TS-990S firmware updated at Ver.1.02. Video vs IC-7800. User Manuals v.03. The new Ver.1.02 deactivates other ANT relays in TX mode…!

TS-990S Firmware Ver.1.01 has been upgraded to Version 1.02 April 12, 2013 see below – User Manuals Ver.03 (IT) (EN) (FR) (EA) (DE) (JA) languages - Catalogo Italiano PDF di 12 pagine, linck below!! IC-7800 vs TS-990 Video by IV3YER and other videos etc. – Aggiornato il TS-990S con la Versione 1.02 del 12.04.2012 vedi link – Video confronto con IC-7800 di IV3YER e altri Video; Immagini interne vs IC-7700 e poi il TS-900 del 1973, ed altre notizie più sotto.

The TS-990S firmware has been updated from Version 1.01 to Version 1.02

The firmware update is applicable to the Models: TS-990S Serial/N’s (rear panel label): From S/NO. B32xxxxx through S/NO. B34xxxxx approx – (Kenwood *code: B32-February 2013 / B33-March 2013 / B34-April 2013) – !!
Kenwood Serial/No Month, Year Calculator by G6isy!
* G6ISY ha un programma di calcolo, in Javascript, inserendovi le prime tre cifre o cifre/lettere del S/NO si ottiene la data di produzione dell’apparato Kenwood. - Link to: G6ISY Kenwood Month/Year Calculator (EN)

TS-990S Updated items : (Version 1.01 >1.02) April 12, 2013:

1) Changes default value of the Menu No. 9-00 “Send Message by Function Keys (USB Keyboard)” from [Off] to [On].
Revises the following symptom.
1) TX output power fed back to other ANT connectors might affect internal circuits. – [Note] !! The new firmware Ver.1.02 deactivates (opens !) other ANT relays every time the radio transmits !!

Link to: Kenwood Amateur Radio Software Downloads page (ENG)
Link to: Kenwood TS-990S Firmware updating procedure & info (ENG)

Video TS-990S Step by Step Firmware 1.01 installation (March 31, 2013) by No SHTY:
“my TS-990 did not recognize my flash drive as a valid installation for the firmware
update 1.01 this is what I had to do to get the radio to install the firmware update“.

Video TS-990 in Split mode with external 22″ monitor  (April 13, 2013) by IKØOZD
(my favorite is the 990′ panadapter and all its functions. Perhaps the best ever seen !)

TS-990S User Manuals Ver.1.03, IT, EN, FR, EA, DE, and JA languages now ready – link below – Scaricabile il Catalogo in Italiano di 12 pagine in PDF, con linck  qui sotto !!  – TS-990S inside view vs IC-7700  and TS-900 – The IC-7800 vs TS-990 video by IV3YER below.

 Kenwood Italy !! ha rilasciato il Catalogo di 16 pagine in Italiano pdf 7,7 MB
Link to: Scarica da qui il Catalogo TS-990S 16 pag.  (IT) Kenwood Italy

 TS-990S Instruction Manuals latest Ver.1.03 –  Choose the Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch and Japanese languages !! – (…  insert name: TS-990S & search type to download)

Link to: TS-990S Instruction Manuals IT EN DE FR etc ! insert name (Ver. 1.03)

Link to: TS-990S / TS-990D 取扱説明書 - ©B62-2388-20 JPN (JA Ver. 1.03)

The TS-990S has the “overwhelmingly highest quality” receiver among the TS series

TS-900 (1973) the all-band SSB transceiver is making history its state-of-the-art tecnology. – All major electronic circuits are wired on easily removed or installed circuit board (is costructed modularly). –  Designed for operation on SSB, CW, and FSK, the TS-900 delivers more than 150 watts PEP output! (click to enlarge!)

TS-990S & IC-7700 inside views – Kenwood 990′s a main receiver with a down-conversion 8.248 MHz 1st IF and employs a double-conversion system. The sub receiver which incorporates the TS-590S receiver architecture.

Kenwood TS-990S – the RF front-end contains selectable Band-pass Filters (covered by the screen on the picture) – The double balanced grounded switch type 1st mixer works by the principle of reduces signal distorsion. – The five built-in 1st IF Roofing filters ahead of the 1st IF stage to eliminate overloading caused by strong signals just outside the fixed bandpass filters or of the Preselector manually adjustable -

Kenwood’s Preselector [P-SEL] selecting the narrow bandwidth tunable filter attenuates the interfering signal which has 2 to 3 MHz separation from the target frequency. -
Icom IC-7700 uses a duble conversion system composed of a D-MOS FET 1st mixer and Icom’s developed image rejection mixer for the 2nd stage and fixed bandpass filters  and a Icom’s [DIGI-SE] preselector type -  ( note the large toroidal coils on the  Icom RF BPF bank)!

Kenwood TS-990S vs Icom IC-7800 by IV3YER (!! 11 March, 2013)
(IC-7800 BW: 2600 AGC slow / TS-990 BW: LC/HC 2400 AGC slow )

Qui sotto un raffronto della tecnologia utilizzata nei rispettivi apparati dai tre big’s Giapponesi, Kenwood, Icom e Yaesu. Da notare che ci sono evidenti similitudini di sviluppo e layout tra Icom e Kenwood, che però impiega nel nuovo TS-990S un dispositivo TFT più recente con “Touch-Sensitive mode for quick QSY re-tuning” etc. – (clik picture to enlarge)

TS-990S JVC Kenwood MARKET CODES

The market code is shown on the carton box – (IT – Il codice del tipo per mercato Europa o per il mercato Amerche (US-CA) risulta indicato con lettere sul cartone di imballo esterno)

E-type: Europe, K-type: The Americas  - The AC power cable supplied with the product is suitable for AC 120V (K-type) or AC 220V/240V for (E-type) –  Do not use a power cable other than supplied with this product.

[Note] – Detailed specifications: please see the official JVCKenwood sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders.

FTdx-3000D QST review – Comparison Table – NPR test VA7OJ – New Firmware Ver.0112

FTdx-3000D Firmware now updated Main CPU Ver. 0112 and TFT Ver. 0106 for the HF 50MHz Transceiver. – The April QST Magazine has a favorable review of the FTdx-3000 ( - The QST Reviews Comparison Table by PA1HR, Hans, link below - Here is the link to VA7OJ FTdx-3000 FT-950 TS-590 IC-7700 IC-7600 IC-7410 and K3 etc. NPR Test Results, Analod/DSP radios.

The FTDX-3000 new Firmware Main CPU Ver. 0112 and TFT Ver. 0106 has just been posted 03/29/2013 by YAESU USA on his web-site. - Please read the latest version of the Yaesu FTDX3000 Firmware Upgrade Manual before proceeding! Checking current version on your Transceiver before download new upgrade!

[Note] There are four different Software installations (Yaesu still uses the multiple software systems installations! Icom and Kenwood instead use a unified software environment) - Each one must be followed carefully. Installing the wrong type software may cause difficulties.

[Note] The rig has to be started in different ways for each of these two updates to work!  The Yaesu “Firmware Upgrade Manual” has the update procedure for all of the Firmware-Modules & extention type (MAIN .SFL – DSP .dat – TFT .bin – FFT .dat), and for all Trasfer-Softwares (!! FSW018 – FW-DSP – TFW – FW-FFT !!) - See this Yaesu complex procedure step-by-step!

FTDX-3000D Implements & Improvements and Manuals see the Link below

Link to: Yaesu USA (Main V0112 Tft V00106) Update Information (ENG)
Link to: Yaesu USA FTDX3000 Latest Firmware Upgrade Manual (ENG)
Link to: Yaesu FTdx-3000D  >Files, USB Driver, Manuals, Software (ENG)

QST reviews the  FTDX-3000 on April, 2013 - An favorable overview of the YAESU FTdx3000 100W HF/50MHz Transceiver on the QST magazine. ARRL labs including high close-in IMD3 data, but only -82 dBc at 2 kHz RMDR figure.

Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR) is noise generated in a superheterodyne receiver when noise from the local oscillator (LO) mixes with strong, adjacent signals. – (See the QST April 2012,  pag. 55 [Large Box] Reciprocal Mixing Testing: What Is It?, written by Bob Allison, WB1GCM)

QST 4/2013 “Key Summary” – (Intercept values ..determined using -97 dBm reference)
Qui vengono riportati solo i numeri a 14 MHz, Pre OFF – RTX  FTdx-3000 / IC-7410

• ………………………………………………Yaesu FTdx-3000………Kwd TS-590S
• …………………………………………………QST April 2013.…….….. QST May 2011
• Spacing 20 kHz blocking gain compression….137 dB*………….…….141 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz blocking gain compression….127 dB*……….……….121 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range…….110 dB……………..….106 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range….…100 dB…………….…… 97 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+40 dBm……………. +26 dBm
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order intercept………… +  23 dBm……………. + 22 dBm
• Reciprocal mixing dynamic range: 20/5/2 kHz  ofset:  -106/-93/-82 dBc

See the April, 2013 issue of QST magazine for the complete review by ARRL Labs
[Note]: Area Members Only – to log-in; -
Link to: ARRL – American Radio Relay League for Amateur Radio Home-page

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers -© by Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ
- Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers – Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance – (…. To put the impact of the NPR test into perspective, a -9 dBm Ptot level at 5.6 MHz BRF is equivalent to 1200 simultaneous SSB signals at -43 dBm each, i.e. S9 + 30 dB!) etc. etc…. by Adam Farson, VA7OJ/AB4OJ- (!! updated in March, 2013 – see the link below)

Con il Test NPR Adam, spiega che il Generatore di Rumore Bianco (W&G RS-50 il suo) immette un segnale a banda larga al connettore d’antenna e quindi carica tutti gli stati del ricevitore, il Front-end, i Filtri e l’eventuale Preselettore, simulando la risposta alla ricezione di multi-segnali del DUT in prova (come in realtà succede collegandovi un’antenna). Dice poi Adam che questo Test equivale a 1200 segnali in SSB simultanei! a -43 dBm ciascuno i.e. a S9+30 dB! – Il rumore bianco viene rimosso con una tacca alla frequenza sintonizzata del ricevitore da un adatto filtro notch, inserito in serie tra generatore e antenna imput – A causa della distorsione dei circuiti del ricevitore (DUT imput), questa tacca (notch) tende a riempirsi con prodotti di intermodulazione, i cui effetti verranno oppurtunamente misurati in uscita (DUT output). - Here is the link to VA7OJ’s FTdx-3000 FT-950 TS-590S IC-7700 and IC-7410 K3 etc. NPR testing report in PDF of March 2013.

Link to: Download the NPR Testing  HF Receivers by VA7OJ Adam (ENG)

The QST Reviews Comparison Table by PA1HR’s – Transceivers/receivers sorted by 2 kHz 3rd-Order dynamic range with the QST Key measurements summary figure.

[Note] This overview is provided for your convenience by Hans PA1HR; it is a summary of measurement figures and gives no indication of the ergonomics,the features and/or the operational characteristics of the transceivers/receivers.

Link to: QST Reviews Comparison Table here is the Link PA1HR Hans (ENG)

[Note] All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders -  These events and news are reported for information only!

FTdx-3000D FT-950 FT-2000/D the new Firmware Upgrades – FTdx-3000 Video

Yaesu FTDX-3000D (*), FT-950, FT-2000 Transceivers: the firmware upgrades are available from the end of February 2013 (02/25/2013 YAESU USA website – before downloading, please read the Yaesu original “Important Notes”!) – See the summary informations, the links, the new Video “Probando el notch, contour, nb, ipo (amp), width, r.filters, ect.” and pictures below !

Yaesu FTdx-3000D Firmware, new update Main CPU Ver. 0111 and TFT Ver. 0106 flash programming for the Transceiver. !!! (*) Note: FTdx-3000D now update Main Ver. 0112 03/29/2013 see the new page radiocronache >link)
Before installing new firmware, please verify your current version firmware with the following procedure:
(1st) press and hold the [POWER] key to turn ON the Transceiver, (2nd) while pressing and holding the [SCOPE] key, [GEN] key. [50] key, and [ENT] key on the FTDX-3000 front panel. The versions of each firmware will be displayed on the TFT main screen.

[Note] The rig has to be started in different ways for each of these two updates to work! The Yaesu “Firmware Upgrade Manual” (PDF) has the update procedure for all of the Firmware-modules (MAIN .SFL – DSP .dat – TFT .bin – FFT .dat), and for all Trasfer-softwares (!! FSW018 – FW-DSP – TFW – FW-FFT !!) not just the two module updates we got, so save that PDF file for future use!

[Note] Improvements etc. Ver. 0111 MAIN CPU and Ver. 0106 TFT
* Correct minor bug and implement improvements
* MENU #104 SSB TX BPF now includes 3000WB
* When VFO is in LOCK during split operation, holding the TXW button will permit tuning the VFO frequency. – (*) to see also new firmware Ver.0112 (03/29/2013 link below)

L’ultima voce dovrebbe consentire ora di bloccare sì il VFO (esempio A), ma adesso si permette in modo SPLIT (tenendo premuto il tasto TXW) di sintonizzare ancora il VFO (esempio il B), … una buona cosa quando si sta cercando di ascoltare le stazioni chiamanti nel Pile-Up … ora questo sarà di aiuto all’operatore ! (*) risoluzione di ulteriori problemi con il Firmware V.0112 (29.3.13) il link e più sopra.

Link to: Yaesu USA (Main V0111 Tft V00106) Update Information ENG
Link to: Yaesu FTdx-3000D  Files – USB Driver – Manuals – Software ENG

[Note] Yaesu USA write !! This software is for use with transceivers for use in Japan only. It cannot be used with transceivers for use overseas ( !! see the Pag. 1 Important Notes, 4th par., of the FTdx-3000 Firmware Upgrade Manual .pdf edition of the 02/02/2013) (….perhaps it … a linotypist error?!)

YAESU FTdx-3000D Video by WP4 MPV Monitoriando Sur Africa el 10 de Enero del 2013 en la banda de 17m 18.150 como a las 21:30 UTC con un Deltaloop de cable. Probando el notch, contour, nb, ipo(amp), width, r.filters, ect. [Note] Para la grabacion use un telefono galaxy 3 perdonen la calidad de audio y video.

Yaesu FT-950 Firmware Update (!! There are two versiono of the EDSP software Ver.1x.xx or Ver.2x.xx !!)

FT-950 Update Software – [Note] If your radio displays EDSP version [V1x.xx] or [V2x.xx] choose the correct version EDSP software for your radio (02/21/2013 YAESU USA website – before downloading, please read the Yaesu original Information and “Important Notes”!) -

If you already have EDSP V11.54 or V20.47, and MAIN V1.18 software versions, it is not necessary to update the FT-950 again! - The software versions can be displayed on the radio:
While holding the three buttons [GEN]＋[50]＋[ENT] turn the radio on. – The software version will be displayed in the VFO-A window for 5 seconds, then the radio will start up in normal operation.

Link to: Yaesu USA FT-950  Update Software Information 2/21/2013 ENG

Yaesu FT-2000 / 2000D Update Software  EDSP Ver. 11.54 and Main CPU Ver. 0158

FT-2000′s Transceiver - If the CT-119 programming cable or 8-pin mini-DIN PGM-SW (P0091526) is not available you will need a serial cable RS-232C, DB9F to DB9F straight cable. – Please follow original instructions !

The software versions can be displayed on the radio: While holding the three buttons [GEN]＋[50]＋[ENT] turn the radio on. The software version will be displayed in the VFO-A window for 5 seconds then the radio will start up in normal operation.
[Note] image & version up is for illustration only! (02/25/2013 YAESU USA website – before downloading, please read the Yaesu original Information and “Important Notes”!)

Link to: FT-2000/D Update Software Information 2/25/2013 ENG

[Note] All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders - This page is just a non-official overview, where no one should draw any conclusions - all images and versions above is for illustration only!

IC-9100 Up. Firmware V.E1 – QST review April 2012 and the “NPR rx Testing” by VA7OJ

IC-9100 update the Firmware Version V.E1 of April, 2012 – Checking Version on your rtx – The NPR Testing of many HF Receivers by VA7OJ, Adam (latest NPR updated in March, 2013) see link below –  QST reviews IC-9100 on April, 2012 by WW3DE, see the summary key 14MHz below - RS-BA1® remote control system … really cool stuff and Linck, Video and more.

IC-9100 Checking the Version installed – (idem for the IC-7410)

1) – Press and hold [F4] and [F5] while turning [ON] the IC-9100 – (idem for the IC-7410)
2) – Do NOT release [F4] and [F5] until you have READ the Version results (3)
3) – Results will appear at the bottom of the display

Results for latest V.E1 - F: 3.01-000 = Front (currently no updates) - M: 3.42-E00 = Main (currently no updates) - DM: 3.03 <00> = DSP Main (Previous version should read 3.02) - DS: 3.04 <00> = DSP Sub (Previous version should read 3.03) – (!! Read the Icom information)

[Note] for the IC-7410 HF/50MHz  is NOT granted any firmware, for now

The IC-9100 Firmware V.E1 has just been posted 13/3/2012. – This upgrade is applied from a PC via the rear-panel [USB B] port. – The IC-9100’s firmware can be updated if desired. By updating the firmware, new function(s) can be added and performance can be improved. – This capability ends months of speculation: “Is it or isn’t it?”  - - See the Utility Link, the QST Review, the latest NPR rx Testing (3/2013) by VA7OJ  and RS-BA1 remote control … below !

IC-9100 la Versione V.E1 del Firmware è disponibile dal 13/03/2012.

Con questo terminano le incertezze e le voci varie, sì l’IC-9100 ha il suo Firmware aggiornabile!
Come verificare la Versione del Firmware nell’IC-9100 e IC-7410: vedere comandi riportati più sopra; –  I dati identificativi dell’ultima Versione E1 rilascita da ICOM Inc. solo per l’IC-9100,  ove già installata a bordo oppure  dopo aver fatto l’aggiornamento, apparirano sulla parte bassa del Display con una serie di valori (vedere più sopra) - [Nota] Per l’IC-7410 non risultano ancora aggiornamenti ad oggi – (NB: Informarsi tramite tutte le news ufficiali di Icom!)

Il firmware del IC-9100 può essere aggiornato, se uno lo desidera, tramite un PC e via porta [USB-B] sul pannello posteriore. Con l’aggiornamento del firmware, naturalmente, possono essere aggiunte nuove funzioni e migliorate le prestazioni via, via da parte del costruttore. -
[Note]: A USB cable type A-B  is required. - Please read Icom ”Firmware update instructions” PDF

Link to: Icom Co. Jp Firmware V.E1 Official download page
Link to: Icom Co. Jp Firmware Update Manual Istructions

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers -© by Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ
- Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers – Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance – (…. To put the impact of the NPR test into perspective, a -9 dBm Ptot level at 5.6 MHz BRF is equivalent to 1200 simultaneous SSB signals at -43 dBm each, i.e. S9 + 30 dB!) etc. etc…. by Adam Farson, VA7OJ/AB4OJ- (!! updated in March, 2013 – see the link below)

Con il Test NPR Adam, dimostra che il generatore di rumore bianco immette un segnale a banda larga che carica tutti gli stati del ricevitore, il Front-end, i Filtri e l’eventuale Preselettore, simulando la risposta alla ricezione di multi-segnali del DUT (come in realtà succede collegandovi un’antenna). – Il rumore bianco viene rimosso alla frequenza sintonizzata del ricevitore da un adatto filtro notch, inserito in serie. – A causa della distorsione dei circuiti del ricevitore (DUT imput), questa tacca (notch) tende a riempirsi con prodotti di intermodulazione, i cui effetti verranno oppurtunamente misurati in uscita (DUT output).

Link to: Download the NPR test in PDF by VA7OJ Adam (pdf ENG)

QST reviews the  IC-9100 on April, 2012 - An overview of the ICOM IC-9100 MF/HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver on the QST magazine by Rick, WW3DE  NCJ Managing Editor (ARRL).

Da: “Key Summary” – (Intercept values ..determined using -97 dBm reference)
Qui vengono riportati solo i numeri a 14 MHz, Pre OFF – RTX  IC-7410 / IC-9100

• …………………………………..Icom IC-7410……………..Icom IC-9100
• …………………………………QST October 2011.………….. QST April 2012
• Spacing 20 kHz blocking gain compression….144 dB…………….…….142 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz blocking gain compression….111 dB………….……….111 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range……106 dB…………….…….108 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range….….88 dB…………….………87 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+29 dBm……………….+29 dBm
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+  5 dBm…………….….+  2 dBm

See the April, 2012 issue of QST magazine for the complete review and ARRL Lab test results.
[Note]: Area Members Only – to log-in; -
Link to: ARRL – American Radio Relay League for Amateur Radio Home-page

QST pag. 55 [Large Box] RMRD, written by Bob Allison, WB1GCM
- From this review forward, we will include RMDR in the Key Measurements Summary.
Reciprocal Mixing Testing: What Is It?
You may notice two new color bars in the “Key Measurements Summary” at the top of this review. These are for Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR), with measurements at 20 and 2 kHz spacing. …….omissis …….. Reciprocal mixing is noise generated in a superheterodyne receiver when noise from the local oscillator (LO) mixes with strong, adjacent signals.

RS-BA1® Remote control system (QST… Now for the Really Cool Stuff )

An RS-BA1® remote control system consists of at least one PC, which is used as a Base station (Server) and at least one PC, which is used as a Remote station (Client). Both PCs have to be connected with a network and VAC. The Icom USB driver must be installed.
Link to: Watch the Video RS-BA1 setting (IC-7410) by GoospeedGoo

QST, verso la fine, tratta anche il Software RS-BA1® opzionale della ICOM, che consente di operare l’IC-9100 in remoto tramite Internet o una rete locale LAN. (Porta USB ad  un PC locale (Server),  un’altro PC remoto (Client). Uso di Porte audio virtuali (VAC), oltre ad uno specifico USB Driver da installare prima di collegare l’apparato al PC)
Per caricare il software, dovrete inserire l’ID del prodotto e la chiave di licenza dall’etichetta del CD acquistato. – Icom dopo la prima versione ha rilasciato un aggiornamento: Ver. 1.20 – 01/04/2011

Link to: Manuale PDF dal sito web di VA7OJ, Adam, www.ab4oj.com.
Link to: ICOM America  RS-BA1® Guida rapida di riferimento on-line
Link to: Icom USB Driver(Ver.1.10) –  Driver Utility and manuals.

[Note] – Detailed specifications: please see the official ICOM Inc. sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders.

TS-590S Ver.1.07 – TechNote – HOWTOs byG3NRW – In-Dep manual – PW Review

The TS-590S can be hooked up to a PC with a type AB USB2 cable, enabling PC control of the transceiver (ARCP-590 or HRD software etc.) plus TX/RX audio connectivity –  See the TS-590S TechNote and HOWTOs, watch Video EQ profile ARCP-590 – Update Firmware V.1.07 and  links below – Download the PW Magazine Reviev in March 2011 – - The ARUA-10 software to control via USB port - See link, video and info below

TS-590S:  TechNote SSB Audio Handling and HOWTO SSB Audio Setup by G3NRW’s

Receive audio from the Kenwood TS-590 and audio output from the computer now are routed via type AB USB2 cable direct to the the USB input jack - G3NRW, Ian Wade has posted other documents on the “TS-590S Resources Page”:

1) “TS-590S TechNote SSB Audio Handling” (20 October 2012 V.1.1) - A summarizes the many features built into the Kenwood TS-590S for handling SSB audio. Includes full details for setting the audio equalizers and cut-off filters, together with configuring TX keying (by VOX, PTT and external CAT commands)…… and more!

2) “TS-590S HOWTO SSB Audio Setup” (26 October 2012 V.1.0) - A step-by-step guide to setting up really effective TX audio on the TS-590S. Includes information on: Factors that affect the audio · Menu A/Menu B organization · TX equalizers · Low/High Cut filters · ALC and speech processing · Includes large diagrams…… and more!

Link to: Download the G3NRW TechNote Audio Handling .PDF (direct link)
Link to TS-590S Resources Page -SSB Audio Setup (clik HOWTO’s then #20)

[Note] Kenwood ARCP-590 itself functions well although the program’s GUI is not nearly as well conceived as HRD Ham Radio Deluxe!
[Note by G3RNW]….. The TS-590S is a complex transceiver, and with a few moments of random menu fiddling you can easily transform the transmitted audio from superb to terrible !!

VIDEO: TS-590S Kenwood EQ Profile Edtor with ARCP-590- W1AEX (05 Nov., 2012)

TS-590S USB/COM Ports and ARUA-10 – The USB/COM Ports Thanks to the addition of a USB port, the TS-590S can be hooked up to a PC with a USB cable, enabling PC control of the transceiver plus transmit/receive audio connectivity. - The ARUA-10 software to control the USB audio system line of the PC can be downloaded from the Kenwood web-site. (ARUA-10 – ARCP-590 – ARHP-590 Internet Host  Official Data and Istructions * see Link below)
[Note] To connect your TS-590S  to a PC via its USB port, install the Silicon Laboratories Inc. virtual COM port driver in the PC first.

Link to: Kenwood TS-590S Page – Scroll down – Download Istruction

TS-590S Firmware has been updated to Version 1.07.  - JVC Kenwood  latest update: September 14, 2012 – See the link below for Official Firmware update information, Virtual COM port drive, Applicable models/units, Update feature/Revises symptoms;  watch the circuit description, block-diagram and In-Depth Manual below.

!!  To discover the installed version, turn the radio [OFF], hold in the [M.IN] key, then turn the radio [ON] again: the version number will appear on the display – [Note] The latest version includes all previous updates – You can update the TS-590S firmware by connecting the TS-590S to the PC by using a USB cable or an RS-232C cable. (Click picture to enlarge) -
A virtual COM port driver needs to be installed onto the PC to use the firmware updating program with a USB cable. [Note] !! Do not connect the transceiver to a PC using a USB cable before installing the virtual COM driver!

Link to: TS-590S / TH-D72A/E – Virtual COM Port Driver – Installing Guide ENG
Link to: TS-590S Kenwood Firmware updating program – Download and info page

TS-590S Circuit description and internal views: From the preamplifier (Q236) to the second IF frequency (10.695MHz/11.374MHz) (see the block diagram picture)
On 15, 20, 40, 80 or 160 meters, the Kenwood TS-590S employs down conversion for the first IF (11.374 MHz when receiving in CW/FSK/SSB modes down conversion is selected automatically) - The signal from the preamplifier (Q236) is spread into 2 paths: [RX-1] and [RX-2], depending on the frequency band and mode (down conversion [RX-1] is selected automatically).

 The [RX-1] path signal passes through the LPF for IF trap, is integrated with LO1 (12.495 to 32.195MHz) in the quadbalance 1st mixer (Q263 to Q266), and is then converted to the 1st IF (11.374MHz). The 1st IF signal passes through the 2-pole MCF (XF301 passband width is 6kHz) and enters the Roofing filter unit and second IF amplifier.

 The [RX-2] path signal passes through the LPF for IF trap, is integrated with LO1 (73.120 to 133.095MHz) in the quadbalance 1st mixer (Q321 to Q324), and is then converted to the 1st IF (73.095MHz). The 1st IF signal passes through the 2-pole MCF (XF371 passband width is 15kHz). The amplified signal is mixed with LO2 (62.4MHz) in the second mixer (D422, D423), converted to the second IF (10.695MHz), and then enters the Roofing filter unit and second IF amplifier.

Link to: PW Wireless Magazine TS-590S Review – March 2011 (ENG) (link)
Link to: Download the TS-590 In-Depth Manual (ENG) pdf -  link (5.34Mb)
Link to: PuTTY (SSH) – Fine tool for sending/receiving CAT commands

[Note] Please read the official instructions for use are needed special technical knowledge by the user of the radio and computer. – RadioCronache bears absolutely no responsibility for damages arising thereof.
All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders!

FTdx-5000 Update Software Main V.0123 – SP1NY OLED’s display replacement tutorial

FTdx-5000′s Update Software Main Ver.0123 released 10/22/2012. The Yaesu USA information PDF (link) –  SP1NY OLED’s sub-display replacement DIY (do it yourself) tutorial – Step-by-step procedure to replace the faulty OLEDs (EL) on the FTDX-5000 Front panel – See the Software Info (link),  QST review PDF (link) below.

FTDX-5000 OLED change DIY tutorial and more info.

On the FTdx-5000′s three EL “OLED” Electro Luminescence displays maximize your operation with useful and tactical supportive information. -
[Issue]:) OLED subdisplay broken (see the picture) one vertical white line or plus lines appear in them! – More people had the same issue (see the FTdx-5000′s Yahoo Group). - It seems that it’s an mortality of the OLED driver chip that is integrated into the ribbon connector of the display or so.

Step-by-step procedure to replace the faulty OLEDs – (! other by link below)

  
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
 On the first OLED one line starts faint and then become brighter and brighter. In the mean time second one showed up with it’s full brightness and thikness.
On the second OLED first line starts with almost full brightness then after about two weeks second one appeared dummy and thick, increasing brightness, day by day then starts slowly dimming or so – [Note] !! These events are reported for information only!

Link to: FTDX-5000 OLED change DIY tutorial (many items) by SP1NY

FTDX-5000 Yaesu USA Update Software with Main Ver.0123 (10/22/2012)

You need a serial cable from your computer to the serial port on the FTdx-5000′s. - If you use a USB port to serial interface adapter, make sure it is the FTDI chipset or so. – Update Software in the FTdx-5000 it takes a little practice for the many “DIY” steps procedures. – By the way, each update has all the previous updates, so you only have to do the latest one. - The tricky part is throwing the programming switch inside the back of the Transceiver!

!! Please see the versions list on the PDF Yaesu and be sure to read the entire package before doing anything.

The latest versions are listed below with the release dates (! partial list).
・ MAIN Software Version 0123 (10/22/12)
・ EDSP Software Version 0537 (7/20/11)
・ OEL (OLED) Software Version 0110 (3/23/10)
・ SM-5000 Software Version 0107 (3/23/10)
Link to: Official Yaesu USA Sofware Information released 10/22/2012
Link to: HB9ZS FT-5000 Utilities and Memory Saver – Fine Swiss utility!

FTDX5000′s QST Review -  Both receivers cover from 0.03 to 60 MHz. Receiver A is double conversion, with the first IF at 9 MHz and the second DSP IF at 30 kHz for SSB and CW and 24 kHz for AM and FM modes. Receiver B is a tripleconversion design, with the first and second IFs at 40.455 MHz and 455 kHz, respectively, and the DSP third IF identical to the second IF in the main receiver

Link to: Download the December 2010 QST review here (link-ML&S !)

[Note] All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders -  These events and news are reported for information only!

Icom RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 – RC-28 Remote Encoder – Legal aspects! Rig Monitoring a different purpose

The new RC-28 Remote Encoder accessory gives users a tactile approach to the RS-BA1 Remote Control. Icom has released the Ver.1.30 !! - The RS-BA1 allows you to use the radio installed in another room using your home network or even from a remote location over the Internet. – (operator not physically present in the Remote Rig) – See the legal aspects below – Info to Rig Monitoring  on the Computer Screen (For Vision-Impaired Ham Radio op.) - See the Link below.

RS-BA1 [Note] ….Visual Basic and use MSCOMM control can not detect a change in the Windows Device Table (after the COM port has been opened for use) - These programs hang when the hardware table changes while the port is open – (This is not the programmers fault!)
!! a solution: [Exit] the program first, then turn the Icom Rradio [OFF].

[Note] Legal aspects! (FCC – CEPT – DXCC par. 9) see related link below; – Why remote? and many helpful references by John, KØIZ, read August 2012 QST Magazine ( pg. 39-40)! - (operator not physically present in the country and transnational remote operation, DXCC rules ref. to remote operation and credit etc.)
Link to: Transnational Remote Operation (by TF/KL1A)
Link to: ARRL Guide by WA8IMY Remote Operating

Now Icom comes out with a great new gadget, RC-28 a little box with a VFO knob, 2 programable buttons and a PTT button. The RC-28 is designed to connect to a PC through a USB port, and operate with the RS-BA1 IP Remote Control Software. – Supplied a USB cable (approximately 1.5 m; 4.9 ft) - (RC-28.. like Tmate USB Tuning System …by WoodBoxradio)
[Note] – 1) Make sure Windows has completed its start-up on PC. – 2) Connect the RC-28 to the PC that has RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 or later version installed on it. When the “USB dial…” item on the [Option] menu is not displayed, Please download the RS-BA1 latest version 1.30 from the Icom website, and install it.
[Note] Please read ICOM RC-28 instructions (leaflet PDF) thoroughly before using it.

Link to: Icom RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 Official download page
Link to: Icom RS-BA1 /RC-28 brochure (update 12PS0230)

RS-BA1 Remote Control Software Upgrade Ver. 1.30 is now downloadable from the Icom co.Jp site. – This upgrade is not stand-alone, and must be installed over a licensed base installation of RS-BA1. (Update, the remote utility is still V.1.2 but the remote control is V.1.3!!) – US Retail price RS-BA1 software is $129.99

[Notes]: DO NOT allow the PC to go into the sleep or standby mode while using the RS-BA1 Software. Otherwise, it might not work properly after the PC resumes normal activity.
When not using the radio: Disconnect the radio from both the Remote Utility and Remote Controller. – Even if you disconnect from the radio, it does not turn OFF the radio!

Since cannot turn the radio ON or OFF with RS-BA1 Remote Control operation, the radio must be turned ON. – [Note] there other control board and software (no Icom) to control power to equipment or other options, it works together with Icom RS-BA1 or HRD software etc.

Rig Monitoring with the Icom RS-BA1 Program on the Shack
(Copyright © 2012, AE7PD, Peter – see the link below)
Vari articoli (ENG) di Peter sono dedicati ai radioamatori (compresi i radioamatori ipovedenti) che desiderano visualizzare direttamente nello shack le impostazioni di un ricetrasmettitore HF sullo schermo del computer per una migliore visibilità (Così è possibile vedere in grande la grafica “GUI” di RS-BA1 ed operare con il mouse e la tastiera, oltre ai controlli con le manopole e pulsanti della stessa Radio!) – Peter tratta anche altri sistemi per PSK-31 per Kenwood, Elecraft ecc. – Vedere i link qui sotto.

This article is about using RS-BA1 for a different purpose to make the radio settings easier to read using a nearby computer screen ( also for vision-impaired ham-radio!) - Also, you can operate with a mouse and keyboard in addition to the controls on the radio (on the shack!) – See the link below for many other issues and tips by AE7PD.

Link to: Icom RS-BA1 Program to Rig Monitoring (AE7PD)
Link to: Ham Radio and Vision website (many others issues) 

See the RS-BA1 Remote Controller’s help file for remote operation details, such as how to change the frequency, or turn ON each function. - To display the help file, click “Contents” in the Help menu on the Remote Controller, or push [F1]

Link to: RS-BA1 Instruction Manual – RS-BA1 Guide’s (1)/(2)/(3)

[Note] All marks are property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice!

TS-2000 Update Ver. 1.09 (Check: 8BC9) 30 June, 2011. G6ISY S/N to date calculator

TS-2000/TS-2000X/TS-B2000 Update Software Ver. 1.09 (Checksum = 8BC9) 30 June, 2011 – !! Latest news: G6ISY developed the method of calculating the manufacture date, wrote this Javascript. –  How to work out the age of your radio. Kenwood Month/Year of manufacture calculator… (! see the link below)

The Kenwood S/N format used from 1999 until approximately August 2008 is numeric and the S/N format adopted from approximately August 2008 is alphanumeric.
La Kenwood ha utilizzato un formato numerico per il S/N fino ad Agosto 2008 e poi un formato alfanumerico dal 2008, che prosegue attualmente.

G6ISY ha predisposto un programma di calcolo, in formato Javascript, in cui inserendo le prime tre cifre o cifre/lettere dal proprio S/N si ottiene la data di fabbrica dell’apparato TS-2000! (…. see the link below)

[Revision 12]
Checksum = 8BC9 : The latest firmware. TS-2000 Ver. 1.09 (30/June/2011 released)
Applied from S/No.B13xxxxx approx.
Updated the following item.
Enabled the backup of Auto Mode frequency points when Partial Reset is executed as well as Memory channel data or Menu settings.
Check the firmware version of your TS-2000 or TS-2000X by following procedure:
1) Turn the transceiver ON while pressing the [MIC] key and [NR] key to enter Checksum confirmation mode;
2) The Checksum of the firmware appears on the Main 7 segment display;

Link to: G6ISY Kenwood Month/Year Calculator 

Link to:  TS-2000 Firmware revision history   Link to: to Firmware updating procedure

FTdx-5000 EDSP V.0537 Main V.0121 Scope response – QSK timing analysis

Vertex Standard  Yaesu have now released a new Firmware Main Cpu V.0121 for the FT-dx5000 series update on 9/29/2011. – After trying to fix the issue of QSK Timing, with the recent Main/EDSP improvements (V.119 / V.0537) released on 7/20/2011 – (Vedere il testo in IT più sotto – below!).

———– Latest Implements/improvements (now)
MAIN： Ver. 0121 (9/29/2011) – Link to: FTdx-5000 Update  Information (9/29/11)
The SCOPE response time has been improved when the [VRF] or [µTUNE] is ON.

Please  See QSK Test with Agilent DSO-X2024A by VE3MSC, Colin and Link to the Timing Analysis by AC0C, Jeff – - Here below! - (news del 30 Luglio 2011) 

———– Implements/improvements (Previous 1)
EDSP： Ver. 0537 (7/20/2011) – Link to: FTdx-5000 Update  Information (7/20/11)
• Improves the Full BKIN QSK dit and space in both SEMI and Full, instead of the wide variation.
Main： Ver. 0119 (7/20/2011)
• Improves the Full BKIN QSK dit and space in both SEMI and Full, instead of the wide variation.
• Corrected the TX monitor distortion, when setting the TX-BPF (3000WB/TTBF) on transmit.

———–Implements/improvements (previous 2)
EDSP： Ver. 0533 (6/20/2011)
• Improves the QSK reception start delay time. *(See note below)
Main： Ver. 0118 (6/20/2011)
• Improves the QSK Audio MUTE control timing. *(See note below)
• Long press the RX-B, after making the MENU#038 setting; long press the RX-B again to toggle back to normal.
• The beacon setting MENU time (Manu#022) is changed. The new setting is OFF/1~240 sec after 240 the increment is 30 seconds up to 690 seconds.
*May also require service center !! hardware change for additional improvement of the Main and Sub side volume control delay. Contact Technical Support before shipping radio.

Link to: HB9ZS FT-5000 Utilities and Memory Saver – Very fine Swiss utility!

21.07.2011 Yaesu Fix QSK con Ver.537 EDSP e 0119 Main — Test di VE3MSC, Colin Haig – Qth: Milton, Ontario CA – [Source] : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Yaesu_FT-5000/

Tokyo and US  engineering teams has been trying to improve the CW QSK Full or Semi-breakin operations of the FTDX5000. There have been concerns expressed on the Yahoo FTdx5000 Group about the dot and space ratio (..1.1.)  and timing of the CW characters.

I team di ingegneri a Tokyo e in Usa  con il rilascio del MAIN Ver.0121 del 29.09.2011, migliorano il tempo di risposta dei segnali per lo Spectrum Scope quando i comandi [VRF] o [µTUNE] sono ON !
In precedenza  hanno cercato di migliorare l’operatività in CW sia in QSK Full o Semi-breakin dello stesso FTDX5000.  Nel Gruppo di discussione Yahoo  molti utilizzatori sostengono che siano state….. segue… > (continua…)

Icom RS-BA1 update Ver.1.20 IC-9100 interior views Mod. RX espande range

The IC-9100 Multiband Transceiver supports RS-BA1 Internet remote-control software Icom suite; With the RS-BA1, you can configure a remote control system through the Internet IP, or a LAN  network. • Most functions and modes of your transceiver, including interference rejection functions and IF filter settings, can be controlled • Also, S-meter and SWR can be observed • Rx Voice recording function available and more. –  (Click on the rs-ba1 picture to enlarge)
Icom RS-BA1 remote control software Ver.1.20 update 2011/04/01 (File: ZIP – File size: 21.1 MB) [Note]: It is not possible to execute this updating program if the RS-BA1 is not installed into your PC Remote Control is not free, you buy from retailers. – Now is not yet available in all countries. ML&S UK Ham Store: Price: TBA ! - HRO US Discount Price: TBA ! Marcucci Spa IT Prezzo €88,00 (inc.VAT)!

Link to: Info major points of the Ver.1.20 update by Icom web

IC-9100: Interior views, features summarized, first impression, dual receiver but not same band, limits  EMCOM. High price to base, and many optionals  required for full operation. How to Expand the Receiver range.

Icom V.10GS0190 brochure and it looks like the dual receiver works in all modes simultaneously, but not on the same band • The IC-9100 has 3 independent receiver circuits from the antenna connector to the 2nd IF image rejection mixer • The IC-9100 will receive simultaneously (with mixed modes if desired) on any of the band pairs shown in the “Independent dual receivers” table on the IC-9100 brochure • It severely limits the usefulness for Emergency Communications (EMCOM) by not being able to monitor the same band with both receivers • For that matter, it limits if for DX and contesting, where you are listening in two places of the HF band at the same time. • The architecture of the IC-9100 (only one 1st mixer and LO per receive chain) precludes same-band Dual Watch operation.

The optional UT-121 Unit provides D-STAR DV mode digital voice and low speed data communication. [Note] It doesn’t have the Icom ID-1′s DD “high-speed” data feature!  - Installing the optional UX-9100 box and his IF PCB the IC-9100 fully covers the HF/50, 144, 430/440 and 1.2GHz amateur bands in multiple modes. – RX expansion range (see last picture above): Frequancy coverange (not guaranteed!) 30kHz to 60MHz / 108 to 174 MHz / 420 to 480MHz 7 1240 to 1320MHz – Disassemble the radio, locate diode matrix behind the front panel and remove D1504 and D1505 for full Rx coverage, !! work with great care, risk of damage to the PCB – Assemble the radio and operate the full reset by olding [F-INP-ENT] + [M-CLR] and turn power [ON].
[Note] Before you do anything, please read this.!
The modifications are not verified, so if you try some of the article on your own equipment, it’s on your own risk. Performing modifications of some equipment may be a violation of local laws. If you have any doubts, do not perform the modification.

Link to: Download the  Icom RS-BA1 product brochure ENG
Link to: IC-9100 informations web page by VA7OJ’s Adam