1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the TECSUN PL-990x Shortwave Radio. This advanced portable receiver offers a wide range of reception capabilities including FM, Medium Wave (MW), Shortwave (SW), Longwave (LW), Continuous Wave (CW), and Single Sideband (SSB) with Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) synthesis. It also features a built-in audio player with microSD support and Bluetooth connectivity. This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your device. Please read it thoroughly before operation and retain it for future reference.
2. Safety Information
- Do not expose the radio to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or high humidity.
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts.
- Use only the specified 18650 lithium battery and ensure correct polarity during installation. The included battery is PSE certified for safety.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the radio, as this will void the warranty and may cause damage or injury.
- Keep the device away from water and other liquids.
- When cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
3. Package Contents
Please check that all items are present in the package:
- TECSUN PL-990x Shortwave Radio
- PSE Certified 3500mAh 18650 Lithium Battery
- 16GB microSDHC Card
- Stereo Earphones
- Leather Soft Case
- External Antenna
- USB Charging Cable
- User Manual (Japanese version included in package, this document serves as the English manual)
4. Product Overview
4.1 Front Panel and Controls
The front panel features the main LCD display, a numeric keypad for direct frequency entry, and various function buttons for band selection, memory, and mode control. The microSD card slot and reset button are located on the lower right side.
Key controls include: TIME, TIMER A/B, SET, PAGE, VF/VM, RADIO/MP3, FM ST, FM, AM BANDWIDTH, METER BAND, SW, LW, LSB, USB, SSB SYNC, MEMORY, and DELETE.
4.2 Side Controls (Right)
The right side of the radio houses the main TUNING knob, FINE TUNING knob, VOLUME control, and dedicated BASS and TREBLE tone adjustment knobs.
4.3 Side Ports (Left)
On the left side, you will find the ANTENNA jack (3.5mm), LINE OUT jack, HEADPHONE jack, USB 5V 1A power input, ANT SWITCH (INT/EXT) for internal or external antenna selection, and RF GAIN switch (DX/Normal/Local) for signal sensitivity adjustment.
4.4 Back Panel
The back panel includes the battery compartment and the telescopic antenna.
5. Setup
5.1 Battery Installation
- Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the radio.
- Insert the provided 18650 lithium battery, ensuring the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals match the indicators inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
5.2 Charging the Battery
Connect the supplied USB charging cable to the 5V USB input port on the left side of the radio. Connect the other end to a compatible USB power source (e.g., smartphone charger, power bank, computer USB port). The charging indicator will illuminate. Charging typically takes 8-10 hours for a full charge with the 3500mAh battery.
5.3 Antenna Connection
- Telescopic Antenna: For FM and Shortwave (SW) reception, fully extend the telescopic antenna located on the back of the radio.
- External Antenna: For enhanced reception, especially on SW, connect the provided external antenna to the 3.5mm ANTENNA jack on the left side. Set the ANT SWITCH to 'EXT'.
- MW/LW Reception: The radio uses an internal ferrite antenna for Medium Wave (MW) and Longwave (LW). For improved MW/LW reception, an external antenna can be connected to the 3.5mm ANTENNA jack using an appropriate adapter (e.g., BNC coaxial cable with a BNC to 3.5mm stereo adapter).
5.4 microSD Card Insertion
Insert the 16GB microSDHC card (or another compatible microSD card up to 128GB) into the microSD card slot on the front panel until it clicks into place. This allows for audio file playback.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Power On/Off
Press the POWER button (usually located on the top right of the keypad) to turn the radio on or off.
6.2 Band Selection
Press the dedicated band buttons (FM, MW, SW, LW) on the front panel to switch between frequency bands.
6.3 Tuning
- Manual Tuning: Rotate the large TUNING knob on the right side to adjust the frequency.
- Fine Tuning: For precise frequency adjustments, especially for SSB, use the smaller FINE TUNING knob.
- Direct Frequency Entry: Use the numeric keypad to enter a desired frequency directly, then press the ENTER button (often labeled with an arrow or 'M').
- Auto Scan: Press and hold the VF/VM button for approximately one second to initiate an auto scan for available stations.
6.4 SSB (Single Sideband) Reception
To receive SSB signals (commonly used by amateur radio operators and utility stations):
- Select the SW band.
- Press the SSB button to activate SSB mode.
- Use the LSB (Lower Sideband) or USB (Upper Sideband) buttons to select the appropriate sideband.
- Use the FINE TUNING knob to precisely tune the signal for clear voice reception.
6.5 Synchronous Detection (SYNC)
Press the SYNC button to activate synchronous detection. This feature helps to reduce fading and distortion, improving reception quality on AM signals, especially under challenging conditions. Use the LSB and USB buttons to shift the synchronous detection point by +/- 1kHz.
6.6 RF Gain Adjustment
The RF GAIN switch on the left side allows you to adjust the radio's sensitivity:
- DX: For receiving very weak or distant signals.
- Normal: Standard setting for general reception.
- Local: For strong local signals to prevent overload and distortion.
6.7 Audio Playback (microSD / Bluetooth)
- microSD Playback: Press the RADIO/MP3 button to switch to MP3 player mode. The radio supports 16bit/44.1kHz MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, and APE audio formats. Use the navigation buttons (often integrated with tuning or number keys) to select and play tracks.
- Bluetooth: The PL-990x supports Bluetooth connectivity. Refer to the on-screen prompts or specific button combinations (if available) to pair with a Bluetooth audio source (e.g., smartphone) and stream audio through the radio's speaker.
6.8 Memory Presets
The radio can store up to 3150 stations. To store a station:
- Tune to the desired station.
- Press the MEMORY button.
- Select a memory location using the tuning knob or numeric keypad, then press ENTER to save.
To recall a stored station, press VF/VM to enter memory mode, then use the tuning knob or numeric keypad to select the desired memory location.
6.9 Tone Control
Adjust the BASS and TREBLE knobs on the right side of the radio to customize the audio output to your preference.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the radio's exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, remove the 18650 battery to prevent leakage. Store the radio in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Battery Care: Recharge the battery regularly, even if not in use, to maintain its lifespan. Avoid fully discharging the battery frequently.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Radio does not power on. | Battery not installed correctly or discharged. | Check battery polarity and ensure it is fully charged. |
| Poor reception or static. | Antenna not extended, weak signal, interference. | Fully extend the telescopic antenna. Connect an external antenna and set ANT SWITCH to 'EXT'. Adjust RF GAIN (try DX for weak signals). Move to a location with less interference. |
| No sound from speaker/headphones. | Volume too low, headphones not connected properly. | Increase the VOLUME. Ensure headphones are fully plugged into the HEADPHONE jack. |
| microSD audio playback issues. | Unsupported file format, corrupted card, card not inserted correctly. | Ensure audio files are in supported formats (MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE). Reinsert the microSD card. Try a different microSD card or reformat the current one. |
| Display is blank or frozen. | System error. | Press the RESET button (located near the microSD slot) using a thin object like a paperclip. |
9. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | TECSUN |
| Model | PL-990x |
| Preset Memory | 3150 stations |
| Frequency Ranges | FM: 64-108 MHz (selectable regions) LW: 50-522 kHz (9kHz tuning / 1kHz fine-tuning) MW: 520-1710 kHz (10 kHz step for North/South America), 522-1620 kHz (9 kHz step for Europe/Asia/Africa) SW: 1621-29999 kHz (1 kHz or 5 kHz step) |
| Sensitivity (S/N=26dB unless specified) | LW: <3mV/m MW: <1mV/m SW: <20μV FM (S/N=30dB): <3μV SSB (S/N=10dB): <1μV |
| SYNC Lock Range | +/- 1kHz |
| microSD Capacity | Max 128GB |
| Supported Audio Formats | 16bit/44.1kHz MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE |
| Power Source | 18650 rechargeable lithium battery (3.7V) x1, USB power 5V, 1A/2A |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 198 x 120 x 38 mm |
| Weight | 611g (without battery) |
| Connectivity | microSD, Bluetooth, 3.5mm Jack (Antenna, Line Out, Headphone) |
| Color | Black |
10. Warranty and Support
The TECSUN PL-990x Shortwave Radio comes with a one-year warranty provided by the official Japanese distributor. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use.
For warranty claims, technical support, or any inquiries regarding your product, please contact your original retailer or the official TECSUN distributor in your region. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty service.