Jim:
I bought the rig used from a fellow blind ham back in 2011.
I have actually been very happy with the rig. .. . Never had any problems
with it at all, other than the slightly-reduced output power reading which
has been characteristic of many of the early TS590's, as far as I
understand.
The only reason I sent it into the service center was for the ALC power
spike issue, and the F901 receive circuit fuse replacement--both of which
have been recognized problems with the earlier units.
Overall, I've been quite happy with the rig, and really don't think I have
anything inferior here.
Tom Behler: kB8TYJ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Gammon
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 4:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 590 problems
Tom, did you buy that 590 new or used? Seems like it had numerous problems
one wouldn't expect from a new rig. The previous owner of my 590 bought it
in April of this year so I imagine it has the latest firmware, until the new
one comes out in January. Would be curious to know the advantages of
upgrading. TNX, Jim WA6EKS
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Behler <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 14:57:51 -0500
Subject: Re: Need Steps For Checking TS590 Firmware Version
Steve and all:
As a quick update here, I think I now have my TS590 fully back up and
running again.
I'm sure glad to have the ARCP software, and a saved file with my memories
and menu settings!
Made the whole job infinitely easier.
And, I have two other quick updates:
First, the Service Center gave me firmware version 1.08, so I'm now current,
until the new one comes out in January, which looks to be worth installing.
And, now here's another neat surprise I just discovered.
I now get a full 100 watts power out from the rig, according to the rig's
internal SWR/watt meter.
You may recall that I was wondering earlier whether the voltage on my Astron
RS35 power supply was a bit too low, leading to a slightly reduced output
power reading. But apparently the supply wasn't the culprit.
I am wondering if the slightly higher output power is due to the fact that
they re-aligned the rig?
Anyway, all seems ok now, and I'm fully back in business with the 590.
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 3:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Need Steps For Checking TS590 Firmware Version
Good deal Tom. As part of the whole thing with the alignment and firmware
install at Kenwood, it would have ended with a full reset.
Hopefully you saved your menus and memories before sending it out, so you
can reload all that junk.
There are some things that reverted to default and aren't going to be
restored when you reload your settings: power will revert to 100 watts, mic
gain, comp settings and carrier will revert to the default of 50, and a few
other things, so check them out before you start operating.
73, Steve KW3A
On 11/15/2014 3:04 PM, Tom Behler wrote:
Thanks, Steve.
I've got the firmware update instructions here, so may give your second
approach a try as I work on getting the rig set up here within the next
few hours.
Will let you know what I find.
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 1:11 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Need Steps For Checking TS590 Firmware Version
Tom,
Glad you got it back ok. There are 2 ways to check firmware
version,
but only one speaks.
If you have sighted help, turn off radio, press and hold "m.in"
key
and power up radio. Release the M.in key and firmware version will show
on display. No speech in this method.
Without sighted help, you will need to start the firmware update program
from Kenwood. Your screen reader will read this software as you
start through the updating process. You will see (hear) the
current
version on the radio as well as the version ready to be installed.
Since all you want to do is confirm current version, this is where you
would back out and cancel the updating program.
The latest version is either 1.80 or 1.08, don't remember, but if there is
an 8 you are at the latest version.
73 Steve KW3A
On 11/15/2014 12:06 PM, Tom Behler wrote:
Hi, all.
I just got my TS590 back from the Kenwood East Service Center in Virginia,
and I have to say that I'm extremely pleased with their service.
I sent the rig out on Saturday: November 1, and it was at my
door
yesterday:
November 14.
Not bad for door-to-door service!
As I had requested, they did the ALC power spike modification,
and
they also replaced the F901 receive-circuit fuse which has been
known
to cause problems for some owners of the earlier units.
They also were kind enough to do an alignment and basic
diagnostic
check of the rig.
Finally, they installed the updated firmware.
All of this was at no charge. . The only thing I had to pay for
was
the initial shipping to the facility.
So, now, I'm curious. . I want to find out which version of the
firmware they installed. Can someone give me instructions as to
how
to do
this?
Also, what is the latest firmware version? I think it's 1.8,
but I'm
not totally sure.
I suspect that they wouldn't have given me the firmware version
that
is supposed to come out in January, 2015, but at least it will
be
good to know what I now have.
Now, it's onto getting the rig set back up, maybe in time to do
some
of the Sweepstakes SSB contest.
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
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