[Kenwood] TS-930

[Philip Atchley]

Hi All,

First, a little "history lesson" for the Kenwood radios to give an "insight" 
into what I'll have "invested" if I buy this TS-930S.  It appears that I'll 
have some "Sweat equity" involved.  (I'm a retired Electronics tech by trade 
and expect to have to work on nearly any radio I buy used).

1.  A good ham friend had several Kenwood HF sets, including a TS-130, 
TS-430 and a TS-930.   He

2.  He "Sold me" the 130 for $200.00, to be paid when my Income tax refund 
arrives.  It had a "sticky" VFO gear train with a lot of backlash.  I 
repaired that to the point that it's silky smooth and spins like a top.

3.  A couple days ago he brought the (Immaculate with no problems and a 
Narrow SSB filter) 430 by and asked if I'd rather have it for $300.00 
instead of the 130.  Knowing the radio, I IMMEDIATELY snatched it up, it 
doesn't need any work!

4.   Today I got a call from him asking if I'd rather have the 930 for 
$350.00 instead (I once told him IF he ever sold the 930, I wanted first 
"dibs").  There are no known problems with the radio, he's been using it 
right along.  It appears my only investment in the 930 will be the $350.00 
and a little "sweat equity" from the 130.

MY ONLY real concern is the problems I have read about others having on the 
930, AND the fact that I can't run it on my 12 Volt station battery in 
emergencies.  (I don't have a lot of money to buy a lot of expensive "after 
market" boards like a new display board etc.).

SHOULD I BUY THE TS-930???  My Gut feeling says a definite yes, but I don't 
want to let a "pretty face" sway me ;-)


73 de Phil,  KO6BB
DX begins at the noise floor!

THE BEACONEER'S LAIR:   http://www.geocities.com/ko6bb/
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Merced, Central California,    37.3N  120.48W  CM97sh