[Kenwood] RE: Timewave-599zx

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

The Timewave-599zx is a AUDIO based device - you'll plug it into the
headphone jack or the rear speaker jack on your radio.

I use both the DSP-100 and a 599zx with a TS-850S/AT.  The DSP-100 makes the
audio a bit more "crisp" on receive and the 599zx takes care of noise and
carriers.  Great combination, when needed.  In critical situations, I've
found that turning *off* the NR and letting my own "organic" processing
works better than the 599zx - usually true with *very* weak signals and the
NR's "rushing water" phase noise masks the signal.

Haven't tried the v5.x firmware yet...been meaning to upgrade, but I haven't
had a chance to get on the air in a while.

Oh, I just noticed that you're thinking of *replacing* the DSP-100 with the
599zx.  Both do very different things.  The DSP-100 is an early generation
DSP that had send and receive audio clarity in mind (no noise reduction).
The Kenwoods are famous for phone audio quality and the DSP-100 is currently
worth more than it's weight in gold to some people...often selling for much
more than they sold for new.  The 599zx is a modern AUDIO (not IF) DSP
designed to reduce atmospheric noise and static, plus add hi and low cut for
rigs that don't have enough crystal filtering.  It *will* overload and
distort if not adjusted propery (e.g. input level too high) - this can
happen if there's a S9+40 signal right next to a s3 signal and both are
within the audio passband of the radio (this is where internal crystal
filtering works best).  For noise and static, the 599zx works great.  I keep
the low-cut at 300 to 400 Hz and it helps roll out the extended bass
response of the TS-850's (yes, I know bass is good, but during a contest,
it's detracting).  Next to good crystal filters (e.g. InRad), the 599zx is
probably the best "upgrade" you can get for any radio.


73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O (ex-KD6DAE)
    {nn6o}@arrl.net
    {athsu}@nbcuni.com
    No-QRO Int'l #1,000,006
    . -..- - .-. .-   ".... . .- ...- -.--"
 

-----Original Message-----
To: KENWOOD
Subject: [Kenwood] Timewave-599zx

Hi Folks,

Am thinking about getting the Timewave and have a question.

I had a Kwd DSP-100 that worked great. The problem was that there is only
one connection on the radio (ACC 1) and it also serves the computer control
for logging/DX Telnet. One or the other but not both.

Has anyone had any experiance with the 599 and does it require the ACC 1
slot?

Thanks,

73's de Ron K3MI

"I had amnesia once...
maybe twice"