KN-920 First Impressions

Fred VE3FAL ordered one, and writes:

I did get one last week and it is a nice looking radio with nice display and great work on the silk screening and covers, but it lacks in performance for sure.

The DDS is very noisy with birdies all over the bands, the lack of menus and manual is a big one, but the radio is essentially easy to operate. The big cooling fan in the back has to go as it is loud and draws extra current.

The radio is a full 10w on cw, USB and LSB work but AM mode is bad. Shipping was quick. More later.

Added Sept 22. 2013:

Made a number of contacts on it from 8-15 meters and in the middle of a QSO on 20 meters the power supply quit and so did the radio. Could smell something burning and had to reset the power supply. The IRF530 or one of the two shorted and caused the foil trace to burn up and pop the finals.

I have had very little help from the company and no replies from the builder.Been no word on compensation or repair help on this at all. They asked if I can replace the finals and made mention that foil might also be burnt. There are much better radios out there with warranty and return policy for sure. I am awaiting a set of finals to put in and then will perform surgery.

More KN-920 + videos

Thanks to a reader I now know that the KN-920 is designed by BA6BF. Some videos show the KN-920 in action and allow you to take a peek inside. These videos are hosted on YOUKU, an Asian YouTube.

Go to http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTMyNDQ2Njgw.html and take a look. Related videos are shown at the right side of the screen.

HF transceiver for under $400: KN-920

Steve G1KQH sent me a link to one of the latest HF transceivers from Chinese origin, the KN-920. With a price tag of only $346.55 a piece (shipping not included), it is a cheap radio for sure. The radio is targeted to QRP operators, as the maximum output is 10 Watts (can be configured up to 20 Watts).

RX frequency range: 30 KHz to 29.999999 MHz

TX Bands:
3.500 – 3.9999 MHz
7.000 – 7.300 MHz
10.100 – 10.150 MHz
14.000 – 14.350 MHz
18.068 – 18.168 MHz
21.000 – 21.450 MHz
24.890 – 24.990 MHz
28.000 – 29.700 MHz

Modes: SSB, CW, FM, AM (RX only).
Memories: 100
TX power: 1-10 w continuous adjustable (maximum power can be adjusted, maximum 20 Watts)
LCD screen: Frequency; Power, Mode; S-meter; SWR
Power requirements: RX: 13.8V / 0.7A; TX: 13.8V / 4A
Antenna interface: SO-239
Size: 230 x 230 x 90mm
Weight: 3.5 KG

More (sometimes cryptic) specs can be found on the seller’s page.