Using the processor made a
considerable difference too, although
care should be taken on the level
of processing. I was using the
fi
st
microphone, so other microphones
would need adjusting too and would
probably provide a better response
for DX working. I was using the radio
with the built-in speaker, and whilst
this is quite adequate, I think an
external speaker would enhance user
satisfaction.
Morse Mode Nice!
Operating in the Morse mode was quite
nice to use, a pleasant side-tone (once
lowered to 400Hz!), and I had quite a
nice surprise on 1.8MHz. I used the
transceiver on this band to compare the
noise level with my own FT-2000. At the
time I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised
to
fi
nd an S-3 noise level. I thought
that ‘Mr. Murphy’ must still be on his
Christmas holiday!
I worked two new countries,
4L4O
(Georgia) and
Gabriel Mardiros
OD5NJ
in Lebanon. Using semi-
break in makes for a seamless Morse
experience and coupled with the ability
to
fi
lter down to 50Hz if necessary, with
minimal ringing, makes the TS-590S a
very worthy c.w. transceiver.
I think that the TS-590S, with a
price of £1521, is a mid-price range
transceiver and as such it doesn’t have
some of the bells and whistles of a
transceiver costing a few hundred more.
However, the TS-590S does have
some bells and whistles that the more
expensive transceivers don’t have! I did
a few tests to compare it with my Yaesu
FT-2000 and to be frank it was dif
fi
cult
to tell any difference at all. The TS-590S
is pleasant and intuitive to use and once
the operator is familiar with the controls/
menu,etc., it will hold its own with any
of the more expensive transceivers. My
thanks go to
David Wilkins G5HY
from
Kenwood Communications for the loan
of the radio.
PW
16
Manu acturer’s Speci cations
General
Receiver coverage:
130kHz to 30MHz, 50-54MHz.
Transmitter coverage:
All Amateur bands including 5MHz.
Modes:
a.m., c.w., s.s.b., f.m.,f.s.k.
Sensitivity <0.2
μ
V.
Selectivity
12, 6, 2.2kHz, 500Hz.
Frequency stability
±5 p.p.m.
Minimum-maximum power output
5 to 100W (low output available for transverter).
Amplitude modulation pow output
Max. 25W minimum 5W.
Power supply
13.8V d.c. (±15%).
Current consumption
20.5A max on transmit.
Receive (no signal) 1.5A or less.
Antenna impedance
50
Ω
Antenna tunable impedance
auto-tune range
16.7 to 150
Ω
Dimensions 108x280x335mm
(
HWD
)
4.2H x 11W x 13.2D
Weight
7.4kg (16.3lb)
Transmitter
Modulation type:
s.s.b. balance modulation, f.m. reactance modulation, a.m.
low power modulation.
Maximum freq. deviation (f.m.):
Less than ±5kHz (wide).
Less than ±2.5kHz (narrow).
Spurious responses:
1.7 to 40MHz less than -50dB.
40MHz or more less than -60dB.
Carrier suppression:
More than 50dB.
Unwanted sideband suppression:
More than 50dB.
Tranbsmit freq. response:
-6dB 400Hz to 2.6kHz.
Microphone impedance:
600
Ω
.
Variable XIT range:
±9.999kHz.
Receiver
Circuitry design:
Double superhet
1st intermediate freq:
11.374MHz.
2nd intermediate freq:
24kHz.
Triple Superhet
1st intermediate freq:
73.095MHz.
2nd intermediate freq:
10.695MHz.
3rd intermediate frequency:
24kHz (except f.m. which is 455kHz).
Fitted items
SO-3 Hi-stability Crystal Oscillator
Fitted.
VGS-1 Voice Guide and Storage unit
Fitted (supplied with review model).
Optional extras
HS-5 Deluxe Headphones
HS-6 Lightweight Headphones
MB-430 Mobile mounting bracket
MC-60A Desk Microphone
PS-60 Heavy Duty Power Supply
P-23 External Speaker
Manufacturer’s Specifi cations
General
