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You can
write your own review of the Kenwood TS-130s.
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KD2E
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 8, 2006 16:50
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A must have
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Well, not a techno-masterpiece...but that is the attraction. The latest high tech rig can do a lot of digital trick, but sometimes that is exactly what you DON't want! If you want't to lean back on your chair, have a coffee (or a cold 807!) and eavesdrop on the bands...you don't want to muddle through menus to find the IF shift or noise blanker...Just tune and adjust the volume. How great is that! And, like its' tube-type big brother...the TS520, it has the best sounding audio..coming and going. I'm glad I found a nice one, and its staying in my shack!
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WX4O
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Rating: 4/5
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Jul 8, 2006 11:07
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Excellent Rig
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Simple to use. Nice audio out. Needs CW filter.
Nice size, and makes a great Field Day rig.
Got mine on eBay for $235 with some scratches on
the case, but it works perfectly. Had one of these 23 years ago and should have kept it.
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K3AN
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Rating: 4/5
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Apr 18, 2006 09:46
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Old Reliable
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought a used one a while back. It was quite dirty and the case scratches suggest it was used in a mobile environment. I had to enable tranmission on the WARC bands (unplug a jumper) which suggests it's an older unit. Finally, the sender didn't pack it well at all. But it worked and continues to work just fine, so I'd say it's a pretty robust and reliable radio.
Also on the positive side, it is very easy to use, has good transmit audio, clear audio through the built-in speaker, and it operates properly even when the supply voltage drops down to just 12 Volts (I haven't tested it lower than that). On the negative side, it's relatively large for a mobile radio, and the tuning rate is a bit too fast.
I'm looking forward to some boat mobile operation with it, beginning later this spring.
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KB1LTC
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Rating: 4/5
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Sep 28, 2005 21:48
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What a Beauty!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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What a fun little radio! Well, not that it’s that little, it’s just small enough for going portable, camping, etc. Which is exactly why I bought one.
It’s fun and super easy to operate (for phone anyway). I’m not a CW kind of guy so it really hasn’t been used in that mode except to transmit a carrier to adjust my tuner. The knobs and controls on the right side are a little cramped for my thick fingers (especially the concentric ones), but not unmanageable by any means.
The receive audio sounds impressive even with the internal speaker!
I was going to pick up a SSB filter for it but the I.F. Shift works well enough that I don’t really think it’s needed (unless of course you use it on Field Day, then the narrow band SSB filter would be worthwhile investment).
Like the others have said, the receiver is so nice and quiet!
I really hate to say this, but… I think the receiver in the TS-130s is actually better than my TS-2000 (I did a side-by-side comparison)! It’s fairly stable too. Did I mention that this is a fun radio to operate?
It’s got that typical Kenwood transmit audio as well (which is why I love Kenwood).
The internal mic processor actually works rather well and gives quite a bit of punch to your audio to get through the noise, as well as being pleasant to listen to on the other end during Rag Chew sessions.
The Mic gain and Carrier controls aren’t very linear, but so what?
I gave it a 4 out of 5 because just because of the whole controls thing.
Other than that, so far I have no complaints!
I think it’s a perfect radio for beginners or those who want something a bit more transportable for camping and such.
I purchased mine off of eBay for $245 in really great condition with a hand mike (not Kenwood), DC power cable and a good photocopy of the manual. Therefore, I’d say if you could get one for close to the same price, GET IT! I really don’t think you’ll be sorry!
-John, KB1LTC
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WO7T
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 28, 2004 00:00
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Small but Big Performer
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This radio is a pleasure mobile, and is one of few with a NB that actually truly tames the ignition and engine noise in my NOISY 2000 Silverado pickup.
After mobile installation, first DX contact was with Christmas Island sitting in the driveway.
Only thing I'd want, and am going to add from
http://www.hamgadgets.com is the Super Picokeyer so I can easily use paddles for CW contacts.
Kenwood quality shines through on this 20 year old piece of technology.
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G6SNL
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 22, 2003 09:39
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Excellent easy to use rig
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This was my first HF rig, still have it, as it is ideal for portable or mobile. only ever had minor problems such as meter bulb replacment, and band switch being a bit unreliable, this turned out to be a loose grub screw on the internal shaft ! If anyone offers you one of these.......BUY IT. Audio reports are are good on TX with standard mic.
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KA2IBN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 30, 2003 09:45
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Great Buy
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Purchased mine from another ham on E-Bay for $265 without a power cord or manual. Was able to purchase both and spent a grand total of $335 on this transciver.
After 6 months with this rig on the air I am very happy with my decision to go for a used older piece of equipment. I was lucky that the origional owner took good care of the radio. This unit was manufactured about 20 years ago.
Easy to operate and a great rag chew station on ssb.
I can work everything I hear using a Hustler 5BTV vertical. If you can get one of these gems go for it.
Remember this is a CW/SSB transciver only and no general receive coverage.
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KE4ZHN
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Rating: 4/5
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Jun 3, 2003 12:29
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a good first rig
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had one of these for my first HF rig. Although its not a fancy full blown radio with all the bells and whistles, its performance is quite good for what it is. A nice basic radio with a fairly decent receiver and of course it has the famous Kenwood transmit audio. This is a perfect radio for new hams on a budget, or perhaps someone looking for a portable field day type rig to use for camping or mobile use. It will drift a little when cold,(only a few hz) but thats typical of rigs of this era. I also wish it had the 10 hz digit on the display, but what can you expect for a mid 80`s vintage rig? I sold mine in the interest of upgrading rigs, not due to being dissatified with it. I made my first CW contacts on one of these and it works very well for CW and SSB ragchewing. All in all, a nice little radio that can be had for a modest price these days. For someone who needs a basic rig thats capable of 100 watts, this is a keeper! If I get a chance to latch onto another one of these I certainly will.
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KA4KOE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 3, 2003 08:50
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Good radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had one of these gems in the 80's and listened to the Grenada invasion on it. My ONLY gripe was that the radio did not have 160m. If it did, I'd probably get another one today for portable.
You also need to make sure all the chassis grounding screws are nice and tight, as the rig can do funny things if they are not.
Don't really know why I sold this radio. Of course I was a kid then anyway.
P
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PA3ZRK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 3, 2003 07:18
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TOP !!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have two TS-130 and the are working great. I have done a lot of DX with this radio. I have also a 847 from yaesu and think about to sell it. Go back to the roots.
One critical point of the 130, the output power is not on all frequencies 100W (ofcourse tested on a good professional meter.
After all GREAT
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