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!

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!

YAESU FTDX-3000 HF/50MHz – 4.3″ LCD DR 106dB IP3 +33dBm 2kHz Spacing (July “QST” Cover II)

FTDX-3000 HF+50 MHz Transceiver coming-soon, the back cover of QST showed an advertisement for the latest addition to the Yaesu family! The July QST Cover II inserts the manufacturer’s specifications: !! 4.3-inch Large color LCD display / DR:106 dB / IP3 +33 dBm  / 14MHz Band CW (500) (IPO ON, Roofing Filter 600Hz, 2 kHz Spacing)
(IT) FTDX-3000 HF/50MHz i prezzi e la disponibilità saranno annunciati presto! La II^ di copertina di QST ha la pubblicità con questi dati: Display LCD da 4.3″ e non 3.5″ più le specifiche DR, IP3 come sopra:

!! 八重洲無線（株） 新型HF/50MHz帯オールモードトランシーバ「FT DX 3000」

As you can see the buttons VFO B/A  are reversed!  than usual A/B -
The Main operating frequency is the most important in the radio display, with [VFO-A] frequency located just above the Main dial. The [VFO-B] frequency can be displayed on the 4.3-inch color LCD display (left).
For the [MODE] change (USB LSB CW etc.). you have a single button with sequential selection or via Memory channels! – (like [MODE] setting of the new Elecraft KX3 Transceiver)

The Down conversion 9 MHz 1st IF frequency receiver construction, can realize narrow 300 Hz (optional), 600 Hz and 3 kHz bandwidth Roofing filters. - Yaesu implements new three dedicated (XF-127 series) sharp Crystal Roofing Filters for a superior close-in dynamic range.

Yaesu Musen Co., LTD says: The FTDX3000 has the high dynamic range IP3 performance that was realized and proven in the FTDX5000. – IF DSP  with 32 bit high speed floating decimal (max 2800 MIPS)

The FTDX-3000 Transceiver displayed at the 2012 Dayton Hamvention and at 2012 HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen! -

Selectivity (WIDTH: Center) at -6 dB -60 dB CW/RTTY/PKT 0.5 kHz or better 750 Hz or less - SSB 2.4 kHz or better 3.6 kHz or less/ AM 6 kHz 15 kHz/FM 15 kHz or 25 kHz - Image Rejection: 70 dB or better (1.8 MHz – 30MHz Amateur bands) - Transmitter Output:  5 – 100 watts (2 – 25 W AM carrier)

FTdx-3000 a high speed Spectrum Scope LCD Display 4.3-inch (480×272 dots) – (like the larger 5.8-inch of the  IC-7600) -

When in the Auto Mode, the Spectrum Scope display is updated in real time. The maximum bandwidth of the scope is 1 MHz, and the minimum span width setting is 20 kHz.
Built-In specialised receiver amplifier for 50 MHZ; Signal output for an external receiver;  9 MHz IF output;  USB Interface and

The color LCD displays the operating information and the status of the transceiver functions.
Although the FTDX3000 has only one receiver, a high speed Spectrum Scope is built into the radio.  (…click to enlarg !)
AF Scope display and RTTY/PSK encoder/decoder (optional)

Link to:  Download the FTdx-3000 Preliminary Brochure link a Yesu UK
Link to: Universal radio Inc – FTdx-3000 Preliminary Specifications

FT-101E Built by, the Yaesu Co., Japan during the 1970′s – 1980′s was one of the Yaesu family of fine Amateur Radios! -
The FT DX 3000 Transceiver is the latest addition to the Yaesu family, incorporating the newest Down conversion and Sharp edged crystal roofing filter technology. - These features provide outstanding receiver performance which is a heritage of the FT-DX5000.

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

IC-7600 Review: User Evalutation & Test Report by Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ. – I could not find any fault with the Transceiver

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IC-7600 Review by VA7OJ : Download the fine User Evalutation & Test Report (PDF format) with the Link below or clik on the Banner  below -
I could not find any fault with the Transceiver IC-7600.  This radio promises to be a worthy replacement for the tried and proven IC-756Pro3! – Many Thanks Adam, by www.radiocronache.com.

Clarification: The test on pag. 8, par. 2) of this report is for Reciprocal Mixing Noise, not IMD dynamic range – Precisazione: La prova a pag. 8, par.2) della  relazione riguarda la reciproca miscelazione con il rumore di fase del LO, non sono valori della gamma dinamica IMD.

Questo eccellente rapporto, realizzato da VA7OJ/AB4OJ, Adam, descrive dettagliatamente  la valutazione del nuovo IC-7600 S/N #0201203 dal punto di vista dell’utente. Poi sull’Appendice 1) vengono riportati, con molti dettagli tecnici, misure strumentali e diagrammi, molti risultati dei test principali eseguiti sul transceiver nel proprio laboratorio RF. Adam ha potuto utilizzare, per un certo numero di giorni, l’IC-7600  nel suo shack, quindi ha avuto l’opportunità di usare la radio e valutarne le principali caratteristiche  compreso il comportamento in aria – Adam ha testato il livello di uscita RX Baseband dalla porta USB utilizzando DM780*, con  l’interfaccia di Ham Radio Deluxe (* HRD by HB9DRV),  l’IC-7600 ha mostrato subito nel computer l’indicazione “USB Audio Codec” e HRD ha cominciato a lavorare.

Al par. 20) Conclusioni, di questa ampia relazione, Adam scrive: “”Dopo alcuni giorni trascorsi piacevolmente nella “cabina di pilotaggio” dell’IC-7600, sono molto favorevolmente impressionato dalla sua solida e raffinata struttura, dall’attraente e informativo display, dal facile approccio operativo molto intuitivo,  dall’impressionante serie di eccellenti funzioni e per le prestazioni in-aria. Questa radio offre la maggior parte delle funzionalità e delle prestazioni dell’IC-7700 però con le dimensioni simili ad un Pro3. L’apparato si pone in una classe di prezzo  che è tra il Pro3 e l’IC-7700. Icom com un suo colpo vincente ha abilmente introdotto una  nuova interfaccia USB per il computer”" -

In effetti la porta USB è innovativa, non trasporta solo i dati  standard CI-V, ma comprende anche i segnali  audio TX e RX in “PCM baseband”  tra il computer e l’IC-7600. [Nota]: Icom Inc. ha già rilasciato il software  USB Drive Vers.1.00, da installare nel computer. Vedi sotto il Link
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Link to: Download the IC-7600 User Evalutatio & Test Report  by Adam, VA7OJ

EN: This fine report, by VA7OJ, Adam describes the evaluation of the new IC-7600 S/N #0201203 from a user perspective.  Appendix 1 presents results of RF lab test suite performed on the radio, detailed measurements and diagrams. Adam was able to spend a number of days with the IC-7600 in your ham-shack, and thus had the opportunity to exercise the radio’s principal features and evaluate its on-air behavior – Adam thested the RX baseband output levels at the USB port using DM780*, interfacing with Ham Radio Deluxe (*HRD by HB9DRV), the IC-7600 showed up in the computer as “USB Audio Codec”, HRD started working

On this report, par. 20) Conclusion, Adam writes: “”After several days’ worth of “cockpit time” on the IC-7600, Adam .. very favorably impressed by its solid, refined construction, attractive and informative display, easy familiarization experience, smooth operating “feel”, impressive array of features and excellent on-air performance. This radio offers most of the functionality and performance of the IC-7700 in a Pro3-size package, and in a price class between the Pro3 and the IC-7700. Icom have again scored a coup with the straightforward USB computer interface”"  -
Indeed the USB port trasports non only CI-V data, but also TX and RX PCM baseband between the IC-7600 and the computer. [Note] Icom Inc. Software USB Drive Vers.1.00 is necessary. Free download Vers.1.00  and read the manual  from Icom Inc. official  web

Link to: Icom Inc. Jp – USB Driver(Ver.1.00), Driver Utility and manuals.
Link to: Radiolab – An excellent tutorial on reciprocal mixing -
Link to: Download the IC-7600 User Evalutatio & Test Report  by Adam, VA7OJ

Appendix 1) summary:
Performance Test on IC-7600 – As performed in Adam Home RF lab, March 17 – 23, 2009 -
Receiver Test: 1) MDS (Minimum Discernible Signal) ATT off, NR off, NB off. Levels in dBm at 3.6 – 14.1 – 50.1 MHz Pream of, 1 and 2, SSB 2.4kHz bw and CW 500Hz bw, 1a): AM Sensityvity (wide 9kHz filter) – 2) Reciprocal Mixing Noise – 3) IF filter shape factor (-6/-60 dB) – 4) SSB filter roll-off in dB and diagram Sharp/Soft – 5) NR noise reduction, measured as SINAD – 6) Manual Notch Filter (MNF) stopband attenuation and banwidth diagram Wide, Mid, Narrow setting – 7) AGC imput response, a) RF burst, b) Test with pulse trains – 8) Noise blanker (NB) impulse response – 9) S-meter tracking & AGC threshold, 9a) attenuator tracking – 10) In-Band IMD test -52 dB! – Follow par. 11) 11a) 11b) 12) for Spectrum Scope Tests and 13) to 22) for Trasmitter Tests.