Modifications for the Kenwood
TS-450
19-07-1998 KAM-PLUS Problems!! with TS-450
& 850
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..
19-07-1998 General
coverage transmisson modification for the TS-450 and TS-690
- Remove all screws of top and bottom case.
- Remove two screws of front panel (left and right top sie),and loosen two
srews of front panel (left and right bottom side).
- Remove all screws of digital unit ( X46-312X-XX ).
- Cut the chip diode D27 (RL73) on digital unit rear side.
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[ [ [ [ [ [ [ ->I- D27 (RL73) CUT THIS
[ [ [ __ __ [\\\\\_ ->I- D26
[ [\[ ->I- D25 [
[ ->I- D24 [
[ ->I- D23 [
[ ->I- D22 [
[ ->I- D21 [
[ ->I- D20 [
________________________________________________________
DIGITAL JNIT (X46-312X-XX) Component side view
Best 73 Eric St-Pascal Kam. Qc. VE2MEL
19-07-1998 TS-450S Intermittent receive
fixed
After making a careful mobile installation, WB0BQV found
his TS450S to have intermittent receive. He removed the screw that was going
through the coax in his car and made a second installation in his truck. More
intermittent. With some careful diagnosis he found that moving the coax
connector up and down caused the change in signal. With the radio opened up, I
found that moving the coax connector was breaking the contact between the wire
from the center conductor and the board (W1 in the schematic). To save on
pulling the filter board, I used a short piece of very flexible test prod wire
to connect from the center of the UHF connector to W6 on the top of the PC
board. W6 jumps over the contacts of a relay used only in the TS-690S. For added
security, I also added another wire of the same material from the ground lug on
the UHF connector to the end of D11 away from the coax connector. So now if the
flexible back panel breaks the other wire too, it won't have so much effect. The
coax connector is mounted on a 1/32" plated steel panel so is excessively
flexible in mounting. Ideally that connector should be mounted far more stiffly
for those that use real RG-8 coax.
19-07-1998 TS-450,TS-850 feedback,ACC-2
Conn
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
19-07-1998 TS-450 hidden
functions
As users of the Kenwood TS-450S 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.
The menu of
Power ON + LSB/USB is listed on page 54 from the manual
The menu of Power ON
+ M.IN is listed on page 55
The menu of Power ON + ENT is listed on page
83
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.
At Power on + CLR + ENT a reset to factory defaults
is taken place.
All memory programming is lost !
All filters are available
(also these who are not fitted)
But there is something more!!
The
receiver is able to receive from 30 kHz to 40 MHz
Transmitting is
possible on
1620 kHz to 2000 kHz
3500 kHz to 4000 kHz
7000 kHz to
7500 kHz
10.0 MHz to 10.5 MHz
14.0 MHz to 14.5 MHz
18.0 MHz to 19.0
MHZ
21.0 MHz to 21.5 MHz
24.5 MHz to 25.0 MHz
28.0 MHz to 30.0
MHz
Unfortunately after power off and switching on the programming is
returnd to the most of the old values, but the 100 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 TS-450S.
If someone knows how to do this
plaese let me know.
19-07-1998 TS-450S and KAM Plus
info
Hi just found out a KINK in hooking up the TS450S to a KAM
Plus for AMTOR op.
You have to turn ur Delay and CAR control to 0 to get
it to work mode A.
Neither control should be active when running AMTOR
LSB but they are, TRUST ME.
20-02-1999 Micro-input RFI modification
TS450-TS690 Kenwood
By Pedro M.J. Wyns, RF- and
biomedical-engineer.
History:
After buying a ts690 I got
considerable trouble with the vox circuitry.
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.
Problem:
lack of decent RF-filtering on the
micro-input circuitry.
Solution:
adding ferromagnetic cores and
adjusting rc-filters on the IF-board.
Action:
remove the connectors on
the right hand side of the IF board (underside transceiver front towards you).
Unscrew the board and fold over to the left. Add 22 nF parallel to R282 1k on t
he micro entry close to Connector 6. Add 1nF parallel to C177 close to the IC-15
input. Add 1nF parall el to C217 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...
If you might be using an MFJ (=major fucking junk)
voice keyer, disconnect the shit-unshielded micro cable and replace by high
quality twin balanced micro cable. Only use PTT, Mic and GND.
This
concludes the mod. Don't even think of doing this without the service man ual
and some smd-practice.
Good Luck
Pedro M.J.
Wyns
[email protected]
Moutstraat 7
B-2220
Hallaar
Belgium-Europe
Fax +32 15 303115
21-04-2000 TS-450/690 Calibration cable
change
Author: Kenwood
Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 995 (11 May 1992)
The TS-450/690 may not calibrate properly against WWW (JJY) when using the
calibration cable that is supplied with early versions of these sets, (serial
numbers below 311xxxx) and when an antenna that is shorted for DC is used. A
dipole with a balun is a prime example of a DC shorted wire. A minor circuit
modification that adds a 100 pF isolation capacitor should also be performed.
Please refer to the diagrams below for modification notes.
Parts required:
E37-0280-05 Calibration cable assembly 1 Ea.
CK73FCH1H101J 100 pF capacitor 1 Ea.
Time required for this modification is 30 minutes.
22-04-2000 TS-450/690 Distorted TX
w/TNC
Author: Kenwood
Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1002 (18 November 1992)
Note: This bulletin supercedes bulletin ASB-994, dated 10 April, 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 (X48-3090-XX). This
will prevent overmodulation of the microphone input circuit.
- Change chip resistor R233 from 10 Kohm to 18 Kohm (RK73FB2A183J)
- Change chip resistor R234 from 1 Kohm to 8.2 Kohm (RK73FB2A822J).
- Delete chip capacitor C173 (100 pF) and add chip resistor R299, 1.5 Kohm
(RK73FB2A152J).
- Add the following note to page 35 and 37 of the Instruction
manual.
- When adjusting for proper ALC levels with an AFSK RTTY terminal or Packet
TNC terminal you should adjust VR-13 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.
22-04-2000 TS-450S TX frequency
response
Author: Kenwood
Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1004 (21 December 1992)
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. We noticed a significant difference between the
output power in LSB and USB on some of these sets.
Cause:
Improper adjustment of the 8.83 MHz tuning coils (L73, L76)
on the RF unit (X44-3130-00) can cause these symptoms. 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.
Alignment procedure:
- Adjustment should be performed with the YK-88S1 (2.4 KHz) filter in line.
If this filter is not preset you should select the THRU position for the 8.83
MHz IF.
- 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 8.83 MHz IF and the 455 KHz IF.
- Select a dial frequency of 14.100.4 MHz.
- Select the USB mode.
- Adjust L74 and L75 for maximum.
- Select the LSB mode.
- Readjust L74 and L75 for maximum.
- Repeat steps 3c - 3f several times until you obtain a difference of 2 dB
or less in the AF output when switching between USB and LSB.
- Check Item 14, CAR point adjustment (Transmitter section) Menu items 11
and 12, and confirm that the transmitter power is equal for USB and LSB.
Time required for this modification is 30 minutes or less.
23-04-2000 TS-450/690 Low mic gain
w/DSP-100
Author: Kenwood
Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1032 (9 August 1993)
Symptom:
Proper microphone gain/ALC readings cannot be obtained
unless the user adjusts the TX GAIN potentiometer on the rear of the DSP-100.
This irregularity is caused of the DSP-100 MIC amplifier (IC-5).
Corrective action:
Remove capacitor C200 from the IF unit on the
transceiver, and replace it with R300, a chip jumper wire.
Parts required:
Qty Description Kenwood Part No. Circuit description
1 Chip jumper R92-0670-05 R300
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 1 hour or less.
23-04-2000 TS-450S Parts
change
Author: Kenwood
Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1036 (8 December 1993)
The 2SC2509 driver transistor are no longer available. They have been
discontinued by the manufacturer. A substitute transistor (2SC3133) is available
but requires some minor circuit changes. These changes are detailed below.
Parts required:
Qty Description Kenwood Part No. Circuit description
2 Driver transistor 2SC3133 Q2, Q3
2 330 ohm 1 watt carbon resistor RC05GF2H331J R8, R9
1 .047 µF ceramic capacitor C91-0119-05 C2
2 220 pF ceramic capacitor CC45SL2H221J C64, C65
1 560 pF ceramic capacitor CC45SL2H561J C63
Note: C64 and C65 should be soldered directly to the collector and
emitter pins of the final transistor Q4 and Q5.
Time required for this modification is 60 minutes or less.
23-04-2000 TS-450S/690S Noisy
encoder
Author: Kenwood
Communication, inc.
Service Bulletin no. 1059 (7 July 1994)
Symptom:
When tuning the Main Encoder of the TS-450S/690S with bare
hands you may encounter a "scratching" noise in the speaker if an antenna with a
high SWR is used. 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.
Parts required:
Qty Description Part No.
1 Main encoder W02-1836-05
2 Mounting screws N90-3006-46
Note: You must use the new mounting screws listed above with the
replacement encoder.
Time required for this modification is 30 minutes or less.