Richard, just keep doing your research.  Don't let the  difference in 
voice readout between the 2000 and 590 trump everything else.     After 
losing  my last bit of sight around 2000, I used the TS-2000 for the 
next 10 years and made a boatload of contacts.  Lot's of DX, lot's of 
contests.  The 2000 is very usable by a blind ham.

If you haven't already, check out the 2000 and 590 stuff at

icanworkthisthing.com

A lot of good stuff put together by some people who are on this list.

Also check out Kelvin M0AID's site:

http://active-elements.org/

Kelvin is in the UK and is also on this list.

Another site for blind hams is

hamradioandvision.com

After looking at all this stuff you will be far beyond perplexed.   You 
don't have to make this your lifes work, but the more info you have, the 
better choice you will make.

Good luck, Steve KW3A


On 5/19/2014 3:05 PM, Richard B McDonald wrote:
> Hi Steve!
>
> This is very helpful advice.  Yes, I am proceeding with upgrading to a
> General license.  Well, since I really do not know which precise area of the
> hobby I want to settle into, I kind of want to explore them all.  For that
> reason, perhaps the TS-2000 might be better?
>
> On the other hand, I am a little scared about the TS-2000's accessibility
> inferiority as compared to the TS-590; but either way I go I have a steep
> learning curve as it's all new to me - as you rightly point out : (  I'm
> pretty good with computers and technology, though, so I am confident in my
> skill sets.  Am I incorrect to worry about the accessibility differences
> between these rigs?
>
> Yes, I am serious about my antenna plans.  That said, I will be limited more
> by LA zoning rules than any other reasons.  If I could be permitted, I would
> turn my property into a full-on aluminum farm ; )  Stupid zoning rules!
>
> What a drag the VGS-1 won't drop into the TS-2000 : )  I wish Kenwood would
> roll the 590 technology into the 2000!
>
> I am *SO* perplexed! : )
>
> 73,
> Richard
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Steve Forst
> Sent: Monday, May 19, 2014 9:05 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Kenwood TS-2000 Versus TS-590
>
> Richard,
>
> I have both in the shack, and a large number of folks on this list have,
> or have had both of these rigs.    I'm sure you will get a lot of input
> on this, but it all comes down to   what you want to do in the hobby.
>
> The 2000 came out as you might guess, in 2000, and while some internal
> changes have been made over the years, it is  not the latest technology.
>      I think the 590 came out in late 2010, for whatever that's worth.
>
>
> You can't use the new VGS-1 in the 2000.  Won't fit, won't work.
>
> The 2000 is very accesible  despite the older voice board, and the 590
> speaks a bit more.   Since this is all new to you, you will have a steep
> learning curve with either one, but lot's of help on this list.
>
>
> The TNC in the 2000 is kind of limited, but it is there.   Although I
> think the need for control software is a bit overblown, the free 590
> software  works well with JAWS.     The free software for the 2000 is
> only for menus and memories, but there is other stuff out there that
> works.  Jim in Texas from this list has been working to get his radio
> control software  working better for the 2000.
>
> I know you want to work all bands and get involved in all aspects of the
> hobby, but few if any hams really do that.    You would be happy with
> either radio.
>
> Again, what do you want to do?    Work local repeaters?  or only Work
> stations across the country or around the world?  I know you mentioned
> some big antenna projects.  Realistic, or just  caught up in the moment?
>      Big antennas need big supports which means money and labor.  If you
> are going to stay a Tech, the 2000 may be better.  Unless you upgrade,
> or learn morse code, you have serious limitations on the HF bands  that
> may not make the 590 practicle now.   Of course, you may be rich, then
> you can buy one of each.
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
> On 5/19/2014 11:22 AM, Richard B McDonald wrote:
>> Hi!
>>
>>
>>
>> I am trying to decide which is a better rig for me between the Kenwood
>> TS-2000 and the Kenwood TS-590.  This breaks down into two considerations:
>> 1) "accessibility" since I am blind and 2) radio functionality.
>>
>>
>>
>> As far as accessibility, from what I have read the TS-590 seems to be a
> bit
>> more accessible.  However, this difference seems to be small.  One thing I
>> read from a accessibility review
>> <http://active-elements.org/2012/12/01/kenwood-ts-2000/>  of the TS-2000
> is
>> " The TS-2000 was fitted with the optional VS-3 voice chip. The VS-3 has
>> been superseded by the excellent VGS-1 on newer Kenwood's, but gave
>> unparalleled access to Kenwood radios when introduced."  Does this mean
> that
>> the VGS-1 chip can be used in the TS-2000 to get its better performance.
>> Also, both rigs have a computer control software interface option.  How
>> accessible are they with JAWS?  Any comments about the accessibility
>> differences of these two rigs would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>
>>
>> As far as radio functionality, the TS-590 seems to be a better HF rig (160
> -
>> 6 meters); but that is all its got.  On the other hand, the TS-2000 has a
>> far more broader range of capabilities: 160 meters - 70 cm; 23 cm option,
>> TNC, and on and on.  From what I have read, the TS-2000 is a very good HF
>> rig; and the difference between it and the TS-590 here are not all that
>> great.  So, what are your thoughts about the radio functionality between
>> these two rigs?
>>
>>
>>
>> Many thanks!
>>
>>
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Richard
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>