The Kenwood TS-590SG is a popular and versatile amateur radio transceiver known for its excellent performance and high sensitivity. It is an improved version of the original TS-590S, with additional features and performance enhancements. Here are the key details:
1. Technical Specifications:
- Frequency Ranges: The TS-590SG covers the amateur radio bands from 160 to 6 metres (1.8 to 54 MHz) and also supports reception on other frequencies.
- Output power: It provides up to 100 watts of output power on all amateur bands.
- Receiver sensitivity: The TS-590SG receiver is known for its high sensitivity and excellent signal-to-noise ratio, making it one of the best receivers in its class.
- Mixer technology: The TS-590SG uses down-conversion mixer technology on the lower amateur bands (160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m), resulting in excellent short-range signal processing.
2. Features and functions:
- Enhanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing): The TS-590SG is equipped with a powerful DSP for effective signal processing. This improves noise suppression and selective filtering of signals.
- Advanced AGC (Automatic Gain Control): The automatic gain control has been further improved to ensure better signal processing.
- USB connectivity: The transceiver has an integrated USB interface for direct connection to a PC. This supports digital modes such as RTTY, PSK31 and also allows the transceiver to be controlled by software.
- CW mode: For Morse code enthusiasts, the TS-590SG offers advanced features such as adjustable CW filter sharpness and zero beat tuning.
- TX/RX equaliser: The unit has an adjustable equaliser for transmit and receive operation, enabling fine-tuned audio performance.
- Built-in antenna tuner: An automatic antenna tuner is integrated to facilitate antenna tuning in transmit mode.
3. Operation and user interface:
- Intuitive operation: The TS-590SG offers a user-friendly interface with an easy-to-read display and easily accessible controls.
- Memory Functions: The transceiver has extensive memory functions for frequencies, operating settings and filters, which can be accessed via the menu system.
- Customisation: Many parameters and settings can be customised, giving experienced users the flexibility to adapt their operation.
4. Applications:
- The TS-590SG is suitable for both HF and 6 metre operation and can be used in a variety of modes including SSB, CW, AM, FM and digital.
- It is ideal for DX hunting, contests and general amateur radio communications.
5. Improvements over its predecessor TS-590S
- Improved receiver performance: The TS-590SG offers improved intermodulation distortion and short-range reception performance compared to the TS-590S.
- Enhanced features and firmware updates: Regular firmware updates allow users to take advantage of new features and enhancements.
The Kenwood TS-590SG is recognised as a very powerful and flexible transceiver, appreciated by both novice and experienced radio amateurs. It combines modern technology with high reliability and is renowned for its excellent signal processing and ease of use.