[Kenwood] TS-520SE: Distorted audio/low SSB power out

[Peter A Markavage]

There are a number of feature and component differences between the
original TS-520 and the later TS-520SE. The MC-50 mike is both high and
low impedance. Have you tried reversing the 4 pin plug on the back of the
mike to change the impedance? Connect a 100 watt lamp bulb to the antenna
terminal; tune the transmitter as per the manual instructions; and
observe the lamp brilliance on voice and CW. Also the MC-50 is "mellow"
sounding mike. It does not have "talk-power" output. If you want
"talk-power", get an amplified D-104 to use with the 520SE.

Pete, WA2CWA

On Tue, 19 Aug 2003 06:25:17 -0000 "N4EKV" <adam@n4ekv.com> writes:
> I just purchased a TS-520SE and it is producing gravelly, distorted 
> audio on
> SSB and voice peaks are only reaching 10-15 watts.  I'm using the 
> MC-50 mic.
> The rig outputs 100 watts on CW and otherwise works fine.  I've 
> already
> treated all pots and switches with Deoxit.
> 
> I came across Trio-Kenwood Communication, inc. Service bulletin no. 
> 21
> (21-10-1977) in a Google search that references common TX and RX 
> problems on
> the 520 including "Item 25. Low mic gain: Q1 2SC1000 on Gen unit."  
> Could
> that be it?  Q1 is not a 2SC1000 according to my 520SE manual.
> 
> Or perhaps it's something else entirely.  Please advise.
> 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Adam N.
> Martinez, California
> www.n4ekv.com