[Kenwood] Ts-450s/at - 850 earlier serial numbers

[Ron & Madhavi]

Hello Clarke,

I do agree that the 2xxxx units are as good as the rest after the DDS is
replaced - I am using one of them, but besides the DDS related problem, most
develop the other well known problem with a party deaf  RX !

The DDS switch maybe "easy" for those with the facility to work with DDS --
not otherwise! Last I saw a reputed repairmen's page, he charges 55$ an hour
for labour. The DDS chips are 28$ each x 4. The whole deal could end up
costing a person almost 1/3 the price he pays for a used 850! If one lives
in a foreign country (like both my QTHs) one could end up spending as much
as 300$ - shipping the boards IF someone agrees to swap boards in his rig.
Otherwise, junk it all together. If not for the kindness show by N6TR, mine
would still be mute!

Most of us save pennies for an upgrade and my logic is not to touch anything
if there is even an element of doubt! There are many good rigs with a proven
record out there.

Just my personal opinion Clarke...not meant to dsagree with you.

73,
Ron, 6Y5/4S7RO



----- Original Message -----
From: Clark Savage Turner <csturner@slonet.org>
To: Ron & Madhavi <mchilkuri@kasnet.com>
Cc: <kenwood@mailman.qth.net>; <steelgtr@ix.netcom.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 10:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood] Ts-450s/at - 850 earlier serial numbers


>
> On Monday, October 20, 2003, at 11:41 AM, Ron & Madhavi wrote:
>
> > I would look for a 850 instead of a 450. Only thing to remember is to
> > ask
> > for what serial no. the offered unit is -- avoid 2xxxxx 850s like the
> > plague! You will however notice that most 850 sellers do specify the
> > ser no.
> > No doubt because the problems with 2xxx units as by now well documented
>
> The problems that I am aware of are easily fixed, replace a couple of
> DDS chips, making the earlier units equivalent to later units.  I would
> ask if these chips have been replaced as a matter of course for any
> earlier unit.  I don't think there is anything else that is truly
> problematic.  Correct me if I'm wrong.  I am currently enjoying an
> earlier unit with chips replaced, working well for years with no problem
> at all.
>
> Clark
> WA3JPG
>