| AB8BC |
Rating:      |
2001-12-14 | |
| Excellent Excellent! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| After months and months of looking and compairing specs, I finally settled on a 940S/AT. In the past I have owned some of the mid to top rigs, including a 1000MP, TS-870, TS-850, TS-570D, TS-430 (still us as back-up), TS-180S and FT-920. Of all of these rigs, I really think I have the best rig for the $$. I got mine used for $700, as near mint as could be expected and works 100%. By trade I am an audio engineer, so quality of sound is an important factor and the 940 is an excellent example of superior audio from Kenwood. Doesn't have DSP, but honestly was never inmpressed with any of the above mentioned rigs since I primarily work SSB. CW...different story. DSP is a tremendous tool in that regard. And although I am rarely "stumped" by menu after sub-menu, etc., I DO like the fact that all of the control features are right on the front of the 940. Makes a big rig, but it also looks impressive! By far, the best bargain under $800 IMO. 73 |
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| JIMBOB |
Rating:   |
2001-11-17 | |
| dry joints |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| when i brought my 940sat it worked and sounded great and i fell in love with the radio then i started to get problems with the display dissapearing and the audio cutting out then all was great again then something else would not work..i took mine to a technician who told me that the problem was dry solder joints which was common with this radio....great radio in its day but mine started to get to costly in repairs,the same happened to my friends 930 kenwood (dry joints)so we both got rid.. |
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| W6ZRY |
Rating:      |
2001-03-22 | |
| update my prior comments |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
For the past 2 years plus, I've been using my FT920 which recently went belly up reguiring 8 week turn-arround at the Yaesu srvice center. Pulling the 940 out of the shipping box which it had been stored in for the past 2+ years, I now have a chance to compare it with the FT920. If I had to make a choice between the 940 and the FT920 as the only transceiver I could have, I would have to pick the TS940. This rig is a real class act. It's quite nice to have such a really fine backup rig.
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Earlier 4-star review posted by W6ZRY on 1999-10-23
I purchased my 940 new in 1988 and had to go through 3 units before I found one that worked. In 1996, the factory service fixed instability problem which had become unbarible but induced a second problem which mine is still prone to exhibit. Both problems are described in service bulletins and require special equipment to monitor and resolve. I now also have Yaesu Ft-920, and haven't used my TS940 since buying the Yaesu. |
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| KF6VMC |
Rating:      |
2001-03-08 | |
| 5/9 Reliable and Clean Audio |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have had my TS940s for 2 years now and have nothing but praise for it! Sure it does not have digital filters but to me it's not a big loss.
I have worked over a thousand QSO's with her and get wonderful reports ( especially the Audio ).
I was lucky enough to pick this one up with all the optional filters and gizmos installed and the
Unit looked ( as-new ) no wear anywhere! Guess I was lucky. For the price I highly recommend it. You should be able to find one for around
$800 to $1000 in the same cond. A fine radio!
I especially like the larger Knobs,Look and feel of the rig! A Class Act! Too many radios today have way too small writing and the knobs are too small for me. I know other Hams who feel the same.
I also like the analog meter. Easier on the eyes!
Faster to Read. I also enjoy the built in power supply. Guess I enjoy all the things that make a base station a base station. Same as what makes a Yeasu 1000MP a class act too but this costs alot less. I am sorta an Old/New Timer.
see ya on the air 73's Larry |
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| N2MG |
Rating:     |
2001-02-20 | |
| Still a winner |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I've owned a 940 since new (1988 or so) and have only a few complaints. One recurring problem is that the connectors inside become intermittent - several simple unplug-replug operations clear it up - once you locate the "bad" one. I also had the battery (half-dollar sized) go after an extended lack-of-use period. I replaced with a suitable radio shack unit.
K8AC makes some valid points although I have some comments about two of them.
<<5. The slope tuning controls don't work at all on CW. >>
The VBT is the CW version of slope tuning, except that it runs both sides of the passband in/out at the same time, where as the slope tuning controls allow separate control.
VBT does not affect SSB, slope-tuning doesn't affect CW.
<<6. Optional filter space is limited. No room for optional SSB filters if you have the CW filters installed. >>
I've installed a pair of IRC SSB filters in addition to the Kenwood CW pair of filters in two radios - so there IS room, but you need to wire up the SSB filters with a few runs of coax.
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|
| AL7BB |
Rating:      |
2001-02-20 | |
| Excellent even if Old. |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I bought my TS-940S/AT in 1987, and have used it continually since then. Over 8500 contacts in the logbook, and over 98 percent of them in RTTY or other Digigal modes. Yes, it is old, Yes, it does not have the features of the newer rigs, however I will put my TS-940 up against any other rig available today for RTTY/FSK operation. I will admit, the RX sensitivity on 10 is lacking, however an old Ameco PT-2 preamp solved that problem. Tuneup with the Antenna Tuner into the Harris RF-103 amplifier is normally complete before I am ready to type anyway (usually 10 to 15 seconds). If I have one complaint about the TS-940 is the "warm up" period needed for the ALC to become stable when I first fire up the rig, but since I never run the ALC above 5 percent, it does not bother me. If you are looking for a GREAT rig at a reasonable price, get a TS-940 that has had some TLC applied, and you will not go wrong.
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|
| K8AC |
Rating:     |
2001-02-20 | |
| Good value in a used transceiver |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I bought the 940S/AT as a backup to my 850S/AT, and have been using it on CW daily for about two weeks now. If you're considering a 940, make sure you purchase the collection of 940 articles from the old Kenwood newsletters from International Radio. They cover many modifications and solutions to common problems. For the CW operator, there are a few shortcomings:
1. The AGC is terrible. Attack and decay are too slow in "slow" position, and "fast" position gets you a loud click on leading edge of strong signals. A mod is available for this, but haven't installed it yet.
2. Most of the time, I have to run with the 10dB attenuator in the line on 40, 80, 160. Otherwise there's garbage at an S7 level everywhere. Not a problem as long as you remember to switch the attenuator in.
3. The antenna tuner is dreadfully slow compared to the 850. Unless you really need to use it, just leave it in the "thru" position.
4. The International Radio 400Hz filters are great, but the CW VBT, which allows you to effectively narrow the passband further, won't work well with them until you realign the carrier oscillator correctly.
5. The slope tuning controls don't work at all on CW. I don't understand Kenwood's lack of IF shift or passband tuning. Simply not acceptable on a top of the line rig. If you don't understand what this buys you, find a Drake receiver (2B or later) and play with the passband tuning on CW.
6. Optional filter space is limited. No room for optional SSB filters if you have the CW filters installed.
7. Filter selection is "wide" or "narrow". You can't select the combination of first and second IF filters individually as you can in the 850.
Other general con's:
1. Monitor level adjustment is through the bottom of the 940 cabinet with a screwdriver. Just like on the 850. What were these guys thinking?
2. There are four memory banks or groups. You can work with only one at a time, and you select the bank by removing the stuff stacked on the top of the rig, opening the little trap door, and throwing a switch. A mod is available to move this function to the front panel.
3. Computer control works well once you get the right pieces. The 940 manual doesn't tell you what they are. If you want to stay all Kenwood, you need the IF-10B interface board and associated PROM chip INSIDE the 940. Then you need the IF-232C OUTSIDE the 940. For half that price today, you can buy a board from PIEXX that does both functions.
With the addition of a good analog CW filter, such as the Autek QF-1A, the 940 performs well for weak signal work on 160. The analog meter is a nice touch of the past and the big, weighted, free-spinning knob is simply wonderful. The noise blankers, similar to those on the 850, actually work on the 940, but be prepared to hear lots of buckshot from strong signals on the band when you use them. Power output of up to 150 watts means you can drive those thirsty 3-500 amplifiers to full output. If you find a used 940 with a well-worn front panel, you can still buy a new one from www.pacparts.com. All-in-all, a lot of performance for a good price in today's second-hand market. |
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| N5QZS |
Rating:      |
2001-01-07 | |
| Great Used Radio |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
For a ham on a limited budget who is looking for a great used radio that won't break the bank, it's hard to beat the Kenwood TS940SAT.
In its heyday, it was arguably the best transceiver in the world. And even after all these years, the 940 can hold it's own with the modern rigs for general purpose operating and contesting. But, with the latest technological advancements such as DSP on modern rigs, it's not quite the equal of some of the more recent great transceiver in terms of receiver performance. And it stands to reason. In the technological world, 16 years (which is how long this radio has been around) is a long, long time.
However, I repeat. It is really hard, nearly impossible, to beat this radio as a used, high-end transceiver. It is well designed and constructed, has excellent transmit and receive, and has really works the bands. I really love the silky smooth tuning mechanism and push button convenience offered by the well-designed controls.
For a ham without a lot of green, it's a great primary radio. For hams who can afford one of the more modern great transceivers, it is a great back-up radio. Even though I have some of the best transceivers ever built, I still use my TS-940SAT on a daily basis. And every time I turn it on, I am impressed all over again!
73,
N5QZS
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|
| WG7X |
Rating:      |
2000-06-09 | |
| LOve my TS-940S/AT |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Bought this new in 1987. Graduated from a TS520S (Another great rig, BTW!) Get many unsolicited compliments on the transmit audio. Reciever is the best I've ever owned. I plan to keep this rig for many more years.
I could use a little more oomph on ten, and a quieter fan, but what the heck! |
|
| AB4KZ |
Rating:    |
2000-03-17 | |
| Great rig, if you get one in good shape |
Time Owned: unknown months. |
| The TS-940S, top of the line in its day, is still a great rig, if in good condition. An excellent receiver is combined with what is probably the best transmit audio on the air. It looks good, and has a great rugged feel. Unfortunately, the radio is now old enough to be developing problems, and a potential buyer should be aware of this and check the rig out (or get a warranty.) I sold mine after it developed some difficulties for $600, although it still looked great. My 3 star rating is based on the radio as used equipment, and the fact that so many of them are now failing. When new, I would have rated it 5 stars--although I still like the receive on my ICOM 751A better! |
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