KN-990 SDR All Mode HF Transceiver With IF DSP 0.1 - 30 MHz
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- Опубліковано 20 лип 2024
- Here we take a look and test the KN-990 SDR All mode HF Transceiver. This radio is well built and includes an IF DSP for great sounding audio.
Purchase here: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9fewnj
3.5 inch LCD
Frequency range: Reception: 0.1~30MHz
Working mode: SSB/CW/AM/FM/DIGITAL
Receiving sensitivity: 0.2uV
Minimum frequency step: 10Hz
Working voltage: 12~15V DC
Current parameter: RX 0.4A, TX 4A @Max
Whole machine size: 160X80X220 (mm)
My EFHW antenna: • 49:1 End Fed Half Wave...
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I've had my KN-990 since the spring of 2020. It really is an excellent radio. It has far exceeded my expectations and has become my main rig in the shack most of the time. When I bought mine I got it for US $399. I see they are now upwards of US $650. I'm glad I got mine when I did.
I should add that AGC performance was greatly improved by a firmware upgrade. If you are not running the latest firmware do consider upgrading to v114, which is the latest and greatest. My radio came with v106.
73 de W4TU
Have you still got the radio, please , I have acquired a second hand one but the audio isn’t very good on tx, on ssb don’t no what the audio settings should be , depth , bandwidth etc , hard to find any info regarding what they should be set to,,, cheers shane uk
My goodness this little radio is fantastic!
Another good video. I would LOVE to see a REAL “shootout” using one antenna switched between the top SDR transceivers in this class using RBN to report actual SNRs.
Bought 1 of these about a month or so ago and I really like it :)
Thanks for the review....
Interesting. I've been waiting for a review of this radio, and it looks good.
Glad you like it!
I would LOVE to be able to build this myself. This looks absolutely amazing for a small engineering team being only 1 to 2 people. Fantastic.
I'd love to see a receive only version similar to this for just SW listeners. I have an old "Advanced class" license but I really don't talk on amateur anymore. Not even VHF or UHF. I just like to listen. A receive only version could be cheaper to buy.
Nice I have seen it online for sale ,but this is the first review that I'm seeing
Very good info. Radios from China have vastly improved. 73 WA6MOW
I was ready to diss that radio, but, having watched this, i'm really quite impressed
When I purchased it I was anticipating it to be bad, but I was pleasantly surprised! I’m looking forward to trying it portable this summer.
@@TechMindsOfficial How is your experience after a year?
I use one. It's an awesome little radio. I've modded mine somewhat with new lettering. That font was killing me.
It’s the only font they have in China
Really like the display.
de WA3MCK - nice review. I didn’t even know that this radio existed. Very interesting!
19 thumbs up now.have a good easter.cheers uk...
This is all I need. My big heavy FTDX1200 has more stuff that either I don't need or will never use so it's days are numbered. I'll just get a KN990 and an Ameritron 811 and a good antenna and have all I will ever need and I can easily just use the 990 for summer portable hilltop DXpeditions. Easy peasy,simple dimple.
That’s a nice radio Matt thanks for showing it 👍73 Gm4zji Chris
Incredible device, was looking for something like that. Good price. I would add some alu heatsinks on hot parts, seems easy to do. Even a silent fan might be a nice add-on.
Very very good ...all the besth
This is a very interesting device
I’m loving my FTDX10.
I'm sure you are. It's more than three times the price of the KN-990. A lot of hams can't justify the cost.
Can anyone confirm the actual TX range on the KN-990? The description says receive is .1-30mhz and transmits in the "Amateur Bands" is this limited to 20 - 160 meter? I have only seen 1MHZ-14.999MHZ in the videos I have seen.. What are the tx limits on the 10-15 meter side? Is it wide open, they just don't want to disclose this for FCC reasons?
In the video you demonstrate the rx bandwidth adjustment. Does it have the same setting for tx? And what would be the limits of the adjustment?
interested in one of these, thank you matthew, and another thank you for the handy links you post👍
joe M1DLS 73
My pleasure!
Interesting transceiver, but if you added on the cost of an external ATU and a 100w PA the Icom IC-7300 begins to look very good value.
Why I should buy a 100W amplifier if bought a Qrp radio ? And, why i should buy an ATU instead to have a resonant aerial ? The 7300 ? No, thankyou.
@@adrianoragazzo1321 a IC-7300 can be run at QRP power, you do not have to use the ATU built in if the antenna is resonant. That is why I believe it is better value for your money.
I’ll keep my old TS-820S. No proprietary parts. Repairable.
@@adrianoragazzo1321 100W radios generally draw more power even when receiving and weigh more in most cases. For those operating QRP/portable a true QRP rig makes more sense. If you want to understand why current consumption is higher look up idling bias current.
While ICOM isn't perfect, I would gladly spend the extra money to have a product designed and supported by a large team. If I had toy money, I may also get something like this to play with.
Really interested in this transceiver more please
Thank Matt. It looks really good. CW performance would be good to know but appreciate it may not be your thing. Wondering if it has full break in and what the relay is like when constantly switching.
That’s a good question, unfortunately I don’t own a key to even test it with. If I get one I’ll defo test it, we’ll, try to with my limited CW skills :)
It is not full break in. The semi break in is comparable to the big three manufacturers.
@@caitlynmartin9214 hello from San Antonio, TX. It was recommended to me to set my HF radio to semi break in to save the life span of the relay. On my previous HF radio I always left it at full. Do you have an opinion on this option? I guess it doesn't matter with the KN-990, since it only does semi. How do you like this radio after a year of use?
Really interested in this transceiver. Seems to fit my current needs at nice price. My main concern is what to do in case of any troubles. Who can diagnose and repair it and if there is any warranty coming with the rig?
Many thanks for yet another great video and finding such a nice jewels! 73
You pay for return mailing back to China & then back to you as with most radios made there.It's the Big issue I have with making purchases from any Chinese Companies.
I had the matching rf amp but it was poor supposed to be 100w rf across the bands but it was not I got rid of it but the transceiver looks good thanks for your review I have a ic705 these days so no plans to get this radio hope I get to work you portable in the summer chris G0WFH
No flimsy Flat Flex cable for interboard connection. :-) lots of space for easy modding / servicing. All large electrolytes are thru hole non SMD types making replacement easy.
ABS how's the performance, do you use one?
@@vu3mes no don''t have one. just commented on what I observed from the video.
Finding information about the KP=990 Amplifier is a tough job.It's like it's a Secret? I was thinking about purchasing one to go with my ICOM 703 PLUS but the lack of information has prevented me from doing so at this time.
What the max transmit 2.9 ? ...great video I bought mchf clone strictly after watching your review
It looks pretty bad but sounds it work good... thank for vid and sharing!
I priced it. The price cured my curiousity. Add an amplifier and the price well exceeds what can be bought that puts out 100 watts, has an antenna tuner, and has an onboard power supply. The pricing of amateur radio equipment keeps me from getting a license. I can speak around the world without a license using world wide web for free.
I think buying one to use it as main QRP rig isn't a bad choice (as long as its final stage transistor doesn't blow up easily)
BA6BF did a very dangerous testing previously, leave the antenna disconnected and set to CW 15W, key down for almost 1 minute, nothing happens, the entire unit still working properly, can you believe that?
@@kimijin6777 That's.......incredible, what final stage PA transistor does it use?
@@Neo_Chen 2*IRF530, I do believe it can output definitely more than 15W, perhaps for safety concern, BA6BF limited to 15W
Does that tune continuously across the 11 meter band ? Sometimes I like to listen in on CB radio , especially DX . How are it's " ears " ? Is the front end fully filtered for good reception ? I like to string dipole antennas indoors cut for 10 and 11 meters .
Thanks for an interesting radio review! I wonder, if it is known what kind of SDR is it, or what makes it SDR, what's the architecture of analogue-to-digital conversion? If it says it's got IF DSP , the fact of presence of IF would show this would be a hybrid superhet radio with "digitalization" at some stage. Or, it could be that SDR is a separate wide range receiver imstalled with the only purpose to provide signal for the waterfall/spectrum scope, and the rest of the radio is a traditional superhet with traditional IF DSP function. Just curious, it's nothing to do with the quality matters, any architecture may provide with the excellent receiver quality. 73! Linas LY2H
Thanks for the comment, very interesting thoughts. However I personally don’t know that answer, and I don’t think there is a schematic in the public domain. I do know that a NES game, mario brothers, can be played on this radio. Yes, a game! Totally pointless on a radio, but the architecture can obviously run an emulator of some kind.
I LIKE good radio HF
I brought one got it today but cant for the life of me find how to switch between A and B vfo's it came with no manual ...... please help if you can ....thanks
Can any antenna tuner be coupled with this radio, or does need to be specific to the ATU port. Just getting back into ham radio and looking for something likethe 990.
Thanks.
the best game console among transceivers
It says it transmits from .1 to 30 MHz. Will is actually transmit on 630 and 2200 Meters? Great review and thanks. I'm usually leery of some of the off brand radios but this one looks pretty nice!
Um... no. It transmits from 3.5 to 30Mhz. I'm not sure where .1 came from.
Can the Waterfall be removed from the display and the band scope remain? I hate a waterfall.
GOOD. 73 from CN8GFH
Have you got the link to purchase again ? the one you linked to no longer works.
Ah, the KN-990 SDR.... Should be useful come the apocalypse.
Yep, mines in my GO bag 😅
Great review, have you tried it in data modes? Thanks, Dave G6AWF
Not yet, I was hoping to find some info on the rear port pins to see if they are usable for an audio interface.
@@TechMindsOfficial The ACC socket just tells you which band you’re current in as well as current transmit status, it will out 12V to different pins under different conditions, and for digital modes, actually it’s simple, connect the usb cable to PC and the DATA port, select fr817 protocol in your digital modes software, PTT via CAT, and for audios, you need to connect both af-in and af-out rca port to your PC’s audio port, a usb sound card is suggested. That’s all for digital modes. And furthermore, BA6BF was very kindly enough and he opens the schematic of this machine, aimed for those peoples who are interested in study, re-design and experimental testing, but of course commercial usage is forbidden, you can find the schematic in below link, but unfortunately it’s all Chinese. Not sure if you can get it or not. Link: www.hellocq.net/forum/read.php?tid=365486
That’s great information!! Thank you sir! thank you 🙏
Nice review, what size PSU is needed for 15Watts TX?
The power calculating formula is voltage multiplied by current . Now, you have the power out and the voltage...Using a radio mean also bit of knowledges because on Amateur Radio isn't the "just" press the ptt .
4A
Thanks for this video. What comes in the box? Does it come with a microphone? If so, is it any good?
Tnx de Arnie W8DU
Hi Arnie. Did you end up purchasing the radio? What was in its box? I'm looking at the Aliexpress site, and it should ship with the KN-990 and one microphone. There were three pictures that correspond to three purchase options: radio and amp, radio, and amp.
@@o2bnov0307 no, I have not purchased this. Still looks like a good radio, but I think I am sticking with my KX3 for portable operation.
I have the amplifier which I think is built really well. I really want to try the radio. Have you thought of getting the Amplifier?
Don, what is your experience with the radio and its amplifier with your use in the past year?
@@o2bnov0307 The radio I don't have but the Amplifier I have used on the Hermes Lite. It works pretty well. I have a video on my channel using the Amp and Hermes on FT8.
I can't believe the reach with just 15W, I know the video is probably edited but with my IC718, dipole and 10w I can't work sh*t. Hmmm wonder what my problem is, I have a hideous noise problem at my QTH, but I'm wondering was it really that easy to make contacts with this Txcr, end fed antenna and 15W?
I would never edit a video in such a way that it portrayed something better than it actually is. But yes! 15 watts, even 5 watts of Milliwatts you can have contacts. It’s all about the conditions and the antenna. Try making a 49:1 end fed, they work very well!
@@TechMindsOfficial I don't know why I have such little luck, my garden is small so can only fit something for 40m upwards. I have a OCFD in an inverted V apex at a height of about 6m. I've thought about a vertical but with my noise problem that might not be sensible. In 3 years of having my licence, I've only worked maybe 5 stations. I need to get my act together and take the intermediate test. I like your videos mate, probably my favourite amateur radio related channel on UA-cam I would say.
and something about firmware updates?
Hi pro can I use this radio for 11meter
How would you rate this against the xiegu x6100 ?
Can it decoding sepura st9000? Can I listen sepura?
does it have antenna tuner?
Banggood does not know this receiver? Sold out?
Would you take this Kn990, or the Q900?
Any current opinions on this radio
Wow
How does this compare to Xiegu G90?
wondering if you have any thoughts on the HackRF One devices you can find on eBay for around 120 US dollars that are coming from China? They are roughly half the price of Nooelec's offering
I’ve never tried the Chinese clone HackRF so I couldn’t really comment on them, yet 😁
The purchase link does not work.
Vhf/Uhf & DMR version would be nice.
which one would you buy / prefer: KN-990 vs QR20/Ailunce HS2. I would really love to know your opinion!
If you’re happy with just HF then the KN-990. If you need the higher bands too, VHF and UHF, then buy a Yaesu FT991A. Forget the HS2, the one I had was okay, but not great.
Verry nice,how much this one
AS a truck driver, can I listen to 11 meters?
👍
what Mikrofon are you using?
What's the cost
Can anyone comment on it's performance using CW?
Good question. They tend to skimp on that.
It looks like it would have room for an internal ATU.
O.K.
Good opening but the new don’t give the same user feeling
can I get this radio to transmit on 27Mhz
yes you can mods are on utube
I don't suppose this radio has an FCC type acceptance number.
Doesn't need one for amateur use.
Who is providing technical support for this device?
thats the problem with these radio,s.good luck with that.
I think it's a tad bit more than a little expensive and over $900. I'm thinking that you can get a good name brand radio for that money.
Wow! I didn’t pay that much for it and I would never of paid that. It’s worth $400 to $500 max! IMO
530.00 on ebay,,,,where the hell do you shop.
can it transmit on 27Mhz CB?
yes it can once modded..... look on utube its out there
thanks interesting...rx audio is better than xeigoo..
As all things chinese, the page is lost. This is (of course) made there, I assume. Is it a good startes kit or will it go "china" after a few months of use? Nice lil' thing, though...
I know it's a year but do you think this is worth 250 euro
Is it a CB Radio unit?
Not really. It’s more a transceiver for licensed HAMs.
1:20. You’re trying a little too hard to convince us of that.
nice robot built boards, but the mechanical mounting will never stand up to any heavy use such as mobile, portable, back packing, etc. if this is going to live on a shelf.. what the heck.. but it is really crying out for someone to build a really sturdy packaging set up for it. or beef up what is there now.
.... too bad it doesn't have an ATU built in.. that's where the G90 shines, has an ATU that tunes wet noodles. 20 watts is nice too. Those EFHW antennas are not as easy to tune as you might think; at least mine isn't. SWR awful on 40 and 80.. perfect on the other bands... VNANano tells all.. slick little toys.
Never understood the mania for auto-tuners. Marginally more convenient, takes up less space, I'll grant. But you get better performance from a manual; I use EFHWAs too, and just straight-up random wires, and both my desk tuner and ZM-2 have no problem with either. Use them a few times and they're a snap to operate.
All I'm saying is, I'd rather have a cheaper xcvr with less to break than an on-board ATU. (Keyers, same difference.) Your mileage may vary.
Why would anyone buy this over a yaesu ft891?
It sure can. On my home installation I go 12m up and then the rest is horizontal. This style antenna works in most configurations which is why it is so popular.
try xiegu g90
does this have a built in atu?
No.
Reminds me of the Malachite receiver. Hum....
interesting jew thora font . whats the symbol on the back /
Stick with my xiegu g90. Thanks
I’m going to get one of these to try too.. 👌
Whats 'Queen' ? I thought you were a Ham.
Foxtrot Oscar!😁
banggood US$578.66
aliexpress US$489.25
..not too bad, considering this is in the price range of some of the 'premium' HTs!
I've had mine for a little over a year. At that time an eBay seller in China which I've used before had them for $399. It turned out to be a fantastic purchase. With the firmware upgraded (it does improve performance) this radio is very good indeed. 73 de W4TU.
@@caitlynmartin9214 Great deal! Thx Caitlyn!
basicamente es mejor un equipo de 100w con ese no se hace nada con 15w
No es la verdad.
I order mind last week.
Using King's English Accent, you may think it is designed by UK hams. Not so. Nice try though.
What on earth are you on about?
Hello, I am in the country of Iraq, and I do not know the police or fire service frequencies, and there is no site that gives me the frequencies in my area. How do I know all the frequencies
When I was listening to Police radio, there was a book that listed all the POLICE frequencies for my area... you should perform a google search for it - "POLICE CALL" may have been the name of it.
No warranty stated,no repair centers or availability on parts.No specs on p.e.p. output on AM or SSB.Have to buy from china,China, U.S. suppliers.Too much money for too little.
LM o I'm I'm Om
what