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Reviews For: Timewave DSP-599zx

Category: Filters, Audio: (DSP and others)

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Review Summary For : Timewave DSP-599zx
Reviews: 39MSRP: 399
Description:
DSP noise filter.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.timewave.com/dsp599zx.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15394.5
2WR080 Rating: 2023-03-27
Filtering is Awesome! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently purchased a used DSP-599zx from a HAM operator who had it listed in the QRZ classified ads.

I have it hooked up in my shack and I'm using two mobile radios with it. One is a Galaxy 66V that I use for operating on AM and the other radio is a President HR2510 that I use for SSB. Both radios are connected to the DSP-599zx using the 3.5mm ext speaker jack on the rear of the radios and then plugged into the Audio Input RCA jacks on the rear of the DSP-599zx.

On both radios, I have been able to adjust the radio volume output to allow the yellow light flashes and the red overdrive light to only flicker occasionally. Filtering provided by the DSP-599zx is awesome on both the AM and SSB radios.

However, when I transmit on either radio I can hear myself talkback into my Heil Sound Pro Set 3 headphones that are connected via the headphones jack on the back of the DSP-599zx. Is there a setting on the DSP-599zx that I need to adjust to get rid of this talkback? I have read nothing about this talkback in the DSP-599zx manual.

Also, the talkback that I hear from the HR2510 on SSB sounds like I am off frequency, but the folks I'm talking to say I sound clear and on frequency.

I have no idea on the version of firmware that is in this DSP-599zx that I have.
K8JHR Rating: 2019-06-02
Works for me! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This DSP audio noise reduction filter works well and clarifies signals mixed with random atmospheric and electrical noise.

The high cut and low cut filters limit and shape audio bandwidth, effectively reducing low frequency buzz, howl and hummmm; minimizing high frequency hisssssss; and minimizing vocal sibilance. This, alone is worth the price of admission.

But wait, there's more! The AGC counteracts selective RF and audio fading, working to maintain a constant volume under varying conditions. This is helpful regardless of whether the audio levels vary as a result of selective fading caused by fluctuating propagation, or because the other operator is moving or looking about, or sitting back away from his microphone. Either way, it helps maintain a constant volume.

And, variable strength DSP Noise Reduction minimizes random RF, AF and atmospheric noise.

No DSP Noise Reduction filter is perfect. They all impose some deleterious impact on resulting audio. It cannot completely eliminate any noise, and is not equally effective on all types of noise. It cannot remove some parts of the audio spectrum without digital artifact. Nevertheless, it can be a very helpful aid receiving weak signals covered by noise. The acid test is whether it makes some signals more intelligible and easier to copy - perhaps making the difference between making contact or not.

I enjoy using my Timewave DSP-599zx and I use the high cut and low cut filters all the time. I employ the AGC and DSP NR circuits in difficult situations, and it has made the difference between working some guys or not.

Note: You can use this with two radios - it has inputs and outputs for two radios, and you can have different memories for each - so if you run two rigs, you can port each to it, and use a single speaker and single set of headphones for both rigs, simply by switching channels. How cool is that?

Works for me. Just MY take ... K8JHR
KA4ETV Rating: 2018-08-26
Excellent Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This is an excellent filter. It does take some time to learn all of the capabilities.It's worth it though. Either combined with the rigs DSP or as a stand alone, it's the best outboard DSP filter there is.
AD5HD Rating: 2015-07-04
Pricey but worth it Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Installed one of these after giving up on the KDSP board for the Elecraft K2. Both are 16b but the performance of this unit is head and shoulders above the Elecraft unit. Very flexible setup, great manual, well thought out front panel and display. Works exceptionally well on CW and SSB and even on FM that isn't full quieting. The A/B input select, line out, and speaker out make configuring two radios pretty simple. The peak and overload LEDs make adjusting input audio levels trivially easy to get the best digital processing performance out of the unit. Includes PTT inputs in case the radio doesn't totally mute audio output during xmit.
W6LAX Rating: 2011-12-23
Pull the weakest signals out of the mud Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used the 599-zx for ten years now, first on an IC-765, then a FT1000 Mk5 and now an Elecraft K2. Even after all these years I am sometimes amazed at how it can take a feeble CW signal that is way down in the noise and turn it into bright, solid copy. During a contest it eliminates most QRM. Its noise reduction ability is impressive. This is an expensive accessory, but it has been a worthwhile additional to all of my rigs.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by W6LAX on 2002-11-18

I was forewarned that it would take some patience to get used to the Timewave DSP, but within a few hours of tinkering with it I found my operating experience transformed. I previously had the Timewave 59-plus and was pleased with the improvements of the ZX model.

I have used the 599-zx extensively with an IC-765 for DXing and some contesting on CW and RTTY (I have not used in on SSB) and find it eliminates heavy QRM and pulls weak signals out of the air. I also have a FT-1000MP MK-5, and find that side-by-side comparisons on CW and RTTY reveal the Timewave/Icom combination to be superior, except for the unfortunate lack of dual VFOs on the 765.

So, be patient and learn how to use the little 599-zx unit and you will have a first class DSP unit that will greatly enhance your receiver.
KD5VC Rating: 2011-08-06
Good for Older Gear Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought mine new a few years ago. The Binaural CW and CW peaking for the 5.0 upgrade are really worthwhile. Mine is used for an IC-R9000 and IC-781. It helps a great amount on noise reduction and filter bandwidth selection. The older gear gets a good workout with this addition. Not up to the IC-7800, but respectable performance for 20 year old gear.
SCUBA Rating: 2010-05-31
First Impressions Report Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered the unit in January, received it in April. Reason for delay was most likely due to upgrades being performed by the manufacturer. I bought it from R&L electronics, they do a fine job and kept me informed of my order status.

The Knobs. The knobs aren't milspec like you find on Thales and Harris radios, but they are sturdy, rugged, well designed, and will withstand years of use and abuse. I took the unit to a radio club meeting and others who examined the unit found nothing wrong with the knobs. Sorry to dispute those who believe otherwise.

First Impressions:

20 meters around here totally sucks with noise; Noise is usually S-8 or worse. I tested the unit on a KWM-2 on several bands, and at a time when 20 meters was almost overcome with noise.

Voice: Without even reading the book, the unit knocked the noise down from S-9 to [what seems to be] a low S-3 or S-2 with the desired voices coming right through at good fidelity. I was able to single out desired voices and exclude nearby undesired stations, without touching the KWM-2.

CW: The CW side of 20 Meters, noise level S-8 to S-9. The unit totally killed all the noise, CW came through with excellent fidelity. The unit also killed other undesired CW signals nearby. CW sounded like a code practice oscillator.

The 599zx will also eliminate the need to perform the CW upgrade to the KWM-2, as it will allow varying the tone of the desired CW signal.

Functionality: This unit gives you total control over everything audio; it's gotta be the top of the food change for noise filters. Yeah it's expensive, but it makes 20 meters usable.

Advice for buyers: Use an ohm-meter to determine which lead is center conductor of the 12v power cord in order to observe polarity when connecting for the first time.

Eham requires rendering a numerical score, with the caveat this this is a first-impressions report, I have to give it a full 5. If the unit later blows up in my face, I'll repost and downgrade it to a lower score,.
VE3XNB Rating: 2009-10-06
Very good unit Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use this unit with both my Yaesu FT-840 and my Kenwood R-5000. Since I do not use the two radios at the same time this works great. I bought the 599 used and it was well worth the price.

73s de Bob VE3XNB
WB0MCO Rating: 2009-02-08
Not Very Good For SSB Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought one expecting help with pulling out weak
SSB signals. All it did was add distortion.
It works for notching out tones and narrowing the
audio,good for CW bad for SSB.
Sold mine.
OZ1DTF Rating: 2008-02-12
Great accessory! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
By purchasing the DSP-599zx (May 2007) I have prolonged the life of my excellent FT-1000. With the DSP-599zx (and an INRAD filter) I can not blame the receiver if I do not get the DX. With fast operators on DX-peditions it is important to read them well so you can call at the right time slots. Someone tuning up? => press a button and the heterodyne is gone. Of course it still affect the AGC but in most cases this is a minor problem. Further the random noise filter is excellent. There is no reason to list all the features here. So far no problems at all. It has added fun. Highly recommended!