Feature Comparisons (specifically TS-530, 830, 930)
 

I'm in search of a radio to get back into the hobby. I'd like to get
something from the Kenwood family but in all the googling I've done, I
have no idea what the differences are between the TS-530, TS-830 and
TS-930. Not so much interested in raw specs as I am in what features
differentiated these models.

I've found reviews on www.eham.net and specs on www.qsl.net. Nowhere
can I find something more like a sales brochure.

Kevin wrote:

I'm in search of a radio to get back into the hobby. I'd like to get
something from the Kenwood family but in all the googling I've done, I
have no idea what the differences are between the TS-530, TS-830 and
TS-930. Not so much interested in raw specs as I am in what features
differentiated these models.

I've found reviews on www.eham.net and specs on www.qsl.net. Nowhere
can I find something more like a sales brochure.

From my own experience, drop the 930 from your list. Great rig but
ultimstely unrepairable by anybody. 530 and 830 are survivors.

-Bill

"Kevin" wrote in message
m...
I'm in search of a radio to get back into the hobby. I'd like to get
something from the Kenwood family but in all the googling I've done, I
have no idea what the differences are between the TS-530, TS-830 and
TS-930. Not so much interested in raw specs as I am in what features
differentiated these models.

I've found reviews on www.eham.net and specs on www.qsl.net. Nowhere
can I find something more like a sales brochure.

Unfortunately, the supply of parts for all these rigs is getting low.
If you are thinking of using it for a while and replacing it if it breaks,
any would be ok.

I have a 930S which has been working for a long time. It was broken by a
close lightning stroke and it was fixed. The power supply for transmit died
and was fixed. So they can be fixed if you have parts and have a
knowledgeable repair person. There is even a board which improves its
operation made
by PIEXX (www.piexx.com) and which replaces the old microprocessor board.

I have used mine primarily on CW. With the extra crystal filters (AM and
Narrow CW) it has worked very well for my interests. You will have to go up
at least one generation though to get a transceiver that can be controlled
by a PC or MAC or one that can operate on 60 Meters. It has a sensitive
front end, keys well, and its variable bandwidth tuning, RIT, and audio
filter really help out. None of the
rigs has direct frequency input which is a pain. Nor do any of them have FM.
The 930 does have AFSK.

I think I still have the sales brochure if you really want a copy.
Good luck on your decision.
Regards,
Ed, N5EI

"Kevin" wrote in message
m...
I'm in search of a radio to get back into the hobby. I'd like to get
something from the Kenwood family but in all the googling I've done, I
have no idea what the differences are between the TS-530, TS-830 and
TS-930. Not so much interested in raw specs as I am in what features
differentiated these models.

I've found reviews on www.eham.net and specs on www.qsl.net. Nowhere
can I find something more like a sales brochure.

I stand corrected. The PIEXX board permits some computer control of the 930.
Ed, N5EI

TS-830S:
160-10 meters (including WARC) bands
RIT/XIT
IF shift
IF Notch filter
VBT (Variable bandwidth tuning)
Tone (receive audio tone control)
Speech Processor
Monitor (TX audio monitor)
plus standard stuff like VOX,
AGC controls, mike/CW gain, metering controls

TS-530S:
similar, but no VBT or Notch filter
weaker receiver

TS-530SP:
same as 520S but includes Notch filter

If you can afford one, get the 830S. I had a 530S, didn't like it much.


"Kevin" wrote in message
m...
I'm in search of a radio to get back into the hobby. I'd like to get
something from the Kenwood family but in all the googling I've done, I
have no idea what the differences are between the TS-530, TS-830 and
TS-930. Not so much interested in raw specs as I am in what features
differentiated these models.

I've found reviews on www.eham.net and specs on www.qsl.net. Nowhere
can I find something more like a sales brochure.

OOPS!

530SP is same as TS-530S, not the 520!
The 530SP is also not as common - harder to find

"w4udx" wrote in message
.. .
TS-830S:
160-10 meters (including WARC) bands
RIT/XIT
IF shift
IF Notch filter
VBT (Variable bandwidth tuning)
Tone (receive audio tone control)
Speech Processor
Monitor (TX audio monitor)
plus standard stuff like VOX,
AGC controls, mike/CW gain, metering controls

TS-530S:
similar, but no VBT or Notch filter
weaker receiver

TS-530SP:
same as 520S but includes Notch filter

If you can afford one, get the 830S. I had a 530S, didn't like it much.


"Kevin" wrote in message
m...
I'm in search of a radio to get back into the hobby. I'd like to get
something from the Kenwood family but in all the googling I've done, I
have no idea what the differences are between the TS-530, TS-830 and
TS-930. Not so much interested in raw specs as I am in what features
differentiated these models.

I've found reviews on www.eham.net and specs on www.qsl.net. Nowhere
can I find something more like a sales brochure.