Tecsun PL-990x Has superb SSB tuning capability closer to high end desktop radios in performance

[@wu2u]

By pressing and holding the "3" button it will recalibrate the SSB to .000

[@garyblackerby3226]

On the PL-880 you could calibrate the SSB by pressing and holding the snooze bar on top of the radio.

[@denisallard8137]

My most saught after feature on this radio so far is its use of the telescopic antenna for MW. Can't wait to hear more and especially, Gilles' opinion on circuitry-induced noise (not birdies, just noise). Keep the reviews coming Gilles.

[@NorthBoroughsLawnCareLLC]

Hello, just watched your videos on this radio and purchased it. Your vids definitely help me make this decision. Seems to be just the one I was looking for. Great videos.. thanks!! 73s

[@ronsarchery6378]

Mine came today. Sun is interfering a bit . Only received one battery, but will order more. I did have to turn off two surge protectors to reduce noise. Also received a really nice connector cable to go from the MLA 30 to the radio.

[@sidneycavalcant]

O que está achando do rádio até o momento ?

[@wu2u]

It looks like the radio is still switched to "Internal" antenna??

[@danwalkley304]

A nice s meter would have been nice. The numerical db thing? Who thought that up?!

[@bigmartin]

I hate that stupid db thing too, makes no sense

[@maninthevan53]

Nice, I have 2 older radios Realistic DX-440 and the very huge Panasonic RF -4900, I love the compact radios

[@vu3mes]

Seems to be a very capable portable.

[@jensspiess8312]

PL-990x : PLL will blow out by strong signals in SSB/CW reception ... Problems regarding SSB/CW reception with the PL-990x : ====================================================== The PL-990x has a very high RF-sensitivity. At first I was thinking the PL-990x would have a faulth in the construction , because many demodulated SSB/CW signals have showing FM-effects ... Thats why I made an reset , but it gaves no solution of the problem . My test result is : On large - e.g. real amateur radio - antennas the PL-990x causes problems because of the strong signals (original voltage from the antenna) when demodulating SSB/CW strong FM effects happen because the PLL is simply "blown out" by high levels , the PLL starts working unstable !!!! The PL-990x is NOT designed for large antennas with very high signal levels in terms of dBµV !!! The more the signal level drops below 40 dBµV, the higher the S/N ratio and the demodulation is correct and clean without FM effects! For example, when using a G5RV antenna, I have e.g.achieved a 3 dB attenuator in front of the PL-990x antenna input and the antenna switch of the PL-990x is NEVER in the "DX" position ... but mostly in the "Norm" or even "Local" position. You could also open the PL-990x and put in an attenuator potentiometer. (1 kΏ to ground). On this occasion - when you have the unit open - you can also install a sensible and better antenna socket, e.g. an SMA socket. Then everything is wonderfully in order and the reception is excellent, for the most part even better than with my IC-7300 !!!!

[@tonymagnier9846]

Yes it works better when the radio is in NORM or LOCAL mode when connected to an external loop/antenna

[@WilliamParmley]

Well, there's no one whose opinion and advice I trust more in the field of SWLing (and Windows, too). So, I just sent Anon-co an order for a 990X! I like my Skywave SSB for casual listening and I still miss my Sony 7600 (died, bad caps). Really looking forward to having a high end portable that is truly a joy to tune around with.

[@johanzijlstra2819]

Very nice video with good and clear explanation. Why doesn't this radio have a noise blanker?

[@TheMajkla]

Nice, it's like tuning SSB on the PL-880.

[@scottbelcher9026]

How does the Kaito KA-1103 compare? Is it also good for SSB that way? The Tecsun PL-990x is a little out of my price range... lol... my XHDATA D-808 does about all I want it to, except it’s a hassle and sometimes an impossibility to get SSB voices tuned to where I can hear them...

[@RealMesaMike]

How does it do with Synch AM?

[@greggaieck4808]

Gilles I like you review on the Tecsun 990x

[@honigtrailapiary4341]

What are the differences between the Tecsun PL-990 and the PL-990X?

[@sidneycavalcant]

Quero saber também, pois atualmente no Aliexpress apenas tem o modelo sem o "x"

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Good video and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

With a bandwidth of 500 Hz, you should be able to isolate a Morse Code signal. Impressive!

[@sidneycavalcant]

Havia assistindo vídeos que informam que o SSB do PL 990 distorce, percebe o mesmo ?

[@zbruch66]

please explain the difference between Tecsun PL 990 and Tecsun PL 990x

[@greggaieck4808]

Gilles your utube videos are awesome

[@igregmart]

The whole zero-beat thing sounds so unimportant to me. It seems to me an obsessive digital radio issue, that (of course) did not even exist in the old analog days. A station not on the exact number? Isn't that what tuning and fine tuning are for?

[@DG-kq8zf]

I have an old TBX-8 WWII radio, and it has a BFO pitch knob that I can use to get a zero beat. Seems pretty important on side band. Maybe I'm reading your post wrong? BTW, I haven't fired up the old radio for several years. I'm afraid of losing a tube. It came with spares placed in dummy sockets inside and the spare TX tube is gone. Still have the RX spare. But it's like playing Russian roulette if i fire it up. Lol

[@DonzLockz]

Is there much difference tuning between the 680 and the 990X?

[@larryprimm5204]

Can this radio pick up aircraf? After all this is an expensive radio.

[@carpman4767]

No it can't receive aircraft

[@nordmende73]

Thank you very much!

[@onedirection3510]

How different is the PL990x from the PL990?

[@samla2404]

the 990 is domestic to china. However, the 990x - x= xport for the word Export.

[@kalamatacity]

i see its quite expensive any alternatives

[@samla2404]

get the 880. It's as good except for the blue-tooth.

[@chrisr465]

I have a new 990x. When I use ssb the bandwidth 3 and 4 sound exactly the same. I'm thinking of taking it back. In your video, it seems yours does the same thing. Do you notice a difference in yours between 3 and 4 on ssb?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

nothing wrong with it, on SSB you never use more than 3 wide signals are not wide enough, that is why you do not notice a difference, typical SSB voice is around 2.3 - 2.7 kHz wide. your radio is fine

[@chrisr465]

@@OfficialSWLchannel I have the 501x also and that one I notice a difference between 3 and 4 ssb, it has more treble or static I should say on 4. On the 990x, 3 and 4 is the same on mine and it could use that extra treble sometimes. I do understand what you're saying about the 2.3-2.7 kHz though. Thank you for replying back.

[@kuwait14]

When will this radio be available for purchase? thanks ⚘

[@babisglykiotis2723]

at anon-co by end of this month back in stock for $ 235

[@tomwoehle3519]

The pl 330 for the money is the best buy.

[@herojitth9735]

may i buy it radio???

[@sidneycavalcant]

Qual sua opinião comparando o PL 990x com o PL 680 ?

[@larrybragg7406]

Does this radio also have AGC, slow or fast?

[@greggaieck4808]

Gilles your Tecsun 990x mw lw fm SW ssb 5 bands receiver is cool

[@christopherthompson2830]

Can you hear eams on that radio

[@jimphillips4377]

does the fine tune work the same as a bfo or is a bfo better for tuning ssb??? im considering a tecsun pl-680

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

Fine tune is what top of the line receivers use , you are actually tuning the frequency to get the SSB audio you want. a BFO works well, but it lacks the precision needed. Fine tuning will often make it easier to tune into a SSB signal you know the frequency

[@SoulStarLA]

Love your videos. Curious how the 990x compares to a Sony ICF2010?

[@tonymagnier9846]

much better filters on the 990x the Sony has a only wide/narrow. Audio from the 990x is much better.

[@zvjezdaniput6121]

Im sorry, is this radio can listen a radio amateur bands?

[@greggaieck4808]

Gilles I want to get Tecsun 990x mw lw fm SW ssb 5 bands receiver

[@lambertpga]

Wich one do you personnaly prefer, the PL-990x or the 501x for mainly utility RX? Thank you kindly. Happy Holidays from Belgium

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

both are amazing... I would choose the 501x...but both will do a great job

[@lambertpga]

@@OfficialSWLchannel Thank You. The radio is just arrived...

[@cimbakahn]

Can you take the batteries out and run it with a cord to the wall?

[@rocqitmon]

wall adapter creates lone noise / RF so no. very sensitive receiver

[@chicopintudo3443]

1 HUG OF BRASIL 👍😎🇧🇷 TKS

[@UDX-340]

Excellent interpretation on zero beat.

[@nickpearson3434]

I just ordered the PL 990 on Amazon but I noticed that you have the 990x, what’s the difference? Should I return it and order the 990x? I live in New England USA. Thanks! Love the channel.

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

same radio, the X is for the export version

[@dfwnick5309]

Thanks..I am getting one today.

[@scottbelcher9026]

Does the Tecsun H-501 have this easy SSB tuning feature as well?

[@tonymagnier9846]

No only ATS

[@NicuIrimia]

yes, but, in your opinion, is it worth the price tag?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

yes

[@sarmatvideo]

Nice radio I AM have pl 880

[@takeabr8km861]

Should the ANT. switch be on EXT. instead of INT. ?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

yes for external antennas... but in this video I tried something with the loop clipped ... that is why the switch was on int

[@n1vca]

@@OfficialSWLchannel Must be the invisible antenna clip that created the magnetic storm :-)

[@symbios2022]

How can MP3 playing in this radio, do you have a usb port on this model?

[@tonymagnier9846]

SD card

[@waizilee]

Can I ask for its price？

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

$235 US on Anon Co

[@Josephstokesbary-sw2mb]

I love my 990

[@n1vca]

What about the MP3 feature - can you record with it? ... like program a schedule that will be recorded automatically? Does it have AirBand?

[@babisglykiotis2723]

I guess you have find out by now, but for most new users reading now ... no recording ... no air band

[@endrizo]

aaa very nice but too bad no AIR band .

[@DXLUPO]

I do have tecsun Pl 880 should i change?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

no

[@Coratory]

This receiver has the same performance on SW as PL-330. But it is really good on LW. But there are no LW stations in the USA so you probably wasted your money

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

there are many things in the LW band from ham experimental stations to non directional beacons and with a good antenna .. you can sometimes receive European LW stations. no waste of money at all, I decoded a weather navtex with it

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

Also this is a far superior tuning and audio. Not in the same league. only someone that does not know what he talks about says waste of money....why waste time posting comments

[@Coratory]

@@OfficialSWLchannel Thank you for explaining. Are you planning to compare it with Sangean 909?

[@cosmodookie2914]

Too bad, that they missed out a TNC-antenna connector..

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

way too big of a connector for a radio that size.. 3.5 mm is fine

[@timedriverable]

Too bad for atmosphere conditions. Would buy it if it used standard alkaline batteries.

[@vahanyazarian3705]

If it MUTES between stations it.'s not a Radio!

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

990X does not mute

[@vahanyazarian3705]

@@OfficialSWLchannel I stand corrected and ready to try one out. Thank You!

[@ivanigorpollick6690]

a lot of noise..