Thanks, Steve, for sending this message!
This does clear up the process of using the recorder.
73
Lowell  W8QIY
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2016 5:15 PM
Subject: Recording messages on TS-590


> The subject of how to record voice messages on the 590 came up this 
> afternoon on 40 meters.    While I don't use this feature myself,  I 
> know that some folks have had  problems getting it to work.      I said 
> I would post something I had gotten from the 590 e-mail list that is 
> supposed to  clarify some of the  porly written stuff in the manual.
> 
> 73, Steve KW3A
> 
> 
> From the TS-590 mailing list:
> 
> 
> Overcoming the confusing instructions for the VGS-1 voice recorder
> Mon Oct 8, 2012 10:45 pm (PDT) . Posted by:
> "AG0N-3055" glmcduffie
> A few days ago, I asked for help using the VGS-1 or voice record
> function. I didn't need help with the voice announcements of
> transceiver operating parameters, but wanted help making recordings to
> be played over the air, such as CQs for contests, etc. This operation
> is "explained" on page 59 of the operator's manual, however, Kenwood's
> terminology is not quite as good as it could be, and is intermingled
> with instructions of how to do other things at the same time. The
> manual is correct, but the words don't match what the brain thinks when
> you read them. Kenwood definitions are stated on page ii (pg 4 in the
> pdf file version). I will use MY terminology in this explanation, so
> when I say push and hold, you push and hold until told to do otherwise.
> 
> First, you have four recordable message memories, unless you have
> constant recording enable on menu 55. I have it enabled on mine.
> Instructions for using #4 with constant record turned off are the same
> as using #1, #2, and #3.
> 
> Prior to recording, turn the VOX off and the receive volume to zero.
> Turning the VOX off will prevent inadvertent transmission, and the
> volume at zero prevents background noise from being a part of your
> recording.
> 
> You must be in a voice mode to record a message.
> 
> Choose a memory slot for your recording. Let's say #2 for this example.
> Using #1 or #3 is done the same way by substituting the proper key.
> 
> Press and hold the [CH2(REC)] key until you hear BT on CW, then release.
> AP3 -- will appear on the right side of the display. It is now ready to
> record in slot 3. At this point, you can set the mic gain if it needs
> to be changed. I have found it does not need to do more than tickle the
> ALC meter (and the radio should not key when you do this). The playback
> level will run the ALC over the end of the scale on playback. At least
> it does on mine.
> 
> Ready to record?
> 
> Press and continue to hold the [CH2(REC)] key and say your message into
> the microphone. A countdown will appear on the display and you must
> finish before it reaches zero. At the end of your message, release the
> [CH2(REC)] key. The display will show "WRITING".
> 
> When WRITING goes away, you can check your recording by tapping the
> [CH2(REC)] key momentarily. Local playback volume is set in menu 05.
> You will want to "keep it tight". Don't leave any space before and
> after your message. Press the key and talk immediately. End the
> message on the last word by releasing the key immediately. In most
> cases, a blank space will get in your way on playback.
> 
> If you don't like your message and want to try again, just use the same
> procedure to record over it. It does not need to be erased first.
> 
> If you WANT to erase a memory, use the steps above, as if you were going
> to record. While you are holding the key down to record, press the CLR
> button then release all buttons. Message erased.
> 
> If you like your recorded message and want to play it on the air, turn
> the VOX on and tap the [CH2(REC)] key.
> 
> If you have constant record turned on, the incoming audio is always
> being recorded and can be saved. At the end of the 30 second period you
> want to record, press and hold the [RX4(REC)] key until you see
> "WRITING" on the display. This saves the last 30 seconds to memory, and
> will take longer to write than the other memory positions because it is
> longer. When it is finished writing, tapping the [RX4(REC)] key again
> will play it back. Turn the receiver volume down so you don't add
> background noise to your recording as you listen to it. You cannot play
> back while the PTT is keyed, either manually or by VOX.
> 
> Unfortunately, you cannot play the incoming audio back over the air,
> even by holding the mic to the speaker. It stops playback as soon as
> the PTT keys. It's too bad they did that. It can be very helpful when
> trying to help someone with their audio over the air, etc.
> 
> I hope this will help someone who, like me, has trouble making sense of
> the instructions in the manual. I'm sure after I hit the SEND button,
> I'll think of something that should be included.
> 
> Thanks to the several of you who wrote to tell me how it is done. They
> all contributed to this instruction.
> 
> Gary
> -- 
> http://ag0n.net
> 
> for di