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| Reviews Summary for Kenwood TS-480HX |
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write your own review of the Kenwood TS-480HX.
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VK2BVS
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Rating: 4/5
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Jul 3, 2008 07:30
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TS-480HX on VLF !!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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---TS-480HX on the VLF (Very Low Frequency) 20 KHz band.
TS-480 reception is possible on VLF down to 20 KHz by going to 30 KHz and using the RIT to extended reception from 30 KHz down to 20 KHz in the VLF Very Low Frequency band.
If the RIT on the TS-480 were expanded it might be possible to tune to 10 KHz and lower frequencies (Somalia has an amateur radio band from 0 to 9 KHz called the 100,000 metre band).
The best way to listen to VLF, LF and MF using a HF antenna is to temporarily screw the earth off the PL259 so that only the centre pin is attached to the antenna socket on the TS-480. (Remember to screw the earth back on before transmitting!
An audio frequency generator confirmed that the TS-480 does receive on VLF.
Unfortunately the sensitivity drops once you tune below 1.7 MHz and is way down on 20 KHz.
The problem of lower sensitivity below 1.7 MHz is caused by resistors that are used to overcome receiver overload for users who happen to live across the road from a radio broadcast station. It would be nice if these components could be switched in or out by the user.
A solution to this same problem in other Kenwood transceivers that also receive down to 30 KHz is on http://www.ham.dmz.ro/kenwood/ts-950sdx-new-ears.php
---Cross band on the TS-480. (Listening on one band and transmitting on another band).
Radio Amateurs on the 80metre HF band (3.5 MHz) and those on 500 KHz MF (Medium Frequency) or 70 KHz and 136 KHz LF (Low Frequency) are communicating with each other by operating cross frequency. LF and MF stations listen on HF and HF stations listen on the MF or LF bands.
The SPLIT A/B control makes this kind of communications easy on the TS480.
LF and MF cross frequency operation is described on
http://dd7pc.qsl.nu/dd7pc_137khz.htm
There is scope to improve the TS-480 on VLF, LF and MF and expand reception down to 10 KHz and lower.
---AM and SSB reception on the TS-480.
1. Do not use the headphone socket on the control panel. Use the external speaker socket for the best quality audio reception.
2. On all modes AM, SSB and FM select the filter bandwidth (low = 0 KHz and Hi = 5000 KHz). Audio quality and Noise reduction NR1 sound best when wide bandwidth is selected.
3. Select NR1 = 9
4. I use a Bhi NES10-2 speaker with its own built-in DSP noise eliminator (on position 3) so normally I do not use the NR1.
5. Select Noise blanker NB = 8.
6. Select Digital Noise Limiter DNL = 1.
7. There are some types of noises where both NB and DNL can be used together. Mostly I use NB alone. Normally both are off if there is no noise.
8. For base station use the Radio Frequency RF gain should be turned down. This greatly reduces the back ground noise.
9. On 160m (1.8 MHz) select normal, that is Preamplifier (Pre) = off and select RF gain (RF.G) = 74
10. On 80m (3.8 MHz) select normal, that is Preamplifier (Pre) = off and select RF gain (RF.G) = 98
11. On 40m (7.1 MHz), 30m (10.1 MHz) and 20m (14 MHz) select Preamplifier (Pre) = on and select RF gain (RF.G) = 86
12. Select DSP Receiver Equalizer (Menu 18) = Off.
---AM and SSB transmission on the TS-480.
1. Select DSP Transmission Equalizer (Menu 19) = Hb2.
2. Select Transmitter Filter Bandwidth (Menu 20) = 2.4 KHz.
3. Microphone Mic= 70.
4. Select Processor = ON. Processor input = 65, Processor output = 45
---AM transmitter adjustment procedure.
I hope to make AM contacts on 160m (1.8 MHz) and 10m (29 MHz). I was pleased to find that the adjustment procedure in the manual for AM and the speech processor results in nice AM transmit audio.
---Power output meter on the TS-480HX.
I like the ability of the radio to select power at 1 Watt or 5 Watt steps.
The radio will not operate under 5 Watts. It would be nice if it did.
The power meter on the TS-480HX is accurate on AM showing 50 Watts, CW 200 Watts and FM 200 Watts.
On SSB the meter on the TS-480HX peaks at 100 Watts (this is normal because the meter measures average power and not pep- peak envelope power). An external peak measuring power meter confirmed 200 Watts pep SSB output.
---Panel Function PF key.
I would have liked to use it to instantly access the RG gain control.
Due to the reviews here I decided to get this radio.
In return I hope my observations after 4 days of use will help others.
Sam Voron VK2BVS, 6O0A
somaliahamradio@yahoo.com
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VK2XB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 21, 2008 18:35
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Superlative Mobile
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have operated mobile, on and off for about 24 years, doing between 3 and 5 MILLION miles in that time - most of the time actually using a radio!!!!
Most of you are capable of reading the "technical" reviews, but one of the things that appears to get scant attention from manufacturers is "usability" whilst mobile. It appears to be so because MOST radios are darned near impossible to use whilst travelling.
As an interstate (or over the road) truck driver, the ability to actually use the darned thing is of great import to me.
The Kenwood TS480HX is a dream to use mobile! There are a hand full of specific menus that you may wish to STOP to change, but most of these are "set and forget" items. EVERYTHING else can be used on the run, with ease!
Added to that, this thing seems to have punch, and I mean real punch. Time and time again I am informed that my signals and readability on the 2 bands I use mostly (80 and 40 with a little 20 thrown in for good measure) are far SUPERIOR to base stations working from the same area. I.E. South Australian stations tell me that the sigs they hear from me are stronger and easier to copy than base station in that part of New South Wales that I am in at the time.
Think about that for a minute ...... mobile whips on 80 and 40 Metres are basically inefficient yet I "outgun" stations using full sized dipoles. This is no reflection on my abilities at all, but rather attest to the quality of the product(s) I am using.
The receiver is A1 and transmitted adio is wonderful. What more can you ask for?
Having said that, I have not used this radio on 17,15,12,10 or 6 Metres as yet! Who knows, I may become even more enamoured with it! As it is I have already ordered a second one for my private utility (pick up).
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EA2FL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 5, 2008 14:18
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Best Radio for the money!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Comparing this radio with anything that would cost twice as much, or much more, is not very fair. Even so I think is a VERY well design rig. Everything is there for good reasons, you understand that very soon. Just GREAT!
Ergonomics are also good.
Specifications are good. Receiver is superb (yes, there are some better receivers, at other prices, but this one is VERY good).
I have used it as base station and find the console very useful. You can tilt it 90º facing up if you wish. Radio with cables for the two P.S. and two antennas can be out of the view.
As a mobile rig is just perfect! NB is best. Automatic notch is very good. TX audio is great in any mode including AM, with processor and several DSP equalizer presets, plus one that you can configure with your PC and load into radio later. These are useful for RX also.
200w output is 3dB over most radios and if using 100 everything goes COOL!
I got all 4 options: two narrow filters, high stability oscilator and Voice guide, which includes 3 recorders for storing your CQ calls plus recording every last 30 seconds when something interesting has been heard.
Just Perfect! ... For me!
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W8JJI
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Rating: 3/5
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May 24, 2008 15:55
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Just OK overall
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Get the service manual, you will need it.
The power supply used is the Astron RS 70M
I give thumbs up to any 200 watt HF rig however this one only produced the rated output power when you would whistle into the mic. Voice peaks only would produce about 130 to 150 watts out even with very high mic gain settings and the processor on moderately. I don't understand these folks getting 220 watts out of the box. It was not happening here.
The wattage output can be adjusted in the service menu . No, the adjustment did not produce unwanted spurs, splatters or harmonics, the $17k test equipment told us so.
The 480HX seemed to be a bit stubborn with the SSB watts output even after the menu adjustment. It also needed to have the ALC setting changed in the service menu from 92 to about 134. This finally woke-up the SSB output as it should be.
The receiver is good but not as good as an Icom 756proIII.
When you look at the SERVICE MANUAL take note of the HF IF Gain, you may wish to change this setting depending on your antenna and how much noise is in your area and just how sensitive you want the RX to be. This is most useful.
The RX is good enough but the 2 troublespots are, when you use the NB (noise blanker) you begin to get buckshot from nearby HF SSB stations (sometimes up to 20 kc away) (NO, they were not overdriving their radios). The higher the NB setting (1 thru 10), the worse it gets. This it common for many Mid Grade HF rigs.
The other troublespot and a HUGE disappointment is the AM filter, I enjoy AM-ing on 75 and 40 meters but this AM filter is HORRIBLE. They say it is 6 Kc wide but the shape of the filter skirts makes this filter act like it is 9 kc wide. I can listen to 3.880 and hear an S-5 station on 3.885 without much difficulty. THIS IS SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT !
THE BEST thing about this 480HX is the NOISE BLANKER !!!
Yes, even though it can send you to "buckshot city" , it is by far the most effective noise blanker I have used. ( way, way better than the icom 756proIII or 746 pro).
The Noise Blanker has actually made it possible for me to get back on the HF bands with HIGH levels of power line noise in my neighborhood, S-5 to S-7.
The Noise blanker on my HX is set at about 8 or 9 on the 1 thru 10 selection. When activated, the S-7 line noise is GONE and weak signals can be heard .
Other points,
The Beat cancel setting #1 is good, #2 not good.
The "narrow" filter setting for AM reception is a joke.
DNL doesn't do much.
NR doesnt do much
AGC Fast setting is still a bit slow.
RX equalizer (not really an EQ at all, just presets) is OK but not as extensive as I was hoping. Same for TX EQ.
LCD Metering has gotta go, I don't like MOST LCD meters.
SSB Transmit audio is very good overall and the AM TX audio quite good .
This radio is very strange looking. The main unit is rather nice looking but the permanently detached controll head is YUCKO ! A bit too stylish for me.
The main tuning knob has a good feel to it.
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OZ5ABO
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 17, 2008 06:49
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Best buy in its class
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is my second TS480HX. In a weak moment I sold the first one and I have regretted it ever since. So finally a new HX has arrived in the shack. I also have a SAT version which I use for PSK31 with a USB SignaLink and HRD.
Out of the box, the HX does 240 Watts on 80m and 220 Watts on 10m into a dummy load. On SSB you also have full power without any fiddling or adjustments. Its an awfull lot of power for the price. Even during long qso's it does not get warm due to the two fans and the internal cooling construction. You can however hear the fans and depending on where you install the body of the radio, this might be irritating. Both my SAT and HX is hanging under my desk and gives me no problems.
I am mainly into CW so I installed the 500Hz and the 270Hz filter. This makes it a rather solid radio on 40m here in Europe. Selectivity is actually very good and compares nicely to the competition. Reducing the bandwith to, say, 200 hz does not give any rinning effects. The combination of AF DSP and "oldfashioned" filters is very effective and the AGC does nicely eventhough my children turns the lights off and on and off and on and off and on... ;-)
Despite the small control head I find the layout of buttons cleverly designed and very user friendly. Easy access to PWR adjustments, keyer speed and cw memories is important to me. Eventhough PWR adjustments and speed are done without entering the menu. A push and then adjust with the multiknob, thats it. You have direct access to sending CW memories and direct frequency input as well.
From a CW perspective its a very nice station offering many nice features. CW reception is great. All in all I find it just as good as my Pro3 on CW.
HRD and PSK31 is a new passion to me. The TS480 is great for this. Its easy to connect and even out of the box the TS480 works just fine with the buildt-in filters for data communication.
Enjoy your TS-480!
73's, Per
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KI4CRA
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 2, 2008 12:46
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Still an Awesome rig!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Well here we are, almost 4 years later and still my TS-480HX is an awesome rig! It has been over 3 yrs since my last post,figured I was due to update my update. Since I first put this rig on the air in late May early June 04, I have traded my 706mkiig for a laptop (still think I got the better end of that deal). Picked up a Yaesu FT-897D for the house, and an FT-857D for my truck. My antenna farm has steadly grown also. But through it all I still have my 480HX, it is still pumping out 200+ watts when on the air.
Currently, I am using my GAP Titan, and a 102' G5RV for HF, changed my MFJ desk mike for the Heil HM-5 Hand Mic, still have the stock mic, but seldom use it. I found after some trial and error that the HM-5 is a way better mic. I do have the Heil headset mic. which works well, but It doesn't have the punch that my hand mic does. Along with the various antennas, I have a 6 & 2 meter quad by Cubex quads, wonderful antenna,great on 6 meters, use it mostly with the 897.
About 6 months ago,wound up putting my 480hx in the front room. It has been a rough couple of years what with all the surgeries I've had, I wanted that extra punch. It works out well, and although I'm not as active as I would like to be I still mange to do alright. I have had several offers to purchase this rig,and have turned them all down,but lately I've been getting more and more request for my rig. I would like to get the FT-950 by Yaesu, but not real sure if I want to part with my 480. I'm really waiting to get my tower up, and would like to put a Cushcraft MA5B on top of it. Would like to put my BIG Cubex quad on top, but just don't have the room. We'll just have to see what comes of all this, just had back surgery 12 days ago so, not going to do much of anything till I'm healed.
The 480, is unique in the fact that it is such a small rig,that pumps out 200+ watts. I've read other posts, stating that Kenwood should have added 2m/70cm to this rig. That is NOT what this rig is all about, this is an HF+6 meters tranceiver. If you want the extra, go buy an Icom 7xxxx whatever or the Yaesu FTxxxx whatever like I did. There's a lot to be said for those type of rigs. I really like my 897/857's it serves my needs. But, if you want a rig that gives you 200 watts on SSB/CW, and 100 watts on 6 meters, then this is the rig for you. You wont be sorry you got it. As far as 2m/70cm go, I have my little YaesuFT-8900 sitting on top of my MFJ-962D tuner, just so I can monitor the local repeaters,police,etc. I have more fun and less hassles from my 480 than most guys do running their big FT-2000, and IC-7000. I think, now after almost 4 yrs on the air with this rig I've finally have it set where I want it.
Hope to catch you all on the air one day soon, sorry for the long post, sometimes I tend to get long winded.
73 de Mark
AI4HO
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KE5OKQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 13, 2008 06:16
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Great Value
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Being accustomed to a "big box" in the base, I was a little ambivalent about the appearence of my TS-480HX. After 3 months I have come to love the radio and recognize what a great value it is.
PROS:
1) 200 watts. It helps in DX pileups. Any other 200 watt radio will cost at least $2000 more! After seeing the improvement I decided I didn't need an amp.
2) Great transmit audio reports (its a Kenwood!)
3) Very Good receiver selectivity
4) Good filtering
5) DNL and beat cancelling works great.
6) Free computer control program
7)Compact size.
8)Best menu function around. Simple to use, not very dense. Mastered the radio functioning in a few minutes.
CONS:
1) Doesn't look like a big ham radio.
2) NR distorts audio beyond recognition.
3) Have to go into keypad to activate RF gain adjustment (not very difficult)
4) "multi" function and IF shift on same concentric knob. First few weeks I would shift freq 5khz by mistake rather then the desired IF shift function.
5) Small Dial (not as bad as FT 450)
This is Kenwoods best radio today. For base or mobile it is a very advanced, reasonably priced choice. Everyone who has tried it was impressed and surprised. The free computer control feature is great and easier to use then the actual radio. The best part of the program is the graphic dispaly of the filter functions. With the computer program you will use features that you would usually neglect. It really opened my eyes to the versatility of this little high-power gem.
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N9LBW
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 20, 2008 01:27
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Solid Kenwood Performance
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have nothing but praise for this radio. Has lots of tx punch when you need it and the receive is very good and very quiet. I would recommend this radio to any one. They are selling used for around $850-$900, which is a good bargain.
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AA5CH
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 18, 2008 11:30
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Surprisingly Good
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I borrowed one of these for a few weeks while my primary rig was being serviced. I've owned several Kenwood rigs but never had tried a TS 480.
Perhaps my biggest complaint with the TS 2000 I owned for several years was its poor selectivity and the inability to install mechanical filters to sharpen it up.
The selectivity of the TS 480HX out of the box seemed better than that of the TS 2000, but following the installation of an optional 500 HZ filter, its performance improved dramatically.
I did come across something a little odd when attempting to make an A/B comparison of the selectivity of the TS 480HX with/without the optional filter engaged. You cannot manually select/de-select the filter from the menu.
Using the menus seemed like a "homecoming." I spent many hours operating my TS 2000 and I am very comfortable with the Kenwood menu protocols.
I found that it drifted a little bit on the higher frequencies so I also installed the optional TXCO. It really wasn't a significant issue but the guy I borrow it from purchased the TXCO with the filter and asked me to install both for him.
The installation of the optional filters and the TXCO is very straightfroward. You will have to do a little bit of soldering.
I measured approximately 225 watts out on the lower bands but saw a significant drop off at 10 meters, roughly 150-175 watts.
It might be useful for someone considering the TS 480HX to note that the nominal power output on 6 meters is 100 watts, not 200.
TX audio is great, of course. And the RX audio is very pleasant to listen to as well.
If you are looking for a minimalist approach to amateur radio in the shack, the small control head is the ticket, not to mention how well it should work in a mobile environment.
If you enjoy having a big box in front of you with allot of knobs and buttons to play with, the 480 will drive you nuts. Integrating the 480 with a rig control program such as Ham Radio Deluxe gives you something bigger to look at, if you wish. I did so and everything worked flawlessly.
When the 480 was introduced I never understood the purpose behind it, thinking that the TS 2000 would do so much more for just a little more money. But after operating the TS 480HX for a while I now understand and think that it is a real "sleeper." With the optional filters of your choice installed it is a very competent rig.
73,
Brad
AA5CH
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ON4VP
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 11, 2008 10:45
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keeps impressing me
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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It has been more over a year since I wrote something about my 480. Well, I have my second one. I still go with all the things I wrote before. In the last few months more software became availble to use the rig on a remote site. These days you can take the display with you, put it next to a laptop and control it while the main body is at your home connected to the antennas. It's just great. I love using ham radio deluxe with this radio.
I also still believe that this radio is a little wolf in sheepscloths. For this price range this is the best you can get. Fabulous CW, great soundig ssb audio, easy access to al settings, most of them directly on the frontpanel and this rig shines when it comes down to digital modes. It is also one of the most advanced rigs when CAT commanding is invloved.
Also the receiver part keeps impressing me. I know there are rigs on the market costing 5 times as much or more but the Kenwood 480 has impressive figures that matches rigs costing 3 times as much as the 480. I'm also glad that I have installed the filters. They come in handy and they give the receiver a solid brick feel when operation under croudy conditions. Also the DSP is working great.
If you don't mind having a few cables here and there, and you look for a rig that does a great job and is affordable, look no further. The 480 shines in his performance, runs cool at 200 watt and all that in a relative small housing.
The 480 keeps impressing me ...
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