Once connected, the radio can be controlled through a standard set of commands common to all Kenwood radios. There are a number of programs available that can be used to turn these old radios into very versatile computer controlled units, with considerably extended memories and features.
With the additional installation of a signal interface, the radio becomes even more versatile. Once the IFA is installed, the radio may be connected through a special cable to the Kenwood IFC adapter, and from there to a standard com port. The connector from the IFC is a D25 type. At one time, most computers had a pair of com ports, one having a D25, and the other having a D9.
These days a D25 to D9 cable will be required; but these are pretty common. IFA boards can still be found, but they are long out of production, and a certain amount of searching is required. A similar fate has befallen the IFC adapter. For the purist, this is grim news. Still, all is not lost. Aftermarket companies have filled the vacuum. This is the route I took for this radio. This kit includes the required ROM chip, and installs in the same manner as the Kenwood factory unit, except for the method of cabling to the computer.
Where the Kenwood factory unit requires the IFc outboard box, and a pair of cables, the Piexx unit is able to directly connect to the computer RSC port. It does this via a 5' ribbon cable with a D9 connector, connected directly to the card. This connection lacks the elegance of the original six connector jack of the IFA; but this is more than made up for by the comparative ease of installation. Even so, when compared to the cost of an ISc, an IFa, and the required cables, it is a bargain.
Even so, this is only half of the complete solution. A signal interface completes the package, and allows the radio to do FSK, fax, and make use of various other digital modes, both to encode and decode. It can even get you SSTV. This is accessed through the ACC2 connector at the back of the radio. This is a thirteen pin connector. A mating plug is included with the radio, and is also widely available. With this plug, a signal interface can easily be made which will connect through a computer sound card.
Such an arrangement would also permit logging and even recording of messages. Many sound cards have multiple inputs usually a line in, and a microphone , which allow for connection to more than one radio at a time, though signal levels may need to be adjusted.
For connection to more than two radios, you will need to install a special sound card with multiple inputs. Once the cards and connections are in place, you will need software.
There are a number of packages in place for computer control of your radio, and countless programs for packet, FSK, and various digital modes. Once you are connected, a whole new world opens up.
I am putting together a page about the various bits fo software, the digital modes available, how to use them and what they sound like over the air. For now I recommend simply doing a search on radio digital modes, and on ham radio software. As with most commercial ham radios, there are a number of modifications and enhancements that can be made, many by the owner.
There is not a real wide selection of mods for this radio. Extended Transmit Frequencies:. The final output transistor is a Mitsubishi M, rated capable of generating up to 33watts on frequencies from MHz to MHz. A look at the trends in the data sheet indicate that the unit should have no problem getting down to the range, if properly tweaked. These units are also capable of taking optional boards to give tone capability, voice announcement of operations, and computer control.
I will go into mroe detail on these when I have time to update. The most significant mod is to change my D model Japanese spec radio over to an A model America spec radio. Details on this project are in the following section. The outlook is hopeful. The version of the TS radio that I have is the D version.
This is the version meant for Japan, and other parts of Asia. The European E model is even worse, having a similar limit of frequencies, but also being set up for a 1. I am a bit hamstrung, using this radio in my area, since all of my local repeaters operate above MHz. The feature is kind of pointless these days, but it is an interesting curiosity.
For this type of user, where you have a dispatcher and a number of mobiles, this can be very useful. For the amateur operator, I see little utility. The system will only work with another similarly featured radio. This is the only outward identifying mark on these radios. They have a reset button and an indicator for DCL. This is not a feature that I am ever likely to use, but you never know.
The radio I have also included an original paper manual, in the original Japanese. The problem with the Japanese manual is that I do not read Japanese, and I can find no English translations of the D manual anywhere. The radio certainly has a slightly different layout than the American version, and I would be interested to know how the DCL works.
I would also like to know a bit more about the internals of this radio. Though the board is the same, it is configured quite differently from the more well known American and European models. My biggest concern with this radio was the possibility of opening up the unit to operate up to MHz, and maybe even down to MHz. On the E and A models, the range can be opened up by cutting diodes D30 and D Cutting the D30 diode on an American or Americanized version will open up the operating range a bit more.
The problem with the D version, is that these diodes are not even installed. This portion of the board is blank, though the positions of the diodes are marked. A photo of the board as it came is shown to the right. The empty solder pads for the diodes are at the top of the photo. I could not resist the temptation to install the missing diodes leaving D30 and D34 out , despite the fear that I might ruin my radio.
The diodes that appear to be the ones that need to be installed are D30, D31, and D33 - though as I mentioned, I may leave D30 out. The diodes used on the board are switching diodes.
I was unable to find these locally. The model number is 1SS These are rated at 80v ma. I picked some up on eBay for about ten cents each.
I saw these same diodes selling for much less at various electronic supply houses, but the orders generally had to be for dozens or hundreds of units. A photo of the modified board with the new diodes installed is to the left above. Please, no comments on the quality of my solder job.
I am not an electronics tech. The job is good enough, despite appearances, and the radio will now tune up to MHz, as can be seen in the photo to the right. Or can it? Installing the diodes enables the processor to hit frequencies up to MHz; but things are a bit more complicated. It is also necessary to recalibrate or retune certain portions of the radio, and to open up the front end.
While cutting and jumpering diodes may open up the processor and mixer, the coils and other tuned circuits may need to be opened up as well. In the E version, opening the frequency range also requires retuning and calibration. Without doing this, the radio will be deaf on the extended frequencies. In particular the two helical filters must be recalibrated.
In order to be done properly, an oscilloscope and a special connector which can be easily home brewed are required. The helical filters are there to remove spurious signals and possible harmonics. They can be adjusted with a screwdriver. I have included a cropped scan from the service manual, advising how to calibrate the filters for various versions of the radio. In theory, I suppose you could just open them all the way; but this will certainly cut down on the cleanness of the signal. Adjustment of the filters allows for operation on the full band with a nice clean signal.
My big worry now, is that the unit produces frequencies between and using the PLL, and from - using a crystal based oscillator. It is my hope that the crystal for the higher frequencies is installed for consistency, and will be available after the modification.
Otherwise the project is going to get very complicated. I have read of no such issues with the European units; but the Japanese unit may be different. The only other real concern on this version of the radio is the power supply.
The Japanese version requires up to 8 amps of volt AC. This is pretty close to the American - Volts, so I am not too worried, but it is a consideration. The radio appears to be operating fine. If worse comes to worse, I can always operate it directly on This is not something that I would recommend, for the person simply looking for a great radio. It has become quite the project, and the Japanese version is not any less expensive than the corresponding American or European versions.
If nothing else, this gives me a chance to learn, and to play with the insides of yet another radio. It will also make my shack just a tiny bit unique. How many operators in Wisconsin have a Japanese version of a 70 cm radio? I suspect not too many. Wide High Deep. Construction is easy, due to the small size of the elements.
It is small enough to be used vertical and aimed for RDF. More details latter. Place the TNC in calibrate mode and press K to key the radio. This modification should not affect any of the other normal operations of the radio..
As users of the Kenwood TSS already known it is possible to configure the set to personel needs by hold down some buttons during Power on. There are three buttons listed in the manual. As often usual in microprocessor controled equipment there are hidden keyboard combinations who make it possible to configure more functions then is listed in the manual. Unfortunately after power off and switching on the programming is returnd to the most of the old values, but the memory places are still empty.
So one advice before start of experimenting note the contens of the memory places and configuration on a piece of paper, and read the "F" manual.
Until now I do not have a method to program the expanded receiving and transmitting frequencys into the TSS. The Vox gain was always too high due to an excessive feedback resistance in the vox amplfier. Apparently a PCB-mounting failure as the schematic carried the right value.
After correcting this problem I still got RF problems with nearby antennas, blocking the transmitter in TX. Unscrew the board and fold over to the left. Add 22 nF parallel to R 1k on t he micro entry close to Connector 6. Add 1nF parallel to C close to the IC input. Add 1nF parall el to C close to the vox amplifier. Remove te micro in and ground from the number 6 connector.
Feed the white micro wire through a two hole ferrite core. Feed the inner conductor through a small ferrite core as well Reconnect This concludes the mod. Don't even think of doing this without the service man ual and some smd-practice. A dipole with a balun is a prime example of a DC shorted wire.
A minor circuit modification that adds a pF isolation capacitor should also be performed. Please refer to the diagrams below for modification notes. The symptom will generally disappear if the transceiver and TNC units are powered from different sources.
The audio output level form the TNC is generally too high and causes overload of the microphone amplifier circuit. With the TSS it is inserted before the microphone amplifier. Just moving the insertion point to the output of the circuit is satisfactory since the drive level for FM packet is higher then that required for SSB.
This will prevent overmodulation of the microphone input circuit. Change chip resistor R from 1 Kohm to 8. Delete chip capacitor C pF and add chip resistor R, 1. Add the following note to page 35 and 37 of the Instruction manual. It also requires familiarity with surface mount soldering techniques. If you do not have the proper equipment or knowledge do not attempt this modification yourself. Seek qualified assistance. We have received several reports concerning the transmit audio quality of this unit.
Several reporters noted that the signal sounded "hard" or had a reduced bandwidth, while others noted a difference in the noise quality when switching between USB and LSB. Improper adjustment of the 8. The coils have two tuning points. One is reached when the tuning slug project above the surface of the coilk form.
When tuned in this manner the bandwidth becomes narrow then normal and causes the symptoms noted above. Adjustment should be performed with the YKS1 2. If this filter is not preset you should select the THRU position for the 8.
Adjust L73 and L76 according to the instructions provided in the service manual Item 6 of the Receiver adjustment. Ensure that the slug are preset well down in the coil form, then adjust for peak. You should reach this point before the top of the slug exist the coil form. Next, readjust L74 and L75 Item 8 of the Receiver adjustment.
Select the 6 KHz filter for both the 8. Select a dial frequency of Adjust L74 and L75 for maximum. Readjust L74 and L75 for maximum. Remove capacitor C from the IF unit on the transceiver, and replace it with R, a chip jumper wire. The 2SC driver transistor are no longer available. They have been discontinued by the manufacturer. A substitute transistor 2SC is available but requires some minor circuit changes. These changes are detailed below.
Note: C64 and C65 should be soldered directly to the collector and emitter pins of the final transistor Q4 and Q5. If gloves are worn no problem is encountered. This occurs because the shaft of the encoder is not grounded.
Countermeasure: Replace the Main Encoder with one that has a grounded shaft. Note: You must use the new mounting screws listed above with the replacement encoder. Welcome to ManualMachine. We have sent a verification link to to complete your registration. Log In Sign Up. Forgot password? Enter your email address and check your inbox.
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