[Kenwood] 6 meter options

[peter markavage]

I've owned a TS-600 since they first came out. This rig, by far, is one
of the most reliable rigs I have ever owned. This rig has run
continuously through many VHF contests, long band openings, and even
mobile over many years. It's driven solid-state bricks, an old Gonset
single 4X-150 amp, and even a Johnson 6N2 Thunderbolt. It's an all mode
rig, sensitive front end, and smooth tuning. Although it lacks many of
today's features in rigs, it's still a rig that has stood the test of
time.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Wed, 13 Jul 2005 14:28:10 -0000 "John Geiger" <ne0p at lcisp.com> writes:
> Hi Philip,
> 
> Sorry to hear about the 756PRO.  I have had a Kenwood TS600 and 
> currently
> have a TS60.  The TS60 is really nice, and does 100 watts.  Very 
> good
> receiver on it, but they are kind of hard to fine today.  I did see 
> one for
> sale yesterday on QTH.COM for $400.  The TS60 is the 6 meter version 
> of the
> TS50,which is still produced, so most parts should be available.
> 
> The TS600 was my first 6 meter rig, and it was a lot of fun.  It 
> only does
> 10 watts and has an analog dial.  Quiet receiver since it didn't 
> have a
> synethesizer.  Parts shouldn't be too hard to find since it is a 
> fairly
> simple design and probably uses common parts.  The downside is that 
> the
> TS600 has become somewhat of a collectors item, so they go for 
> almost as
> much as the TS60 does.   It is also a large (by today's standards) 
> rig.
> Probably larger than my TS2000 is.
> 
> Going the transverter route will probably cost you more if you go 
> with the
> downeastmicrowave or SSB electronics transverters, once you add the 
> amp and
> interfacing.  But the TS940 would also make a very nice IF rig.
> 
> Other rigs to look at used would be an Icom 706 original-going for 
> around
> $400 which would also give you back up HF, an Icom 551D which can be 
> found
> for $250 or so without the FM board, maybe a used FT857 or FT100D.
> 
> 73s John NE0P
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Philip Neidlinger" <PNeidlinger at dwginc.com>
> To: <kenwood at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 12:39 PM
> Subject: [Kenwood] 6 meter options
> 
> 
> Hello again...
> 
> With the IC-756PRO gone from my shack, soon to be replaced with a
> TS-940SAT, I now lack 6m capability. Note the following options to 
> get
> back on 6m.....
> 
> 1. Get a TS-600. The radio appears to be a good rig, but have no 
> idea of
> its availability or reliability or performance.
> 2. Get a TS-60. Same points as Option No. 1.
> 3. Put a transverter for the 940. Real fuzzy here, as I have zip, 
> zero,
> nada experience with transverters and have no idea which one to get, 
> or
> how to even wire the sucker up to the 940. Usually they are less 
> than
> 10w, and then one has to get a brick amp to put out a signal that 
> has a
> little "presence" on the band.
> 4. Get a NON-Kenwood dedicated 6 meter rig, such as a Ranger. Ouch.
> Don't want to go there.
> 
> Any other suggestions would be welcomed. Note, I do not want to get
> another HF rig with 6 meters tacked on as an afterthought.
> 
> Tnx
> 
> PHILIP
> KA4KOE