Hello, Listmates!  

 

            I have been enjoying viewing the information &comeraderie
presented by the listserv users since I joined up in May of this year.  I
have checked into the Sunday 20 meter Net a few times; however, since a
couple of my old HF radios are presently offline needing repairs,  my
remaining Kenwood TS520 is tuned for 75 meters, and I lack the flexibility
of independently changing frequencies, tuning the transmitter, and the
antenna for 1:1 SWR, etc.  A common problem with old technology.  The recent
and ongoing listserv information on accessibility features on the Kenwoods
has been very helpful to me.  To reduce my need for family member help with
setting frequencies, tuning the transceiver and the antenna, and the
inability to do so when alone, I am approaching the attitude of a
self-induced Christmas present of an accessible HF radio, and I'm tilting
toward the TS590s.  I still have a few questions about the rig, and I'd
appreciate your responses.  My questions are as follows:   

1. What are the dimensions and approximate weight of the TS590?  (I'm hoping
that it is a "good-sized" tabletop model, rather than something "small",
like a TS50 or something.) 

2. Is it true that the TS590 and other modern HF transceivers do not need to
be "tuned", such as my TS520s with 6146s or my Swan 270?  What do you have
to do to set the power from 0 - 100 watts?

3. Can someone describe the front side of the TS590?  Does it have a touch
screen and/or does it have knobs, buttons and switches on the frontside?
Please describe the size & placement of the display indicator.  (I presume
that the rig does not have separate needle meters & such these days.)  

4. A listing of some of the voice board voice "prompts" has been mentioned
Does the voice board also state band and frequency?  Do you change frequency
by turning a rotary knob?  Do you push a button to hear the frequency when
you stop turning the tuning knob?  (if there is a tuning knob) 

5. What color is the rig?  Does it have a keypad, and if so, is it on the
front face of the rig or on a separate cord?  What is the configuration of
the keypad?

6. My old "semi-boat anchor HF radios all have built-in power supplies.
Does the TS590 require a separate power supply?  Did I see somewhere that
there is a matching Kenwood power supply for the TS590 that costs about
$499?  If a separate power supply is required, might one substitute a
different PS to save $$, without sacrificing reliability?  Any
recommendations?  

 

            Thanks in advance for your responses and advice.  My Windows XP
& JAWS 11 couldn't open the Kenwood websites provided on the list a couple
of days ago, hence my questions today.  Best Wishes as we start to get into
the Christmas holiday season.  My next e-mail won't be so long.  Sorry 'bout
that.  

 

                                                            Regards.
Dave Weigel  KD4JEZ  Naples, Florida