Here is just another point of view regarding the TS-2000 vs. the TS-590...

I seriously considered both rigs myself, but decided to go with a two rig
solution. That is, I purchased the TS-590 for the HF throu 6 meter bands
because of its superior, more advanced circuit design and because it was
more fully accessible, but also for another reason often overlooked. That
other reason was if I purchased a TS-2000 and it went down and had to go in
the shop for repairs, I would be entirely out of a rig and not able to work
any bands. However, by purchasing one rig for HF and another one for
VHF/UHF, and if one of those rigs went down and had to go into the shop for
repairs, I would still be able to operate on some bands, either HF or
VHF/UHF, depending upon which of the two rigs went down. Consequently, I
ended up purchasing the TS-590 for HF through 6 and the Tm-V71a for 144 and
440 MHZ. However, if you can't afford the two rig solution, then, the
TS-2000 is an excellent rig, and you can find them in very excellent
condition used for a reasonable price. 

Ron, K8HSY
 




-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Richard B McDonald
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2014 2:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Kenwood TS-2000 Versus TS-590

Hi Steve!

This is very helpful advice.  Yes, I am proceeding with upgrading to a
General license.  Well, since I really do not know which precise area of the
hobby I want to settle into, I kind of want to explore them all.  For that
reason, perhaps the TS-2000 might be better?

On the other hand, I am a little scared about the TS-2000's accessibility
inferiority as compared to the TS-590; but either way I go I have a steep
learning curve as it's all new to me - as you rightly point out : (  I'm
pretty good with computers and technology, though, so I am confident in my
skill sets.  Am I incorrect to worry about the accessibility differences
between these rigs?

Yes, I am serious about my antenna plans.  That said, I will be limited more
by LA zoning rules than any other reasons.  If I could be permitted, I would
turn my property into a full-on aluminum farm ; )  Stupid zoning rules!

What a drag the VGS-1 won't drop into the TS-2000 : )  I wish Kenwood would
roll the 590 technology into the 2000!

I am *SO* perplexed! : )

73,
Richard

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2014 9:05 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Kenwood TS-2000 Versus TS-590

Richard,

I have both in the shack, and a large number of folks on this list have, 
or have had both of these rigs.    I'm sure you will get a lot of input 
on this, but it all comes down to   what you want to do in the hobby.

The 2000 came out as you might guess, in 2000, and while some internal
changes have been made over the years, it is  not the latest technology. 
    I think the 590 came out in late 2010, for whatever that's worth.


You can't use the new VGS-1 in the 2000.  Won't fit, won't work.

The 2000 is very accesible  despite the older voice board, and the 590 
speaks a bit more.   Since this is all new to you, you will have a steep 
learning curve with either one, but lot's of help on this list.


The TNC in the 2000 is kind of limited, but it is there.   Although I 
think the need for control software is a bit overblown, the free 590 
software  works well with JAWS.     The free software for the 2000 is 
only for menus and memories, but there is other stuff out there that works.
Jim in Texas from this list has been working to get his radio control
software  working better for the 2000.

I know you want to work all bands and get involved in all aspects of the 
hobby, but few if any hams really do that.    You would be happy with 
either radio.

Again, what do you want to do?    Work local repeaters?  or only Work 
stations across the country or around the world?  I know you mentioned some
big antenna projects.  Realistic, or just  caught up in the moment? 
    Big antennas need big supports which means money and labor.  If you are
going to stay a Tech, the 2000 may be better.  Unless you upgrade, or learn
morse code, you have serious limitations on the HF bands  that 
may not make the 590 practicle now.   Of course, you may be rich, then 
you can buy one of each.

73, Steve KW3A

On 5/19/2014 11:22 AM, Richard B McDonald wrote:
> Hi!
>
>
>
> I am trying to decide which is a better rig for me between the Kenwood
> TS-2000 and the Kenwood TS-590.  This breaks down into two considerations:
> 1) "accessibility" since I am blind and 2) radio functionality.
>
>
>
> As far as accessibility, from what I have read the TS-590 seems to be 
> a
bit
> more accessible.  However, this difference seems to be small.  One 
> thing I read from a accessibility review 
> <http://active-elements.org/2012/12/01/kenwood-ts-2000/>  of the 
> TS-2000
is
> " The TS-2000 was fitted with the optional VS-3 voice chip. The VS-3 
> has been superseded by the excellent VGS-1 on newer Kenwood's, but 
> gave unparalleled access to Kenwood radios when introduced."  Does 
> this mean
that
> the VGS-1 chip can be used in the TS-2000 to get its better performance.
> Also, both rigs have a computer control software interface option.  
> How accessible are they with JAWS?  Any comments about the 
> accessibility differences of these two rigs would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> As far as radio functionality, the TS-590 seems to be a better HF rig 
> (160
-
> 6 meters); but that is all its got.  On the other hand, the TS-2000 
> has a far more broader range of capabilities: 160 meters - 70 cm; 23 
> cm option, TNC, and on and on.  From what I have read, the TS-2000 is 
> a very good HF rig; and the difference between it and the TS-590 here 
> are not all that great.  So, what are your thoughts about the radio 
> functionality between these two rigs?
>
>
>
> Many thanks!
>
>
>
> 73,
>
> Richard
>
>
>