[Kenwood] TS450/TS690

[John Tait]

Subject: [Kenwood] TS450/TS690


> Can anyone tell me if these radios have a built in
> keyer?  Read the QST review, and if was unclear on
> this matter.

No they don't..

 >I know that the TS850 does, and the
> TS450 seems to be a little brother to that radio.

An important point... I (and many others) used to think that the 450 was an
upgraded replacement for the 440... It's not.. As you say, it's a down sized
version of the 850 really.

> Also interested in any other comments about the TS690.
>  How is performance?  How does it work in a contest
> environment for a mid level contester, and very active
> DXer?

I have a 690, an 850, and an FT1000MP. I use the 690 for 6m, and as main
standby HF. With a couple of good I/F filters, It works as well as the 850,
but lacks some "bells and whistles".
I love it... I still maintain that the TS850 is the BEST value-for-money rig
around...bar none..

73
 John EI7BA  http://www.iol.ie/~bravo/