Hi Howard,

I would add to your review that the VGS-1 which is the speech chip for the
480 also serves as the voice recorder.  It costs $70 but does double duty
where in the TS-2000 you buy the VS-3 and then the TU-3 voice recorder
separately.

In terms of comparison with the TS-2000 I think the receiver in the 480 has
some advantages and is somewhat better.  It has a warmth to the receive
signal that I haven't heard since the old tube days.  I believe the DSP
implementation is better although it's in the audio not the IF stage and I
like the idea of a combination of mechanical filters and DSP.

Finally, the PL tones do speak when setting them for six meter repeaters.

Take care all and very 73.


Kevin :)
Amateur Radio:  K7RX
Navy Marine Corps MARS:  NNN0SHS




-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-Hams For blind ham radio operators
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Howard Kaufman
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 19:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Kenwood H F Transceiver;

Well I don't have a 2000, but I looked seriously at buying one.
The 2000 does everything, it was $1499 when I was looking.  HF VHF UHF 1.2
gigs optional as I remember it.  Same power, with 73 buttons and dials on
the front.  I did find a number of reviews on both radios by putting the
model numbers in to a search engine.
Specs seemed similar.  The ts480 was going for $919, and is operated from a
control head that attaches to the radio.  160 through 6 meters.  Receives
100 kHz to 60 MHz, A.M. SSB, and FM.  The menus all talk with the vS3 voice
module.  Audio filtering and DSP.  On both radios extra filters and the
voice board are not included.  Power is the same at least up to 6 meters.
Not sure on that band.
Since VHF wasn't a priority, my real choice came down to the TS480 and
TS870.  With the ssb hi fi freeks on, I still wonder about that decision.  I
know of a number of ts-2000 owners that traded their radios in, because with
all of those buttons, the radio could do everything except become
comfortable to operate.
What ever radio you choose will be the right choice, because it will become
the one you know how to operate.
Their are sum concerns that the PEP output on the ts480 is not as high as it
should be.  That concerns me.  It is a great receiver and it is very nice to
have the control head tethered to the radio, because it frees you from being
tethered to the operating desk.  The radio is about the size of a family
bible, and can be set where ever you like.  This really frees up your
desktop for things that have to be there.  You can scan memories or vfo
ranges, run split frequency, and FM repeaters.  I have not investigated PL,.
It also has a full computer interface with the comport on the front of the
radio for easy access.  The internal tuner is surprisingly broad, much more
than the indicated 2.5/1 range as indicated in the book.
Set-up was easy, manuals are accessible.  Can a ts-2000 operator review
their radio.