TS-590S_review_QST_2011.pdf

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1、 May 2011 45 PRODUCT REVIEW Mark J. Wilson, K1RO Product Review Editor k1roarrl.org Key Measurements Summary Bottom Line Reviewed by H. Ward Silver, NAX QST Contributing Editor The ads looked attractive top class per- formance at a middle shelf price so when asked about doing a review of the new Ken

2、- wood TS-590S transceiver, I enthusiastically accepted. Im not really in the market for one of the “battlewagon” radios but I need a high quality receiver with DSP filtering, a good selection of the most useful operating features, ease of interfacing to PCs and accessories, and construction that wi

3、ll stand up to portable and mobile operating. At first glance, the TS-590s specifications met those requirements. This review covers the salient characteristics of the radio with additional features summarized in Table 1. Performance measurements made by the ARRL Lab are shown in Table 2. FirstImpre

4、ssions The radio is surprisingly compact less than one foot across and deep and about four inches high, suitable for even small home stations and mobile operation. You can add it to your existing gear without overloading the shelves or desk. At 16 pounds, it is easy to pick up and carry to the car,

5、to Field Day or to an airplanes overhead bin as carry-on luggage for an expedition. The 13.8 V radio can run from a switchmode power supply weighing less than 5 pounds, leaving plenty of spare baggage capacity for all of the other gear for a station on the beach. Kenwood TS-590S HF and 6 Meter Trans

6、ceiver It is easy to set up and start making QSOs. Only three connections are required: power supply, antenna and either a mic or key. If you have experience with modern transceiv- ers, youll quickly figure out the primary receiver and transmitter controls as they use common terms. For the unfamilia

7、r buttons, you will look up their meaning in the user manual later like most hams. And yes, it has that new radio smell! The default settings on most functions are reasonable (the CW sidetone setting was too loud) I found no need to access the menu until I was setting up the radio for AFSK RTTY. Con

8、necting to a PC was straight- forward using an external USB to RS-232 adapter, although the radio defaults to 9600 baud while most software seems to assume the 4800 baud rate for the generic “Kenwood” in- terface. My contest logging software (N1MM Logger) recognized the radio right away and others u

9、sing Writelog, N3FJP Amateur Radio Software, CT, WinTest and other packages would likely have no problems. The receiver output audio sounds great in my headphones (both Yamaha CM500 and Heil Pro Set) with full bass response, crisp highs and no hiss. Im dismayed at the lack of attention paid to this

10、crucial stage of some other receivers why spend all those resources creating a fabulous front end and IF system if youre not going to carry through to where the operator actually gets to hear it? (The same goes for operators why spend Kenwoods TS-590S is a compact package of high-performance radio w

11、ith an exceptional receiver for the price and well-suited for todays op- erating modes and styles. It has a useful package of features that are thoughtfully organized and easy to access. PR058 30 M 20 M Dynamic range and intercept values with preamp off. Intercept values were determined using -97 dB

12、m reference Key: * Off Scale -20 -70 ? TX Transmit 9th-order IMD (dB) -52 -20-35 TX ? Transmit 3rd-Order IMD (dB) -29 -40+35 ? 2 2 kHz 3rd-Order Intercept (dBm) 22 2 -40+35 ? 20 20 kHz 3rd-Order Intercept (dBm) 26 22 50110 ? 2 2 kHz 3rd-Order Dynamic Range (dB) 97 82 50110 ? 20 106 101 20 kHz 3rd-Or

13、der Dynamic Range (dB) 70140 121 111 2 kHz Blocking Gain Compression (dB) 2 70 140 141* 138 20 kHz Blocking Gain Compression (dB) 20 46 May 2011 Table 1 TS-590S Miscellaneous Features General TCXO available Direct frequency entry Variable tuning step rate with fine step setting 110 memory channels w

14、ith 8-character alphanumeric labels Quick access memories (10 channels) Full scanning features (range or channels) CTCSS and subtone scan Configurable for crossband repeater operation Receive 30 kHz 60 MHz receive Switchable 12 dB or 20 dB preamp Switchable attenuator Transmit 60 meter band transmit

15、 enabled Paddle and key inputs, electronic keyer Four CW messages (no external control) Optional voice recorder and playback unit (VGS-1) RIT/XIT with clear Transmit monitor CW auto tune Eight character text tags for memories Table 2 Kenwood TS-590S, serial number B0900113 Manufacturers Specificatio

16、ns Measured in the ARRL Lab Frequency coverage: Receive, 0.03-60 MHz; Receive and transmit, as specified. transmit, 1.8-2, 3.5-4, 5.25-5.45, 7-7.3, 10.1-10.15, 14-14.35, 18.068-18.168, 21-21.45 21-21.44, 24.89-24.99, 28-29.7, 50-54 MHz. Power consumption at 13.8 V dc: receive, no Receive, no signal,

17、 default lights, 1.19 A; signal, 1.5 A; transmit (max), 20.5 A. receive, max volume and lights, 1.27 A, receive, no signal, no lights, 1.16 A; transmit 6.1 A at 5 W RF output, 15 A at 100 W RF output. Operation confirmed confirmed at 11.7 V dc (90 W output). Modes of operation: SSB, CW, AM, FM, FSK.

18、 As specified. Receiver Receiver Dynamic Testing SSB/CW sensitivity: 10 dB S+N/N, Noise floor (MDS), 500 Hz bandwidth, 0.13-0.522 MHz, 0.5 V, 0.522-1.705 MHz, default roofing filter:* 4 V; 1.705-24.5 MHz, 0.2 V, PreampOffPreampOn 24.5-54 MHz, 0.13 V. 0.137 MHz 130 dBm 137 dBm 0.505 MHz 132 dBm 140 d

19、Bm 1.0 MHz 114 dBm 122 dBm 3.5 MHz 130 dBm 139 dBm 10.1 MHz 132 dBm 139 dBm 14 MHz 131 dBm 139 dBm 28 MHz 133 dBm 143 dBm 50 MHz 130 dBm 143 dBm Noise figure: Not specified. 14 MHz, preamp off/on: 16/8 dB. 50 MHz, preamp off/on, 17/4 dB. AM sensitivity: 10 dB S+N/N: 10 dB (S+N)/N, 1-kHz, 30% modulat

20、ion, 0.13-0.522 MHz, 6.3 V; 0.522-1.705 MHz, 5 kHz filter, 15 kHz roofing filter: 32 V; 1.705-24.5 MHz, 2 V; 24.5-54 MHz, PreampOffPreampOn 0.13 V. 1.0 MHz 13.2 V 6.1 V 3.8 MHz 1.3 V 0.6 V 29 MHz 1.3 V 0.4 V 50 MHz 1.7 V 0.4 V FM sensitivity: 12 dB SINAD: For 12 dB SINAD, preamp on: 28-30 MHz and 50

21、-54 MHz, 0.22 V. 29 MHz, 0.16 V; 52 MHz, 0.18 V. Blocking gain compression: Not specified. Gain compression, 500 Hz bandwidth, default roofing filter:* 20kHzoffset5/2kHzoffset Preampoff/onPreampoff 3.5 MHz 140*/136 dB 140*/120 dB 10.1 MHz 138/136 dB 125/111 dB 14 MHz 141*/136 dB 141*/121 dB 28 MHz 1

22、40/120 dB 125/109 dB 50 MHz 130*/141 dB 130*/127 dB Reciprocal mixing (500 Hz BW): Not specified. 20/5/2 kHz offset: 120/106/91 dBc. ARRL Lab Two-Tone IMD Testing* (500 Hz bandwidth, default roofing filter*) MeasuredMeasuredCalculated Band/PreampSpacingInputLevelIMDLevelIMDDRIP3 3.5 MHz/Off 20 kHz 2

23、6 dBm 130 dBm 104 dB +26 dBm 15 dBm 97 dBm +26 dBm 10 MHz/Off 20 kHz 31 dBm 132 dBm 101 dB +20 dBm 18 dBm 97 dBm +22 dBm 0 dBm 44 dBm +22 dBm 10 MHz/On 20 kHz 39 dBm 139 dBm 100 dB +19 dBm 20 dBm 97 dBm +19 dBm 10 MHz/Off 5 kHz 45 dBm 132 dBm 87 dB 1 dBm 28 dBm 97 dBm +7 dBm 0 dBm 14 dBm +7 dBm 10 M

24、Hz/Off 2 kHz 50 dBm 132 dBm 82 dB 9 dBm 31 dBm 97 dBm +2 dBm 0 dBm 12 dBm +6 dBm 14 MHz/Off 20 kHz 25 dBm 131 dBm 106 dB +28 dBm 15 dBm 97 dBm +26 dBm 0 dBm 56 dBm +28 dBm 14 MHz/On 20 kHz 36 dBm 139 dBm 103 dB +16 dBm 23 dBm 97 dBm +14 dBm 14 MHz/Off 5 kHz 25 dBm 131 dBm 106 dB +28 dBm 15 dBm 97 dB

25、m +26 dBm 0 dBm 56 dBm +28 dBm many hundreds of dollars on RF functions and then use cheap audio input and output gear?) Similarly, I got reports of “excellent” and “natural” audio on both the Kenwood hand microphone and the boom mics. Switching to the contest element for the Heil microphone resulte

26、d in reports of more punch to the audio. (Audio equalizer functions are available for both receive and transmit.) Most of the front panel labels follow common standards or are sufficiently literal as to be obvious. Although the TS-590 is relatively compact, the controls are easy to use and reasonabl

27、y grouped. I could easily use the radio either right or left handed and didnt find myself making unintended changes from bumping too small or too close buttons. Although there are only six control knobs (the AF/RF GAIN, FILTER control, and NOTCH/ SQUELCH controls are concentric) including the VFO, I

28、 did not find myself wishing for more. Most of the keys have a logical dual function, such as the VOX ON/OFF button that for “press and hold” brings up the VOX GAIN adjustment. In short, it was easy to use the radio effectively. Receiver The radios top feature, undoubtedly, is the receiver performan

29、ce. As you can see from the ARRL Lab measurements table and the comparative indicators in the Key Measure- ments Summary, you get a lot of receiver per- formance for your dollar. In fact, if you check Sherwood Engineerings ranking of receiver close spaced dynamic range (Rob Sherwood, May 2011 47 Mea

30、suredMeasuredCalculated Band/PreampSpacingInputLevelIMDLevelIMDDRIP3 14 MHz/Off 2 kHz 34 dBm 131 dBm 97 dB +15 dBm 18 dBm 97 dBm +22 dBm 0 dBm 65 dBm +33 dBm 28 MHz/On 20 kHz 33 dBm 133 dBm 100 dB +17 dBm 16 dBm 97 dBm +25 dBm 50 MHz/Off 20 kHz 31 dBm 130 dBm 99 dB +19 dBm 17 dBm 97 dBm +23 dBm Seco

31、nd-order intercept point: Not specified. 14 MHz, Preamp off/on: +63/+63 dBm. FM two-tone, third-order IMD dynamic range: 20 kHz offset, Preamp on: 29 MHz, Not specified. 86 dB; 52 MHz, 86 dB. 10 MHz offset: 52 MHz, 100 dB. S-meter sensitivity: Not specified. S9 signal at 14.2 MHz, preamp off/on, 48.

32、7/14.4 V. Squelch sensitivity: 28-30 0.2 V; at 14 MHz (SSB), 1.5 W into 2 W at 10% THD into 8 W. 8 W at 10% THD. THD at 1 V RMS: 0.6%. DSP noise reduction: Not specified. NR1/NR2, 10/20 dB. Notch filter depth: Not specified. Manual notch: 51 dB, auto notch: 60 dB. Attack time: 180 ms. IF/audio respo

33、nse: Not specified. Range at 6 dB points, (bandwidth): CW (500 Hz): 315-927 Hz (612 Hz) Equivalent Rectangular BW: 596 Hz USB: (2.4 kHz): 53-2253 Hz (2200 Hz) LSB: (2.4 kHz): 52-2252 Hz (2200 Hz) AM: (5 kHz): 147-2350 Hz (4406 Hz). IF rejection, 70 dB. First IF rejection, 14 MHz, 84 dB; 28 MHz, 100

34、dB; 50 MHz, 100 dB. Image rejection: 70 dB. Image rejection, 14 MHz, 91 dB; 28 MHz, 100 dB; 50 MHz, 92 dB. Transmitter Transmitter Dynamic Testing Power output: 5-100 W, (5-25 W AM); CW, SSB, RTTY, FM, typ 4.8-99.0 W; AM, typ 4.8-25.5 W. Spurious-signal and harmonic suppression: Worst: 56 dBc, 1.8 M

35、Hz, 2nd harmonic. 1.8-29.7 MHz, 50 dB; 50-54 MHz, .60 dB. Meets FCC requirements. SSB carrier suppression: 50 dB. 55 dB. Undesired sideband suppression: 50 dB. 62 dB. Third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD) 3rd/5th/7th/9th order (worst on HF, 10 m): products: Not specified. HF, 100 W PEP, 29/32

36、/42/52 dB; 6 m, 100 W PEP, 34/ 34/48/56 dB. CW keyer speed range: Not specified. 4 to 55 WPM. CW keyer iambic keying mode: Not specified. A or B, menu selectable CW keying characteristics: Not specified. See Figures 2 and 3. Transmit-receive turnaround time (PTT S9 signal, AGC fast, 30 ms. release t

37、o 50% audio output): Not specified. Receive-transmit turnaround time (tx delay): SSB, 14 ms; FM, 14 ms. Not specified. Composite transmitted noise: Not specified. See Figure 1. Size (height, width, depth): 3.8 10.6 11.4 inches; weight, 16.3 lbs. Price: $1800 *The TS-590S operates as either a double

38、down conversion receiver (RX1) or triple up conversion receiver (RX2) depending on the band of operation and filter bandwidth selected. See text for details. RX1 with 500 Hz roofing filter was used for receiver tests at 3.5 and 14 MHz; RX2 with 15 kHz 1st IF filter and 2.7 kHz 2nd IF filter was used

39、 for testing on other bands. *Exceeded figures indicated; test results shown measured with +10 dBm maximum output from test fixture. *ARRL Product Review testing now includes Two-Tone IMD results at several signal levels. Two-Tone, 3rd-Order Dynamic Range figures comparable to previous reviews are s

40、hown on the first line in each group. The “IP3” column is the calculated 3rd order intercept point. Second-order intercept points were determined using 97 dBm reference. Measurement was noise-limited at the value indicated. Default values; bandwidth and cutoff frequencies are adjustable via DSP. CW

41、bandwidth varies with PBT and pitch control settings. For SSB, DSP set to 2600 Hz for “high” and 200 Hz for for “low” for a width of 2400 Hz. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Frequency in kHz fcfc-4fc-2fc+2fc+4 Reponse, dB ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? QS1105-ProdRev03 Figure1Spectraldisplayo

42、ftheTS-590S transmitteroutputduringcompositenoise testing.Poweroutputis100Wonthe 14MHzband.Thecarrier,offtheleftedge oftheplot,isnotshown.Thisplotshows compositetransmittednoise100Hzto 1MHzfromthecarrier.Thereferencelevel is0dBc,andtheverticalscaleisindB. Figure2CWkeyingwaveformforthe TS-590Sshowing

43、thefirsttwoditsin full-break-in(QSK)modeusingexternal keyinganddefaultsettings.Equivalent keyingspeedis60WPM.Theuppertrace istheactualkeyclosure;thelowertrace istheRFenvelope.(Notethatthefirst keyclosurestartsattheleftedgeofthe figure.)Horizontaldivisionsare10ms.The transceiverwasbeingoperatedat100W

44、 outputonthe14MHzband. Figure3Spectraldisplayofthe TS-590Stransmitterduringkeying sidebandtesting.Equivalentkeyingspeed is60WPMusingexternalkeying.Spectrum analyzerresolutionbandwidthis10Hz, andthesweeptimeis30seconds.The transmitterwasbeingoperatedat100W PEPoutputonthe14MHzband,andthis plotshowsthe

45、transmitteroutput5kHz fromthecarrier.Thereferencelevelis 0dBc,andtheverticalscaleisindB. 48 May 2011 NCB, youll find the TS-590 coming in ninth. Also tenth what the heck? The TS-590 is a very interesting super hetero - dyne that operates as either a double-down conversion (RX1) or triple up-conversi

46、on (RX2) depending on the band and filter bandwidth. This allows the radio to balance sensitivity (higher for RX2) with selectivity (better for RX1). Both modes are quite good, as evidenced by the ninth and tenth place position in the Sherwood results. Moving over to Robs column of wide spaced dynam

47、ic range data youll find the receiver has top class numbers there. Strangely, aside from a single table entry, this important aspect of the radios operation is not mentioned at all in the owners manual! The more selective RX1 is used on the 160, 80, 40, 20 and 15 meter bands when the IF bandwidth is

48、 2.7 kHz or less for SSB, CW and FSK. The crowded, large signal segments of these traditional DXing and contesting bands are where receiver dynamic range is most important. Depending on the mode selected, a 2.7 kHz or 500 Hz roofing filter follows the first mixer at the 11.374 MHz first IF stage. On other bands, including 10 meters, and for wider IF bandwidths such as for AM and FM, the more sensitive RX2 is used. A 15 kHz roofing filter is used at the 73 MHz first IF, followed by 15, 6 or 2.7 kHz filters at the 10.7 MHz second IF. (The transmitt