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Author Topic: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?  (Read 600 times)

KD0VE

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how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« on: December 17, 2021, 09:58:21 AM »

still learning about my TS-830.  really nice radio!  Considering operation with an amp but as far as I can tell the rig lacks an adjustment for RF output.  I've been told it's an easy modification.

did a bunch of googling but never found a helpful link.

look for advice or links.

kd0zgw
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W0CKI

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2021, 10:21:18 AM »

If you learn to tune it properly managing the output of the TX is easy. Work with your drive and reduce it when you tune up the rig. Tune it for 50 watts output, or whatever you need for your amp, watching the dip in mills so you don't hit the 225 mills which indicates 100 watts.
Hybrid rigs don't have the "magic knob" that solid state rigs have.
There are lots of videos on youtube, go find them.
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WD7R

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2021, 10:24:19 AM »

Dip the plate with reduced drive, at a point that is well below 225ma.  OR just tune for maximum smoke and rely on the ALC connection to the amplifier to save the day.  I prefer the first option.
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W0CKI

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2021, 11:15:49 AM »

Don't try to modify the radio, it was never meant for that. This is a 1970/80S rig. Just spend the time learning about it and how to use it properly. I have had 3 of them and their wonderful rigs.
Gary W0CKI since 1954.
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K7LZR

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2021, 11:51:16 AM »

Some folks have used external ALC voltages via the TS-830 ALC input in order to regulate maximum output. Such can be easily done without need to modify the radio. But I think that you can achieve the same result with reduced drive.....
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K0RS

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2021, 01:11:37 PM »

Detuning the drive control on the 830 can reduce receiver sensitivity.  The power can be reduced on CW by reducing the "CAR" (carrier) control.  Unfortunately this won't have any effect on SSB power out.  The manual describes the drive control as a resonating adjustment and the carrier control as a level adjustment.  A crude method of power control on SSB is to reduce mic gain.  This can result in less than optimal transmitted audio and is not a very accurate way of adjusting output power.  The mic gain normally should be adjusted to fall within approximately the mid-point to 2/3rds of the ALC scale on the meter on voice peaks.  You've discovered one of the limiting design factors in tube type and hybrid rigs.  The 830 is a nice rig, but old tech is still old tech.
« Last Edit: December 17, 2021, 01:30:48 PM by K0RS »
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W0CKI

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2021, 01:15:31 PM »

RS is right about receiver sensitivity
. The amps at that time, Kenwood amps included were happy with 100 watts drive. The hybrids were not meant for the current solid state stuff.
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N8YX

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2021, 01:36:45 PM »

2x 572Bs or 2x 3-500Zs (commonly used in amps at the time Yaesu and Kenwood hybrids were marketed) produce their rated output with 100w RF drive.

I'd look around for a nice L4B, SB-200, SB-220, TL-922A or similar model and use your '830 with it. Low-drive tube amps and solid-state RF decks wouldn't be my first choice with this particular exciter.
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WA2CWA

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #8 on: December 17, 2021, 03:51:13 PM »

Don't try to detune the DRIVE control to reduce power. It will throw that circuit area out of resonance and add additional strain to your final tubes.

This circuit was pulled from the Internet. It should be fine with Kenwood tube hybrids. It's been around in similar forms, including info from Kenwood, since the 80's. You can confirm the ALC and ground pin connections on the TS-830 Ancillary socket. I believe they are identical but it's better to check.



FYI: There were three releases for the TS-830S service manual. 3rd Edition was the latest and last one.

Pete, wa2cwa
www.manualman.com
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KD0VE

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #9 on: December 17, 2021, 04:33:31 PM »

Everyone thanks.  I have enough here to go forward. 

Kd0ZGW
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KM1H

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Re: how do you regulate the RF output on a TS-830?
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2021, 03:56:19 AM »

The battery and pot version is the ONLY good mod.
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