[Kenwood] Recommendations for 2nd HF rig

Fri, 28 Jun 2002 12:38:36 -0700

I'm something of a fan of the TS-940S/AT, TS-950SDX, and FT1000DX.
However, I have to admit that many TS-940S/AT's suffer from one
unusual
but characteristic problem as they ages.  This is the PLL unlock
problem
that occurs as a result of the breakdown of the coating materials used
on
the circuit boards with time.

AT stands for antenna tuner.  No AT, no tuner -- you're loading the
transistor outputs into whatever load you've got and this often
results in
reduced output power.  This might be perfectly acceptable if you
always
run a final amplifier with low input VSWR or if you limit your
frequency
of operation to the low VSWR portions of the bands.  Or if you accept
the additional cost of adding an external tuner.

TS930 and TS850 users generally have good things to say about their
rigs, although none of them would try to tell you that their rig is
the
best on the market.  The 930's and even the 940's are becoming
antiques by now, making the problem of getting replacement parts
ever more difficult.

I don't suggest "tube" radios to people anymore.

But since this is a "second" radio you are talking about, I'm going to
suggest that you chose between going "small" or duplicating your
present rig.  When you go "small" you get an ideal "vacation" or
"portable" rig as well as backup protection.  The TS450S/AT
fits that requirement nicely.

The only other question is whether you wouldn't rather consider
mobile possibilities...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Les Severson" <[email protected]>
To: "Ed" <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2002 8:47 AM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood] Recommendations for 2nd HF rig

> Hello Ed,
> Hands down... TS-830S would be my choice for several reasons:
> The best of both worlds with the great solid state receiver and  the
RUGGED,
> CLEAN
> higher power of the 12BY7-6146s output,  also,  great audio,  a
noise blanker
> that actually works,  a processor that maintains audio integrity,  a
good
> maintenance record,  and... at $300-$500 (on ebay)  a good value.
> Just ask the man who owns one.  (or has owned one)
> I would look for the "gold" edition that has been pampered.
> Best 73,  Les, W�OJH
>
>
>
> Ed wrote:
>
> > Fellow listers,
> >
> > I'm thinking about getting a second used HF rig for use on SSB and
CW.  I'd
> > like to have an all-mode radio that will work at least 10-80, plus
WARC.  I
> > see lots of older used Kenwood rigs for sale at varying prices,
but I'd
> > like to know which are held in high esteem by fellow Kenwood
users.  I've
> > seen ads for the TS-830S, TS-850S, TS-870SAT, TS-930S/AT,
TS-950SDX,
> > TS-940S, TS-940S/AT, TS-440, TS-450SAT.  I don't know the
difference
> > between and S and and S/AT or if a 950 is better than a 930 or an
870
> > because the number is higher, etc.  I'd like to know which ones
should be
> > avoided and  which ones are highly sought after.  Any suggestions
or
> > opinions would be appreciated.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Ed
> >
> > - - -
> >
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>
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