's the rub for me. I don't want to deal with the extra connections and equipment of running an amp (and added cost for SS). I've done it in the past with tube amps. But being able to just turn on the radio and jump around hunting POTA or you during a live stream and having 200 watts on tap is good enough for me. But if the Flex will do what you want and you're doing a lot of remote operating now, it might not be a bad idea. I do like the idea of the Maestro and being able to operate from wherever and still have buttons/knobs. So maybe a little more than 2 cents, but I think you'll regret getting rid of the 990 down the road, whatever you decide to replace it with.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

An excellent comment.. I have a feeling I might stick with a 990 after reading all these comments..

[@PeterMcEwen-g3p]

Hi Cal, I dont think I will ever be in the 990 league but I love it when I watch you in front of that breathtaking front panel operating a real radio! Im not sure if you or all of us tuned in would get as big a thrill when you operate a very clever computer box......ft101 if you really must but please stick wirh the 990 for a while until I get used to the Idea of it leaving the channel. Love watching your videos, Pete

[@alexsmit1829]

By the way, yes! People watch the streams for those big transceivers with lots of knobs and buttons. A lot of people might lose interest in these videos if there's just one computer.

[@AmateurRadioUK]

My 2 cents worth as a Flex 6600 user:- Some people love SDR, some people hate it. SDR isn't for everyone. Flex radios (& SDR radios in general) need a slightly different way of thinking when setting them up & routing audio/CAT signals. It took me a couple of weeks messing around with it to really get my head around it & understand what I was doing. I absolutely love my Flex 6600 but don't overlook the Anan. The Anan is a newer design, has significantly better noise reduction, better filtering & (I believe) it does everything that the Flex does. It is however more difficult to get hold of (there was a waiting list when I looked) & I think it is also more expensive. I was impatient & eventually settled on the Flex. If you can get an interview with Flex & possibly borrow one to try, I think that would be a good move......especially if you can borrow it for a couple of weeks to give you time to play with it. I've never got my hands on the FT101MP, so can't help you there. I've heard lots of good comments made about the FT101MP. I believe it's basically the bigger brother to the FTDX10, so should also be a really nice radio. I would probably sway towards either the Flex or an Anan if I was in your position BUT expect a very frustrating learning curve in the first couple of weeks of ownership!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah-ha. OK, thanks James..

[@derryfalkner7093]

Hi Cal. Keep the 990 - at least initially. I did consider an SDR when I purchased my latest rig (IC7610 - +DXCommander ) and I am sure there are many reasons why SDR is better - but I really like having a physical radio that looks good and 'feels' nice to interact with - and powers up without the Windows fight... So performance was a consideration but not everything. I also understand that the 101 does have better measurements for receive and better filters - which is probably true, but the feel of a radio is just as important for me. So when I chose mine one thing that was important was size, and the Icom was smaller than the 101 - so that became part of the consideration along with my preference for the ICOM UI. So I would suggest spending a day at MLS (other suppliers are available) playing - certainly with the 101. Don't sell the 990 until you are sure!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good advice.

[@rogerp5816]

Take it for what's it's worth, I own my Flex 6600 because the first owner after two weeks couldn't get used to a radio without knobs and buttons. Lots of software issues in the Flex 6009 series that Flex doesn't seem to either want to or are able to fix.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I have heard. Great feedback. Thanks.

[@2E0VPF]

Love my 990. I’ll never part with it. I’ll get whatever big rig KENWOOD makes next, though it will be placed next to the 990.

[@jamescstanley5018]

Hi Cal, to my mind, Radios are like cars, and at 70 and motor trade for most of my life, I know cars, however hard you search you will never find the perfect item, no matter how hard you try! On seeing this latest video, if I were a Ham dealer. I would lend you a Flex, or what ever I had that you were inteested in. Given your business, you need a radio that will get the best out of your designs, and push them to their limits, so your radio choice is a vital part of the antenna design process. From the perspective of the radio manufacturer, or dealer, it would pay them to help you make your difficult choice, as no doubt, given you strong sense of fair play, you would acknowledge their input into your decision, which must, ultimately be good for them! I must confess that the 990 is my dream radio, I love buttons and hate menus, and I would buy it from you in a heart beat, but only being on the State Pension, I do not have enough years to buy it, even on the most generous of credit terms!!! Looking forward to more excellent videos 73 Jim M7BXT PS Watch for my new channel "Ham on a Pension" due to air before Christmas.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hi Jim.. ML&S have offered me their demo for a couple weeks but I'm not sure I have the time to faff about with a complex radio just to review it.. I might go and see Gary and have him walk me through it..

[@bx16v]

The FTDX101 tops the sherwood engineering receiver test charts above all others, but in the real world they are all so close that the average person wont notice any difference. Go with the one you like to use most.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah, the trouble with Rob's charts (and he admits this) is that the noiose floor is so low now that it's impossible for a regular user to tell the difference :)

[@ftlaud911]

The 990 and 7851 made me want to study to get licensed. I saw all the knobs / screen and was drooling. Once licensed I waited 3 years (life got busy) and eventually bought a 7610 and a 890. Love both!! From one musician to another, I would not sell the 990. You will miss the superior Kenwood audio. Such a pleasure to listen too.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Agree.. 990 will stay :)

[@PaulGriffith]

My first impulse is to stick wth the TS990. Write down every way us use the features of the 990 and try it out on a Flex. You might be able to find a Flex you can remote into and try out the features. You might want to talk to Ria, N2RJ about Flex radios.

[@PenryMMJ]

It's a big decision, and a tricky one. Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomics. When you've been using a rig for a while muscle memory kicks in and you instinctively now how to adjust things to match the conditions without having to think about where everything is, so you can concentrate on operating. With a new rig that muscle memory isn't there, and that will slow you down when you're live streaming and dealing with pile ups. You're a bright bloke, you'll get used to a new rig if you do change, but it could be frustrating until you do. But at the end of the day, it's your money, it's your radio, it's up to you.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah.. I read the 6600M manual last night and frankly, it completely freaked me out!

[@qualin1974]

I don't blame you. The manual freaked me out too. It could be better written, especially for those who are much more accustomed to using more traditional HF radios and don't understand a lot of new terminology pertaining to SDR radios. It is intimidating because it is just so different from what we're used to using. @@DXCommanderHQ

[@jiml40]

You should keep the TS990 and get what you decide you want to try, then after awhile you’ll know if you truly want to sell one or keep both. I currently have ts590, ts890, ft891, ft991, and Ic7100. Each has their unique special qualities.

[@KC4LZN]

I have the ANAN 7000 DLEMKII and from my flex friends tell me they are similar radios. I've gotten spoiled on the filtering. It is filtering beyond anyone's dreams and then there's the phasing capability. No, mine doesn't have any knobs, all software and yes, that was an adjustment but I believe I could hear a gnat fart on Mars with this receiver and filtering. GL on the search and the decision making process. Sri, don't own a Kenwood 990 but it looks like you could launch a few silos out of Kansas. 73

[@don_n5skt]

I have both an Anan 7000 and the Hermes Lite 2.0. Both are great radios.

[@VE1PS]

Lovely video. Was quite happy this past Friday to go back to your video and hear how I was reaching you. Rather surprised the signal you were receiving from me as I am using TS-480 at 100w via a 20m dipole about 20’ off the ground. Thanks for these shows. Trust “She who must be obeyed” is on the mend. 73

[@DXCommanderHQ]

She's doing well mate. Thanks.

[@edwinpd0sot503]

I would think about the double antenna stereo options , the antenna options and the menu structure that is diffrent. Good luck on the choice ! 73 ..

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

The Yaesu FT-DX101MP is a super radio and is in my shack. I have owned a flex 6400 and it is a great rig, just not the way I like to operate, the 6X00M transceivers are nice but still a lot of menus to mess with vs the ease of just touching a button or twisting a knob or dial.

[@CurtNovitsky]

Thx for vid,that radio looks like a piece of gear from the future it's unbelievable how people build these majic boxes

[@G1XOW]

I've had almost all of the Flex and Anan Radios over the years. Got so frustrated with software bugs, and lack development effort in software (especially from Flex) that I swapped to a Yaesu FTdx101d and probably will never go back to SDR (and I'm an IT engineer for nearly 40 years). The audio and RX noise floor on the 101d is the best on the market. Having all the controls at your fingertips instead of buried in a menu is pure bliss. If you are serious about SSB DX over stamp collecting (ft8) then the 101d is the beast. 73 Steve G1XOW

[@rogerp5816]

If Calum is looking for bugs that never will be fixed then a Flex 6000 series radio is the way to go. As a software developer I see a number of simple bugs in SmartSDR that should only take a day or two to fix that I don't expect will ever be fixed at the rate Flex fixes things.

[@rogerp5816]

If Calum is looking for bugs that never will be fixed then a Flex 6000 series radio is the way to go. As a software developer I see a number of simple bugs in SmartSDR that should only take a day or two to fix that I don't expect will ever be fixed at the rate Flex fixes things.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK Tnx Steve..

[@norbertstepien9185]

Hi Cal, I've got the 990 (at my UK QTH) and personally I would not part with it. As you well know, all radios are a compromise to some extent and I'm old school in that the big analog feel of the 990 suits me, not to mention it's performance and the engineering that went into it. I think that when we are considering a change then we look for things, however small, that will help us justify that our decision to swap rigs. May not apply to you, but that's how my mind works. 73. Norbert.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Aggreed. There is no mistake - hence the Q&A with you guys.. I think I'm keeping it right now!

[@PatrikS57AP]

Hi Cal, in my opinion, you should stick with the TS-990s. One of my friends has the Flex, but he rather enjoyed other his radios. Setrting up digital modes is a little bit quirky in my opinion. And it's easier to keep with this setup (because of redoing all that cabling etc.). 73s! :-)

[@MarkGoodger-f7z]

Hi Cal. I have a 990. My rear ethernet port stopped working after moving house. It turned out that one of the springy pins in the ethernet connector had jumped across to another pin! Careful use of a pair of tweezers fixed the problem. I discovered the fault after I took several photos of the ethernet socket and enlarged them. This clearly showed what had happened. I love my 990. Regards

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Wow! This is good information. Thanks.. Of interest, I have moved my 990 a LOT of times, even used it field-day style.. So maybe that's it!! Have you still got photos? Please email me.

[@xsean]

I have a 6400 and like it, but I do 99% remote operation. There are a few things about the Flex I don't like, but they are all in the software. If you do go the Flex route, I personally would not buy an M model. I would buy the 6600 plus a Maestro (when they become available). That way you can take the front panel of your radio anywhere there is an internet connection and operate exactly the same. That would add about $400 to the price, but I think it would be worth it.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Interesting..

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

I've just bought a 990 and love it. It will take me years to learn how to use it really well, which should keep me out of the pub and away from loose women for a while! 😜 Joking apart, you very quickly get used to the quality of the build and sound of the radio, not to mention it's impressive footprint when you sit and face it. The choice is yours but if you buy another radio, I would suggest you keep the 990 till you are really sure the new radio is the better one. What's the good of curing the RIT problem if you hate the look and sound of the new radio? Best 73a G0ACE

[@W4RDM]

Keep Keep Keep the Kenwood 990 - from a long time flex user

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah. Good advice. Tnx.

[@davidc5027]

Hard to go wrong with most rigs today. It's good we have choices.

[@lawrencekb5zzb551]

Yes. I sold mine for a Flex 6700 and never regretted it

[@PotatoesMakeChips]

Used flex radios a lot for remote. My biggest pet peeve with them is the program to control it installs like 15 sound devices in windows that makes using the computer for anything else audio related a bit of a pain. Also there (was/is) no ptt button in the software so you have to use a hardware one through a serial port on the computer.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh heck!

[@N1IA-4]

I had the Flex 6400M. It's the BEST if you do a lot of remote and love the PC aspect. But it doesn't FEEL like a large ham radio. I grew tired of the boot up times and wanted a REAL SDR ham radio that had plenty of controls on the front. had it for a couple or three years but swapped it for a FTDX101D. The rig is incredible - but ergonomically not too good. I am looking at maybe going with the FT890S one day, as I believe that to be ergonomically superior (alas no 2nd receiver in that though). I didn't think the ergonomics would bug me but over time it did. I operate strictly remote now using the 101D and Win4Yaesu by remoting in with RemotePC (similar to TeamViewer). Lesson: plusses and minuses with everything. Nice video.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You know, a "double TS-890" would be nice..!

[@allanjones4283]

Sounds like you've already decided. I own a TS-990, they just work -- It's a workhorse. Yes it has some little idiosyncrasies, Sherwood has RX way down the list, I find all in all the RX is fine and works a treat for me. I also have a modified SP-9000 (Phonema PHITS Acoustic Modification Kit & Phonema GAMMA PHITS Speaker Modification Kits) the sound quality is very noticeable. I can fine tune SSB DX stations to sound like FM and very close. The RIT is obviously niggling you --- I think it's just a 'Rolls Royce machine first world problem' personally ;-). Kenwood are making new radios not yet unveiled, why not just wait it out a little more??

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good advice..

[@applejacks971]

Its a big radio with buttons, knobs, switches and dials. That's all that's important :) That's what I love about my FT-2000. Just plain cool looking 🥰

[@497SC]

I can't speak for the TS-990 but I have a TS-890 and I love it! Best receiver that I've personally had a pleasure to listen to.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Couldn't agree more!

[@UpcomingChris]

Change is never a bad thing, would be good fresh content too, maybe attract a new group of viewers loyal or interested in Flex.

[@kg2c]

I would not recommend the Flex 6600 if you have a Kenwood TS-990 as you are already used to a radio that works well and is dependable. The Flex radios are amazing in terms of features but they also have a bunch of glitches, some of which have not been resolved for years. Also a new version can always break old functionality and then you are stuck running the old version until they fix things.

[@GroundControl204]

The Flex will outperform kenwood and Yaesu products with ease‼️ That company has one heck of a future with its designs. 73 waving from my tech bench⚡️👋🏻🇺🇸

[@WECB640]

It should be an easy mod to get both VFO's to RIT together. I'm surprised nobody's already done this. I suspect a simple relay to cut the data line to VFO 2 and then just buffer VFO data line 1 and send it to VFO 2 when the relay is engaged. I'd stick with the Kenwood. I hear many who went Flex and were annoyed with no squelch, and the Anan being far too difficult to operate correctly. They have all sold their SDR's and got a TS-990. PS. The 990 also has a working speech processor on AM, so it sounds quite good there too. 73

[@paulsengupta971]

It might just be a software thing how the RIT works.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I'm thinking I could write a macro.. VFO, go down 0.01 - swap VFO B, do same, then flick back to VFO and standby..

[@jochemssse]

I sold my icom ic 7851. and I bought the yaesu 101mp and the 101d... I think this is the best radio ever made.... The scope is also a big improvement. but don't forget that the kenwood is also a great radio. 73’ Jochem DL3PWR.

[@Hamradio101]

I would love to be able to afford a rig like this but would have more chance of finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow Ray MM7RWC

[@souta95]

If you're familiar with the Kenwood, I'd keep the Kenwood. Just my 0.02. If you want to go SDR and do remote control, consider an ANAN SDR. They are better than the Flex Radios, but take a bit more fiddling to get set the way you want them to be. If you want to go with a more conventional radio that is not the Kenwood, the FT-dx101MP is probably the way to go.

[@richardcraighead4779]

I just checked with tracking on, my Icom 7610 does what you are looking for. RIT will switch and track in both ears.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Nice... Good check. Tnx.

[@don_n5skt]

You should really go and use both the radios. That is a big purchase. I actually have both radios and enjoy them both. The Flex is more powerful but the 101D is a great change of pace for me where the 101D has all the knobs and buttons. I personally would not get an M Model. I have a 6600 and a Maestro and I find I RARELY use the Maestro.

[@gtretroworld]

I quite fancy a 101 too but will probably wait. In my honest opinion i would keep the 990 and wait for something fresh as surely kenwood must be due to release some new radios next year...

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah, I like your thinking.

[@WU3Shamradio]

I would love to have a ts990 if you decide to sell I would be I might be interested if it could be converted to US band allocations. Although the shipping would probably kill me 😂

[@DukeDave1]

I do think you will have learning curve when you change a radio. If you've been using a specific manufacturer's product, you will be adjusted to their way of thinking, ie. menus and abreviations. So if those obstacles are too much change for you; stay put. If your niggles are too much to stay, then I'd totally recommend having the boys at Flex on? to have a jaw wag about their features; and I do think that should be a great show.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I read the 6600M manual l;ast night and frankly, it completely freaked me out!

[@budhouseholder1230]

Looking for a perfect radio? A fools errand.

[@jackmartinkd9pdy891]

I love my Flex. Works with my Acom Perfectly! I work refrom my iPhone. Love it!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Cal, Icom still sells the IC-7851, but it's a hefty $13.3K US. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@DXCommanderHQ]

7851? We can't get those in the UK since I thought they had stopped.. But it's too much..!

[@rjy8960]

My old FT-2000D was getting a little long in the tooth and having had a few issues in the past with it and now the sub-VFO isn't working properly, I decided to replace it with something newer. I was looking at the FT-dx101MP but I don't want to spend my life faffing about with menu's and it just looks plasticky. Being a life-long Yaesu fan I've just naturally moved away from it - they seem to have lost the "wow" factor that I always had from Yaesu. I also didn't want a computer with knobs. Anyway, I went with the TS-990 and I adore it. I love the traditional radio feel and everything is to hand. It's beautifully built and a joy to use. This was the only radio I felt I actually wanted on my desk as a main radio. Nothing is perfect, I think you end up swapping one set of slight niggles with another set of niggles. So long as the set of niggles you end up with is lesser than the previous ones, you are in a good place.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

The 990 is a beast in wolf's clothing! I love it. And I have almost cured the RIT issue. More about that soon..

[@rjy8960]

@@DXCommanderHQ Look forward to it, Cal!

[@tomstange7762]

Quality is remembered...long after price is forgotten...(I mean Kenwood)....

[@nbhelenatashnbex5736]

I love it when people try and justify wanting a new toy....I think you already know the answer to this riddle Cal!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Absolutely not.. I just need a work-around to the RIT issue..

[@nbhelenatashnbex5736]

And there's the reason you'll soon have both!😊

[@joshk4jns985]

Funny to have stumbled on this video. I was just trying to convince myself to sell my Icom 7610 to go the flex route because of the remote part and tbw cap on the Icom off and on today. I’ve had the flex 6300. I just don’t know if I can go back to loosing the knobs again.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I know.. It's a difficult one.

[@leybald60]

I know a station that uses a Flex in the UK and its been away for repair more than should (which entails it being sent to Flex in Germany.) I'd do my due diligence checks on the Flex's reliability first.

[@garyh8315]

It it ain't broken, then why fix it? However, we all drool over kit that we think would be better. There are loads that regret it too

[@DXCommanderHQ]

As I said, the RIT control and the Ethernet port..

[@TorLangvand]

Just send the 990 over. I'll take it off your hands. I'm running a 890. LOve it. Would like dual receive, as I run DX and pile-ups hard. But, no big deal. The 890 does that job fine. 990 production seized? Yes. But they can fix this on a firmware update.

[@hustler9852]

I remember everything amateur radio was an add on in the '60's. When I got to college (Poli Sci) I got a commercial radio license and let the school pay for equipment. What about if you take the "Raspberry Pi " and developed it into an RIT add on???

[@PerB_M]

Take a look at the Elecraft K4D. I love mine.

[@rogerp5816]

Agreed, however Elecraft hasn't been able to deliver remote control software yet.

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

With the new ICOM transceivers everything is done in software but FLEX Radio Systems are not very common but depend on the type of processor in your computer as your computer will be doing a lot of the number crunching so if your go for a FLEX Radio Systems 6600MM then hopefully the tower computer you have will be up to the task.

[@benrutlidge198]

I have the 6600. I did not need the M version with the screen. Just add a decent monitor and you are off. There is a learning curve so be prepared to watch lots of the flex KZbin videos. It’s 100w out the back so investigate how to connect/control your amp. I have had it two years and no issues. Software updates were straight forward. I use a Mac so needed to buy the SDR software but am sitting in my garden playing FT8 on 10m via an old iPad.

[@adyg6ad73]

Cal, check out the connectivity on the Elecraft K4D it is amazing. RX inputs galore. Google the back panel :-) In diversity mode the RIT does both receivers. Remote is possible but the factory solution has yet to be released (by the end of this year they say). You get SDR tech with knobs on the front. Perfect.

[@AG7SM]

I love my K4D.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah! OK Ade, I will look.. I think that sounds a solid idea.

[@lvandivier]

Cal, I have the K4D and really like it. My first choice was a TS-990S however it's been around for many years. I wanted something new for my retirement radio. TS-890S was another option but I like the dual receive capability in the K4D. I added the external speaker where you can have 2 inputs. The K-Pod is pretty cool as well. Has a lot of functions. The radio manual is built right into the radio and you can scroll it through the display. It does have HDMI output if you want that feature. It's definitely worth a look. I am old school, I like having knobs and switches on the radio. Licensed 50+ years and this is my retirement radio. 73 DE W9XE @@DXCommanderHQ

[@brucebeard978]

I owned a TS-990 for 10 years. Like you I struggled with the idea of selling it and moving on. In the end I switched to an Electaft K4 and I am enjoying the experience.

[@wc4j]

I run a Flex 6600 and 6500 remotely and local during contests. I find I use them over the ic7610 or the ts590 sitting next to them

[@Aswaguespack]

IMO There is no perfect radio but there are some radios with better receivers than the Kenwood, but you have to ask what might you gain and what might you lose in any change. Make a list of gains and losses and if any radio shows “substantial” Gains then “maybe” you might consider a change. Do you need to sell one radio to upgrade to a newer one? Personally I would keep the present one while “auditioning” a new rig. Now you develop options. My 2¢

[@Jeffodowd]

Flex any day. Used The 6700 for 6 years with the Pc. Fantastic. Used the 6700 with the Maestro both in the shack and remote. Fantastic! You can even log into and use my Flex 6700. 8 bands all at once if you think you can. Lol Audio quality is superb on receive and ability to pull out signals. Just can’t fault it.

[@CE4PS]

Callum that is the same problem that the 7610 have. Rit does not track on diversity. What about an Elecraft K4D? You RIT an station using diversity and the receivers move along perfectly.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I was thinking about this.. I could potentially write a Macro to send to the rig a command to change freq on VFO by 0.01, then swap to VFO B and do the same.. Then swap back so I could tap it three times for instance to come down - and then another key to reset both. I might try that tomorrow.. Probably an F key inside N1MM...

[@DominicMazoch]

The K radio is paid for. And works. And you know it. And you cannot have too many ant ports. Keep it

[@WaltKO4LFE]

No! Get the BHI noise reduction module and speaker to cut out $)(?!?;) noise. Cheaper too!!😊 Besides, you can operate the 990s in your sleep!!!

[@pfmcdermott1]

I hope kenwood puts out the 990 again

[@palmettohorn]

I love my Flex 6600. Got it three years ago and haven't missed VFOs and buttons since. You might or maybe not. Maybe buy one and hold on to your 990 for a bit, then sell the one you want the least; or keep'em both. Tbh, you could probably set up a go fund me for your new radio, and there'd likely be more than a few faithful subs who'd be happy to help.

[@2metercrew389]

Maybe they could let you try the flex radio out for a little bit to see if it’s really what you need before you sell the radio that you know already😊😊😊

[@m0ngo]

Let Kenwood know you'd like them to consider a firmware change. I did.. Your observation with RIT not tracking both VFOs when tracking is enabled makes sense. Kenwood said it was not a bug, but they are happy to pass it on to engineers in Japan. If more did this, then there might be a firmware change.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I have an explanitory graphic to send to someone at Kenwood but I can't find an email address... If you know of one, maybe you could drop me a line..

[@m0ngo]

@@DXCommanderHQ I have emailed you Cal.

[@Redbelly357]

Never buy anything that needs a PC to even function. In 10 years it will be an obsolete doorstop.

[@KE6DOA]

I would definitely definitely keep that thing

[@aaronlynch139]

Callum, just a thought. I am not familiar with the 990. I have the FTDX101D. I have never seen any radio that has the 'tracking' option (called 'Sync' on the 101) which allows the user to listen to two VFOs (and in your case, antennas) simultaneously, pick up the RIT on the subvfo as well. I am presuming you want RIT to track a station slightly off freq ( called Rx Clarifier on 101), but want to ensure that when you TX, you are on the correct freq? The 101 also has a Tx clarifier....so in that instance, you could follow the station you are listening to by going slightly off freq with the VFO in tracking and then use the TX Clarifier to ensure you key up to TX on the the correct freq. Do you follow? So, unsure if the 990 has a TX clarifier like the 101. If it does, thats your work around. I reckon you keep your 990.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes I have RIT.. And I have TRACKING. But if a stations calls me, and in the "heat of battle", I want to change the RIT on BOTH VFOs without pressing more buttons.. I have worked it out - but it needs a software solution via a Macro on N1MM.. Need some more time to solve the problem.

[@aaronlynch139]

@@DXCommanderHQ understood but does the 990 have a tx clarifier? The 101, you can move the vfo which would ordinarily move both the Rx and TX freq. With the tx clarifier, you can move the vfo then switch the tx clarifier on to move the tx freq back to the correct frequency. You can even use it instead of split. Does the 990 have that function?

[@aaronlynch139]

G'day Callum What I am suggesting employs a TIT (Transmit Incremental Tuning) rather than an RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning). The 101 calls the RIT an RX Clarifier, and a TIT (for want of a better acronym) the TX Clarifier. I am presuming the 990 has some sort of TX Incremental Tuning function? I have uploaded a video to Google Drive for you to take a look at that demonstrates what I mean. drive.google.com/file/d/1m91_Y8Kt1ykDHFJYoozIuP7TkV0w0qRk/view?usp=sharing Best 73. Good Luck. Aaron VK2ON

[@DXCommanderHQ]

@@aaronlynch139 I'm lucky to see this comment because comments are not flagged up for me to review UNLESS they have a link in it. Lucky your sis.. OK, I COULD do that *but* in the heat of battle, I have to do two things, "clarify" the station in with my VFO then TX RIT back to where I was.. For a 2-over fast contact, it's hardly worth it. But I genuionely thank you for thinking of me..!!

[@aaronlynch139]

@@DXCommanderHQ, yep, if you are working a pileup, not a workable solution. Ragchew it would be fine. Understood. Genuinely, if you are wanting to listen to the two VFOs employing your separate antennas, I can't think of a radio (even the Flex or the Anan) that would do what you are looking to do.....ie QSY the both vfos at once back to your TX freq if you knocked it off a little to listen to someone off freq. Good luck with the search, but honestly, for all the good you speak of the 990, I reckon you havent got a good enough counter reason to get rid of it. 73 Aaron VK2ON

[@kareytodd8054]

Maybe you need to now checkout the Flex 8000 that was shown in Dayton Hamvention?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Maybe.. Actually I fancy K4..!

[@ianxfs]

My 5000 has the same issue with 2 VFOs and RIT/Clarifier. The Flex (& others) may introduce new niggles to the shack… A niggle at my end, if I click on a cluster spot on PC, VFO A goes to the frequency, but VFO B stays put 😕On yours this may work a treat… New Yaesu may still have my 5000 niggles, so buyer beware 😮 Lots of comments, so may have been confirmed by an owner already 👍🏻

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah..! So you have the same.. Well Ian, I am considering sending a "macro" to the TS990 from the keyboard via N1MM.. So (let's say) "UP ARROW" increases freq by 0.01, then SWAP VFOs and do the same with VFO B.. Then come back to rest on VFO A and end the macro.. .. I need another macro to reset it.. I shall tinker tomorrow with this..! Probably best with F-Keys.

[@ianxfs]

@@DXCommanderHQ Good luck 🤞🏻

[@Jeffodowd]

Also works perfectly with the Acom A2000

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes I'm sure!

[@Rick-se5qm]

I switched from the 990S to a 6600M in 2018. The most noticeable difference...the receive selectivity is superior, especially when the band is congested with contesters. Not sure if the 30day trial applies across the pond but if it does that could be a selling point for you. BTW I have not experienced any hardware issues or SW glitches with the 6600M. However the PGXL amp has been returned for service twice in two years.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I am deep in thought right now.. I don't think I'm an SDR man on reflection. These comments are amazing.. Thanks.

[@mahdialmurayati]

Its a good idea to wait for the ANAN-G2-1K 1000W HF & 6M SDR Transceiver, it has the best receiver and transmitter on the market.📻

[@michaelmccollum5360]

What if you would just adjust the frequency on the VFO that the RIT is not working on. Keep the RIT on your Tx antenna and just adjust the actual frequency on the receive antenna. Would that be an okay work-around?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It doesn't work.. I would have to turn down the volume on one ear then move it.. In the middle of a pile up, it's complex! However, I am considering a macro to do this job.. Need to spend an evening writing the code..

[@paulsengupta971]

Does the Kenwood have a transmit compensation control? That way you could use the main VFO knob(s) to tune the receiver in while still transmitting on the correct frequency. Either that, or does it do a quick split mode where it hangs on to the tuned transmit frequency while adjusting the VFO to receive? Just a couple of work around thoughts from someone who doesn't know anything about the 990!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

There are work-arounds but difficult for one quickl QSO mid pile-up.. Good thinking though.

[@T.M.G2014]

ic 7610 is dual i think

[@ONYXRCR73]

Remote on the FLEX just works, works every time with no fuss. I remove daily with zero issues. Good Luck N6OIX.

[@mikemurphy1940]

Have you considered an Elecraft K4?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. No software apparently..!?

[@WD4DAN]

flex smartsdr does not have voice record playback memories btw - major flaw/omission

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh!

[@tomKZ8TOM]

Callum, I would say keep your radio for posterity sake. But definitely try out something new if you are bored. On the flip side, for fun, let’s see you borrow a FT-818 and do some QRP on a day trip. Wish you well!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good idea!

[@arryfenton7668]

! so still stuck with ONLY 2 VFO's ;) I run a 6700, like you i got used to the software for the radio but am not sure if the RIT functions the same when in DIV (diversity) will let you know later

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah. OK!

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

What a lovely dilemma to have! My broke arse is using a TS-430S, wondering if I should upgrade to something from the 1990s! 🤣 That 990 sure is a beauty though.

[@rufusrizzo78]

I don't know if Flex fixed this issue. I have a friend with a Flex 6600, and the SD cards fail about once a year. Flex is quick to send him a replacement, but he's without a radio for 3-7 days. If you get a Flex, make a copy of the SD card so you have a spare.

[@dasl73]

Elecraft K4D will give you a great screen via HDMI and has all the options you want for tracking

[@rogerp5816]

Agreed, but I've been waiting over a year for remote control software to be delivered.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hmmm. As Roger sad, I do need some software (even local software) to control the front panel..

[@Superfandangoo]

Cal won't you miss all the physical knobs and buttons opposed to the Flex 6600 & virtual pc ones?

[@akeem11h]

That’s why NASA doesn’t fly to space much because you took their space shuttle control unit😢😅, that radio is technical! Jesus! That radio is a dream for me. Keep it Cal.

[@McRocking]

No rig is perfect and familiarity eventually leads to irritation. I would keep the 990 and buy a 101MP to have on rotation. The new toy will cure familiarity without creating sellers remorse.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh heck, I can only use one radio at a time and ideally, I need at least a 10 year run at it..

[@McRocking]

@@DXCommanderHQ I can't comment on the Flex, but a 101 is going to feel a bit "cheap" after coming from a 990. Value is the dish of the day, not luxury.