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Modifications
for the Kenwood TS-850
Expanded RF M/C
1 Disconnect the power and antenna.
2 Remove the 16 screws top and bottom covers from the radio. Be
careful no to
break the speaker wires.
3 Remove the top and bottom screws from each side of the front panel
assembly.
4 Pull the front panel forward to expose the DIGITAL Board.
5 Locate and cut the lead DIODE D11
6 Reassemble the radio.
7 Reset the microprocessor ( Holding the [ A=B] Key while turning
the power ON.

Click to view picture
Observations of KC2CT
Having lived with Kenwood's TS-850S tranceiver for 5 days, here
are some of my observations:
- While the manual shows 35 power-on
front panel adjustments, there really are 36. Function number 35
is set from the factory to the OFF state. Well, what exactly is
this unknown function? Well Bunkies, this enables the tranceiver
to transmit on 27.500 through 28.000 mhz! Do yourself a favor,
and set this option to ON for TX inhibit! DO NOT JEAPORDIZE YOUR
LICENSE! Why in the world did the factory allow this??? Maybe
they don't want the Chicken Banders butchering up the rigs....
- Tone control. The setup only allows
Burst or Continuous modes, there is no way to turn it OFF, even
though the manual indicates there is a way.
- Quick memory function. You MUST pass
through either the VFO A or VFO B registers to program these..
You cannot go from standard memory to quick memory directly.
- My 850S came out of the box running
low power (50 - 75w PEP), so I called the local ham radio dealer
inquiring about service manual availability. Well they had them
in stock, but at a price of $50.00! Unbelievable! Kenwood wants
fifty dollars for (in the continuing Kenwood tradition) a
terribly organized, incomplete, and horrible reading manual!!!
Well, I dug into the schematics and opened up the the radio,
here's a list of items that might be of interest to some:
RF Board Controls
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VR - RX BAL
VR - TX BIAS
VR - TX BAL
VR - TYP (50W output power adjust, used with S1 below)
VR - MIN (?????) / internal antenna tuner
VR - TUN (Tune mode power adjust)
VR - VSF (THIS IS THE 100W POWER OUTPUT CONTROL)
VR - SWR Protect activation
VR - PWM (Forward power meter calibration)
VR1 - RWM (Reflected power meter calibration)
VR1 - AL0 (ALC meter zero)
VR1 - ALM (ALC meter calibration)
VR1 - CPM (Processor meter calibration)
VR1 - ALG (ALC gain adjustment)
S - All Band Power Down Switch (Decreases power to 50 watts)
IF Board Controls
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VR -
VR -
VR -
VR - Beep volume
VR - Sidetone volume
VR - Processor adjust
VR - ?????
VR8 & VR9 - ?????
VR1 - ?????
VR1 -
VR12 & VR13 - S Meter adjust
VR14 & VR15 - AGC adjust
VR1 - Notch filter adjust
- PLEASE NOTE!
Most of these controls are 1/8" pots, so if you intend to adjust
them use a VERY SMALL non-metallic tool.
- My 850S also came out of the box with
the RIT/XIT control not dis- playing 0.00 khz at fiducial (12
o'clock position) center. Behind the front panel in the upper
right corner is the control for center adjust. It just needed a
wee bit of tweaking... Along with this control on the circuit
board are the master adjust- ments for the SSB slope tuning
(High Cut and Low Cut).
- When both top and bottom covers are
removed, on the left-hand side is the FM board. There are 3
(three) pots on the board. They are FM Wide (12khz) deviation,
FM Narrow (6khz) deviation, and FM Mic gain.
- FM mode defaults to WIDE (12khz). This
is WAY too wide for accessing any 10m repeater. Hit the 455khz
filter button again for FM-N (narrow). This will set the IF to
6khz width, and you be able to work FM 10m stations. Note: The
8.83 filters are NOT selectable in FM mode.
- Memory scrolling via M CH./VFO CH. You
can bypass all unused channels if you press the 1 mhz button.
With the button active, only stored memory channels will be
displayed as the knob is rotated.
- Tunable memories. Out of the box, the
radio is set up for non- tunable memories. Just bring up setup
function xx on the display, and set it to ON, and ALL memories
can be tuned via the VFO. When use the M.CH/VFO CH. switch you
will be returned to the original frequency & mode setting in the
memory.
- It may or may not be obvious to some,
but the radio is capable of cross-band and/or cross-mode
operation. Just pump the required modes and frequencies into
memory channels or VFOs, and you're off and running. Hope you
have a very broad banded antenna!
- CW message storage is lost when you
power off the radio. I didn't order the DRU-2 option (yet), so I
don't know whether these messages will be saved. You'd think
that with everything else that is stored in RAM and backed up by
battery, that Kenwood would have made pro- visions to keep
recorded messages alive also. A modification????
- When adding additional filters, is is
necessary to set the corresponding switch on. Under the hatch on
top, is a 4 position dip switch. The manual shows a picture of
it, but makes no mention of their settings. This switch is
necessary to inform the micro- processor of the filters' absence
or presence. ON is for presence, OFF is for absence. Below is
the switch diagram:
-----
| = | <-- YK-88C-1, YK-88CN-1, YK-88SN-1
| = | <-- YK-88CN-1, YK-88CN-1, YK-88SN-1
| = | <-- No Function
| = | <-- YG-455C-1 or YG-455CN-1
-----
O O
N F
F
- I received the DRU-2, voice recording
unit this week, and installed it. Here's what I found:
- The unit comes with a lithium battery
for backing up the voice messages when the rig is powered off.
- The initial state of the DRU-2 is:
Message 1 - 8 seconds
Message 2 - 8 seconds
Message 3 - 16 seconds
You can halve the sampling rate via front panel setup control
xx. This will effectively DOUBLE the time of of each message,
however, the quality of voice repro- duction will suffer because
of the lower sampling rate.
- On playback of the messages, the
microphone IS NOT disabled, so be quiet when you're transmitting
stored messages.
- Use the MONI function to hear what
you've recorded and/or are transmitting, and tèe MIC gain
control to keep the ALC in range, as the DRU-2 drives the radio
much harder than the microphone input.
- The high boost function and speech
processor are available to the DRU-2 during transmit.
- I also got the VS-2 voice unit. The
voice is the same as the older VS-1 for the TS-440, and TS-940,
but the unit is in a smaller package. It will speak the
frequency in either English or Jápanese. There is a volume
control pot on the bottom of the board whécè should be adjusted
PRIOR to screwing down the VS-2. The output on my unit was very
low, until I tweaked it up. Also there are jumpers on the board
to speed up the voice playback... You'll need to consult the
instruction page for the VS-1 for speeds, as there is nothing
mentioned in the instructions for the VS-2.
- A note on output power of the rig. The
radio uses 2SC2789's... These devices are rated as 100 watt
devices Kenwood is running the finals VERY conservatively. When
playing around with output, I had the rig dead-keying 175 watts,
but backed it down to 100 watts, as I didn't want to blow up the
rig, but I was äefinitely smiling as the Birds' meter swung with
a 250 watt slug!
- The ROM chip on the digital board is
socket. Kenwood had problems witè early 440's and 940's with
poor soldered connections. While it's a nice idea to allow
removal and replacement of the ROM to add features/fix bugs,
this might become a problem area in the future.
- Hidden function!!! If you turn on the
radio while holding down the VOICE button, EVERY button on the
radio will acknowledge its function via morse code! This is a
terrific feature for sightless hams! I can't understand why it
is not mentioned in the owners manual or marketing literature!
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| TS-850S All band transmit |
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Kenwood markets this radio
worldwide, and has made
orovisions to allow the
radio to transmit between
1.625 mhz and 29.999 mhz.
I am providing this
modification for
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!
DO NOT TRANSMIT OUT OF BAND,
THIS WILL JEAPORDIZE YOUR
LICENSE, AND HAVE THE FCC,
AND/OR INTERNATIONÁL
AUTHORITIES KNOCKING AT YOUR
DOOR!!!
The All-band transmit
modificatéon requires the
removal and re- location of
a diode on the the digital
board which is located
behind the front panel. The
US version of the radio has
diode D11 installed, and
diode D9 removed. D11 must
be removed, and installed in
the D9 position. This
modification IS NOT for the
faint of heart, as it
entails removing the front
panel, and the digital
board. Note that the digitál
board has solder holes thát
are through-soldered; that
is, there are circuit traces
on both sides of the board,
so make sure that ALL solder
is removed from the holes.
This modification will also
allow the antenna tuner to
tune anywhere the receiver
is tuned. This modification
should ONLY be performed ây
those familiar with
soldering and de-soldering
techniques, and requires
patience, and dexterity.
Thanks to
Bill
K0ZL
for this picture.
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| ser comment |
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From:
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| Subject: Diode not
needed in D position |
| On
some TS850's it is not necessary to install a diode in the D9
spot. Clip D11 (the one on the right end) and check for proper
results first. On my TS850 it worked without putting a diode
in D9. |
| User comment |
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From:
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| Subject: Full TX on
the Kenwood TS-850s |
| I have
recently preform the modifcation on the TS-850s for full TX, i
have to coment that i did'nt have any dramas with this
procedure,But!where it explanes to remove the diode D-11 then
replace in the D-9 postion this is not nessary, just clip D-11
and you will also have remove diode D-12 that is in parallel
series on the back of the digital board, this requires
removing the hole digital board to gain access to Diode D-12,
also will coment that the board is not easly removed, due to
the funny looking screws which kenwood have placed on the
board(you will need a special tool or some smart thinking) in
regards to the D-9 diode??? no go on this rig! and yes it
wasn't to hard! ,actually had 3 stubbies of VB (Beer)then i
was back on the air, best of luck Jaye,your Mate Down Under.
:-)) |
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| TS-850S Broadcast Band Sensitivity |
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BCB sensitivity REALLY suffers as a 24db attenuator is inserted
when band-switched. This attenuator circuit is very similiar to
the TS-430/440. Possible modification?
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| TS-850S Additional
Front Panel Functions |
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Pressing SCAN + TX-M.CH will set the radio into its extended
function mode. These options can be scrolled via the M.CH/VFO CH.
switch. The following are the extended functions:
00 - This is the ROM Cèecksum displayed as a 4-digit hexadecimal
number This cannot be changed.
01 - Allow filter selection in transmit. Initially set OFF.
02 - Antenna tuner power down. Initially set to OFF.
03 - Antenna tuner non-stop mode. When set to on, the antenna
tuner will not stop when the lowest VSWR is found. Initially
set to OFF.
04 - Store mode, and filter settings prior to changing bands, or
cèannels. Initially set to ON.
05 - Display -HELLO- on digitial display, anä send it in Morse
code on power up. Initially set OFF.
06 - Turn full LCD display ON on power on. Initially set OFF.
07 - Turn Subtone ON or OFF. Initiálly set ON. Note tèat even
when set off, the TONE indicator will be lit on the display.
08 - Unknown. Initially set OFF.
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| Step by step instructions to disable
the broadcast band attenuation for TS-850S |
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This mod greatly improves the sensitivity and likewise the
reception on the AM broadcast band.
No noticable unwanted side effects have occured following this
procedure.
I live within three miles of a 5,000 watt broadcast station on
1150 kc's and am able to listen to stations on either side of that
station. There is some splatter but using the notch filter and the
attenuation on the front of the radio takes care of that for the
most part. This is *NOT* complicated and can be done in fifteen
minutes. Only one caution here:
you WILL BE SOLDERING TWO POINTS ON A CIRCUIT BOARD THAT IS LOADED
WITH SURFACE MOUNTED COMPONENTS!!! There is little room to work on
the board, so be very careful with your iron! If you don't feel
comfortable soldering, get someone else to do it as you can cause
a solder bridge and ruin your radio without even trying. With that
in mind, here goes:
- remove the eleven screws that secure
the bottom cover to the rig. the six ones on the sides and the
five on the bottom cover itself.
- remove the bottom cover. there are no
wires attached to the cover. lift it right off. leave the top
cover of the radio ON.
- locate the RF BOARD. it's number is:
X44-3120-00. this is the board where you plug the optional
filters into. with the open radio in front of you, and the front
of the radio facing you, the RF BOARD is the one on the left.
(there are only two boards under the bottom cover)
- locate the chrome like shield on the
rear of the RF BOARD. it's made out of shiney steel. remove the
four screws that hold this shield to the board.
- remove the shield by lifting the front
of it up while sliding it forwards, towards you. watch out for
all the little wires and ribbon cables going to and from the RF
BOARD.
- look at the rear of the board and
towards the left corner.(the radio is stil facing you upside
down) notice two I/C's numbered IC1 and IC2. directly behind the
I/C's are a bank of adjustable coils in metal cans. there are
nine of these coils in a group. directly to the left of these
coils are many green and red inductors which are standing up.
they look like resistors but they're really small coils.
- these inductors are part of the
bandpass filtering for each of the bands on the radio. the
capacitors and resistors that complete the bandpass filtering
are on the other side of the board and are of the surface mount
type. you are only concerned with the bandpass filter for the .5
to 1.6 band. notice the numbers for the inductors. find L8 and
L9. they are right at the edge of the board in the left rear
corner you will notice that .5 - 1.6 is stamped right next to
L9. BINGO! you have found the part of the circuit that you will
modify.
- look at where the .5 - 1.6 is stamped
on the board next to L9. you will see two bronze or gold solder
points there directly next to the numbers .5 - 1.6 . there is
nothing soldered at those two points. this is where you will
solder a jumper wire between the bronze points. do NOT confuse
it with the other two solder points with the line running in
between them next to the phillips head screw!!! you want the two
points that are spaced very close together that is right next to
L9.
- you will have to do the soldering on
the OTHER SIDE OF THE BOARD. remove the nine phillips head
screws that hold the RF BOARD to the chasis.
- on the back of the radio, look for the
switch stamped SW 1. it's right below the grounding post and has
the two postions: INT and EXT. remove the two screws that hold
the switch to the back of the rig. the switch is soldered to the
RF BOARD and you wont be able to lift the board up until the
screws are removed.
- unplug enough cables from the board so
you'll have enough room to lift the RF BOARD up to solder the
jumper. there is no need to remove the board from the rig. slide
it towards the front of the rig until the switch SW 1 clears the
back of the rig and lift the left side of the board up and prop
it up with a small block of wood.
- locate the bronze solder points on the
underside of the board. there will be a small amount of solder
at these two points on the underside of the board.
- bend a small jumper out of wire that
fits the two bronze points on top of the RF BOARD. you will
place the jumper on the top and solder on the underside of the
board. with a pair of needle nosed pliers, place the jumper into
the holes and simply heat up the existing solder on the
underside until the jumper slips down farther into the holes.
you'll notice the large amount of components on the underside
versus the lack of components on the top of the board. be
carefull when heating the solder on the two points. you don'y
want to disturb the surface mounted parts or cause any excess
solder to run onto them or the foil nearby.
- you are now done. re-assemble in
reverse order, plugging the wires back in carefully, making sure
they don't get plugged into the wrong place. also, avoid
pinching them when replacing covers.
____________________________________________________________________
l l
l l
l X __________________ l
l 4 L8 l l l
l 4 O O O O O O l COIL BANK l l
l O O O O O O l l l
l 3 .5 o inductors l_________________l l
l 1 O O O O O O l
l 2 1.6 o _______ _______ l
l 0 l ic1 l l ic2 l l
l l -------- -------- l
l 0 solder l
l 0 point l l
l l RF BOARD l
l solder l
l point l l
l l l
l L9 l
l l
l l
l this area for optional l
l plug in filters l
l l
l l
l l
l l
l l
l___________________________________________________________________l
FRONT OF RADIO
Sorry, that's the best art work I can do.
The purpose of the jumper is to bypass the two 150 ohm resistors
that are in series after the band pass filter. The resistors add
between 20 and 25 db attenuation to the AM broadcast band. For
some reason, Kenwood thinks that the receiver would become
overloaded by strong nearby broadcasting stations, which would
cause distortion. I simply don't find that to be the case. It's
funny, Kenwood already had those two points there on the board,
but without the jumper......it seems to me that they had
anticipated the need to bypass the attenuation in Europe or Asia.
Thus, all export models going to the states were missing that
jumper. Who knows? I can't find any other reason for the jumper
points to be there.
Anyway, you'll notice an immediate increase of signal strength.
You'll hear stations that you never knew were there! As I said, if
you are bothered by strong stations in your area, try using the 6
and/or 12db attenuation buttons on the front of the rig.
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| TS-850? ACC-2 audio problem |
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Following bulletin was sent to me by Dick, KB8DB:
KENWOOD/KAM SSB AUDIO PROBLEM
The problem is that some kenwood radios are being shipped with the
rear panel audio output very sensitive. We (kantronics) have had
others report the same problem, and the following response was
prepared by our service department: Some adjustments in the radio
and in the kam may be necessary when using these connections.
SOLUTION:
Decrease the gain in the kenwood radio rear panel audio input
circuit (may be labeled vr18, check your radio manual).
Increase the afsk output from the kam (remove jumper k5 for
maximum output).
Set the kam to transmit in rtty mode, and radio in ssb mode,
adjust vr18 (or gain control in radio that controls rear panel
audio input) for the radio manufacturer's recommended output when
using rtty.
Now, when using the front panel microphone, low-level noise on the
rear panel input will not be picked up or added to microphone
audio. (unquote)
73 from Stan G4KSJ @ GB7BEN.#43.GBR.EU |
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| Adjustable moni. on CW, TS-850S |
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Hello everybody!
If you'd like to be able to adjust the volume with your "MONI-knob"
on the frontpanel of your TS-850S when monitoring your
transmission on CW read this! Originally it's a fixed level
controlled by VR5 internally.
This could be usefull when switching between the loudspeaker and
the headphones.
When you're monitoring your CW with headphones at a pleasent
level, and then disconnect the headphones and monitoring with the
loudspeaker the audio is quite low.
(IF-UNIT)
- Remove the IF-UNIT (you must solder on
the rear side of the IF-UNIT). Be careful to mark all the cables
before you remove them!!!
- Remove R239 (330 kohm, close to VR5).
- Install a new resistor (330 kohm) from
the output of VR5 to the junction R229, R230, R231 and C172
(rear side of the IF-UNIT, close to IC7).
- Adjust VR5 to maximum audio level.
Now you're able to adjust your audio
level in the CW mode with the "MONI-knob" at the front panel of
your transeiver.
Gif file of the circuit board
layout (445
Kb) where the mod is to be done in the radio.
73 de Nate Bargmann
Packet: KA0RNY @ WF0A.#SCKS.KS.USA.NOAM
E-mail: ka0rny@midusa.net
Valley Center, Kansas USA EM17hs
Visit my Linux + Ham Radio pages
homepage.netspaceonline.com/~ka0rny/
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| TS-850
service manual, error corection |
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Page 20:
2 Full break-in operation timing
--------------------------------
...signal enters pin 10 of the BW-SW module from the...
should be
...signal enters pin 10 of the BK-IN module from the...
Page 21:
Resistor R3 (10 kohm) in the BK-SW schematic does not exist.
(This is corrected in the schematic that's in the user's manual)
Page 23:
Key up
------
In line 8 and 10 capacitor C230 is mentioned
-should be C231
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| TS-850S and speaker/headph |
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This is a very simple modification on the TS-850S to be able to
hear the receiving station through the loudspeaker and the
headphones at the same time.
On ICOM rigs it does not require any modification at all as this
is a feature built-in from the factory.
On ICOM rigs if you push the connector halfway into the headphone
jack you have the sound in both the loudspeaker and the
headphones, then if you push the plug the whole way in, the sound
is only in the headphones.
Unfortunally this is not the case on the TS-850S.
The headphone jack is a little different made on Kenwood rigs, so
this modification does not allow you this "halfway" feature
described above. But still you are able to have the sound coming
from the loudspeaker and the headphones at the same time.
Modification.
Note!
This modification works on both mono and stereo headphones.
- Remove all knobs at the front of the
radio.
- Remove the front.
- Remove the very small unit (E/6 page
57) that contains the phone jack itself.
- Install a jumper between pin no. 1 and
pin no. 2 on the CN8 connector.
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| TS-850 and Ten-Tec Titan 425 PA |
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If you're using the Kenwood TS-850S with the Ten-Tec Titan 425
linear PA read this!
This explains how to modify the TS-850S' full QSK feature and
avoiding "hot switching" the relay in the amplifier when operating
full QSK.
As you probably know the correct way to prevent "hot switching" is
to feed a signal to the Titan's "key-in" connector when you
transmit. When the linear's vacuum-relay is settled the Titan's
"key-out" connector return that information to the transceiver
which then feed its output RF to the linear.
What's important here is that the transceiver DOES NOT feed any RF
BEFORE the vacuum-relay in the linear is settled!
(If you do, you have the problem called "hot switching")
This is how to overcome the "hot switching" problem:
Open the TS-850 and do the following:
- Remove the original TRX-relay (K3 at
the RF unit).
- Remove the IF unit.
- Locate the BK-SW unit (X59-3880-00).
Cut between Q2's collector and pin 10 on the BK-SW unit.
Feed Q2's collector to the "key-in" on the Titan linear.
Feed pin 10 (where you cut) on the BK-SW unit to the "key-out"
on the Titan linear.
- Reinstall the IF-unit.
That's all!
I connected the collector of Q2 to pin #4 on the REMOTE connector
and pin #10 on the BK-SW unit to pin #2 on the REMOTE connector at
the rear of the transceiver where you originally connect the
keying of an amplifier.
That's why you should remove the TRX-relay (K3) as described in
point no. 1.
Pin 4 on the remote connector should now be connected to the
"key-in" on the Titan amplifier
Pin 2 on the remote connector should now be connected to the
"key-out" on the Titan linear.
ONLY use shielded cables!!!
This modification works fine on my TS-850. I am able to operate
full QSK at the maximum speed on the built-in keyer unit without
risking any damage to the vacuum-relay in the Titan at full output
power (1600W).
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| KAM-PLUS Problems!! with TS-450 & 850 |
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Hello All,,
A common problem when using a KAM-Plus multimode with the Kenwood
TS-850 or TS-450 occurs when the KAM-Plus is coupled to the
Accessory-2 socket on the back of the transceiver, producing
noticable distortion of the transmitted audio when using the
microphone in SSB mode..
The problem is easy to cure by disconnecting the Accessory-2 plug
from the back of the tranceiver, but this meant moving the
transceiver around every time one wished to operate on SSB..
The problem is caused by the input sensitivity of the rear
Accessory-2 socket being set to high, so that it picks up very low
level noise from the KAM-Plus and associated computer wiring, this
mixes with the microphone signal, to produce the distortion.
The cure is to reduce the input sensitivity of the radio, thus
reducing the chance of distortion, also it goes without saying
that the output from the KAM-Plus must be increased to compensate
for this.
With both the TS-450 and TS-850, adjusting the input sensitivity
is straight forward and the transceiver manuals show you the
appropriate control and its location.. This is in both cases VR18
to be found on the main board of the radio,(refer to manual) in
practice I found that it was best to adjust this control fully
counterclockwise..
Then we need to adjust the output from the KAM-Plus by varying
potentiometer R28 and setting removable link (K9), this link is
factory set on one post only, (in the open position)!! this should
be connected shorting the two posts, thus putting the KAM-Plus
into the high output position, and then potentiometer R-28 is
adjusted to give full power out from your HF radio with very
little ALC deflection, when the MIC gain is in the normal
operating position..
Then I am sure you will find that your problem is over, you can
now simply change from digital modes to SSB.. Remember if you have
your Beacon activated to turn it OFF or it could cause a few
comments when operating SSB..
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| TS-450,TS-850 feedback,ACC-2 Conn |
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Hi if you are using the ACC-2 connector to interface with your
multi-mode controller, you may have had a problem with your
transmitted audio signal being distorted, to eliminate this see
bellow.
- Set your meter on the radio to read
ALC
- PK232 OWNERS: if alsso using a VHF
tranceiver, adjust the AFSK level for proper VHF operation as
expalained in chapter 3 of the operating manual.If not adjust
for proper SSB operation.
DSP - 1232 / DSP - 2232 Owners: Adjust the appropriate AFSK
level control for proper SSB operation as expalined in chapter 3
of the operating manual.
- Place the TNC in calibrate mode and
press K to key the radio.
- Adjust VR-13 on the TS-450 or VR-18 on
the TS-850 so that the meter "Just comes off the peg" as
described in the section titled "SSB Tranciever Final
Adjustments" (in the TNC operating manual).
- Press Q to quit the CALIBRATE mode
This modification should not affect any
of the other normal operations of the radio..
Copy of service bulletin from AEA
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Modification for External keying, while using the internal
keyer |
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Author: N7EX (ex-N0DH), Dave Henderson
One of the minor draw backs to the TS-850 as a CW contest machine
is the inability to use the internal keyer in conjunction with an
external keying circuit such as a personal computer or auxiliary
memory keyer. As designed you must manually throw a switch from
internal to external keying to switch between one or the other. To
make matters even more inconvenient this switch is on the back of
the unit and is not readily accessible during normal operation.
Simply said this modification involves running a new keying line
from the junction of S1 and D51 on the IF Board. For convenience
this additional keying line can be wired to the DSP1 and/or DSP2
RCA phono jacks if you do not use the external DSP unit.
The modification to the unit to resolve this problem takes less
than 30 minutes to accomplish and can be done without
"permanently" modifying the unit which would detract from its
future resale value. If you don't use the external DSP unit then
the two RCA phono jacks marked DSP1 and DSP2 can be used as
additional keying input jacks as will be outlined below. If you
use the external DSP unit then the modification can still be
accomplished by running the external keying line out on a
"pigtail." I highly recommend the purchase of a service manual
which will greatly improve your ability to indentify the circuit
points involved in the modification.
Considering that the radio costs $1500 what's another $30 to keep
from messing it up! By the way compared to the two TS-930's that I
nursed through the 80's, this radio is a breeze to trouble shoot
and repair which I have had to do twice through no fault of
Kenwood (long stupid story ~8>).
From here you proceed at your own risk, if you fry the radio DON'T
CALL ME. A precision low wattage solder pencil for doing surface
mount soldering is recommended, If all you have is a 150 watt
Weller solder gun then read no farther your better off taking the
unit to an expert rather than "melt" the circuit traces.
I assume no risk for the accuracy or completeness of the enclosed
information. All yee who enter here embrace all hope for you may
likely have a better contest radio when you are done.
- Turn the unit upside down with the back of the TS-850 toward
you.
- Remove the bottom cover.
- In this position the IF board is on your left.
- Remove all the screws holding the IF board to the chassis.
(put them in a jar or something for safe keeping).
- Unplug enough of the cabling to allow you to tilt the board
up so that you can access the bottom side of the board
underneath S1 the "External/Internal" keying switch.
- On the bottom side of the board directly underneath S1 you
will see 6 solder pads arranged in two rows of three pads each.
- The middle pad on S1 nearest the back of the radio should be
GROUND, solder the braid of an approximately 9 inch piece of
small audio style shielded cable to this point, being careful to
dress the coax so as not to short to other circuitry.
- The middle pad on S1 in the next row up of three pads is the
keying line. Solder the center of the shielded cable to this
point.
- Route the other end of the shielded audio cable through the
chassis in the vicinity of the DSP jacks above.
- Carefully inspect all solder joints for shorts, etc. Replug
the wire harnesses unplugged in step 5 above and reassemble the
board to housing. Reassemble the bottom cover.
- Turn the unit over and remove the top cover.
- Find the DSP input board with the three RCA phono jacks on
it at the rear of the unit.
The two DSP jacks are on the right when facing the rear of the
unit. There are two connectors on this board (a 2pin and a
4pin). Unplug the 4 pin connector. Obtain another 4 pin
connector and connect as follows (or directly solder to the
underside of the board as follows) If you only need one
additional CW jack then ground is pin 2 (closer to center of the
radio)connect the braid of your new key line to this pin. The
input from the middle RCA phono plug is pin 1 connect the
ceneter conductor to this pin. Like wise if you want two
additional CW jacks then do as above plus add a short between
pins 1 and 3. If you want a small RF choke or some ferrite beads
on the center conductor of the audio cable may prevent keying
problems in high RF field environments...
- Close the unit up and switch S1 to INTERNAL keying. You
should now be able to key the unit via the internal keyer (Via
the standard key input jack) or with an external keyer or
computer via the old DSP jacks, without having to switch S1.
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| TS-850
Separate Receive Antenna Modification |
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Author: Brian, WA3WJD
Make a short loop of white telfon cable with a male and female BNC
connector.
Loop it out of the back of the rig so just enough of the coax
sticks out so the BNCs can be joined with a barrel connector.
Locate the little header connector on the filter board in the
TS-850 that is on the receiver side of the TS850 antenna relay.
Pull that connector loose.
Spend a little time tracking down male and female header
connectors that match what Kenwood uses. Install those on the ends
of the white teflon coaxes sticking in the back of the radio.
For normal use, just connect the BNCs with a barrel connector and
the rig is normal. For Beverage use, connect an extra antenna
switch common and ant #1 to the BNC connectors, and put ur
Beverages on the other positions.
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| TS-850
Separate RX antenna input mod |
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Author: N6TR -
n6tr@teleport.com
This is near the top of everyone's list when they are asked "What
things bug you about the TS-850S." I initially overcame this
deficiency by modifying my amplifier so I could connect a
different receive antenna to the TR relay. However, I wanted to
change things so there wasn't as much RF getting into the RX
antenna due to close proximity to the amplifier's output. This
became a problem when using the same receive antenna on a second
radio (you knew two radio contest operating was going to work its
way in here somehow).
Ville, OH2MM had provided me with instruction on how he modified
his TS-850S to have a separate RX input and this inspired me to
try it.
Here are some simple steps to hopefully inspire others:
It took me an unrushed two hours to do all this.
- Remove the top panel (you don't need to take off the bottom
one).
- Remove the plate which sits between the fan and the back of
the radio. This covers the output filter PC board.
- Unsolder the connections to the SO-239 output connector.
- Remove the three cables from the PC board next to the
SO-239. This includes two coax and one 3 conductor harness.
- Remove the two screws holding in the PC board and remove it.
- Locate the trace that goes from the relay's normally closed
contact. You can use an ohm-meter to find it - probe from the
wire that went to the SO-239. You will find a short trace on the
back of the board which runs to a chip capacitor. Cut this trace
and solder some very small coax to each side of the cut -
connect ground to the nearby ground trace.
Make the cables about 4 inches long.
- Remove the antenna tuner. There are 2 screws in the back and
front (you will need a magnetic screw-driver) and one on the
side. You will need to carefully unplug two wire harnesses and
one coax connector.
- Drill two holes for phono jacks on the back of the radio. Be
careful not to obstruct the screw hole for one of the screws in
the back of the antenna tuner. The best place is between the RF
output connector and the groundpost. Put them on top of each
other and as close to the bump on the back panel as possible. I
used a vacuum cleaner while drilling to make sure no metal chips
went anywhere.
- You will find a small hole under the SO-239 where you can
feed the two coaxs through. Solder them to the phono jacks and
reassemble everything. I put back to back diodes on the RX
antennas input, but you may not want to do this. A better thing
would be to add a relay to disconnect the RX antenna input when
transmitting. I took care of that in project #2.
- Obviously, you will need a jumper cable to make your
receiver work again.
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Parts list:
- 4 position rotary switch
- DPDT 12 VDC relay
- 1 K Ohm pot (optional)
- 12 phono jacks (or you can get by with 9)
- mini box for above and knobs.
- Clamp diode for relay coil if not included in relay
This box does two things: disconnects the receive antenna input
when transmitting and allows selection of the transmitting antenna
or one of three RX antennas when receiving. The pot can be used
for RF attenuation if your rig doesn't have one.
The relay gets controlled by the PTT output from your rig that
normally would go to your amplifier. Then one set of the contacts
is used to key your amplifier. Don't forget to put a diode across
the coil of your relay if there isn't one internally. Otherwise,
you will have undesired arcing across the contacts of the relay in
your radio.
The other set of contacts disconnect the output of the rotary
swtich when transmitting. The rotary switch selects either the
signal coming from the transmitting antenna (from the TR relay in
your rig) or one of three receiving antennas. I use two phono
jacks per RX antenna so I can feed them to other boxes for other
radios. I also use two jacks for +12 volts so I can jumper power
to another box.
You can build up one of these boxes in an hour or two. You can
epoxy the relay to the mini box.
If you want the pot there to act as an attenuator, I just hook it
up like you would a volume control: one end is ground, the other
end goes to the output of the rotary switch and the wiper goes to
the output. Use shielded cable as much as possible to avoid stray
pickup.
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| Computer
Interface for the TS-850, without using the IF-232 Level
Converter |
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By N6TR and possibly others, with zener idea added by K6LL.
Note: This interface will work with "TR," contest logging
software by N6TR.
Click here for links to TR and other contest logging software
packages, including shareware.
Computer Interface:
470 ohms
DB9 PIN 3 (TXD) ----////------------ TS850 ACC 1 PIN 3 (RXD)
(DB25 PIN 2) |
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---- 5 VOLT ZENER DIODE
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DB9 PIN 5 (GND) ------------------------ TS850 ACC 1 PIN 1 (GND)
(DB25 PIN 7)
DB9 PIN 2 (RXD) ------------------------ TS850 ACC 1 PIN 2 (TXD)
(DB25 PIN 3)
----- TS850 ACC 1 PIN 4 (CTS)
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----- TS850 ACC 1 PIN 5 (RTS)
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| TS-850
Level Attenuator for DRU-2 playback audio |
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Author: K6LL -
k6ll@juno.com
- Remove the little hatch on the top of the radio.
- With the front of the radio facing you, find connector
CN505. It is a five pin connector near the filter DIP switches.
The white wire on the leftmost terminal carries the DRU audio
output.
- Cut the white wire and insert a 100K ohm micromini pot,
shunted with a 220 pf capacitor. Adjust the pot until DRU
playback level matches live microphone level.
Dave Hachadorian,
K6LL
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| TS850 +
Transverter oder Preselektor |
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Author: Werner Maier,
DL4NER -
dl4ner@qsl.net
Wenn
man von hinten auf den TS850 schaut, ist rechts eine komplette
Leiste mit Steckern (ACC, diverse Cinch (ALC etc..)) usw. Oben
sind zwei Reihen und unten ist noch eine dritte Reihe. (da ist
auch die Cinch IF-Out dabei, die original (lt. Manual) benutzt
werden sollte. Mir persönlich hat das mit den 12 Volt nicht
gefallen; das Risiko für Transverter und Nachsetzer bei Ausfall
der 12 Volt war mir zu groß!
Genau dazwischen (oben 2 Reihen, unten 1
Reihe) ist rechts ein Platz von ca. 2cm hoch, 8cm Breit und 3 cm
tief. da passen die benötigten 4 Cinchbuchsen (drvout, drv in, ant
out, ant in) problemlos hin.
Diese muß man
für den normalen KW-Betrieb nur außen mit Cinch-Cinch-Koaxkabeln
brücken. Da es sich um Kurzwelle (d.h. f < 30MHz) handelt, dürfte
die auftretende Dämpfung vernachlässigbar sein.
Zudem gibt es dort in den
Gehäusseverstrebungen IDEAL Platz zum Kabeldurchführen, als ob es
von Kenwood dafür vorgesehen wäre und aus Marketinggründen
zugunsten des TS950 gestorben wäre. So schauts jedenfalls für den
Bastler aus. Oder der Platz wurder einfach präventiv für Stecker
freigehalten... wer weiß...?
Vorgehensweise:
- !!!!! OHNE GEWÄHR !!!!!
- Boden und Deckel abnehmen.
- von oben: Filterplatine (mitte)
wegnehmen.
- Gehäuserückseite abschrauben, PL-Buchse
ablöten (evtl. sind hier mehr als zwei Hände hilfreich!)
- Anzeichnen, bohren, auf genügend
Abstand zwischen den Cinch-Buchsen und Gehäuseverstrebungen
achten. (ca. 16 mm Lochabastand reicht, damit man sich die
Finger nicht klemmt, beim Betrieb hinterher wie z.B. Stecker
ziehen...) Beschriften mit z.B. ANT out, IF in, DRV out, FINAL
in (oder wie's beliebt).
-
Kabel
auftrennen: von der IF-Platine (wenn das Gerät umgedreht wurde,
vorne links) gehen ziemlich hinten an den Steckverbindungen nach
hinten mitte unten zwei Kabel weg, CN1 und CN2 (weiss und
Rot/Orange/Rostbraun). Die beiden Kabel sind im Bild zusätzlich
mit einem gelben beschrifteten Klebeband gekennzeichnet.
- Das eine führt direkt zur
Antennenumschaltplatine, wo auch die PL- Buchse angelötet ist.
Auftrennen, Verlängern und auf 2 der Cinchs legen. Das zweite
führt direkt zur Final-Unit (unter der Filterplatine).
Auftrennen und auf die Cinchs führen.
- sind die Buchsen hinten RICHTIG
beschriftet? und RICHTIG verbunden? Besser mehrfach prüfen, das
Teil ist teuer! Ist die Beschriftung eindeutig?
- Zusammenbauen. Dabei ALLE
Steckverbinder wieder stecken. Mögliche Fallstricke sind
vielleicht:
- Verbindung Final-Unit-out ->
Filter-Unit-in ? (muss gelöst werden, um die Filterunit
auszubauen).
- PL-Buchse wieder angelötet ?
- Lautsprecher wieder angesteckt ?
- Hinten brücken und als KW-TRX testen.
Preselektor anstöpseln, testen. Transverter anstöpseln, testen.
- !!!!! OHNE GEWAEHR
!!!!!
Das Schöne ist nun, daß man problemlos einen Preselektor
dazwischenschalten kann. Ebeneso problemlos geht das mit
Transverter- Betrieb, ohne Angst um Transverter und TRX haben zu
müssen, falls mal die 12V Steuerspannung vom Transverter ausfällt.
(Lt. Aussagen eines Fachhändlers nimmt dabei nicht nur der
Transverter sonder auch der TS-850 gewaltig Schaden.).
Und: Die Signale nach Außen unterscheiden sich von der
Original-Kenwood- Schaltung (->Transverterbetrieb) nur dadurch,
dass jeweils ein Relais weniger in der Kette liegt.
| Signal |
orignial |
modifiziert |
Vorteil |
Nachteil |
| 10m-RX |
direkt zur
Antennenbuchse |
wird nach Antennen-
buchse und RX/TX- Relais zugeführt. |
Preselektor- Betrieb
möglich. |
Ueberspannungs-
diode wird umgangen.
(Gewitter im Transverter? Dann ist eh' alles zu spät!) |
| 10m-DRV |
wird vor CN1 mittels
Relais auf CN25 geschaltet und von dort mittels im Gerät
umzusteckender Brücke auf die IF-Out-Buchse gelegt, die
dann nicht mehr für ZF-Oszi geeignet ist. |
wird ohne Relais
nach CN1 direkt aufgetrennt. |
1. Man muss nicht
mehr mit 12 V schalten.
2. Wenn die DRV-Leitung aufgetrennt ist, sendet die
Endstufe auch nicht. |
Löcher in der
hinteren Abdeckung und ein "verbasteltes" Gerät. |
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Rückbau: (für Verkauf, falls gewüscht):
Durchtrennte
73 de Werner Maier, DL4NER email:
werner@mayn.de
Viel Spaß mit Preselektor oder Transwerter.
Zugriffe Seit 9/97:
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| TS-850S
Distorted TX w/TNC connected |
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Author: Kenwood Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1000 (10 October 1992)
We have received several reports of distorted transmitter audio
when using a TNC controller such as the AEA PK-232 or Kantronic
KAM, etc. The symptom will generally disappear if the transceiver
and TNC units are powered from different sources.
Cause:
The audio output level form the TNC is generally too high and
causes overload of the microphone amplifier circuit. In previous
models such as the TS-440S the incoming TNC audio was inserted
after the microphone amplifier. With the TS-850S 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.
Procedure:
- Add a 10 dB attenuator to the PKD line on the IF unit
(X48-3080-XX). This will prevent overmodulation of the
microphone input circuit.
- Change chip resistor R258 from 2.2 Kohm to 1 Kohm
(RK73FB2A102J)
- Change chip resistor R260 from 220 to 330 ohms
(RK73FB2A331J).
- Add the following note to page 29 of the Instruction manual.
- When adjusting for proper ALC levels with an AFSK RTTY
terminal or Packet TNC terminal you should adjust VR-18 on the
IF Unit for a reading similar to the one shown in the
accompanying diagram.
Note: The transceiver and RTTY or TNC terminal should use
separate power supplies, in order to prevent RFI (Radio
Frequency Interference).
Caution: This modification requires soldering
equipment rated for CMOS type circuits. 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.

Time required for this modification is ½ hour or less.
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| TS-850S
Low/no Receive sensitivity |
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Author: Kenwood Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1006 (22 January 1993)
Symptom:
Reports of low or no receive sensitivity accompanied by a lack of
audio from the speaker during CW or SSB modes might be caused by
improper RXB voltage levels. Normal RXB voltage is +8 Vdc during
receive and 0 Vdc during transmit. If you find approximately + 2
Vdc during receive you might suspect a problem with a leaking
diode, D31 on the RF unit (X44-3120-00).
Cause:
D31 is used as the transmit switching diode. Leakage of this diode
id most probably caused by electrostatic surge or discharges from
the antenna.
Parts required:
D31, MI204
Procedure: A temporary cure for units that have already
been manufactured is to replace D31 with an MI204 diode. Future
production radios will change D31 to an LFB01 diode and
incorporate a change in the printed circuit foil pattern to allow
addition of a series diode. D103 (LFB01).
Caution: This modification requires soldering
equipment rated for CMOS type circuits. 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.

Time required for this modification is 15 minutes or less.
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| TS-850S No audio from VS-2 |
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Author: Kenwood Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1034 (6 December 1993)
Symptom:
Several have reported a problem with the Voice Synthesizer Unit
VS-2 not voicing the frequency reliably when the Voice button is
depressed. This symptom is caused by a drop in the 5C voltage from
5 Vdc to approximately 4.5 Vdc when the VS-2 is connected. The
following change will correct this symptom.
Parts required:
Qty Description Old part No. New Part No Circuit desc.
1 47 µH Chip coil L40-221-48 L40-4701-48 L501
Procedure:
Change L501 from 220 µH to 47 µH on the RF unit (X44-3120-00 C/4).
Caution: This modification requires soldering
equipment rated for CMOS type circuits. 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 from your closest
Kenwood Service Center (Long Beach, CA, or Virginia Beach, VA).
Time required for this modification is 30 minutes or less.
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Author: Kenwood Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1046 (28 March 1994)
Symptom:
Several units were discovered during production by our QC
department that experienced difficult when the transceiver was
being adjusted for an S-1 reading on the S-meter.
Countermeasure:
Variations in the gain of the devices used for Q16 and Q17, the
second mixers, on the RF unit (X44-3120-00) appear to cause of
this symptom. We, therefore, recommend replacing these two
transistors with 2SK520(K43) devices. These devices have lower
IDSS (Drain breakdown current), and therefore provide a greater
conversion gain. As a result the total gain of the circuit is
increased.
Parts required:
Qty Description Old part No. New Part No Circuit Description
2 Second Mixer FET 2SK520(K44) 2SK529(K43) Q16, Q17
Time required for this modification is 60 minutes or less.
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| TS-850S
"Click noise" with NOTCH ON |
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Author: Kenwood Communication, inc
Service Bulletin no. 1049 (28 March 1994)
Symptom:
When a strong signal of S-9 or greater is received at the antenna
terminal with the NOTCH circuit ON a "clicking" noise might be
noticed. This is caused by excessive response in the AGC loop
circuit.
Countermeasure:
The changes detailed below will add additional delay to the AGC
circuit and reduce or eliminate this tendency.
Parts required:
Qty Description Old part No. New Part No. Circuit Description
1 22 Kohm chip resistor RK73FB2A103J RK73FB2A223J R289
1 0.47 µF capacitor NA CQ92M1H474K NA

Caution: This modification requires soldering
equipment rated for CMOS type circuits. 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 from your closest
Kenwood Service Center (Long Beach, CA, or Virginia Beach, VA).
Time required for this modification is 60 minutes or less.
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| Full
transmit for the UK version of TS-850S |
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Author: Pred -
Q2_Kinani@btinternet.com
This mod concerns only the UK kenwood TS-850S.
On the circuit board behind the front panel lies a bank of
diodes numbered D1-D11 all diodes are there except for diode D10
to unlock the uk TS-850s to full transmit.
Just cut or remove diode D11.
Perform full cpu reset, when powering unit after modification
for full reset press and hold A=B while turning on unit ......
Pred
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Author: Gary G4iFB -
G4iFB@Amsat.org
The rules for RSGB National Field Day allowed the use of a second
receiver but (at least in Restricted Section) just one antenna.
The second receiver could be used as a "spotter", for example to
keep an ear on 28 MHz for sporadice openings, or to check whether
there is sufficient activity on another band to justify a
band-change.
In the absence of a top-of-the-range transceiver with a second
receiver built-in, I was prompted to make following modification
to my TS850 such that an external receiver could be connected to
the single antenna, yet be disconnected automatically when the
TS850 transmits.
The modification is described in detail step-by-step below, but
first you will need the following items:
- a small length (about 20cm) of miniature coaxial cable, for
example Maplin part number XR88V (note - the characteristic
impedance of miniature coax is typically 75 ohm giving a mis-match
to the 50 ohm impedance of the rig and antenna system, but such
a small length of cable is required that there is no noticeable
effect in practice)
- a coaxial "line" socket e.g. SO239, BNC or Belling-Lee
(again, the impedance mismatch caused by using 75 ohm connectors
has a negligible effect in practice);
- a fine-tipped soldering iron and multicore electrical
solder;
- a medium (e.g. “number 2”) cross-head (Phillips)
screwdriver.
NOTE: a modification such as this is liable to void the
manufacturer's warranty - proceed at your own risk. It also
involves a fairly delicate soldering operation so DO NOT ATTEMPT
THIS unless you are competent and confident at soldering.
- Switch off the power and disconnect all external leads to
the rig. Clear a space on the table in which to work.
- Remove the rig's top cover:
- Remove 11 cross-head screws (3 on each side, 2 front and
rear on the top, and the last one centrally on the top panel -
don't remove the 4 screws holding the loudspeaker to the top
panel!). Keep the screws safely in a container to one side.
- Carefully lift the top cover until you can reach the
loudspeaker cable - remove this by pulling off the small white
plastic plug from the socket mounted on the printed circuit
board under the loudspeaker.
- It is probably easiest to turn the radio so the rear panel
is towards you. Remove the metal lid from the TX output bandpass
filter unit in the middle at the rear of the TS850, with a black
rubber section attached (which normally insulates it
mechanically from the top panel). There are 7 cross-head screws
to remove.
- Find the small printed circuit board immediately behind the
rig's SO239 antenna connector. The black rectangular relay on
this board is the main TX/RX changeover relay. Remove this
board from the radio:
- Carefully disconnect the two coaxial cables by pulling out
the miniature push fit plugs from the board-mounted sockets,
and pull out the white plastic plug connecting the control
wires to the board.
- Remove both mounting screws.
- Unsolder the SO239 socket from the board - both inner and
outer connectors need to be unsoldered - and lift out the
board.
- This is the fiddliest part of the job - get help now if
you are not confident at soldering. Solder your short piece
of miniature coax to the underside of the TX/RX relay board, in
parallel with the TS850 receiver output connector labeled "RAT
CN6". The coax should preferably exit to the rear of the board
so that it will pass directly through the TS850 rear panel when
reassembled. The coax centre conductor should be soldered to the
"RAT CN6" pin nearest to the small coil labeled "L13", and the
braid to the adjacent (centre) "RAT CN6" pin which is earthed.
Check carefully that the joints are good (shiny and clean), and
that no solder blobs or flakes remain on the board.
- Pass the free end of the new piece of miniature coax out
through the gauze on the rear panel of the TS850 - you may need
to enlarge a hole in the gauze slightly, but the coax should be
a fairly tight fit.
- Replace the TX/RX relay board in the radio, pulling the
miniature coax through the rear panel as you do so. Reconnect
the board by reversing the instructions given in section 4 above
- connect all three leads (two coax leads, one 3-wire lead - the
plug is polarized such that it is only possible to connect it
one way, namely with the red lead towards the 1k ohm vertical
resistor) and don't forget to solder the SO239 back on to the
board. Once again check that your solder joints are good and no
wayward blobs of solder remain.
- Replace the TX output band pass filter unit cover and its 7
screws.
- Replace the rig's top cover, not forgetting to reconnect the
loudspeaker lead to connector "CN507" on the small circuit board
connected to the front panel by a white ribbon cable as you do
so. Take care not to scratch the paint when replacing all 11
screws.
- Fit the coaxial socket to the free end of the miniature
coax.
- Check the results. Reconnect the rig and turn it on.
Confirm that it receives properly. Try transmitting briefly to
check that the RF output level is normal.
- Connect an external receiver using a coax patch lead between
the new socket and the antenna socket on the receiver - NOTE: be
especially careful if using a transceiver as the external
receiver that the second rig cannot transmit. Preferably,
disable the transmitter completely. RF POWER ABOVE A FEW
MILL WATTS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE EXTERNAL RECEIVER
CONNECTOR WILL INSTANTLY BLOW THE TS850'S RX INPUT CIRCUITRY AS
THERE IS NO PROTECTION IN CIRCUIT!!!
Well, that's it. Mod complete. Now all you have to do is
figure out how to make use of two simultaneous receiver signals
without getting totally confused! By the way, although the
external receiver's antenna is automatically disconnected when the
TS850 transmits, there will still be plenty of RF in the vicinity
- it is probably best to avoid tuning the external receiver to the
TS850's transmit frequency, possibly even the same band, or to use
an external band-pass filter in the receive line.
Best of luck in the contest OM! 73 de Gary, G4iFB
This mod is a copy from
www.g4ifb.com/TS850_mod/ts850_mod.htm with permission from
G4iFB.
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| A Band
Decoder for the Kenwood TS-850 HF-Transceiver |
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Author: Win DK9IP -
dk9ip@t-online.de
by Winfried Kriegl DK9IP/KH7CD (April 2001)
The Kenwood TS-850 transceiver is still quite popular amongst
DXers and contesters but this rig does not have a build-in band
decoder as most of the ICOM transceivers do. Especially in a
contest setup this feature would be very helpful for a quick band
change.
By studying the circuit diagram I discovered a way how to
easily add a band decoder to the TS-850. This can be done by using
the band signals that control the filter unit and the build-in
automatic antenna tuner. The circuit can be added without
permanently modifying the unit (i.e. drilling holes) if you follow
my recommendations. The supplement requires no special knowledge
or the removal of circuit boards but you'll have to solder on a
board and some care should be taken not to damage anything.
From here you proceed on your own risk.
Don´t make me responsible if you fry your radio.
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My circuit uses 9 miniature relays (12V DC, spst type) to
drive any remote antenna switch. The relay contacts are
switched to ground when active (see circuit diagram) but it's
also possible to switch to +12V if needed.
I didn't make a PC board layout for this “prototype” yet.
Components were soldered on a perforated construction board
(size abt. 8.5cm x 5cm). The board was mounted under the
removable top cover with 3 screws. This space is reserved for
the optional VS-2 Voice Synthesizer which I don't use. |
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To connect the band decoder board to the transceiver
proceed as follows:
- Remove the transceiver top case
- Remove the shield cover of the filter unit X51-3100-00
(7 screws)
- On the filter board locate the 9 pads marked 10A, 28A,
25A, 7A, 21A, 18A, 4A, 14A and 2A between IC2 and connector
CN4 (see picture). These pins are on +12V level when the
related band is selected
- Solder 9 wires of a 10-wire flat ribbon cable to the
pads and connect to the corresponding inputs (33K resistors)
on the band decoder board. The remaining wire is connected
to +12V as supply voltage for the relays. Use a separate
wire for ground connection
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I used a DB9 female connector for the relay output
signals. The connector can be mounted by replacing the ACC4
connector which is provided for connecting the external
antenna tuner AT-300. You won't need this connector with the
build-in automatic tuner. Just remove the ACC4 connector and
push it back into the case.
The DB9 connector is fixed without additional screws by
clamping it between the rear panel and the metal supports.
Proceed as follows:
- Loosen all screws of the rear panel. Remove the 3 screws
that hold the RTTY/DSP1/DSP2 connector board
- Place the DB9 connector in the center of the ACC4
mounting hole. Fix the screws while clamping the DB9
connector as described above (see picture)
- Connect the DB9-pins to the relay outputs of the band
decoder using flat ribbon cable. Ground connection is made
via the metal case of the DB9 connector. Remember to connect
the case of the DB9-plug to ground.
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This article can also be found at
http://www.dk9ip.de/DK9IPprojects/DK9IPdecod/dk9ipdecod.html.
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Author: Adrian -
adshar64@yahoo.com
A common ALC fault in the X59-1100-00 DC-DC converter board causes TX
output power to cycle up and down in regular cycles due to alc
voltage variation. This is dependent on the power supply voltage
and will show up usually under 13.5v or less.
Instead of replacing the DC-DC converter board replace R2 and
R3, 22kohm SMD resistors with a lesser value. I used 13kohm SMD
resistors with great results ;ie no power drop-off symptoms down to
9v supply tested. Have heard of 18Kohm values used with good
results too.
regards Adrian 389
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| Noise
Blanker Mod Kenwood TS-850 |
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Author: Adrian -
adshar64@yahoo.com
This mod solves the TS-850S noise blanker problem in eliminating
electrical interference and makes the nb design the same as the
ts940 which doesn't have this problem. Results are outstanding.
For the sceptical; Its easy to reverse mod.
The NB board reference is X59-1100-00 and it is located
directly under the radio speaker. Remove the upper part of the
cabinet and unplug the loud speaker. You will have to remove 4
screws and unplug 3 connectors in order to extract the board.
The picture here shows the board mods required.
The capacitors to isolate are C618 and
C619
Regards Adrian
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