Believe it or not this is still very applicable and greatly appreciated. I have had a TS-530S for well over 15 years. I went for my Tech+ many many moons ago, got it, and then shortly after the FCC dropped the Tech+ class. Through several moves around the the country my TS-530S was not much more than a paperweight. With recent proposals to add more HF freq. privs. to the Tech class I've recently unpacked my TS-530S and am re-learning about it. Your video is still very relevant and I enjoyed the review of all the controls. An end fed wire is on its way to me and I'm looking back into getting my key out and working with it again.
Thank you for your kind comments. I'm sure you will enjoy your Kenwood again, especially with the sunspot cycle finally going back up. You'll even find some 10 meter openings nowadays so you can get on phone right away.
At 11:17, I demonstrate the HV reading on the meter. Normally HV will be about 900 volts. If it's much less, like 800 volts or less, then one (or both) of the large electrolytic capacitors have probably failed. Typically when one of the large caps has failed you'll see about 500 volts or less. The caps are fairly easy to change and can be obtained from various sources online. When purchasing from various ham-oriented sources, the resistor and ceramic cap that go across the terminals on cap are typically included.
For the tune up procedure for Kenwood hybrid rigs, I recommend this video: How to tune up a Kenwood TS-830S hybrid rig / transceiver | TS-520 TS-530 TS-820
Hi Louis, in the past I had one like your but was TS-520 and I sold it because I was feeling during transmitting something burn in my face and I thought that RF exposure cam to my face and for this reason I decided to sell this Transceiver and get ride of it. Thanks 73 De KD5BKW.
Hi Abdul. The RF burn problem was probably caused by RF getting into the shack due to a lack of a counterpoise on an end-fed antenna or because the antenna was too close to you, such an an attic antenna. This can happen with any rig, not just a Kenwood TS-520 or TS-530S.
The correct way to turn on this radio is to turn the HEATER switch on and let the three tubes warm up FIRST. You want the tube filaments stable before you turn on the POWER switch. The POWER switch applies B+ voltage to the plates so the rig will transmit. You can damage tubes by not following this procedure. So it's HEATER first for a few minutes, let the tubes warm up, and then switch POWER on.
The HEATER switch has no effect unless the POWER switch is on. The rig has no provision for providing power to just the tube filaments. The reason that the Kenwood hybrid rigs have a HEATER switch is to reduce current draw in mobile operation when the engine is not running (which leaves the car battery to power the rig) and the rig is being used just to listen to band activity. Of course, probably no one uses a KW hybrid for mobile operation nowadays, but in the 1970's and 1980's, these rigs were used in mobile operaiton.
Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!
@Amir Xzavier Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
I appreciate the video. Been going back and forth between this rig and the 820S/830S. I had a new 520S back in the early 80's. Kinda' miss the warm glow of two 6146B's during a low sunspot number season. Do you have an opinion on the 530S Vs. the 820S/830S series? Just curious. Tnx de WB3CFN
Thanks for the kind comments. The TS-830S has a slightly more sensitive receiver, variable bandwidth tuning and an adjustable speech processor. But I'd say that my TS-530S receiver is actually very good, almost as sensitive as the receiver on my Icom IC-7300. If I had to choose between a similarly priced 830S and 530S, I'd go with the one that is in better condition. Also, if you're going to do CW, one of two CW filters are almost a necessity. I have the 270 hz CW filter and it can pick out a CW signal even in the most crowded conditions.
You might want to have an experienced ham help you get started. Be sure to read and understand the TS-530S manual, especially the part about "tuning up" the rig. The manual is available online by doing a Google search. Without being properly "tuning up", the rig can be quickly damaged. In addition to the radio, you should have a dummy load, an RF switch that allows you to easily toggle between the dummy load and the antenna, and of course an antenna. You'll also need a morse code key and a microphone. Even if you're not going to use CW, a morse code key is useful to key the rig during tune-up.
Louis, great video. I have 2 of these rigs than I inherited from my Grandfather, W5NCE and Dad, N5KZB with no manuals. I'll watch the tune up video and plan to put one on the air soon. Thanks again. Bob KA4ZLE.
+Bob Peterson Thank you for your kind comment, Bob. Manuals are available for free at www.wb4hfn.com/KENWOOD/Kenwood-Manuals.htm. Hope to hear you on the air soon.
On mine, if I go past 2 or so on the mike gain, the needle jumps all the way to the end of the meter. I have a stock, Yeasu mike on it. No amplification at all. Is that a symptom of a problem?
+VanishingNomad Please double check to be sure that the meter control is set to ALC. As long as the needle stays within the ALC range on the meter, your gain setting should be fine with the mike that you are using. It sounds like the mike that you are is very sensitive and has high output level, even though it is not an "amplified" mike.
Yes, it is on ALC. Maybe it is sensitive. Although, it lust says Dynamic Microphone 5ohms, so I can't imagine it being powerfull enough to slam the needle if I turn it up. On 2, it is right at the edge of the ALC box on the meter. On 6, it slams the end of the meter so hard I hear a little "Tink" noise from the needle impacting the stop on the end of the window.
The rig is designed to operate on nominal voltages of 120 VAC or 240 VAC. In the USA, it comes configured for 120 VAC. By moving the transformer taps, it can be easily reconfigured for 240 VAC. As for "power regulation", the power supply provides regulation within reasonable limits. It will operate fine on 120 VAC +/- about about 10 Volts or 240 VAC +/- 20 volts.
Louis I have added a breakdown of the Recifier, Antenna, and Frequency) Counter Boards schematics on the the Kenwood Hybrids (TS-520/530/820/830) main@Kenwood-Hybrids.groups.io
The TS-530S uses a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) to control the transmit and receive frequency. A master oscillator, which is crystal-controlled, is used as the timebase for the VCO. A PLL (phase-locked loop) design is used to keep the frequency (reasonably) stable. So the short answer to your question is that it's a synthesized radio.
You say you have your rig connected to a dummy load. If you can hear other stations on a dummy load they can hear you. Your signal may be attenuated but you are radiating a signal.
@@LouisWilen Thanks for the clarification. I stand corrected, sir. The reason for my comment is that I intend on sharing this video with a new ham and I wanted to make sure that it was correct. Thank you.
The transmitter output power in CW mode can be controlled with the "Car" (carrier) control on the front panel. For SSB, there is no control directly on the rig to limit output power. However, there is an ALC limiting input port on the back of the rig that can be used with a simple external circuit to control the power in SSB modes in any of the Kenwood hybrid rigs. See: w5rkl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/TS-520S-QRP-1.pdf
Believe it or not this is still very applicable and greatly appreciated. I have had a TS-530S for well over 15 years. I went for my Tech+ many many moons ago, got it, and then shortly after the FCC dropped the Tech+ class. Through several moves around the the country my TS-530S was not much more than a paperweight. With recent proposals to add more HF freq. privs. to the Tech class I've recently unpacked my TS-530S and am re-learning about it. Your video is still very relevant and I enjoyed the review of all the controls. An end fed wire is on its way to me and I'm looking back into getting my key out and working with it again.
Thank you for your kind comments. I'm sure you will enjoy your Kenwood again, especially with the sunspot cycle finally going back up. You'll even find some 10 meter openings nowadays so you can get on phone right away.
I bought one of these a couple of days ago and your video has been very helpful. Thanks for posting it.
At 11:17, I demonstrate the HV reading on the meter. Normally HV will be about 900 volts. If it's much less, like 800 volts or less, then one (or both) of the large electrolytic capacitors have probably failed. Typically when one of the large caps has failed you'll see about 500 volts or less. The caps are fairly easy to change and can be obtained from various sources online. When purchasing from various ham-oriented sources, the resistor and ceramic cap that go across the terminals on cap are typically included.
For the tune up procedure for Kenwood hybrid rigs, I recommend this video:
How to tune up a Kenwood TS-830S hybrid rig / transceiver | TS-520 TS-530 TS-820
I'm off to check out a used TS-530s tomorrow, Now I'll know what I'm looking at!
Waiting for my "new" ts-530s to arrive. Very helpful video. Thanks!
Great video Louis. Informative and a great aid for my TS-820S.
Excellent. Helped me understand my TS-930 a lot more. Many thanks.
Louis, thanks for the demo. I lusted after these back in the day. Presently I use my TS-570D. I am also a VVV ...73, jim, WA7VVV
Glad you enjoyed it, Jim. 73 de W3VVV
Hi Louis, in the past I had one like your but was TS-520 and I sold it because I was feeling during transmitting something burn in my face and I thought that RF exposure cam to my face and for this reason I decided to sell this Transceiver and get ride of it. Thanks 73 De KD5BKW.
Hi Abdul. The RF burn problem was probably caused by RF getting into the shack due to a lack of a counterpoise on an end-fed antenna or because the antenna was too close to you, such an an attic antenna. This can happen with any rig, not just a Kenwood TS-520 or TS-530S.
The correct way to turn on this radio is to turn the HEATER switch on and let the three tubes warm up FIRST. You want the tube filaments stable before you turn on the POWER switch. The POWER switch applies B+ voltage to the plates so the rig will transmit. You can damage tubes by not following this procedure. So it's HEATER first for a few minutes, let the tubes warm up, and then switch POWER on.
The HEATER switch has no effect unless the POWER switch is on. The rig has no provision for providing power to just the tube filaments.
The reason that the Kenwood hybrid rigs have a HEATER switch is to reduce current draw in mobile operation when the engine is not running (which leaves the car battery to power the rig) and the rig is being used just to listen to band activity. Of course, probably no one uses a KW hybrid for mobile operation nowadays, but in the 1970's and 1980's, these rigs were used in mobile operaiton.
Excellent! Thank you for posting this great tutorial video.
Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account?
I was stupid forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!
@Gerald Vincent Instablaster :)
@Amir Xzavier Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Amir Xzavier it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my account !
@Gerald Vincent Glad I could help :D
I found one for $300 is that a good deal?
Depends on condition. If it's in good working condition and comes close to meeting original factory specs, then $300 is a good deal.
I appreciate the video. Been going back and forth between this rig and the 820S/830S. I had a new 520S back in the early 80's. Kinda' miss the warm glow of two 6146B's during a low sunspot number season. Do you have an opinion on the 530S Vs. the 820S/830S series? Just curious. Tnx de WB3CFN
Thanks for the kind comments. The TS-830S has a slightly more sensitive receiver, variable bandwidth tuning and an adjustable speech processor. But I'd say that my TS-530S receiver is actually very good, almost as sensitive as the receiver on my Icom IC-7300. If I had to choose between a similarly priced 830S and 530S, I'd go with the one that is in better condition. Also, if you're going to do CW, one of two CW filters are almost a necessity. I have the 270 hz CW filter and it can pick out a CW signal even in the most crowded conditions.
Just bought a rebuilt kenwood 530a on ebay. I never had a ham radio before. Would be it hard to learn ham on it ? Thank you Ms. Lupe
You might want to have an experienced ham help you get started. Be sure to read and understand the TS-530S manual, especially the part about "tuning up" the rig. The manual is available online by doing a Google search. Without being properly "tuning up", the rig can be quickly damaged.
In addition to the radio, you should have a dummy load, an RF switch that allows you to easily toggle between the dummy load and the antenna, and of course an antenna. You'll also need a morse code key and a microphone. Even if you're not going to use CW, a morse code key is useful to key the rig during tune-up.
Louis, great video. I have 2 of these rigs than I inherited from my Grandfather, W5NCE and Dad, N5KZB with no manuals. I'll watch the tune up video and plan to put one on the air soon. Thanks again. Bob KA4ZLE.
+Bob Peterson Thank you for your kind comment, Bob. Manuals are available for free at www.wb4hfn.com/KENWOOD/Kenwood-Manuals.htm. Hope to hear you on the air soon.
Thanks Louis.
On mine, if I go past 2 or so on the mike gain, the needle jumps all the way to the end of the meter. I have a stock, Yeasu mike on it. No amplification at all. Is that a symptom of a problem?
+VanishingNomad Please double check to be sure that the meter control is set to ALC. As long as the needle stays within the ALC range on the meter, your gain setting should be fine with the mike that you are using. It sounds like the mike that you are is very sensitive and has high output level, even though it is not an "amplified" mike.
Yes, it is on ALC.
Maybe it is sensitive. Although, it lust says Dynamic Microphone 5ohms, so I can't imagine it being powerfull enough to slam the needle if I turn it up.
On 2, it is right at the edge of the ALC box on the meter. On 6, it slams the end of the meter so hard I hear a little "Tink" noise from the needle impacting the stop on the end of the window.
Does this transceiver have power regulation?
What is its max power?
The rig is designed to operate on nominal voltages of 120 VAC or 240 VAC. In the USA, it comes configured for 120 VAC. By moving the transformer taps, it can be easily reconfigured for 240 VAC.
As for "power regulation", the power supply provides regulation within reasonable limits. It will operate fine on 120 VAC +/- about about 10 Volts or 240 VAC +/- 20 volts.
Louis I have added a breakdown of the Recifier, Antenna, and Frequency) Counter Boards schematics on the the Kenwood Hybrids (TS-520/530/820/830) main@Kenwood-Hybrids.groups.io
Thank you -- and thanks for watching.
Is the TS 530S a synthesized or crystal radio ?
The TS-530S uses a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) to control the transmit and receive frequency. A master oscillator, which is crystal-controlled, is used as the timebase for the VCO. A PLL (phase-locked loop) design is used to keep the frequency (reasonably) stable. So the short answer to your question is that it's a synthesized radio.
You say you have your rig connected to a dummy load. If you can hear other stations on a dummy load they can hear you. Your signal may be attenuated but you are radiating a signal.
The dummy load was connected during only part of the video. An antenna was connected the rest of the time.
@@LouisWilen Thanks for the clarification. I stand corrected, sir. The reason for my comment is that I intend on sharing this video with a new ham and I wanted to make sure that it was correct. Thank you.
You from Bmore?
Oh no, do I still have that accent? Baltimore County, actually. Pikesville, specifically.
I am talking about the power of the transmitter and whether it is regulated.
I'm sorry, google the tranlejter
The transmitter output power in CW mode can be controlled with the "Car" (carrier) control on the front panel. For SSB, there is no control directly on the rig to limit output power. However, there is an ALC limiting input port on the back of the rig that can be used with a simple external circuit to control the power in SSB modes in any of the Kenwood hybrid rigs. See:
w5rkl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/TS-520S-QRP-1.pdf
Thank you for your response.
Greetings from Poland :)
Like to see loading of the ts530S
check out the link at the comment above.
almost same thing as ts520s
Bato, šetaš rukom gore, dole, levo ,desno,,, dok se ne setiš šta treba da uradiš.. slabo ti poznaješ ovu tehniku... izvini, ali tako je..
This can TX and RX from 14.000-14.350 mhz right? Thank you.
Yes, it sure can. Actually it can even go a bit wider than that.