18650 batteries are not bad, in fact I love them. I am an scuba diver and and all my scuba flashlights have them. They give a 1 1/12 hour of continuous powerful light each time and they never fail. I imagine that in that radio last for hours. I have the Tecsun PL-680and I love it. The air frequency is awesome. Thanks for your channel, very informative.
Picked one up after listening to your reviews on this one. This is my first, real SW radio. I cannot be more pleased and am having a ball with it! Thank you!
I really want one but I just can't justify the price. I will be using my PL-330 for a long time, I mostly use headphones so the sound on the PL-330 sounds alot better. If Tecsun made a new version with record, RDS, airband and better syncing, I'd definitely consider it. The 990X is the best looking radio out there, they just need to tweak it a bit more.
I just received my PL-990X on June 26, 2024. It has an additional instruction sheet showing the “hidden” features and the calibration sequence that you showed 3 years ago. Maybe they listened to your video.😀
The sensitivity on SW is very good. The sensitivity on MW is flat-out unreal - even just using the internal antenna at night out on my deck it picks up stations every 10 KHZ from 540 to 1710. The ETM feature is nothing less than stellar.
The PL-990 doesn't have ETM, but ATS memory storage. ETM is a separate memory storage, only available on the compact PL-380, PL-310ET, PL-398MP/ET and the PL-360/PL-365 models. The enhanced version of the ETM storage (ETM+), which memorizes stations according to hour of the day for the SW band, is found on the SSB capable PL-330 and PL-368 models. All other Tecsun shortwave radios with PLL synthesized tuning have just the ATS memory storage, but no ETM. 📻😀
Thank you for all your videos on the Tecsun range. I did some research and about six months ago bought a PL-330, it's great. I like the size, I can throw it into a bag and keep it on me while traveling and it does what I want effectively, particularly for morse practice. The filters are excellent. However, for a few weeks, I have been twitchy. I know the symptoms: a need (want for a new, bigger better radio), Obsessional research, Spending hours viewing TH-cam, comparison checking...Pl-330 vs lots of other radios. I've been through this lots over the years with all sorts of Ham kit. I spend the money and sometimes regret my purchase. You have saved me £260. Your videos have led me to conclude that for my needs the PL-330 can't be bettered. It's a first. Thank you.
I wonder which will rank higher on your top ten list? Your H-501x or your RSPdx? I can’t choose between my IC-R30, H-501x, or RSP1A. They all have substantial advantages.
I have 4 TecSun's, All good radios--- Also, I came across a couple Solar Battery pack- Chargers , Advertised for cell phones, but also works 4 Radios---
I know this is old, but I agree. I have a pl-880 but would never consider another SWR without those features. There is no excuse not to have the feature in 2023. That and user upgradeable firmware.
I also love me a good 18650 battery. I have a large number that I scavenged, so they are readily available and cheap. Your complaint about being able to find one in the store is off base. Can you find a new battery for your phone in a store? Nope. You can't even take the battery out of modern phones without a bunch of specialized tools. So the fact that you CAN get affordable batteries ahead of time and be able to swap them in the field in very valuable.
This radio when it's released will/can be a top ten/five and that would be the new Eton Elite HD shortwave, a remake of the old Eton 900XM. The 900 and the 800 had a great tuner.
Great review. I love swl and had an old Grundig inherited from my dad but it got misplaced and I am now on the market for a sw radio only to find that the major players dropped manufacturing sw radios and that's how I found your channel. I think I will go for this one. On a side note, maybe the Bluetooth functionality allows recording of the stations on your phone? Thanks for sharing.
I have the PL880. Is this PL990 marketed to be a little better or is an updated version of the 880? Where do they each lie in the hierarchy in the Tecsun lineup?
Would you value the Tecsun PL-990/X at FOUR TIMES the price of the XHDATA D-808? That’s the price difference in Australia. I’m really liking the D-808 by the way after just a couple of days with it.
I own both. I picked up the PL-990x last week and absolutely love it. I paid exactly 3 times what I paid for my D-808 and don't regret it for a second. The build quality of the 990x is just on another level than my D-808. I love my 808 but the sound quality on the 990x is leaps and bounds superior. For a lower cost option I believe the 808 is the best all-around option out there. If you are someone who appreciates better build quality and amazing sound (plus no muting while tuning), you will love the PL-990x.
while not as common as AA batteries, two 123 a.k.a. CR123 which ive been able to find at my local Kroger/Meijer/Walmart/Payless works equally as fine when in a pinch.
I have discovered a major issue with the 990x on SSB on the higher bands. Example tune to some SSB speech on 27.385 Mhz LSB or USB horrible DSP Warbling / wobble not to be confused with AGC issue on the oscillator seems to be the whole top end of the band on SSB rendering SSB useless possibly 25 to 29 MHZ however AM seems ok. Going to be a whole lot of disappointment owner's when the solar cycle comes up opening the top bands. I Believe this was an issue with some early 880's
Aye, the 880 did that as well. It almost sounds like a vco issue on the transmitter but it's not. Seemed worse on lsb on mine. I don't use it for 11 meters all that much but I did see it on 12 and 10 meters.
I am sure the Tecsun PL-990X is a fine receiver. But I am not impressed with extra features. I like simple receivers without all the complicated modern extra things to learn. A few months ago I bought a Sangean ATS 818CS. This model was still in the factory box and packed in styrofoam. It was made in 1994. Bought it for around $100.00. Thank you for the review of the Tecsun. I'm thinking the PL-990X would be perfect for packing away for a camping trip. I like the portable size and receiving power.
interesting, I am a new beginner of the radio, I remember when I was a kid, my grandpa will listen to the radio, after he dead, my grandma start this habit, now, both of them dead, I want to buy a radio to memory that good time.
hello and congratulations for the channel!..I give you a swl from Italy....I would have the possibility (maybe) to get a used pl 990 (without X)....what's the difference with the 990X... ? Are they the same in terms of SSB performance? Thank you!
What's the website you said these could be bought through? I've heard you mention them a few times but can't make the name exactly. I know they are available on Amazon but wanted to check other locations.
Always great videos. I just bought the Sangean ATS 818 and the Uniden CR 2021. Both look brand new and came with the wall plugs. The Uniden even had the manual and warranty card., Neither looks like they were ever used. I got both for $150.00 Do you have experience with either? Thanks for all the videos and the help they give. Best Wish
İ support Shortwave radios. İ have the Tecsun PL330 Tecsun PL990X Sangean Ats 909X2 Qodosen SR-286 XHDATA D808 Raddy RF750 and also Arduino Chip based receivers! Please support Shortwave radios!
Hi, thanks for for your answer, well I do it but I only can tune 2 stations, when It is supposed there are more of ten stations, what could I doing wrong? by the way Iḿ in Mexico
Based on yours and other user reviews I took the plunge and purchased a PL-330. I am really apppy with it, once I got past the chuffing when tuning. However I have one small problem that I cannot seem to find the answer to. The MW/AM bandwidth seems to be stuck on 1.0KHz and will not scroll through to the wider bandwidths, SSB scrolls through ok. I can see others have had the same issue but I have still not found the solution to unlocking it. Does anyone know the way to do this, probably another hidden feature.
I have a pl600 . I have had quality issues . The first one failed after a month . I was sent a replacement but now after a year often it refuses to switch on without several tries. Also the tuning knob only operates in the backward direction so I have to use the buttons . When working correctly its very good but I feel the quality leaves a lot to be desired . I would not buy another . Anyone else had similar problems ?
ENROLOU DEMAIS... PODERIA TER FEITO DEMONSTRATIVO DE TODOS ACESSÓRIOS, TER MOSTRADO O COMPARTIMENTO DAS PILHAS/BATERIAS 18650... E TER LIGADO NO FINAL DO VÍDEO ❗❗❗MAS VALEU A INTENÇÃO 💪😎
I cant sa my tecsun r9012 is built all that well. The dial is by no meams accurate but more like the log scale, a suggestion. Pretty much in its stock condition, it recieves very little except the religious Christian propaganda from the east coast. Most morse code is just static since it is so cheap it doesnt even have a gimmick capacitor like my s38e. Its like those gift radios you get when you subscribe to TIME magazine.
The R9012 is great for the price, you need to get out of the noise, it will get most stations like Romania, Turkey, BBC and more if you use it in a good environment, as for CW and Amateur radio and more you need a radio with SSB
Listening on SSB in the high HF range the sound is very distorted. This is a general problem? or a faulty feature of my model? Firmware version is 9904e Is there any solution for this? Example vídeo: m.th-cam.com/video/qB3xcinDnio/w-d-xo.html
![[TOP 3] THE BEST PORTABLE SHORTWAVE RADIOS IN 2024!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xmikD0XztEM/mqdefault.jpg)
18650 batteries are not bad, in fact I love them. I am an scuba diver and and all my scuba flashlights have them. They give a 1 1/12 hour of continuous powerful light each time and they never fail. I imagine that in that radio last for hours. I have the Tecsun PL-680and I love it. The air frequency is awesome. Thanks for your channel, very informative.
Também adoro as baterias 18650
Picked one up after listening to your reviews on this one. This is my first, real SW radio. I cannot be more pleased and am having a ball with it! Thank you!
I really want one but I just can't justify the price. I will be using my PL-330 for a long time, I mostly use headphones so the sound on the PL-330 sounds alot better. If Tecsun made a new version with record, RDS, airband and better syncing, I'd definitely consider it. The 990X is the best looking radio out there, they just need to tweak it a bit more.
I just received my PL-990X on June 26, 2024. It has an additional instruction sheet showing the “hidden” features and the calibration sequence that you showed 3 years ago. Maybe they listened to your video.😀
I have the PL 880..damn good receiver..
The sensitivity on SW is very good. The sensitivity on MW is flat-out unreal - even just using the internal antenna at night out on my deck it picks up stations every 10 KHZ from 540 to 1710. The ETM feature is nothing less than stellar.
I have to agree. I live in New Hampshire and love my Tecsun 990 ✌
The PL-990 doesn't have ETM, but ATS memory storage. ETM is a separate memory storage, only available on the compact PL-380, PL-310ET, PL-398MP/ET and the PL-360/PL-365 models. The enhanced version of the ETM storage (ETM+), which memorizes stations according to hour of the day for the SW band, is found on the SSB capable PL-330 and PL-368 models. All other Tecsun shortwave radios with PLL synthesized tuning have just the ATS memory storage, but no ETM. 📻😀
No caso recomenda o PL 990 ?
Thank you for all your videos on the Tecsun range. I did some research and about six months ago bought a PL-330, it's great. I like the size, I can throw it into a bag and keep it on me while traveling and it does what I want effectively, particularly for morse practice. The filters are excellent.
However, for a few weeks, I have been twitchy. I know the symptoms: a need (want for a new, bigger better radio), Obsessional research, Spending hours viewing TH-cam, comparison checking...Pl-330 vs lots of other radios. I've been through this lots over the years with all sorts of Ham kit. I spend the money and sometimes regret my purchase.
You have saved me £260. Your videos have led me to conclude that for my needs the PL-330 can't be bettered. It's a first. Thank you.
I am blown away at your knowledge. You are a treasure to the art. :)
Can you please add affiliate links to the radios, as well as the beautiful world map?
I wonder which will rank higher on your top ten list? Your H-501x or your RSPdx?
I can’t choose between my IC-R30, H-501x, or RSP1A. They all have substantial advantages.
I have 4 TecSun's, All good radios--- Also, I came across a couple Solar Battery pack- Chargers , Advertised for cell phones, but also works 4 Radios---
I own an 880. I think i may just add this to my collection. Tecsun is just great quality unlike a xhdata wb-109 i bought
I'd lover to see a major manufacturer offer an SDR unit with waterfall display, etc.
Icom R8600 but darn expensive.
I know this is old, but I agree. I have a pl-880 but would never consider another SWR without those features. There is no excuse not to have the feature in 2023. That and user upgradeable firmware.
I also love me a good 18650 battery. I have a large number that I scavenged, so they are readily available and cheap. Your complaint about being able to find one in the store is off base. Can you find a new battery for your phone in a store? Nope. You can't even take the battery out of modern phones without a bunch of specialized tools. So the fact that you CAN get affordable batteries ahead of time and be able to swap them in the field in very valuable.
Just vape batteries. cheap
@@stevenjones8393 Not so cheap or easy to find if you are in a country with no vapers.
My Panny rf-3100 conked out yrs. ago. I had it for 20+ yrs. Bought it in 1985.
This radio when it's released will/can be a top ten/five and that would be the new Eton Elite HD shortwave, a remake of the old Eton 900XM.
The 900 and the 800 had a great tuner.
Nos comentários usuários informam sobre problemas no SSB, identificou também o mesmo problema ou foi algo em relação ao firmware atual foi resolvido ?
Cool! Sounds like a winner. I might pick one up here in the Philippines.
Can I listen using my Bluetooth headphones?
What if, my truck camper is all made of aluminum ? Do I need an external antenna when in the woods far away ?
This is good update for shortwave radios
Great review. I love swl and had an old Grundig inherited from my dad but it got misplaced and I am now on the market for a sw radio only to find that the major players dropped manufacturing sw radios and that's how I found your channel. I think I will go for this one.
On a side note, maybe the Bluetooth functionality allows recording of the stations on your phone?
Thanks for sharing.
Can you also use the Bluetooth with ear buds?
I have the PL880. Is this PL990 marketed to be a little better or is an updated version of the 880? Where do they each lie in the hierarchy in the Tecsun lineup?
It really is a nice radio.
PL-990x .. though it lacks airband, i'll think i'll put this one on my list. A bit pricey though..
Gilles your utube videos are awesome
Which lese differences had the chinese version pl990?? Keys on chinese? Or anything else on chinese besides the manual?
Ive been looking at them for years now📻
Would you value the Tecsun PL-990/X at FOUR TIMES the price of the XHDATA D-808? That’s the price difference in Australia. I’m really liking the D-808 by the way after just a couple of days with it.
I own both. I picked up the PL-990x last week and absolutely love it. I paid exactly 3 times what I paid for my D-808 and don't regret it for a second. The build quality of the 990x is just on another level than my D-808. I love my 808 but the sound quality on the 990x is leaps and bounds superior. For a lower cost option I believe the 808 is the best all-around option out there. If you are someone who appreciates better build quality and amazing sound (plus no muting while tuning), you will love the PL-990x.
I've had my PL-880 for years and love its performance. Is the PL-990 enough of an improvement that I should upgrade?
I did, but only because my 880 got too close to a lightning strike and burned out the audio board, I use it now for fm streaming via line out.
while not as common as AA batteries, two 123 a.k.a. CR123 which ive been able to find at my local Kroger/Meijer/Walmart/Payless works equally as fine when in a pinch.
I have discovered a major issue with the 990x on SSB on the higher bands. Example tune to some SSB speech on 27.385 Mhz LSB or USB horrible DSP Warbling / wobble not to be confused with AGC issue on the oscillator seems to be the whole top end of the band on SSB rendering SSB useless possibly 25 to 29 MHZ however AM seems ok. Going to be a whole lot of disappointment owner's when the solar cycle comes up opening the top bands. I Believe this was an issue with some early 880's
Aye, the 880 did that as well. It almost sounds like a vco issue on the transmitter but it's not. Seemed worse on lsb on mine. I don't use it for 11 meters all that much but I did see it on 12 and 10 meters.
I think the radio is beautiful; however, for a flagship radio you would think it would have AIR Band. Still a nice radio. Great video.
The TecSun PL-660 Has AM-FM-MW-LW-SSB, AND AIR BAND -----
The PL680 Has air band as well
Can you listen to aircraft with it? Thanks
I am sure the Tecsun PL-990X is a fine receiver. But I am not impressed with extra features. I like simple receivers without all the complicated modern extra things to learn. A few months ago I bought a Sangean ATS 818CS. This model was still in the factory box and packed in styrofoam. It was made in 1994. Bought it for around $100.00. Thank you for the review of the Tecsun. I'm thinking the PL-990X would be perfect for packing away for a camping trip. I like the portable size and receiving power.
Gilles my Eton Elite Executive mw lw fm air SW ssb 6 bands receiver has rds
Does it record onto SD card? Does ist really support digital shortwave (DRM)?
interesting, I am a new beginner of the radio, I remember when I was a kid, my grandpa will listen to the radio, after he dead, my grandma start this habit, now, both of them dead, I want to buy a radio to memory that good time.
hello and congratulations for the channel!..I give you a swl from Italy....I would have the possibility (maybe) to get a used pl 990 (without X)....what's the difference with the 990X... ? Are they the same in terms of SSB performance? Thank you!
I can’t decide on this or the 909x2 eton?
What's the website you said these could be bought through? I've heard you mention them a few times but can't make the name exactly. I know they are available on Amazon but wanted to check other locations.
www.anon-co.com/
@@OfficialSWLchannel Thank You!
If you can use bluetooth thru your phone, cant you record in you phone?
I would like to hear your opinion for the XH DATA D901, since it has a good price and the Quality für SW ist pretty good.
Always great videos. I just bought the Sangean ATS 818 and the Uniden CR 2021. Both look brand new and came with the wall plugs. The Uniden even had the manual and warranty card., Neither looks like they were ever used. I got both for $150.00 Do you have experience with either? Thanks for all the videos and the help they give. Best Wish
Qual versão comprar Chinesa ou Intercional ?
thanks, Thomas Great job 73
Can this radio be powered via usb cable and a powerbank?
How does audio from the PL-990x compare to audio from the H-501x?
it is quite good most of the difference lies in the stereo speakers of the 501x
What are some good SW Radios that will also use AA batteries?
Sangean ATS-909X2 / Tecsun PL-680
İ support Shortwave radios. İ have the Tecsun PL330 Tecsun PL990X Sangean Ats 909X2 Qodosen SR-286 XHDATA D808 Raddy RF750 and also Arduino Chip based receivers! Please support Shortwave radios!
They’re not cheap!
Great info! Subscribed
Looks to have everything but airband. I'll have to go with the Eton 750 beings the H501 doesn't have it either :(
Eton 750 is horrible compared to a H501 ... airband we do with a scanner radio... NO multiband shortwave does Airband well
Does Tecsun have any models with standard find anywhere batteries?...Thanx in advance
Tecsun PL 380, PL-660, PL-680 they use AA
Gilles your Tecsun Pl 909x mwlw fm SW ssb 5 bands potable reciver is cool
How I can tune in a AM station, with the tecsun Pl-990 radio?
Press the MW LW button on the radio, it will give you Mediumwave band that is AM radio and also another press gives longwave
Hi, thanks for for your answer, well I do it but I only can tune 2 stations, when It is supposed there are more of ten stations, what could I doing wrong? by the way Iḿ in Mexico
Based on yours and other user reviews I took the plunge and purchased a PL-330. I am really apppy with it, once I got past the chuffing when tuning. However I have one small problem that I cannot seem to find the answer to. The MW/AM bandwidth seems to be stuck on 1.0KHz and will not scroll through to the wider bandwidths, SSB scrolls through ok. I can see others have had the same issue but I have still not found the solution to unlocking it. Does anyone know the way to do this, probably another hidden feature.
Remove the battery. It will reset it. Happened to me and that seemed to work. Remove it overnight if you have to. Let the circuits discharge.
P.S. Of course Also all Shortwave- PL-660
Sweet radio i love to get one👍📻
I have a pl600 . I have had quality issues . The first one failed after a month . I was sent a replacement but now after a year often it refuses to switch on without several tries. Also the tuning knob only operates in the backward direction so I have to use the buttons . When working correctly its very good but I feel the quality leaves a lot to be desired . I would not buy another . Anyone else had similar problems ?
Where did you get it from .. only place to buy Tecsun is Anon Co .. Ebay often has bad radios, had my 600 for 10 years and still going on strong
There is another difference 990x & 990 other than English / Chinese manual. The 990 package includes a briefcase like plastic box.
no it's not the 990 that does that... both have that option, you have to choose the option with a briefcase with is much more expensive
Great video.
It’s a pity that they didn’t add an air band for this money (
What is the firmware that comes with your Tecsun PL-990X?
ENROLOU DEMAIS... PODERIA TER FEITO DEMONSTRATIVO DE TODOS ACESSÓRIOS, TER MOSTRADO O COMPARTIMENTO DAS PILHAS/BATERIAS 18650... E TER LIGADO NO FINAL DO VÍDEO ❗❗❗MAS VALEU A INTENÇÃO 💪😎
Well done
muito bom!
I cant sa my tecsun r9012 is built all that well. The dial is by no meams accurate but more like the log scale, a suggestion. Pretty much in its stock condition, it recieves very little except the religious Christian propaganda from the east coast. Most morse code is just static since it is so cheap it doesnt even have a gimmick capacitor like my s38e. Its like those gift radios you get when you subscribe to TIME magazine.
The R9012 is great for the price, you need to get out of the noise, it will get most stations like Romania, Turkey, BBC and more if you use it in a good environment, as for CW and Amateur radio and more you need a radio with SSB
Would this radio be seen as a considerable jump up from my pl880?
no if you get or have a 880 ... there is no need to get a 990
Is this radio capable of receiving "NOAA weather band" frequencies?
Those don't. Ccrane does.
I had two different PL-660 receivers and both of them went defective on me so I’m hesitant to buy Tecsun.
don't know where you got them, but I have more than a dozen receivers from Tecsun never failed and no one really complains of any problems
@@OfficialSWLchannel Amazon.
The Tecsun PL 990 is all "Top Ten Shortwave Receivers?"
have you taken the time to look at the playlist
Interesting 🙂
It operates on an odd size battery. It would be better if it used AA batteries.
Can't see the extra price 3.5X more than the Pl-330.
Listening on SSB in the high HF range the sound is very distorted.
This is a general problem? or a faulty feature of my model?
Firmware version is 9904e
Is there any solution for this?
Example vídeo: m.th-cam.com/video/qB3xcinDnio/w-d-xo.html
У МЕНЯ ТЕКСАН 310 ЕТ ДОВОЛЕН И ДЕШЕВО И СЕРДИТО
No air band, dealbreaker.
But it does not have air band. Deal breaker
Expecting a review of ten radios and only one model is reviewed. What gives?
if you listened to what I say...you would know its a playlist with 10 videos
@@OfficialSWLchannel I missed it but nice reply! I guess this is how you get a bunch of new subs nowadays.
PL990中国东莞制造
📻🙂👍
Happy Fourth of July to you I played blackjack and I lost oh well ❤️🩹