Hi Steve,
When I evaluated the 590, I found the continual announcements of frequency
in Split mode were a nuisance. Fortunately, there are options to deal with
it!
Here is what I wrote in the review:
***
Split frequency operation gives good feedback, but I personally found the
continual
voicing of the current frequency to be tiring and unnecessary. For example,
when
holding the TF-Set button, the VFO B frequency was announced, and then the
VFO A
frequency was announced on the button's release. If you are working a DX
station
using split frequencies, it is likely you will be pressing the TF-Set button
every
time the DX station gives a report, and you will be searching for the
frequency
he is listening on. You will be concentrating on the various signals, and
having
the frequency automatically announced every time will be a distraction.
I found two practical ways round this problem. Firstly by turning off the
voice completely
in menu B. I cover this more fully when I discuss the menu system, and the
ability
to switch between menu A and menu B. The second method was by turning off
automatic
Voice announcements. This option is well thought out. Basically, all
speech is
turned off unless one of the PF keys is pressed. The TF-Set key will no
longer speack
frequencies, the number pad will not speak, and the menu system will be
silent.
Although I could not fully investigate this function in the limited time I
had the
radio, I found that although the menu system was silent, pressing PF A,
voiced the
menu option and setting. If I pressed the TX Power button, only the beeps
were heard,
but pressing PF A, spoke the usual 'TX Power 100'. In effect, the verbiage
was dramatically
reduced, but speech could be called upon if needed!
***
The complete review is at:
http://active-elements.org/2012/12/01/kenwood-ts-590/
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: 02 January 2014 17:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: This TS590
A quick press and release will announce the RX VFO, while pressing and
holding will not only announce the TX VFO, but as long as you hold it
in you can listen to the TXVFO. When released, it will announce the RX VFO.
Kind of like this: While in split, press and hold that key and listen
to your TX VFO. You can even tune that VFO with the tuning knob while
the button is held in. If the DX is listening "5 to 10 up", you can
hold in that button and tune that 5 khz he is listening. You can find
a clear spot)at least clear at your end) or better yet, hear a
station being worked by the DX and get right on that frequency. Release
the button, and when he calls QRZ? you are right where he just worked
his last QSO.
73, Steve KW3A
On 1/2/2014 12:19 PM, Tom Behler wrote:
> Steve:
>
>
>
> Well, a few minutes ago, I tried what you suggested with the second button
> in the second row immediately to the right of the tuning knob, and found
out
> something else interesting.
>
>
>
> If you are in split mode, and press the button briefly, it will give you
> your V F O A frequency, and if you hold that button down, it will then
give
> you your V F O B frequency reading.
>
>
>
> I am not sure if that was what you were trying to say in your last post,
but
> I never knew that capability existed!
>
>
>
> Guess we learn something new every day.
>
>
>
> Thanks for responding to my initial suggestion as you did.
>
>
>
> Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>
> On Behalf Of Steve Forst
>
> Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2014 11:26 AM
>
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Subject: Re: This ---- ---- TS-590
>
>
>
> Tom,
>
>
>
> I was also thinking maybe he got into split mode, however...... The button
> you suggest pushing actually toggles between split and normal
>
> operation. So pressing that key doesn't tell you what mode you are
>
> in, it switches between split and normal. A better choice to see if
>
> you are in split mode is to hit the key just to the right. This is the
>
> second row down, second key from the left in the block of keys just to
>
> the right of the main tuning knob. If in normal vfo mode, hitting this
>
> key just gives a boink. If you are in split mode, this key announces
>
> the other vfo and you will hear "S" followed by either"A" or "B"
>
> followed by frequency.
>
>
>
> Hope that makes sense.
>
>
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
>
>
>
>
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