[Kenwood] SM-220/BS-8 with the TS-940S

[rsakabu at comcast.net]

If by what you mean by calibration is operation, then take a look at pages 14-16 of the operating manual.   Peter has provided you with the cable details.   The Pan adapter works well with the 830, 850, 940 and 870 (1st hand experience), as well as the 820 and 950.  On the 870, you need to adjust the vertical gain to a higher level than with the other radios.   Just for fun, I tried an MFJ 1040 (dialed in with about 20 dB of gain) in between the 870's IF out and the BS-8 and got a signal equivalent to that of the 830/850/940 so you can make a little amplifier from an FET if you want, but it really isn't essential. You probably would need it if you wanted to tap off the IF from a TS-440/450/930/R-5000 to see the spectrum display on the SM-220/BS-8.  I did that with an R-5000 I had in the past. 

As for operation:
First, after warm-up, with no signal coming in, I make sure the intensity is not set too high and focus the beam so that I get as narrow a line as possible.  I put the marker in the center of the scope screen and align the base of the sweep on the second line from the bottom.  I adjust the sweep rate to about 3 o'clock on the sweep rate dial.   Less than that and you cannot get a very good display, more than that and the signals tend to mush out too wide.
 
I set the marker, and adjust the vertical gain so that an S-9 is about equal to the marker peak and put the marker in the center of the scope.  That is where your rig is tuned.  You can always check where you are by pressing the marker button in.

No, the pan adapter is not as pretty as the 756Pro series or 7800 eye candy, but it works quite well and where else can you add a real time spectrum display to your existing rig for $200-$350.  It is great for search and pounce contesting and to search around the band for activity.

73
Roy
AD6ZU


> Agreed!  I would be interested in hearing about using the SM-220 in conjunction 
> with my TS-940.  I tried adjusting the pan adapter a while back, but couldn't 
> get it calibrated properly, so any advice or help would be appreciated!  For 
> that matter, I would appreciate suggestions for replicating the other 
> connections that can be used with the scope, as it came with no cables.
> 
> -73-
> Chris, N9WIV