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write your own review of the Kenwood TS-850.
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K2MAK
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Rating: 5/5
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May 3, 2002 07:56
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Great Receiver
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought my TS-850SAT down at the Timonium Hamfest last month and have been using it on HF daily since. My 850 came with the full load of filters and I’m glad it did.
I have compared this 850 with my TS-2000 and TS-940SAT on a Cushcraft R-5 vertical mounted about 10ft off the ground. I find the 850’s receiver to be much quieter then the TS-2000’s (w/o the DSP on) and TS-940’s. The receiver on the 850 was definitely more sensitive compared to the TS-2000’s and very comparable to the TS-940. I used a Heil PRO SET headset to listen.
Audio reports on the 850 were the same compared to the other two radios. Signal reports were about the same also (100 watts output on all 3 radios).
I would highly recommend anyone looking to purchase an 850 to get the CW or SSB filter also. With the filter/slope tuning/notch combination I was able to eliminate all background noise and just find tune to the weak DX’s voice and complete contacts. It was very hard to do that with the TS-2000 or not at all. The 940 just couldn’t match the 850 on this part.
On another note, I also bought the DSP-100 unit to see if it would really help out with my audio reports and I find that it does not do too much improvement to my audio or the received audio. This is a rather expensive item to buy in the used market these days and I normally do not use it. Maybe one day I will find some help the DSP-100 to improve my audio to broadcast grade ;-)
I also modified my 850 to improve on broadcast AM reception and it’s a great receiver to listen to the AM news station with. Great audio.
Hope to talk to everyone soon. 73’s de Ken K2MAK
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WU1Z
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 6, 2002 21:32
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GREAT HF RADIO
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I HAVE OWNED THE 850-S SINCE THE SUMMER OF 1993 AND LOVE IT. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT PERIOD. IT RUNS COOL, THE ANTENNA TUNER THATS BUILT INTO IT IS PRETTY DARN GOOD AS WELL. ITS ABLE TO TUNE UP ANTENNAS OVER A WIDER RANGE THAN ALOT OF OTHERS.THE SLOPE TUNING IS VERY GOOD AS WELL. I RECENTLY ADDED A NARROW FILTER FOR SSB IN THE 8.83 SIDE. SEEMS TO WORK WELL.I FIND THE RECIEVER TO BE OF HIGH QUALITY AS ITS QUITE SENSITIVE AND HAS A GREAT FRONT END.I ALSO KNOW SOME HAMS WHO HAVE YAESU FT-1000 SERIES RIGS OF VARIOUS TYPES AND THEY ALSO OWN THE 850-S AS WELL AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY LIKE THE RECIEVER ON THE 850-S BETTER.IN FACT A COUPLE OF THEM HAVE TOLD ME WHEN WORKING SOME DX ON WEAKER STATIONS THE 850-S DID A BETTER JOB OF HEARING THE WEAK DX IN A SIDE TO SIDE TEST. I HAVE HEARD AND READ MANY COMPARISONS TO OTHER RIGS AND THE 850-S HOLDS IT OWN ANYWHERE AND THATS WHY ITS STILL SITTING IN MY SHACK ENJOYING ITS 9TH YEAR OF FLAWLESS OPERATION WITH ME.A TRUE CLASSIC BY KENWOOD.
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VE3MIJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 18, 2002 08:20
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Great Rig!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I purchased my TS-850S/AT in January of '91, when it was just released. I've been pleased with it for years, never had any issues, and I think the severe lack of service bulletins and modifications for this incredibly popular rig is a testimony to it's fabulous design. The 850 was one of the first rigs with DSP available, but not standard, and I never felt the urge to purchase the DSP unit, as it was a want, not a need.
Some of the control are less than optimal (I zero tune the RIT off my computer) but it's never been a real issue. The 850 will talk to another 850, so if you like dual receive, you can actually link two 850's together with no PC control!
After being off the air for a few years, I went and looked at all the new rigs to see how the old beast fared. I'm not buying a new one.... Yeah there's some nice features, but just like the original DSP, I find I'm quite satisfied with the performance. I may even pick up another one, if I see it cheap enough.
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K4PDM
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 11, 2002 10:47
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Blows me away
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Perhaps I should not be writing this after only two days of ownership, but this radio impresses me to no end. I have given the ICOM IC-751A a "5" review, and really liked the Kenwood TS-940S, but I feel that this rig is an entirely higher class of radio, a class that I had not experienced until now.
If you read the QST reviews of the high-performance rigs of the past ten years, this receiver is right at the top---as I feel it should be. Kenwood reached the pinnacle of basic radio performance with the 850. My 940 was a great rig, but I liked the receiver in the 751A better. Well, I like this radio even more. It combines silky smooth ease of use with superb audio quality, on transmit and receive. The tuner is fast, versatile, and quiet, and the CW break-in is just as good. It looks good, too, with real buttons and knobs (no rubber buttons) and does not hide functions in menus. I really did not appreciate this rig when it came out, as I was into bigger radios like the 940. Now, I don't think you can top it for non-DSP performance.
If you compare test numbers in QST, you'll see that none of today's DSP rigs can quite match the strong signal handling capabilities of some of these early 90's rigs, and the 850 is at the top of that pack. You'll have to decide for yourself how much you value DSP or additional bands in relation to great dynamic range and extraordinary transmit and receive audio. And it all works so smoothly...I even like the meter, and I had been an analog-meter type of guy.
Yes, it would be nice to be able to clear the RIT/XIT with a button push and have a multi-turn encoder for that function. I don't use VOX, so the placement of those controls on back does not concern me. It runs cool, has that outstanding Kenwood speech processor, no widespread documented problems, and they sell from a dealer with a warranty for about $800. As I said, its another class of rig entirely for me. I'm happy!
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K6JW
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 1, 2001 01:43
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Still a great performer.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have operated several TS-850S/ATs over the years and I currently own one in mint condition which I purchased used in 1999. When I acquired my 850 it had no optional accessories. I have since added Kenwood's 1.8 KHz SSB and 500 Hz CW narrow filters in the first IF and an INRAD 250 Hz narrow CW filter in the second IF. That's a full load: the radio only accommodates three extra filters. Recently, I also added the digital recording unit (DRU-2). For my purposes, this optimizes the radio's configuration. What follows are a few facts and observations that some might find useful if a purchase is contemplated. I'm not an engineer but I've owned and/or operated many hf radios in my 43 years as a ham, so my review is from the perspective of an experienced user.
My earliest exposure to the radio was at a local club Field Day event with a unit that lacked any of the optional filters. I found it to be almost unusable in the pileups on both CW and SSB. One year later, however, I used a unit that had a 500 Hz filter in the first IF and noted substantial improvement in CW receiving performance. My own 850, with full filters, has the quietest and most sensitive non-DSP receiver I have ever used. My understanding is that the synthesizer is either the same or very similar to the one that Kenwood used in the TS-950SDX. In repeated side by side comparisons with my Mark V FT-1000MP, there are no signals that I can hear and copy on one that I cannot hear and copy on the other. The major difference between the two receivers (yes, there IS a difference) is that all the DSP functions on the Yaesu make it easier to isolate and bring tough-to-copy signals into better relief. Nevertheless, the 850 does pull 'em out very well. In QST's product review back in 1991, they also noted the fine performance of the 850's receiver.
Four big things are absent from the radio. First, there's no DSP. The 850 belonged to Kenwood's last generation of non-DSP radios. It does represent, however, one of the best examples of non-DSP amateur radio technology ever seen on the market. I have an outboard audio DSP unit which sometimes helps for noise reduction but only rarely has it added much to my ability to copy a station well enough to work it. Most of the time I just leave it on bypass. Second, there's no dual receive. If you're a really serious DXer with lots of cash, the lack of dual receive will bother you and you'll go for a Mark V or 756 PROII. If, however, your budget is somewhat lower and you can be happy with dual VFOs and Kenwood's nifty "TF-Set" button, the 850 may work well for you. Third, there's no internal power supply. This is a 12 volt, 100 watt radio. Fourth, there is no built-in computer level converter. You will need to use the Kenwood IF-232C or another compatible level converter for computer interfacing.
The only things I have found wrong with the radio fall into the ergonomics department. The on-off switch for the keyer is on the back of the radio. This is very inconvenient at times. In yet another fit of user unfriendly design, Kenwood located the CW sidetone and panel beep tone adjustment pots inside the case, forcing one to open the radio to reset them to desired levels. This is a major pain, especially for the CW sidetone. Another annoyance is that filter selection for each IF is sequential instead of direct, so there's a lot of stepping through unwanted filters to activate the one you need. Worse, the panel indicator lights don't correctly identify all possible filter options even though all of the installed filters can be selected. In other words, everything works just fine but the design is really dumb. Fortunately, filter settings are retained in memory so you can get to them that way for any programmed band/mode. In their next hiccup, Kenwood designers dropped the button that transfers recalled frequencies from memory to the A or B VFO onto the opposite side of the radio from the memory recall buttons. This is both really annoying and a nuisance. Lastly, the display washes out badly in bright light, making the radio difficult to use in the field.
Having taken my potshots, I now have to say that the radio has many strong points which greatly outweigh the weaknesses. Among them are these:
1. World-class receiver BUT only with narrow filter(s) added for the desired mode(s).
2. Excellent built-in keyer with very quiet QSK.
3. Very natural voice quality from the digital recorder (DRU-2), at least with my particular voice.
4. Fast and reliable built-in antenna tuner.
5. Excellent fit and finish; solid feel.
So, should you buy one on the used market? The answer to the question really depends upon your specific interests and needs.
One necessary consideration is the matter of comparable costs. A fairly clean TS-850S/AT, perhaps with one filter, seems to bring about $950 on the used market. With a full load of filters add, say, $200. That's $1150. Add the digital recording unit at $100 and a used IF-232C or other compatible interface for $75 and you're up to $1325. What are the comparables? For its generation, frankly, there's nothing out there that can equal it so there aren't any. In the current generation (which includes DSP), the best match for comparison purposes would probably be an IC-746. A new one with full filters and computer interface would run around $1800 with tax but there is no available ICOM digital voice recording unit. Going to the after-market and adding an MFJ DVR would bring the aggregate cost to more than $1900. Buying a used 746 would bring the cost down several hundred dollars but, since the 746 is only at this time about to go out of production (due to the introduction of the 746 PRO), it's not clear how its value will hold up over time, although I think it will probably fare well.
In summary, the TS-850S/AT is a good, solid contest and DX capable hf transceiver that, when fully accessorized, still offers much to the ham who isn't in a position to spend $3000 or more on a high end rig or who is looking for a backup rig for the shack. I subtract a half point for ergonomics and give it a 4.5. eHam requires integers, however, so it gets a 5.
[NOTE: This is a reposting of this review due to text editor upload problems with the original posting.]
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W0DC
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 30, 2001 22:50
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Excellent HF Rig!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The TS-850 is an excellent performer in contesting environments. The receiver has excellent overload specifications and, with accessory filters, can hold its own with the best. The transmitter has excellent quality on CW/SSB/RTTY and barely gets warm. I actually prefer the use of an external power supply to get that heat generator outside the rig's cabinet. An excellent value at today's prices!
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W0AKR
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 30, 2001 14:09
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A wonderfull rig even in today's tech world
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have to agree (99.9%) with K6JW's review of the 850. For the money, you can't beat the performance of the TS-850. I have had numerous radios over the years, the FT-920, IC-756, IC-746, Ten-Tec Jupiter and the 850 outshines them all.
With the installed filters, the 850 runs rings around all those listed. I doubt sensitivity wise, you can really do any better without introducing more noise into the IF.
Ergonomics. I didn't have a big problem with it. I like all the features and easy to operate controls on the radio. Internal DC Supply ? I wouldn't want one, would add unnecessary weight and heat into the radio.
I have always, always had excellent audio reports and the monitor function is very usefull. The manual notch is something you can't even find on the radios mentioned earlier, something true CW operators use frequently.
As to DSP. All I can say about DSP is it makes things "sound" nicer, but rarely does it "pull"
anything out...perhaps pulls my leg with its claims. Outboard DSP units are merely audio filters/equalizers to me. I notice no real improvement in signal detection.
For the $900-1200 you can spend, the 850 is a radio well worth the expense. I love the feel of the tuning knob, the fact you can go up/down, tune up/down the band with relative ease. Can't do that with the Ten-Tec.
The only radio I consider even close in operation, as far as enjoyable, is the FT-920, but the filtering of the IF leaves much to be desired. You get a lot of AGC "pumping" with the 920 that you won't get in the 850.
All in all, it is a wonderful radio, even at today's "technology". I think most of the newer radios are bells and whisltes only and little if any, performance difference.
Take a look at the Blocking Dyanmic Range and 2 tone test figures and compare.
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PY1KN
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Rating: 2/5
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Nov 27, 2001 19:41
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Silly ergonomics
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I don´t actually own one, but I´ve used many at different contest stations.
The RIT control and the filter switching are silly. That alone can drive you crazy in a fast paced contest. If you are in CW narrow, and want to go to wide, you have to go through all SSB settings!
Also, I once did a side by side comparison with a IC-756, and it showed how poor the receiver is.
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N0PWZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 15, 2001 00:13
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Good Used Radio!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently purchased this TS-850. What a nice radio. Though not a new DSP type of radio, I can't see any disbenefit in this older rig (I own a good DSP based rig as well). I can't find a thing wrong with it and I'll continue to evaluate it over time. It seems to have a very sensitive receiver and the quality, even used, exceeds that of some of the new DSP radios I've used. A great value for the money.
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W0KDX
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Rating: 5/5
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May 1, 2001 08:40
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Great value for the $$ today !!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned the TS-850 for a number of years and to date, I haven't found any other radio that has the features this radio has (for HF). The receiver is excellent, and with the combination of IF filters, manual notch, AIP, you cannot find a radio anywhere close in this price class. DSP, sure it lacks one, but to date, I haven't found one that really truly meets its claims, either audio or IF DSP.
It is a great CW rig, has option for DRU which many radios don't have as options (IC-746 is one). I know it isn't a TV display, but to me, more reliable and usefull. Easy to tell if you are split, adjustable AGC levels, adjustable NB levels, multiple meter functions, etc. The audio has always been excellent and the playback of the recorded audio is nearly "life like" on the air.
All in all, I wouldn't give up my 850 unless I was forced to.
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