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write your own review of the Kenwood R1000.
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JUSTICE
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Rating: 3/5
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Jul 26, 2006 20:46
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Good, But Could Be Better
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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First let me say that I really like this RX and that everyone should own one, but the way it is out of the box (as you'll find almost all on eBay) its a good radio, but it could have been better.
If you do want to pick one up, it may be important to you to check the serial number before purchase. Early ones didn't have the circuitry that gave the low audio frequencies (bass response) a boost when the AM Wide filter is selected, which is one of the best things about this rig for me. Try running the R-1000's audio out to a stereo system on a clear MW signal; it's beautiful if you get the full range. You can't switch the filters over to use the 2.7 kHz SSB filter in AM with the early ones (unless you have the electronics skills to rework the circuitry). Also, the later serial numbers seem to be less noisy to my ears. That helps when you're looking for very faint signals.
The 12 kHz AM Wide filter may seem too broad for a shortwave receiver, but it has its uses. Local MW signals (especially daytime) can sound FM quality if the station puts out a nice sound. On SW you'd be hard pressed to find much use for it, but occasionally you come across a rare decent signal in the clear broadcasting music. Listening to any speech with this filter brings out a background hiss which can be reduced with the tone control. The shape factor is about 2:1, so on SW or MW at night you really need a lot of open space between stations or you will get some annoying splatter.
The 6 kHz Narrow AM filter is the weakest part of the R-1000, in my opinion. This is the filter which a SWL would probably use most for both bandscanning and program listening. Unfortunately the shape factor is 3:1, which translates into annoying splatter and heterodynes on many signals. Kenwood's later RX, the R-5000, had the option of swapping its even worse stock 6 kHz filter with a much better one. Sadly, R-1000 buyers didn't have this option, so unless a previous owner had already done so, you'd be wise to upgrade to a Kiwa Filter Module or Murata replacement filter here. This mod alone would bring my rating for the R-1000 up to a 4.
The stock SSB filter is very good. If you can get an R-1000 which will let you use this filter for AM Narrow, so much the better provided you don't mind the muffled audio in exchange for no splatter or hets. Local amateurs sound fantastic with this filter, and using ECSS for broadcast listening provides good audio.
Its hard to imagine why Kenwood gave the Step Attenuator the values they did, -20, 40, 60 dB. -60 dB is what you're trying to lower adjacent signal levels to with the IF filters, making them inaudible. Fortunately there is a modification available to change the values to -10dB, 20, 30 put out by Kenwood in a service bulletin. This should have been the original settings when the receiver was first offered.
The AGC setting has its charm. When you go from listening to a decent signal and quickly tune up or down to another frequency, the newly tuned station slowly fades in. Sometimes, though, it can be annoying, and a faster AGC would be nice to have. Even better would be a way to select between fast and slow, but again the receiver needs a modification to do that.
Sensitivity on SW is excellent. MW sensitivity has been deliberately suppressed to prevent unwanted MW signals showing up on the SW frequencies. For me, MW sensitivity doesn't seem to be kept down, but I'm not heavily into MW DXing. I've heard that the real test for MW sensitivity is to see what it does in the daytime, but I would guess you'd also want a proper MW antenna. Nighttime reception on MW has given me nothing to complain about, as skywave propogation has brought some nice suprises with a random wire tossed around the room. There is a mod to defeat Kenwood's MW attenuator available, if you wish.
I haven't gotten anything on LW frequencies yet, but then again I have no clue as to what a proper antenna would be for down there.
Living in far south Florida, I should note that I once found Radio Havana's 6000 kHz signal on 12000 kHz (but just once). Also I found that 31 meter band signals showed up near the 20 meter band one evening, using a Par Electronics EF-SWL 45 foot antenna. Guess I should check back some time to see if they're still there. Just a strange night in the ionosphere, perhaps?
The timer is a nice touch, but unless I'm really doing something wrong I can't set the shut off time while I'm listening unless I set the start time to turn it on first, which means I have to turn the receiver off so that it can start itself up to be able to turn itself off. Again, maybe it's me, but I just don't use the timer anymore as it's very frustrating.
Just as the 6 kHz filter is the weakest part of the R-1000 IMO, the Noise Blanker is the strongest part. Do not underestimate the importance of a good noise blanker. The most enjoyable signals to listen to are the clean ones, though they may not always be the stongest. If you get rid of the splatter and hets with good IF filtering, eliminate selective fade distortion with a Synch Detector or ECSS, and/or wipe out man-made QRM with a low noise antenna system and NB, you will be able to really enjoy the broadcast.
The R-1000 has no Synchronous Detection. If you can get hold of a Kiwa MAP unit and use the stock 12 kHz filter, or modify it with a 455 kHz IF output and run it into a Sherwood SE-3, you can have it, but those options will cost at least three times as much as what you'd have paid for the used R-1000. Good thing this receiver has nice audio with ECSS and its stock SSB filter, so you may not miss it.
The tone control can be useful when there's lots of atmospheric noise, bringing the high audio frequencies down, and reducing hiss with the 12 kHz filter. It does nothing for boosting or reducing the bass response. A Notch Filter would have been more useful. Thankfully, you can add an outboard Autek Research QF-1 for an audio notch for less than $50 on eBay. Even better is the QF-1A which gives you two audio notch filters, and a high pass filter to reduce bass response when needed to clear up speech.
They're less than $75 on eBay.
When you first turn the RX on, a frequency set to SSB will drift a bit for the first 15 minutes or so; you'll need to retune a few times, maybe once more past that point. After about half an hour, its very stable.
It has a small footprint for a communications receiver. The fact that the power supply is internal is a plus, though it adds a little weight when carrying it. You won't be pushing the R-1000 around the table when tuning like some other receivers. The tuning knob has a nice smooth action and a finger dimple to help turn it quickly.
If you want to use this radio as a field rig, you'll probably want one that already has the DCK-1 12v DC kit installed, as finding one 20 years after production stopped has proven to be pointless.
Personally, I find that the green light of the analog tuning dial gives this rig its personality. Combined with the green (and orange) markings of the signal strength meter, I kind of forget that the digital frequency counter display is actually blue, as the green tends to overshadow it. This is a nice rig to use in a dim or dark room, as the muted color is easy on the eyes.
The reason that I say that everyone should own an R-1000 is because of its analog dial. If you have a rig without one, and the display goes bad, you're done until you get it fixed. When you adjust the analog readout on the R-1000 to match the digital frequency counter midway through a MHz band, say 9500 or 11500 kHz, and dial all the way up to the top or bottom of the band, you shouldn't be off by more than 5 kHz. The marks are every 10 kHz, so between marks gives readout accuracy to 5 kHz. You'd be hard pressed to find a better backup rig at this price. If you have patience you will be able to find a nice R-1000 for less than $200 either on eBay or at hamfests.
Kenwood offered this receiver new for $499, which was low at the time for a good HF rig. If they would have cut the attenuator values in half from the start, gave a choice for AGC time and used a better 6 kHz filter, they could have had a receiver that had no competition under $1000. Being able to offer it for under $500 must have been what they hoped would be its strong point, but I would have gladly paid $600 new at the time with just those few changes.
Today, it's a bargain at $200 or less, and depending on condition and if it has the DCK-1 or a late serial number (3xxxxxx), $300 isn't too much to pay for one.
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NIGHTHAWK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 1, 2006 11:43
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Great radio, can still run with the best of them.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased this radio off eBay for $200.00 USD. I used to have an Icom R71A until the poor quality of the reciever finally caught up with me, the R1000 hears everything the Icom did.
Strengths:
-Straight-forward design, easy to master.
-Good selectivity.
-Great audio.
-Very stable in SSB
-Good attenuation 20db/40db/60db.
Weaknesses:
-Very slow AGC (not a big deal though)
-"Wide" filter is a little wide for me (12kHz)
-Noise blanker doesn't seem to work to well (not a problem)
Overall this is a great radio even today, I recommend that if you come across one in good shape pick it up! Personally I think Kenwood is of better quality than some of Icoms stuff but that is mearly an opinion. Great radio for the buck, its not meant to be a $1000 unit but still does very well!
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TRYCYCLE
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Rating: 4/5
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Mar 26, 2006 14:59
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Added to nice collection
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I rank it good yet ought go for great just to say I have one to add to collection that incl: K-5000, K-2000, JRC545, DrakeR8A, Grundig 800, 400's, Sony2010, 2002,2001, and too many more.
My only point of this is to say that the Medium Wave reception seems subdued and was wondering if others have experienced that in comparison to other table tops and fine to fair radios.
Email abroadventure@yahoo.com
Also: I saw a comment on replacing the light bulb over the signal meter and wondered if someone could email me in regard some shortcuts and specifics on self-replacement. I just got the radio off EBAY and have not tinkered with removing the top. Just looking at the screws, it's never been removed.
Market price was about $225.00 +s/h
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DAR1232
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 10, 2005 14:59
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Excellent first time receiver
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I had a Kenwood R-600 reciever and I saw the R1000 on ebay and was lucky to get it at a resonalble price of $200. When I got it the bulb for the S meter was out and the coupling for the ATTN slector was in need of tightening, only to find out the coupling was cracked,but I got it fixed. Cleaned up the controls and stared listening to the world.
I am not a ham and only listen. The radio pulls in the stations excellent with my new 40ft slope ant. It has excellent audio and station slectivity,but I can only compare it to the Kenwood 600 I had before.Before that all I had was a Hallicrafter 38. If your a first time SW listener and have a change to get a Kenwood 1000,do.
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AB7JK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 26, 2005 17:32
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Great RX !!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I got this radio used about a year ago and it came with the original 12khz/6khz filter settings. This is a fab receiver which reminds me of old tube type radios - you tune slowly and the signals just pop out of a quiet background.
Stations sound "next door" at the 12 khz setting with some hiss introduced but I have been able to eliminate it using an outboard filter.
Only problem is fading distortion since the radio has no sync detector but listening in SSB is quite pleasant using the tone control. The radio is rock stable after a 15 minute warmup.
Anyone who uses modern portables and recent ham radios owe it to themselves to listen to an R-1000. They don't make them like this anymore.
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KE6TDT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 4, 2005 15:35
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Super nice receiver
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned this receiver for about 10 years now. It's well built, looks good, and overall reception of this radio is great. Just running a wire antenna. And the sound/audio is excellent in my opinion. Over 10 years, and I've had no problems with this rig.
If you can find an R-1000 communications receiver, in good condition, buy it. I don't think you'll have any regrets.
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JIMMYHENRY
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Rating: 4/5
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May 8, 2005 11:26
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Aerial
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I found my R1000 at the Auckland (NZ) rubbish tip about 12 years ago, could not believe my luck. Still goes perfectly, I use it every day. I am going offshore sailing shortly and want to set it up so my wife can listen into our radio scheds on 6516 from the South Pacific. Can anyone advise me on the aerial required. How long, and is it a parallel loop? Any help would be appreciated.
Jimmy
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VK1KBN
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Rating: 5/5
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May 18, 2004 22:32
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Very pleased with my purchase!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought this receiver not long ago, in local radio club trash and treasure meeting. I was after a desktop receiver to use mostly to listen to SW broadcasting stations. The receiver seems to be very stable and the audio quality is surprisingly good. I especially like the wide-AM mode when listening to MW stations - very nice. On SSB, it performs in a similar way to my FT-817, but because of the big speaker and plenty of AF power, I think I like it better.
My R1000 cost me 90 AUD (about 60-65 USD), which is extremely good value for the price.
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G1HBE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 8, 2004 14:22
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Solid performer
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought one of these in 1986, and only moved it on when I treated myself to an AOR 5000 dc-to-light RX.
The R1000 is a beautifully built piece of equipment - smooth real VFO tuning, easy controls and better than average audio quality. The VFO is so stable, the radio can be used in ECSS mode for hourd on end. The filters could do with a bit of further thought and pre-mod units have a very slow AGC recovery time, but overall this RX canes the backside off the other 'hooby' RX's that were about at the same time. A real beaut!
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I61545PE
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 23, 2003 18:00
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FORTUNATO CHI CE L'HA E NON LO HA DATO VIA...
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Certo,il 5000 era un'altra cosa,ma in mancanza di meglio,per anni il 1000 e' stato il ricevitore di punta nella mia stazione.
Ora vado con un EGZ DX-301,(che monta per esempio dei meravigliosi condensatori variabili Ducati racchiusi nella custodia in plastica...),ed e' davvero un'altro pianeta,ma il 1000 mi ha dato soddisfazioni incredibili,pur non avendo i filtri ed i comandi dei ricevitori-top: l'ultima grande soddisfazione,nell'aprile 2003,quando sono riusci to a sintonizzare la '14 de Agusto',una fantasmatica brasiliana sui 90 metri,ascoltata per pochi minuti: non credevo alle mie orecchie,ma poi mesi dopo,spulciando fra i bollettini che ricevo via posta e quelli che leggo regolarmente su Internet,ho visto che veniva riportata regolarmente,pur se non sono poi stati molti coloro che l'hanno captata...
Nel 2001,sui 20 metri,di notte ho ascoltato radioamtori italiani negli States e in Venezuela: i miei poco convinti Rapporti di Ricezione sono invece stati confermati: non vi dico la sorpresa di quando li ricevuti: insomma,all'inizio credevo di avere un semplice e momentaneo ripiego al Kenwood R-5000,mentre invece,a mano a mano,ho capito di avere in stazione un ricevitore si' ormai un po' sorpassato,ma davvero valido!
Camillo---SWL I-6-1545-PE
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