[PVRCNC] TS-590S

[Jim K4QPL]

Hi Gang,

This is not a paid advertisement! 

Kenwood is coming out with the model TS-590SG about now. It is claimed to
have some improvements, but the main one seems to be.....wait for it....a
built in CW decoder! If you need that, just wait. The new models will be
having a MSRP of something north of $1,850.00.

It also seems Kenwood may have overproduced the TS-590S and apparently
they're offering huge discounts to dealers and non-dealers to close these
out. This is a VERY good radio, especially at the price. Down-conversion
architecture like Orion and K3 on the Non-WARC bands with built in 500hz and
2.7khz roofing filters. Ward, N0AX did a good review which you can read on
the ARRL web site for product reviews and said (even at regular prices) is
"most bang for the buck".

I wanted a second radio that had a better receiver than my present
TS-480SAT, even with both narrow filters in it. Don't need a built in second
rx, but that's about all it doesn't have. Very extensive menu and Kenwood
says a new firmware release is in January which incorporates some
non-hardware improvements in the latest 590SG. (Sorry, you won't get the CW
decoder). The power spike that affected amps in the first versions has long
been cured.

Made a deal last week with Adam Farber, W4AJF, who sells equipment under the
name "The Ham Guy". So I'd get it for WW, he said he'd ship it immediately
(last Monday) and I had it on Wednesday. I mailed him a check the same day.
No PayPal, money orders, just my check. It arrived TRIPLE boxed, factory
mint-perfect. The receiver is GOOD. Takes a bit of tweaking (reduce the time
constant in menu) to quiet down the AGC on QSK, but overall it stood up to
the wall to wall rock crusher signals that resulted from great conditions in
WW. The roofing filter does what all good roofing filters should do to keep
nearby signals from pumping the AGC. DSP filter and NR system is also
effective. I ran side by side rx tests this weekend and no, it's not as good
as the Orion and I won't be getting rid of that as Radio One. But streets
ahead of the TS-480 and a lot of other higher priced radios for contesting. 

Anyhow, do your own research, but Adam says he has a couple left and is
offering these shipped from FL to NC for $1150 MO or check (no paypal).
Don't contact him through eBay as this is a commission free price.

73,

Jim, K4QPL