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Reviews For: Kenwood TK-90

Category: Transmitters: non-amateur adaptable for ham use

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Review Summary For : Kenwood TK-90
Reviews: 3MSRP: 2500
Description:
Programmable 100 W channelized commercial grade HF transceiver with hardware ALE. Has capability for remote head, computer control, and GPS port.
Product is in production
More Info: http://international.kenwoodusa.com/Brochures/tk90_k.pdf
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0034.7
ZS6VLT Rating: 2022-01-27
Simple and Effective Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned the TK90 now for 3years and it is an interesting radio.

Interface is commercial and definitely lacks the VFO knob but in the VFO mode the radio is really very capable and ergonomics is not too bad.

Form a qso perspective I have only been super impressed. Running the TK90 AT low power from 7ah LA Battery through a MFJ 939 into a roughly tuned EFHW with the wire thrown over a few bushes in Kruger National Park I made contacts in Australia, California US, ST Helena island and a bunch of local contacts all in 24 hours.

This hands down out performs my IC7200 and FT 857 on standard setting. Of course the other two has many bells and whistles to catch up and overtake.

This rig has proper cooling and feels very solid.

Programming is tricky but the local dealer made short work of it and now the scan function works very well on all my favorite HF frequencies.

Too bad that the cables for this rig to do digital modes are almost impossible to get a hold of in South Africa.

Can't wait for the next adventure with this radio in Afrika.
KW1O Rating: 2012-12-27
#1 HF Mobile Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had a Kenwood TK-90 now for a year in my 4WD pickup. I just ordered another one as my Christmas present for a combination base and Manpack radio setup. The TK-90 is going to replace a Motorola ALE radio that sounds like a 1950's tube set compared to the TK-90. The TK-90 is dead on frequency and voice tone is perfect. Even Codan users are surprised at how good this $1300 ALE radio sounds (radio, ALE, and 2.7K filter). It works just fine with a LDG KT-100 tuner. The complete mobile installation was under $2000 with remote kit, tuner, etc. With the KMC-32 mic you can program 4 stations for one button calling - you can't make a radio any simpler to use. My other HAM only radio is a TS480SAT. If you like a Kenwood TS480SAT for general HAM use you will love the TK-90 for an ALE radio. For Mobile HF operation, ALE is the way to go!

KR4K Rating: 2009-10-22
Excellent HF ALE Value Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Probably the best value in a commercialized HF ALE radio. Wish it was available in USA, but it is not FCC certified.

HF receiver performance equivalent or better than my TS-2000. The ALE is a basic MIL-STD capability, but you can receive a call from someone using PC-ALE. Receive reports of excellent audio. Has direct frequency entry from keypad microphone. Superb rugged mobile rig for commercial use, MARS, or other regular frequency use. KPG-102D programming software and cable are a must.