Albrecht AE 2990 multimode CB/HAM handheld

I knew it existed but never met one: a 10m multimode handheld. Meet the Albrecht AE 2990 AFS. The same hardware is sold under other brand names. I will not do a complete review, I will document what I haven't found in my online searches about this radio.

It can be configured to work on CB (multi-country) or 10/12m HAM bands. The procedure is documented online and, unless you want to "lock" the change, no soldering is needed. I configured it on HAM bands. Note that there is no configuration that covers from 24.890 to 29.600 MHz. The widest band can be achieved in mode 3 or 4, but it doesn't cover 12 meters.

Finest tuning is in 500 Hz steps within a 10 kHz "channel", with a RIT that covers about +/- 1 kHz. As outlined by others, there is no indication of RIT "zero", which forces you to guess when you are properly tuned to someone calling CQ in SSB.

The stock antenna is a little more than a dummy load. It will not get you further than a couple of km, let alone a DX. So I quickly assembled a 1/4 wave vertical to have a 20 km QSO with a friend. The external antenna was useful to understand that the full RF gain should be used with the rubber duckie, while you should set it one step below max when using better performers. Using full RF gain with an external antenna in my case brought S5 noise and distorted signals.

SSB transmission. I had read somewhere to reduce mic gain to improve modulation. Unfortunately a lower mic gain also means a lower P.E.P. (output power). Going to full mic gain and speaking very close to the radio increased my signal from S1 to S3.

The DC power socket looks like 4.0x1.7 mm, positive centre, but I find it unreliable. Unfortunately the user manual does not mention the right size.

I think that in order to get the best from this radio you need an external antenna and the help of propagation Gods. With a longer whip antenna it could suffice for HF SOTA purposes with local contacts, if you have enough friends at home that will work you.