*** RECENT CHANGES MARKED WITH *** IN RED
Click the RED / BLUE buttons below to expand each section
TS-990S Review ~~~ by Peter Hart, G3SJX. RadCom June 2013
eHam reviews ~~~ User reviews
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Title / Link |
Ver |
Date |
Author |
Description |
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1 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Top level page for downloading TS-990S software and manuals |
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2 |
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2 Feb 2013 |
Kenwood |
Summary of TS-990S features |
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3 |
1.03 |
28 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
The user manual that comes with the radio. Includes the Addendum covering new menus 7-16 and 7‑18, added with Firmware version 1.01. (This file is very large: 65 MB) |
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4 |
1.01 |
29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Addendum to the Instruction Manual version 1.02, covering new menus added with Firmware version 1.01: · Menu 7-16: “USB: Audio Output Configuration” · Menu 7-18: “Optical: Audio Output Configuration” |
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5 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
How to connect the TS-990S to a computer, plus full details of all the computer control (CAT) commands |
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6 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Introduction to the Network Command System |
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7 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
How to configure a remote control system via a local area network or the internet, using the TS-990S Radio Control Program (ARCP-990) and Radio Host Program (ARHP‑990) |
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8 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Introduction to the USB Audio Controller |
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9 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
How to set up the TS-990S to use its USB audio function and how to use the USB Audio Controller software (ARUA‑10) to control input/output routing of USB audio signals from a computer |
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10 |
TS-990S Service Manual: Part 1
NOTE: This manual contains information on making internal adjustments that can affect the fundamental operation of the radio. You need appropriate test equipment (and the knowledge to use it properly) to ensure you do not compromise the radio’s functionality. |
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3 May 2013 |
Kenwood |
Service Manual Part 1: “Text Edition”: · Disassembly for repair · Circuit description · Components description · Semiconductor data · Parts list · Exploded view · Packing · Troubleshooting · Adjustment · Terminal function · Level diagram · Optional accessories · Specifications |
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11 |
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3 May 2013 |
Kenwood |
Service Manual Part 2: “Diagram and Circuit Boards Edition”: · Interconnection diagram · PC board layouts · Schematics · Block diagram · Specifications |
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Title / Link |
Ver |
Date |
Author |
Description |
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1 |
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18 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood Amateur Radio Customer Support, CA |
Details of relay contact ratings |
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2 |
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(Undated) |
PacParts Inc |
Details of Remote connector and relay contact ratings |
Recent changes highlighted in red.
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Title / Link |
Ver |
Date |
Author |
Description |
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1 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Top level page for downloading TS-990S software and manuals |
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2 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Instructions for installing Virtual COM Port driver |
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3 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Virtual COM Port software for Windows |
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4 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Virtual COM Port software for all platforms (Silicon Labs site) |
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5 |
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12 Apr 2013 |
Kenwood |
Instructions for Firmware updating. Includes details of fixes and new features addressed by each firmware update |
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6 |
1.02 |
12 Apr 2013 |
Kenwood |
Latest firmware download. (There is no need to install earlier versions first. The latest version incorporates all previous versions) |
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7 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Instructions for installing the ARCP-990 program |
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8 |
1.00 |
29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
ARCP-990 download |
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9 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Instructions for installing the ARHP-990 program |
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10 |
1.00 |
29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
ARHP-990 download |
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11 |
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29 Mar 2013 |
Kenwood |
Instructions for installing the ARVP-990 program |
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12 |
1.00 |
30 Jun 2011 |
Kenwood |
ARVP-10 download |
The TechNotes marked in green below were
written for the TS-590S. However, because
of the very close similarities between the TS‑590S and the TS‑990S,
they are good
starting points for the TS-990S as well.
The equivalent TechNotes specifically for
the TS-990S are currently work in progress,
and will be published here in due course.
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Title / Link |
Ver |
Date |
Author |
Description |
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1 |
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18 Oct 2012 |
Ulf Schneider, DK5TX |
Detailed observations on power spikes and ALC overshoot, and what not to do in the Service Menu |
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2 |
1.1 |
20 Oct 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
Summarizes the many features built into the Kenwood TS-590S for handling SSB audio. Includes full details for setting the audio equalizers and cut-off filters, together with configuring TX keying (by VOX, PTT and external CAT commands). Also dispels some of the myths and misunderstandings arising from Kenwood’s inappropriate use of the word "DATA" in its documentation. Now includes details of the built-in TX and RX equalizer profiles |
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3 |
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Rob Connelly, W1AEX |
A close look at using ARCP-590 to set up different User Defined audio profiles |
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4 |
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2008 |
Texas Instruments |
See page 120 of the TS-590S Service Manual for the schematic showing connections to the chip |
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5 |
1.0 |
18 Mar 1998 |
USB Implementers Forum |
Full details of the specification for audio transfer over the USB link |
The HOWTOs marked in green below were
written for the TS-590S. However, because
of the very close similarities between the TS‑590S and the TS‑990S,
they are good
starting points for the TS-990S as well.
The equivalent HOWTOs specifically for
the TS-990S are currently work in progress,
and will be published here in due course.
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Title / Link |
Ver |
Date |
Author |
Description |
|
1 |
HOWTO set up the Kenwood TS-590S for Digital Data and Digital Voice Operation |
1.8 |
2 Dec 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
Basic setup for digital operation with packages such as fldigi, etc, and digital voice operation using FDMDV. Minor update |
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2 |
HOWTO connect the Kenwood TS-590S to the SDR-IQ Software Defined Receiver |
1.0 |
2 Sep 2011 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
Full hardware details of the cabling between the two units, including the use of an Elad antenna changeover switchbox. Plus full information on how to configure the HB9DRV SDR‑Radio software |
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3 |
1.2 |
4 Dec 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
Step-by-step instructions on configuring and using the HHD Serial Monitor utility, with supporting information on PuTTY, USBDeview and Portmon. Useful for monitoring and debugging CAT commands and responses. (Although written specifically for the TS-590S, the methodology will work with any radio that uses CAT commands). Minor update |
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4 |
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Dave E Kirk, W6MQI |
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5 |
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22 Apr 2011 |
Rob A Pohorence, Sr, N8RT |
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6 |
To fetch the latest version of the XML file, click on the link above to display the file in your browser. Then use the browser "Save File As" function to save the file (for example, as TS590S.XML). Do not copy/paste the text from the window into a file |
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25 Jul 2012 |
Dave H Freese, Jr, W1HKJ |
The TS-590S RigCAT file for fldigi. Updated 25 July 2012, to include Data Mode Bandwidth Control by Robert Garcia, K5DTE. The update allows you to control the filter bandwidth via the fldigi interface and also allows you to use macros to control it: · The <FILWID:500><QSYTO> macro narrows the filter to 500 Hz and centers the selected signal in the passband of the filter · The <FILWID:2500><QSYFM> macro completely widens the filter bandwidth and returns to the previous frequency · It is important to note that you must set the "Sweet Spot" option in the configuration (Misc > Sweet Spot) to 1500 Hz as that is the center of the passband on the TS-590S |
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7 |
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2 Apr 2011 |
John J Eigenbrode, K4SKB, and John K Bednar, K3CT |
Select file "KenwoodTS-590SCodec.pdf" for step-by-step instructions on setting up the N1MM Logger to communicate with the TS-590S using a native USB connection (rather than a USB-to-serial adapter) |
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8 |
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8 Oct 2011 |
Rin Fukuda, JG1VGX |
Get ready for serious contesting! |
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9 |
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Various |
Don Snodgrass, KG9OM |
A useful collection of HOWTOs, including: · General setup – the basic menu settings · Setup for remote operations – configure the TS-590S for iPad-controlled remote operation and for ARUA-10 operation. Uses Skype for audio, Ham Radio Deluxe for rig control and TeamViewer HD for remote desktop control. Don's "Host" Kenwood 590 station runs the iPad app TeamViewer HD for remote desktop control of Ham Radio Deluxe from his "remote" iPad. The iPad app Skype for Ipad is used for TX and RX audio exchange. This page also has other useful information for TS-590S setup, including using the ARUA-10 program for phone operation via the USB port · USB microphone setup. Includes information on configuring the Kristal audio processing package |
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10 |
1.4 |
2 Nov 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
Guidance on getting started with several well-known digital packages. Added details of setup for MixW CAT control and an introduction to digital modes by Scott Traurig, WU2O |
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11 |
1.0 |
7 May 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
Full details on setting up the TS-590S for remote operation over the internet. Uses Skype and TeamViewer. Includes the capability to send monitored sidetone audio along the same path as the RX audio. This means that from the comfort of your local PC you can listen to the radio’s TX Monitor, letting you check and adjust the quality of the TX audio in (more or less) real time – no more guessing how your signal might sound thousands of miles away! |
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12 |
1.0 |
5 Jun 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
How to configure MMSSTV for slow scan TV on the TS‑590S. Full details of software settings and radio menu settings. Examples of removal of noise from pictures |
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13 |
TS-590S
HOWTO: Firmware
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1.1 |
2 Oct 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
The basic steps in updating the TS-590S firmware, for both Windows PCs and Macs |
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14 |
RemoteHams HOWTO |
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3 Oct 2012 |
Rob Pohorence, N8RT |
The easy way to remote your Kenwood TS-590 transceiver. Shows how to allow your home base station TS-590 to be accessed from a computer from any location via the internet |
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15 |
N1MM Macros for TS-590 |
Rev 1 |
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Bjorn Mohr, SM0MDG |
Settings to make N1MM and the Kenwood TS-590 work better together. Includes settings for: Wide/Narrow buttons filters in band map. Play VGS-1 Voice Keyer memories from F-Keys Clear RIT after every contact |
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16 |
Building a Dummy Load and Measuring Power Accurately |
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Ken Kemski, K4EAA |
Full details on constructing a 130-watt dummy load, plus using the load to measure RMS power to 2% accuracy with an ordinary digital voltmeter |
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17 |
Overcoming the confusing instructions for the VGS-1 voice recorder |
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Gary McDuffie, AG0N |
A supplement to the TS-590S Instruction Manual, clarifying how to use the VGS-1 |
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18 |
TS-590S HOWTO: SSB Audio Setup |
1.0 |
26 Oct 2012 |
Ian Wade, G3NRW |
Step-by-step guide to setting up really effective TX audio on the TS-590S. Includes background information on: · Factors that affect the audio · Menu A/ Menu B organization · TX equalizers · Low/High Cut filters · ALC and speech processing. Includes large diagrams showing in detail the permissible levels for ALC and compression. Hardware requirements. Detailed setup procedures for unprocessed and processed audio. Appendix 1 describes the use of ARCP-590 for setting up User-defined TX equalizer profiles. Appendix 2 describes how to record TX audio, using an undocumented TS-590S feature for feeding the monitored audio to a PC via the USB cable |
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19 |
Using an Electret Condenser Microphone with the TS-590S |
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Rob Connelly, W1AEX |
Are you hearing distortion when you transmit with your electret mic? It could be that you need to add a few components to clean it up. Complete with schematic showing how to add a couple of resistors and a capacitor to achieve a stable 8v supply to the mic. Details about halfway down this page |
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20 |
Using a GE Stereo headset with the TS-590S |
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15 Jul 2012 |
Jerry Haigwood, W5JH |
Based on the design by Rob Connelly, W1AEX (HOWTO #21 above), but also including PTT switching. Detailed photos showing the construction of a headset adapter for the GE Stereo headset from Walmart (item 38974) |
Hint #1: 24 March 2013
Slick RTTY/PSK/CW operation using a programmable function keypad
After several days of trying to get the memory channels to dump into the buffer without having to use the memory button and leave the decode screen, I have solved the problem. On page 16-7 of the TS-990S Instruction Manual, there is a circuit diagram for constructing a programmable function (PF) keypad that plugs into the KEYPAD jack on the rear panel of the radio:
I went to Radio shack, got some mini push-button switches – normally-open configuration – and the necessary resistors and a plastic case. Put all together this afternoon and to my amazement, I am able to dump the channel macros while staying in the decode screen 100% of the time. Don't even need the keyboard. Although the keyboard works fine if need be.
This solved the problem I originally had of having to hit two buttons and go into two screens while working a station. So if you want to use your TS 990S in RTTY/PSK/CW modes using the memory channel (macros) functions, this is the only way to get it to work the proper way. You only need to push one button to automatically go into tx and automatically come back to rx without leaving the decode screen.
So sit back and work the DX with one button control. If you'd like to see the PF keypad I made, see my QRZ.Com page at http://www.qrz.com/db/kh6cg. If anyone has any questions you can contact me at stan@models.net.
Good dx and hope to see you on the air. Aloha, Stan KH6CG.
[ To include your favorite hint in this section, please email the details to Ian Wade, G3NRW -- g3nrw-radio@ntlworld.com ]
Hint of the Week Archive ~~~ Previous hints collected together in one place.
Roofing Filters, Transmitted Bandwidth, and Receiver Performance ~~~ by Rob Sherwood, NC0B. A classic presentation on what's important when it comes to choosing a radio
Improving the Intelligibility of SSB Transmissions ~~~ by Martin Ehrenfried, G8JNJ. Basic information on speech tailoring. Useful background for setting up TS-590S user-defined equalizer profiles
Band data information from the TS-590S ~~~ by Steve van Lieburg, PA3GBQ. Demonstration of an interesting PIC project that intercepts TS-590S serial port CAT commands to produce band data output for antenna and/or linear amplifier control
MFJ ENTERPRISES 5213 plug and cable assembly ~~~ Open-ended cable wired to 13-pin DIN plug, for use with the TS-590S ACC2 Connector
USB-to-serial adapters ~~~ by Stephen H. Smith, WA8LMF. The definitive words on what adapter to choose (and what not to choose)
Just how many TS-990S transceivers are there in the field? Knowing that serial numbers start at 00001 at the beginning of each month of production, we can take the highest reported serial number for each month and plug it into this table to get a good idea of the grand total.
So please take a look at the serial number of your own radio. This is printed on the label on the rear panel. If the number is HIGHER than the number that is already in the table for your radio's month of production, drop me an email and I will update the table. (If it is LOWER than the number in the table, there is no need to send an email).
Email G3NRW g3nrw-radio@ntlworld.com
Don, W6GPS, has been very busy with his camera(s)!
*** Photos of the TS-990S front panel ~~~ 17 February 2013. (Select the check box alongside the "ts990" folder, then click on "PREVIEW ALL FILES")
*** YouTube video ~~~ 17 February 2013. A first look at the TS-990S
*** Inside the TS-990S ~~~ 5 March 2013. (Select the check box alongside the "990 covers off" folder, then click on "PREVIEW ALL FILES")
*** Another YouTube video ~~~ 5 March 2013. Just playing with the radio. Firmware update is in elapsed time. Played with NR settings. Also include voice guidance (VGS), EQ receive settings and more IF DSP
A collection of videos and photos of the TS-990S at the Tokyo Show
Some amazing things in the two screens ~~~ (thanks EA4AK)
Touch screen ~~~ See the touch screen at time code 3:14. There is an offcentered CW waveform then with the touch of the screen the waveform recenters itself on the display. Towards the end of the video you see many different screens, and later you see the promo video and a description of the back of the radio (thanks W6GPS and KK0K)
Long and detailed TS-990S video ~~~ Note the retro dial and multifunction display on left with retro bands (thanks W6GPS and EA4AK)
Another TS-990S video ~~~ by Oba, JA7UDE. "The sale person told us that TS-990 will outperform IC-7700 and FTDX-5000. The delivery of the first batch should be made by the end of this year. The price has not been fixed; rather he asked us what price is reasonable and affordable"
--------------------------------
From Shoji Iwasaki, JR1KDA/AG6GT:
This photo explains some information about the rear panel.
4 antenna connectors, RX in/out connector, Key jack, ACC2 connector, Remote connector, Meter jack, Drive connector, External reference input and output connector, USB connector, Display connector(DVI), LAN connector etc.
The Kenwood guy said: "Only the main LCD panel output is connected to the DVI display connector. The LAN connector is used to control the TS-990 as like TS-590 remote control software."
(Click on the Friedrichshafen button below for detailed close-up pictures of the back panel)
The TS-990S at Friedrichshafen ~~~ Some excellent pictures of the Friedrichshafen 2012 show from Christoph Ratzer, OE2CRM, including the TS-990S in slide 73 -- that must be a good omen. This is one big radio!
A couple of photos from Christoph Ratzer, OE2CRM
High resolution picture here
And here is a photo of the back of the radio, taken by Fulvio Galli, HB9DHG
And more pictures of the back, taken by Peter Sidler, HB9PJT
Pictures of the TS-990S at Dayton ~~~ by Don H Arnold Jr, W6GPS
Dayton video, including views of the TS-990S ~~~ by Stanislav Vorononkov, US4IPQ
The FIRST showing of the Kenwood TS-990S at Dayton Hamvention 2012 ~~~ Gordon West WB6NOA and Bob Heil K9EID crash the private Kenwood 990 Party
FIRST LOOK @ New Kenwood HF + 6M TS-990S Dayton 2012 ~~~ by Erich W Kraemer, KC9CUK
Click to join the original TS-990S Yahoo Group
~~~ Created May 2011. The place to discuss all aspects of
the Kenwood TS-990S, together with related files, links, photos etc.
Click to join another TS-990S Yahoo Group
~~~ Created April 2012. Another place to discuss all aspects of
the Kenwood TS-990S, together with related files, links, photos etc.
JVC Kenwood's management message ~~~ from Shoichiro Eguchi, President, Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ~~~ July 2012
About the Professional Systems Business Division ~~~ this Division includes amateur radio
VISITORS SINCE 1 MAY 2012 ....... *** OVER 31000 visitors in the last year
