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Reviews For: Piexx TS-930E (Digital Board upgrade TS-930uP)

Category: Specialized Amateur Communication Products

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Review Summary For : Piexx TS-930E (Digital Board upgrade TS-930uP)
Reviews: 12MSRP: 259
Description:
Memory Functions: The PIEXX TS-930 uP upgrade contains quite a bit more non-volatile memory than the original TS-930 processor board. This memory is implemented with eeprom technology, there are no batteries required to maintain the memory. The memory is implemented as follows:

Existing 8 channel rotary switch memory functions have been retained as in the original design.
An additional 99 memory locations have been implemented. These memory locations are accessed with the RIT knob when the RIT function is turned off. The memory channel number is also shown in the RIT display section. The eight rotary switch memory channels are selected when the 99 channel memory is cleared, that is set to 0.
There is a set of band start memory locations that are activated when the operator selects a band via the band select push buttons. With this feature, the operator has the ability to select what frequency is brought up in each band as a function of selecting that band. This band start information is selected by writing to rotary switch memory channel 8 when you are in a valid part of a specific ham band. For example, if the operator has 7.025mHz set on the frequency display, and he writes (MIN) this to memory channel 8 as selected on the memory rotary switch, this frequency, 7.025 mHz will be selected whenever the 7 mHz band switch is depressed.
Two memory locations are set aside for the power up state of VFOA and VFOB. These memory locations are updated, when the operator presses the DISPLAY LOCK switch, with the current contents of these VFOs. If the S-Meter option is installed, the system will save the contents of VFOA and VFOB while powering down.
RS-232 Serial Interface: The PIEXX TS-930 uP upgrade allows the ability for a computer, or other RS-232 serial device to communicate with the transceiver. The communication protocol is implemented as a subset of the protocol implemented on the TS-850 and TS-570 transceivers. Unfortunately, not all of the functions can be implemented because of the manual mode selection of the TS-930. However, basic control of frequency and memory functions are available. In addition, a S-Meter option is available for the PIEXX upgrade uP board. This option allows the computer to read the S-Meter value through the serial interface.

Product is in production
More Info: http://www.piexx.com/ts930/ts930.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00124.8
N8YX Rating: 2022-03-22
New life into an old classic Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I operate a highly modified '930 (switching PS, dual roofing filters, Signal Board mods, filters and so forth). Owned this rig for a while and have had the Piexx board sitting in the project pile for a little over two years. Needed extra memories for Ute SWLing so I decided to drop the replacement CPU in and have a go.

My junk box had a bunch of M3 male-female standoffs so I used those instead of the 4-40 parts supplied with the kit. Installation was straightforward, though I didn't install the S meter wiring or RS-232 lead...yet. That's a future initiative.

Mine worked right away; no need to reverse the optoencoder leads. One thing I immediately noticed: The previously dim display (which I'd attributed to a fading VFD) was restored to original brilliance. This is likely due to aging capacitors in the DC-DC converter circuit for the VFD, all of which are located on the original computer board.

Operationally...if you've ever used a Ten-Tec Omni V, Paragon, P-II, Yaesu FT-980 or similar rig which uses the main tuning knob as its RIT control, you'll feel right at home with Piexx's implementation. I actually prefer this method and reassignment of the original RIT control to the Memory Select function.

The '930 is one of my favorite HF rigs (I own quite a few). With this addition, it becomes one I don't think I'd ever sell. Hopefully Piexx will continue producing the upgrades, for those who haven't gotten one yet.
N5OP Rating: 2018-01-09
PIEXX support is excellent Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have a very early PIEXX (Dec 1999) board in my TS-930SAT. Recently, the rig started to show squirrely PLL problems and has so far defied attempts to realign the VCOs.In a whim, I asked PIEXX if they'd had any problems with their boards. Chris Sieg, the owner, responded me the same day to tell me that very early units put noise on the 12 VDC line and that this could *sometimes* cause PLL problems. The fix is to replace C44 and L4 with a 470 uF capacitor and a 820 uH choke, respectively. I responded that C44 is 100 uF and L4 is 150 uH in my board. They responded by sending the parts, free, to me today.

While not a huge deal, this is excellent support.


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Earlier 5-star review posted by N5OP on 2017-04-22

I've had a PIEXX board in my TS-930S for several tears and it's simply wonderful. Computer control, variable tuning rates, the works. It adds new life to a grand old rig.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by N5OP on 2003-06-18

Anyone who owns a TS-930S knows that it is a wonderful QSK rig for CW and digital modes as well as phone, with a simple user interface. However, in contest use, it's always been problematic because it has no RS-232 interface and none were available.

That last problem, ladies and gentlemen, is a thing of the past! PIEXX has produced a wonderful upgrade to the venerable '930S that gives it a new life. It provides three-speed tuning, enhances the display, adds 99 memories, gets rid of the batteries that live on th eold uP board, and except for the mode, auto tuner selection, and filter selection (all of which are hardware-swicthed) it provides complete computer control of the TS-930S via the TS-850S command set.

This is a must-have upgrade to the radio for just about anyone.
ZL1CVD Rating: 2015-11-27
Overpriced, poor support, poor soldering but works Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Picked up a 2nd hand TS-930 a while back with all the known problems. Soon had her up and running and was very impressed. Loved the rig so much the FT857D now gets little use. Read a bit about the Piexx boards but was not impressed by the price. Finally found one on eBay at a good price and soon had it fitted - band switching was not working. So pulled it out and had a very good inspection of the board. The quality of soldering was shocking – dry joints, solder splatters, the works. I used to service warranty repairs for Yaesu in the 747, 757 & 767 days so I know my way around rigs of this era (and newer). I can tell when a HAM has been at it or when the manufacturer just has poor quality work – this was definitely poor quality construction from Piexx. But nothing I couldn't sort so away I went. Also sent a email to Piexx for more info – wanted to know more data on the band switching drivers 74HC595 & associated circuits so I could trace signal path out with the scope. No reply – not even “I'm sorry that is confidential information which we are unable to release” – zippo! I ended up buying a bunch of 74HC595s and changing them out one by one until it worked. So thumbs down Piexx for stink US assembly, support & overprice. So the board works, but nothing to rave about considering they probably still had space in the uP to add more bells and whistles. So they loose a point each for price, support & quality – at 2, its more than it deserves.
Brendan Bryant Rating: 2014-06-03
Great upgrade plus some tips Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased a TS930S not working with the intention of restoring it one day and that day did come. The radio exhibited numerous problems, S-Meter was erratic, TX function made the radio squeal etc. so I removed the digital board and reworked the pin throughs as per the service bulletin with little change to the radio.

I thought well it must be voltage issues however if I was going to spend some time on it I may as well fit the Piexx 930SE upgrade as I wanted the computer interface function.

A week had passed since I ordered the Piexx board so I went and checked the PO Box and sure enough it was there, a few nights later I fitted it to the radio and presto everything worked just like that.

There were a few more issues with the radio so I will list what I did in case it is of some assistance:

PSU Fan Not working: It seems the 28v feeding the control cct has dropped to 19v as it has aged, rather than chase the issue I simply did the TS940 fan mod and it was fixed. Changed R12 to 470ohm and R17 to 4.7K on the PSU board, radio runs cool now.

Overvoltage protection: I read a lot on this and noticed my radio had the pass transistors updated at some stage so I though I better do something about it. I simply added 2 TVS diodes (5KP15A) in series across 28B and GND on the PSU board, the stripe to the 28B side. The TVS diode is a 5KW 1000Amp transient spike diode widely used in many applications, I use 2 x 16 volt diodes as that was what I had but a single 32v one would work too. If the pass transistors go the TVS diode will conduct and blow F1 20A fuse and should protect the MRF485 drivers from over voltage.

MEM Switch Defective: I found the memory switch would only select Mem 5 - 8 in the 1 - 4 positions, also many pots were dirty and crackly. I simply dropped the front panel and squirted contact cleaning in all the pots and switches and that resolved the problem.

Meter lamps out: The meter lamps are 28v, I replaced them with 2 x 4mm 12 volt lamps in series.

All that was left to do was a quick alignment which required setting the voltages on the signal board and calibration of power, meter functions and S-meter. I had to do the full cal on the S-Meter to get the range working consistently. It was already reading S9 at 40dbu (50uv) but full scale and S3 were out at 100dbu and 8dbu. I just followed the manuals steps and now the radio works a treat.

I tested the computer interface function with Windows 7 and Ngenlog and it works perfect.

73 Brendan VK3MH
N8WGM Rating: 2014-02-14
Easy instal but you need to know Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have a Kenwood TS930 that still works fantastic but I wanted computer control and more memories.

I can't add to what other have said about this upgrade. Well worth the money.

There are things you will need to know though.

You will have to drill out or tap out the mounting holes in the digital board mounting pad. Also, after installing, you probably will have to take it apart again and switch the wires on one of the 4 pin jumper to get the tuning dial turning the right way. But you will not really know if you need to do that until after installing and turning on for the first time.

Installation is easy but it is best to take photos in case you forget where the wires go. There are some cable jacks that can fit on other parts of the board so take a photo first!

I love the added memories, the band edge set up, and the speedier tuning. I especially love the computer control capabilities. I highly recommend the PIEXX upgrade.

KJ4KBC Rating: 2010-07-30
What an up-grade!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently installed this board in my TS-930s.
What a great improvement! very easy to install, just unplug the old board and plug up the new! 99 memories, slow and fast dial tuning and the ability to store 8 starting point frequencies. My 930 had the frequency read-out "stutter and pause" before I installed the board. It now works perfect. A very nice upgrade that will add years to a wonderful older rig!I highly recommend it!
KJ4KBC
KZ5I Rating: 2006-06-08
Great Addition To a Classic Radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I installed the piexx board very quickly. I am not a soldering expert so I was glad for the Piexx Board.

It is like getting a new rig all over again.

Great Job Piexx !!
WB8TNJ Rating: 2004-08-26
Excellent upgrade Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The TS-930uP upgrade is the best thing that can happen to any TS-930. Installation is fast and simple. Piexx should, however, ensure pins 2 and 3 on J4 are swapped prior to shipping the board. I didn't change mine so the dial tunes backwards. Doesn't take much to get use to. Well worth the price of the board. Terrific job Piexx.

Michael
WB8TNJ
x x Rating: 2004-07-13
Well done! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This board really adds value to an excellent radio. Mine was in perfect working order, but sitting in a box ever since I inherited from my father in 1987. My license dates back to 1959 and I had not touched a rig or a soldering iron for more than 20 years. So I dreaded to open the cabinet.

Lo and behold, installation was a breeze and as soon as I figured out that the appropriate baud rate for the RS232 port was 4800 the radio and the computer teamed up very smoothly and introduced me to all the excitement of Ham Radio in the age of CAT and logging software, digimodes, DX Clusters and whatnot.

Thanks and congratulations to Chris Sieg at Piexx. Well done!
KI4EKN Rating: 2004-04-22
Very Worthwhile & Easy Mod Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought my first TS-930S that had the Piexx upgrade performed by the previous owner. I was very impressed with the modded radio. I found another TS-930S for a good price. What a difference in performance and ease of use between the two radio's! So, I just had to upgrade the 2nd radio. It was very easy, thanks to the clear instructions. This single upgrade makes a great radio even better. Well worth the modest cost.