David, if you like, I can send you a copy of the program I use with the 
TS-590.  It works best with braille, but will work with speech too.  I find 
it much easier to use than HRD.
--
Jim, KE5AL

-----Original Message----- 
From: David Weigel
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 12:32 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Another Kenwood VGS1 scenario update

Hello, Dr. Milliman & Listmates:
yes, misery does love company!  Thanks for your story of the VGS1.
Being a contemplative type, I failed to act in time to take advantage of the
free VSG1 Kenwood offer with a purchase of a TS590S over the December
holidays.  But I did get up the gumption to purchase a TS590S, an Astron
linear power supply and the VGS1 card at the Orlando Hamcation Saturday,
February 8th from the HRO booth.  The HRO salesman informed me that the VGS1
was not available nationwide due to the tremendous holiday sales, but
Kenwood would be making them available to the USA soon.  The rig and power
supply arrived the 2nd week of February sans the voice card, which wasn't
particularly unexpected.  But I did phone HRO at both its Delaware and
Atlanta offices over the past 10 days, and neither office had any idea when
Kenwood would be shipping the VSG1.  Since I paid HRO the $63 for the voice
card, I am awaiting shipment from HRO, not Kenwood.  It will be interesting
to see which of us receive the VGS1 first, as we have slightly different
purchase arrangements.
In the meantime, I've started my "hands-off" learning curve about
operation of the TS590S, although I noted the plethora of multi-function
buttons and knobs on a significantly smaller radio than my near 40 year-old
TS520 or my Rockwell/Collins KWM-380.  Incredibly, it took nearly 3 hours of
solid JAWS rreading at over a 400 word per minute rate to get through the
TS590S Operation Manual.  Living with a boat anchor mentality, this new
radio should keep me busy with the learning curve.  Part adventure - part
unfathomable.  Should be fun.

I'll let you know when the VGS1 card arrives.
Dave Weigel  KD4JEZ
Naples, Florida

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2014 11:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Kenwood VGS1 scenario update

As some of you might recall, back in late November, someone, I think Tom,
posted a message informing us that AES had a special deal going on with the
TS590; that is, when you purchased a new TS590, Kenwood would include the
VGS1 at no additional cost. So, I jumped on that deal. In fact, I purchased
both the TS590 with the free VGS1 voice module offer, and I also purchased
the TM-V71A, but I had to buy the additional VGS1 voice module for the
TM-V71A. AES was really good working with me; the fellow that took my order
over the phone also helped me fill out the form I need to send to Kenwood to
get the free VGS1 voice module that came with the TS-590.



Well, it has been about 15 weeks since I received the TS590 and sent the
form into Kenwood to get the VGS1, and I still don't have it. I received a
letter from Kenwood informing me the VGS1 modules were back ordered and
would be sent out just as soon as they came in. I waited a few more weeks
and finally called Kenwood. The fellow I talked to was very defensive and
told me that if I didn't want to wait for the VGS1 to come in, I could send
the TS590 back. Then, he told me the shipment would be in no later than the
end of February, and I was on top of the list for getting mine shipped out
to me via air express. This last week I found out they received a shipment
of VGS1 modules, but I still didn't get mine. So, I called AES to see if
they could possibly assist me. I talked to the AES manager who was very
understanding, friendly, and willing to call Kenwood on my behalf to see
what he could do, if anything. He got back to me to tell me that Kenwood was
expecting another shipment by March 22, and that they would ship mine out to
me via air express as soon as it came in.



I am sharing this scenario with you because I am extremely unhappy with
Kenwood. The shipment that came in evidently all went to their large "box
store" dealers, not to their consumer customers, like me. After all, they
already have my money and have already sold the rig to me; so, why be
concerned about me. After all, who am I compared to the big box store ham
equipment retailers?



I have owned numerous Kenwood rigs, the TS520, TR-7950, 2 TM2570's, a TS440,
and now, the TS590 and TM-V71A. This is the first time I have ever really
been dissatisfied with Kenwood. However, I feel in a frustrating
predicament; that is, Kenwood rigs are the most accessible on the market,
and if you want a really accessible rig, you can either purchase a Kenwood
or you can purchase a Kenwood, or if you prefer, you can purchase a Kenwood.



Di I hear someone say we really need more accessible ham gear from which to
choose?



Ron, K8HSY



Dr. Ronald E. Milliman

Retired Professor of Marketing

President: A3 Business Solutions (a3businesssolutions.com)

President: M&M Properties

Chair: American Council of the Blind's PR Committee

Chair: American Council of the Blind's MMS Committee

President: South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind (SCKCB.ORG)