The TS-590S is the new high
requency . . an
z
transceiver from Kenwood and
has been long awaited. It has been
several years since an h.f. radio has
emerged from the Kenwood stable
and there are quite a number of
dedicated Kenwood fans waiting for
this one! However, the International
nature of Amateur Radio came to
the surface when I was unpacking
it – as I found a selection of manuals
in six different languages to test my
linguistic skills!
The new TS-590S employs down
conversion for the
fi
rst intermediate
frequency (i.f.), resulting in excellent
dynamic range when adjacent
unwanted signals are present. It is also
equipped with a 32-bit Floating-point
d.s.p. featuring advanced technology
that enables the rig’s unique i.f.
automatic gain control (a.g.c.). These,
plus other advanced features are what
h.f. enthusiasts all over the world have
been anticipating.
Typical Kenwood Styling
The TS-590S has a typical Kenwood
styling and appearance, with a large
liquid crystal display (l.c.d.). This is
adjustable in brightness and also colour
selectable, orange or green with a wide
viewing angle.
From an engineering standpoint, as
can be seen from the photographs, the
transceiver is really well put together.
There is a predominance of surface
mount technology so I would suggest
that servicing is not within the normal
Radio Amateur’s capability.
The main speci
fi
cations are shown
at the end of this article
.
More details
are available on the Internet for those
wishing to see a full list. A wide variety
of accessories are also available.
The review transceiver was supplied
with the voice guide unit, which is
invaluable for the visually impaired.
However, I’m fortunate enough to have
good vision for my age!
There’s a wide variety of parameters
to set up. A comprehensive menu
system is used in conjunction with
multi-function front panel buttons. I soon
realised it would pay to spend some
time with these to become familiar with
the various selections that are available.
An important feature to start with is
the built-in automatic antenna tuning
unit (a.a.t.u.) with 32 frequency ranges
that automatically change as you
change the variable frequency oscillator
( f.o.) frequency. Three antenna inputs
on e rear pane a ow or wo ransm
antennas and one receive antenna. A
built-in multi-function c.w. keyer caters
for the Morse enthusiast. And for those
that enjoy remote operation, providing
you have two v.h.f./u.h.f. transceivers;
the TS-590S is equipped with
Sky
Command II
to enable this function.
Note
:
Sky Command
is a system
that allows the operator to remotely
control and operate the ‘main’ rig via
Sky Command capable mobile or hand-
held rigs.
Editor
.
Like many modern transceivers,
the TS-590S transmit section uses a
die-cast aluminium chassis, together
with a large heat-sink to increase heat
dissipation ef
fi
ciency. The cooling
system uses two large 60mm square
fans, which enables them to run at
a much lower revolutions per minute
(r.p.m.) while still providing more air
fl
ow.
Lower r.p.m. means less noise! This
careful type of design feature makes the
transceiver eminently suitable for DX-
peditions or during contests.
Control & Host Programs
The
ARCP-590
Radio control program
and
ARHP-590
radio host program will
It’s Here!
The Kenwood TS-590S
12
Roger Cooke G3LDI finally gets his hands on the latest offering from Kenwood.
The TS-590S has been a long time coming and has been eagerly awaited by
Kenwood fans!
Review
The TS-590S is the new high
f
(h f )
d 50MH
adjustable in brightness and also colour
l t bl
ith
id
change the variable frequency oscillator
(v.f.o.) frequency. Three antenna inputs
th
l ll
f t
t
it
