The Q900 does not have an encoder / tuning knob. But the Q900 supports USB keyboard control and there are USB encoders that emulate a keyboard that you can use with the Q900.
There is also a virtual tuning knob in the QRadioBLE Android app. It is better than without but an external hardware encoder is much better.
Guohetec sells an encoder that emulates the up and down keys for tuning and short press menu key.
Guohetec external encoder
There are many programmable devices out there but only one of them is known to work on the Q900:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004072668732.html
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006352381589.html
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005590640349.html
One of them might not be delivered to your country. That’s why I posted different links.
I would recommend this one over the one from Guohetec, because it has 4 additional buttons that can be programmed. Also, it is cheaper than the one from Guohetec.
It has to be programmed on a windows computer first with software. The link to the software will be on the packaging.
Update (2024/01/22)
Two more encoders have been found that will work with the Q900 (probably also PMR-171):
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005830734125.html (4 knobs and 12 keys)
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006020111017.html
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005946213888.html
Important notes:
- Use the USB A port to connect the device or any Keyboard. The USB C port is for connecting to a Computer or charging.
- connect the device before turning on the Q900
- with any USB device connected to the USB A port, you might have to hold the power button longer to turn on the Q900.
- Keboard support is only working in the later firmwareversions. I know about 3.4.0 and 3.4.1.
If there are any reports for older versions, I will add them. If you are not sure if the encoder will work, try a simple USB keboard before buying the encoder. - USB Hubs are not supported including keyboards that have an internal hub. That is the reason why other programmable devices don’t work.
Here is the list of the keyboard commands from the Q900 manual.
Ignore the inverted Up and Down keys in at the end of this list.
Up = Up and Down = Down is correct!
