Kenwood TS-440 detailed overview and first impressions
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- You are watching me review a Kenwood TS-440 that I recently acquired from QTH.com that plan to use this as a spare/field radio. THis video shows boxing, basic set up and a detailed overview of the radios features and functions.
- Наука та технологія
I had a ts450 for years. Had to sell it. Just bought a ts 440s Thanks for the video
Thank you. I’ve just been left this in my Dad’s will. In the Trio brand, with a PS-50 Power Supply. Thing is, he and I sat the ham exams in 1985 when I was 16, and I never really took it up. So your walk through was extremely helpful.
Thanks for taking the time. I'm looking at buying one of these used. This was helpful.
I just have to say thank you for doing this demonstration of the Kenwood TS-440. I just got my tech license 2 months ago and am studying for my General test to be taken next month. I just joined a local Ham club today and the president of the club has graciously offered this particular model radio to me for less than half price to help get me started. Since I was a Morse code operator in the Navy back in the 1960's he said this model would be a great start for me. Can't wait till I get my radio and start operating it. This was a great video which I will save to help me learn how to use my radio when I get it.
I'm glad you enjoyed my video - thanks for letting me know. Good luck on your test and welcome to the hobby!
The TS-440 was my first HF rig back in '91. Had lots of fun with it.
great radios, i was tired of my Icom 706mkII so at the Stone Mountain (ATL) Ham fest 2019 i sold the 706 and picked up a Ts-440s and a TS-430 and 1 external matching speaker and still had $55 bucks left to get some connectors. and i`m totally happy with both radios. the only issue i have is the 430 meter when you turn it on slams to the right but other wise works fine. great video to get me going with the rigs.
Ts440sat has been my main rig for more than 15 years. Very simple rig, easy to use. Using it now for ft8, i have great fun.
thanks for doing this. As a new ham, I was given this radio and this video helped me figure out how to do more than just tune a station! I'm getting the dot issue so I need to decide if I want to invest in getting it fixed. Thanks again!
Great review. I’ve owned a ts -440/at for about 7 years now. It’s funny how I’ve learned a whole lot about my rig by watching your video. I purchased mine from my Elmer. He bought it brand new in 1988. I even have all the receipts for the rig and all the options he got with it. The voice command thingy is fun for about 30 seconds but her voice is loud and old school computer sounding. It’s a great rig and I use it a lot over my ten tec Eagle if I want to play old school. Or even older school I’ll fire up the ts-820s, but that another story. The morel of my ramblings are this. If you fine one in the shape of this hams for a good price. Get it LEARN TO USE IT and all it functions. And it’s not menu driven either and that rocks. 73’s kj4unx
Thanks for the video,I picked up one of these radios yesterday.
Hope to crank it up tomorrow at a friends before I mount it in my camper bus.
I also use a Icom 817 HF and Dual band vhf/uhf Icom 2820H
ZL1TEZ from Auckland New Zealand
One of the best shake-down vids I've seen. Great jib.
Thanks for this. I just picked one up on CL. Just getting started with HAM and this is my first radio. Really detailed video. Subbed.
Thank you for the walk through! I just picked one of these up and looking forward to learning with it.
A really good radio , I own a TS-140s , its been working really good for a long time , I can buy a much newer radio , but i am every please if this one , good video Alfred NYC
Great detail information. Just purchased this same radio with Power Supply $300 & for now it works perfectly. As a New Ham this helped explain how to use this radio. If you have any updates regarding this radio etc. please continue.
That's a good deal...enjoy your radio!
Just got mine yesterday from a buddy! Great video
I know much more now about my 440 since I watched your video!!
I'm probably a bit weird, but I get more excited by watching videos of used ham rigs from years past than the new DSP / highly digiital rigs. I just like the more analog sound and meters than the digital filters and sound of today's models. I realize these are still considered rice box transistor radios by elmers, but do much enjoy the older gen of transistor transistors for their simplicity, easier layout (real buttons) and real S-meters and sound of them more.
Not weird at all! I feel the same way. Modern rigs have their place and I have fun with them but there is something about these old Kenwood rigs that just make them a joy to use
I inherited my dad's TS-440S. Missing the power cable. I want to connect it to my Mac using MacLoggerDX. This is a great tutorial. Thank you! Hope to get back on HF soon. KD4MAN/AE.
Excelente la "revisión" que haces del equipo TS440. Gracias.
This was SUPER helpful. THANKS!
Nice looking rig. Had the companion R-2000 receiver before I went to an Icom R-75.
Awesome review/ tutorial.
A few days ago I took my 440 out of moth balls. I connected it to an adjustable lab power supply to run the volts up slowly trying to prevent shorting out capacitors. I bought mine new, but it's not been ON for maybe 10 years except for the last few days. I forgot almost everything about how to operate the rig, so I appreciate your video.
4.5 volts lit up the notch filter and other feature indicator lights. At 9 volts I could hear static on the speker at few more hours to wake it up slowly.
All I heard so far other than static is a local 50K watt AM broadcast station. I hope the RX works a lot better when I get it up to normal operating volts.
Again. Thanks for the video.
Update?
@@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd I increased to 13.8 volts and no smoke.
I'm experimented with a 180 ft long wire. No joy except OK on Rx. I changed the long wire to a 180 ft dipole to see how many bands will give me a low SWR.
I made a few cw QSOs on 30M.
I'll settle down to a few fan dipoles and maybe a vertical antenna or two.
As is now (180 ft dipole) it seems to give me the best results on 30 meters.
I CQed a few times on 20M and 40M. The TS440 auto tuner matches on those bands, but I think the antenna SWR must be 50:1 lol
Thanks for your interest.
@@southernexposure123 saw one locally for $350 . Looking for something to start with as a total noob
@@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd When I bought mine it had a comma in the price tag. lol I had cw finters put in it. The only other rigs I used were tube rigs and this one is all solid state.
I like it a lot, but I have no other reference to transistor rigs. I do only HF cw and what I enjoy most about this rig is it has IF shift and the filters. It also has rit (receive incremental tuning) and that also helps when the band is real busy. That lets me move my receive frequence while my transmmit signal stays the same as when the QSO first started. That combo makes it easier to get get on the signal you want when the band is crowded.
Oh, I worked cross band a few times on it. That was a novelty activity for me and I likely wouldn't have suggested trying it, but I was fair game when my friend asked me to try it.
I had to relearn the buttons and knobs when I put it back on the air last week. It came back easy enough. There's manuals on line if you need one.
My only other thirst for a rig is for a dedicated QRP rig. But, that's just a luxury. The 440 can go down to QRP. You'll like a full power rig better because limiting yourself to low power can be frustrating unless you're patient and like the challenge more than making more contacts.
Whichever rig you decide on I wish you all the best.
Very good review
Thanks for your explenation 👍 🙂 I discovered a few new options now 😀 👍
Excellent review of a true classic ! You thoroughly go through all the features of this gem. I do not own one (I am a HAM though) , but I do have 2 of its " receiving brothers", the very nice R5000.
Only thing of " complaint" is that they get sort of hot, being switched on for more than half an hour.
But the features of it and the receiving audio are outstanding to my opinion, even to today's standards.
Technically the TS-440 and the R5000 are not exactly the same ( apart from one being a TRX and the other one being a receiver ) but they share a lot of the same features. I like em both a lot and I use my R5000's a lot next to my very modern SDR TRX' ses.
They are here to stay.... in fact, I should get one of these as a " stand-by TRX" ' cause the 're solid, good and well built !!!
Amazing Video! Exactly what I was looking for. I picked up a 440S from my SK Brother in Law, and needed exactly what you put up here!
I Thank you, and W2OEZ would thank you also!
I'm glad you liked this video
Great video, Thanks. I was trying to figure out how to shut off the Vox transmit , and you pointed out where that switch is . 73 N6TUA.
Glad this helped!!
I just bought one about two years ago, I'm new to HF, but I'm just standing by listening to the language to learn. The antenna tuner doesn't work, but overall a good radio
Good work bro thumbs up
recently purchased a ts-440 I only have a tech license, working on gen. u'r video was very helpful. since I had no idea how to operate it. don't know what u paid, but mine was only $50.00 and came with power supply, antenna tuner and external spkr. grill on top is internal spkr. now I need to find an antenna to go with.
You got a great deal on your radio. Welcome to the hobby!
All I can say is WOOOOw!
That's a great deal.
See you on the bands.
LOL--- Maybe you bought it from a crack-head who didn't know what he had. Just Kidding. Great buy!!! A working 440 for only $50.00 !! Have a lot of fun with it.
Holy crows! $50?! Someone forgot a zero!
I just pulled my 440 out of the box after owning it for 2 or 3 years. Connected to my (also just unboxed) PS 50 and did a brief check out. This thing looks brand new!
No antenna atm, but the pertinent buttons all seem to work as they should with no switch bounce or blinky display.
I just ordered a Nelson EFHW 40-10 wire and some RG 213 and hope to be OTA this weekend here in my temp winter digs in Maine.
Can't wait to key up with my MC 60 and call my first Home QTH CQ.
STOKED!
73 de K1NKX
Hi Tim, I just acquired the same radio - what antenna do you recomend for this?
@@tonylopez781 Hi Tony. It depends (Yeah, I know). What space is available, funds, HOA, terrain features, etc.
I currently have an (Nelson Antennas-eBay) EFHW 80-10 on it and used a 40-10 to work Aus back in Nov 2020 when I first got set up at my temp. QTH. I have a ZS6BKW dipole waiting for me (and a mast) when we move in to our new place later this year.
There's a Kenwood FB group as well as several Ham groups. You'll find me on Ham Radio/New to the Hobby, friendlier environment there.
This rig was the cat's whiskers (state of the art) when it came out in the 80s so you can put any HF antenna you want or have the means and space for.
Best of luck to you. 73
@@buckeye5704 Hi TIm, appreciat ethe prompt & informative reply. Wow those dipoles are serious gear, very nice. I'll be grabbing some coax, wire , connectors & have something up and running for the weekend. Thanks again & all the best 👍
@@tonylopez781 You're quite welcome! FYI: I built a ZS6BKW entirely from scratch, while I was stuck in South Africa last winter. Very simple build and a heck of a lot of fun. Vids of the whole thing are on my channel, if you're so inclined. 73
@@buckeye5704 Inclined? I accept the challenge - thanks again!
Great video, I would like to c the difference in receiving between the icom an the Kenwood
Thank you y son in law is nudgeing me into 10 meter, and thought the dials would be better/easier for me to get used to. This is the one he has suggested. KC1LPV
Great review!!! I actually have a TS440S but mine has the dreaded dot issue on several bands that I am trying to repair myself. These are great radios!!! Shame Kenwood put the glue in them!! I was looking for your receive comparison video but it looks like you never did it. I would of been great to see the comparison between the two radios! I like that they have the built in tuner!! 73 Juddie WD8WV
Mine developed the dots problem just after I made this video and I haven't fixed it yet. When I do, I'll do the compare.
I have one of these. if you have trouble with the internal tuner ground the rig the tuner like to be grounded,
be aware of the Dots problem also. The anti vibration glue like to absorb moisture over the decades and become conductive leading to dots to be displayed across the display.
I got this to replace a yaesu 857 that took a lightning strike. i,ve never gone back the receiver is great you will find this a great rig and is very easy to use compared with all the menu driven rigs.
now just to get my station monitor hooked up so i can see the receive display I need to bring the iF out to a bnc for this though.Jim KB1PFL
Mine has developed the dots issue since posting this video. I'll be making a video about the repair hopefully in the next month or so.
does anybody know if there is a rig controller software to run the 440 via the PC?
brilliant thanks
Nice job.
I am looking at one for $400 from a local ham It was an extra radio for him so didn’t get use much. He will give me a 30 day trial to return if something doesn’t work or i don’t like it. I’m a new ham as of may 15 KJ7NYZ. Just getting set up
Congrats and welcome to ham radio!!! I wouldn't pay that much for a radio like that when you can buy much newer radios for not much more.
Thank you I appreciate that opinion very much.
@@SevenFortyOne Radios are getting tough to find, especially with the Yaesu 450D being discontinued. I am going to roll the dice on one to get started as well.
Thanks!
I am a beginner ham. Someone from my country sells a Kenwood TS-440 for 360 US dollars. Should I buy it as my first HF rig?
I might be able to get my hands on one of these this Friday and talk on 10M SSB since I am a tech
I have a question about an old Kenwood TS440S. Last time I used it was 1995 and I'm trying to get it working again. I read the user manual and have some additional questions:
If I remember correctly, the output is 100 watts. Is there any way to reduce the output? I seem to remember there is no way to do that.
I have an external SWR meter. I want to send a signal out to read the SWR. I believe I would set the "Send/Receive" to Send then set the Auto/Thru button to Thru. Is that correct?
Thanks very much!
You are correct on both points
Great Job, hope you will review the antenna tuner for the 440.
I will if I ever get it working...
I got 2 TS-440S, 1 mic and 3 antenna tuners for 100 dollars. you heard correct :) both radios are operational :)
Wow! That's the deal of the year
Two questions, and no I do not have liecence yet, I do not have a Mic with my radio ts 440s, also I only have a cb antenna 108 dip will that work just to hear something.
Yes, you should be able to hear some stronger stations with that setup
The square grill on the top is the internal speaker. If you had unplugged your external speaker, you would have discovered that ;) Plenty loud enough but kind of tinny. Looking forward to posting the fix for the button bounce (hint, hint)
+Smokey McCray since posting this my radio has developed the dots syndrome. I plan on wearing it down to fix that and may tackle the bounce issue then too. Just wanting for work to settle down a bit before I start.
Hi many thanks 4 this video am about to Buy a TS 440 and this video help me a Lot!!! Just got a question, as am planning to use it on my RV which is solar power ( 3.5 kw of panels and 350amp battery Bank) can i plug directly the TS 440 to 12v supply or i best found the original Kenwood power source? Also do you Think this radio Will be good using a Mobile Antena the Proxel X1...that look similar to the Outback 2000 ? Best regards and 73's from Barcelona all the best and stay safe...we fighitng hard here in Europe against CoVid 19...
You can run the TS-440 on any 12 Volt power supply or battery. They are great radios even though they are old. I think you will enjoy yours. I don't know anything about that antenna you mentioned so I can't comment on that. Take care of yourself and family during this crisis. America is getting hit hard now but we are doing our best to fight this off. I hope to work you on the air someday! 73!
@@SevenFortyOne thanks 4 your quick reply....got it !! Ok ...i'll maybe build self a "screwdriver" antena...73's and thanks again..i guess Radio never punch so much since WW2...i got a HXData 808...since a few days and 40mt band always busy in this days....i Love radio...and especially "good oldies" with Fat Knobs all over!!! Ciao take care!! Tell me your Ham QRZ so i'll try a "Call" once i got the TS...all the best again...
Did you ever do the compare of the receive of this radio and the icom??
Actually, I haven't...
Kenwood was a user-friendly radio.
I just scored a near mint 2001 unit (30 million range serial number) and when I asked my club group on FB about it they sent me here. I already had you saved in my library.
Did you ever do the TX episode?
Sorry, I never did it. By the time I got to it the radio quit working and I haven't had time to try and fix it yet.
@@SevenFortyOne If I didn't already have TWO 440s I'd make you an offer. LOL
I contacted Kenwood CS and my 30,100,xxx Ser# was made in 1991. They were very helpful.
Have A question, Why does my ts440sat no scan in vfo ? it just double beeps at me. it scans the memory fine .
I'm not sure....I've never tried scanning with mine
One question, is there a way to increase or decrease the power level on the TS-440S?
Not from the front panel....you have to go inside the radio to do it
@@SevenFortyOne Thank you again!
Adjust the CARRIER LEVEL control.
My wife almost put a hole in my head when I came across a good deal on a Kenwood TS-940S.
Did you ever make that comparison video?
Sorry, I haven't done it yet.
Creo que el compañero no está al día con equipos más modernos .la nostalgia nos puede más
Really nice looking rig. The R-5000 was very popular back in the day- this looks like a transceiver clone of it. They just don’t make stuff like this anymore.
Thanks! I picked this up pretty cheap recently. But I found out it needs some work but it shouldn't be too much trouble to get back in tip-top shape.
SevenFortyOne The Kenwood‘ s of this era were notorious for the key bounce issue. The only keys on my R-2000 that do that are for setting and resetting the time. Luckily, that’s a twice a year thing, and even then, a minimum of bounce. Oddly, it doesn’t have direct key entry. It’s odd how it was considered a very mid level receiver in its heyday, and now hobbyists go nuts over them.
Mine has pretty pronounced keybounce - but I can live with it. I'm finding that it is starting to develop the "dots" problem if left on for a while. So sometime soon I'll be digging out all that old Sonybond glue. Otherwise, this is a great performing radio and has a very nice, quiet receiver.
SevenFortyOne Yeah, I think the 5000 was also susceptible to the dot issue. When I bought my R-71A, brand new in 1992, it was down to that and the R5000. The 71A does have its quirks too, most notably those awful plastic trimmer caps on the PLL board. I have a video on my channel detailing the shipping nightmares I went through in getting them replaced, which finally did happen. No thanks to UPS.
SevenFortyOne there is a company that makes new boards for the key bounce. I have to find out where I wrote it down but if you Google the problem you should get the companies name.
I think I mentioned it on one of your other videos. I have 2 TS 440SATs. One of them is a near mint & one owner. He bought it new, made a few QSOs and put it all back in the original boxes and got out of the hobby. I think the original sales receipt is in the box too. Ser is 30,xxx,xxx and KW CS says its a 91 model.
The other one is a little rough looking and will be set up as a field rig as you intended for yours.
Can't wait to get home and set up my shack.
Sadly, mine developed the dots problem just after shooting this video. I have it on the bench now and I've been picking away at picking away the Sony-bond. Hopefully I'll have mine back on the air soon - I really like that rig. Hopefully you'll be on the air soon too!
@@SevenFortyOne Kevin Loughin did a nice video on removing that goop on his. Its his main rig now I think. Its in a lot of his videos anyway.
Look for me sometime this Fall. The house is still in construction mode. I'll be sure to let you know.
And of course my prior msgs came up right below this string. ROFL.
I saw Kevin's tutorial and am using it as a guide. My problem is finding the time to work in the radio between work, family, and other projects. I enjoy Kevin's vids .. he's traveling around out west in a camper now and running a 7300. I think he sold his 440
Sir gd pm , im CYRIL PONTILLA from Philippines. You got a very nice Hf kenwood. How much in Philippines money ?
Im planning to buy a kenwood hf .
Will a ps-30 work on 440s?
I don't know. Check the specs on both
I am planning to buy this exact model. How far will I be able to reach? Over seas? States beyond New York? Thanks!
Well, the answer is yes and no. Part if the ham radio hobby is learning the answer to your question. I will say that this is a good radio for someone getting started on hf.
I appreciate the response. Although being a beginner, I am curious to know if I’ll be able to reach states like Florida, California, etc with the proper antenna and height. Is it possible or should I invest in something that would? Thanks for your help!
Under the right conditions, yes you'll be able to reach those states and beyond on that radio as long as you have a reasonably decent antenna. However, conditions vary greatly from day to day and even sometimes minute to minute. That is part of the challenge (and fun) of working hf.
Thank you very much for your responses. Much appreciated.
You're welcome...have fun with the hobby!
I bought a TS440S back in the 1980s when they first came out. It had all the known problems with the synthesizer and the display dots. I managed to keep it working by leaving it on standby all the time. I also tried to remove the glue that Kenwood put on the components that when it aged went conductive and was only partially successful. I still have the rig and the Kenwood linear supply for it. Then the electrolytic capacitors started going bad. I bought myself a new rig and the 440 sits on a shelf and gathers dust. My next rig was an Icom for reasons that you can guess. If anyone wants to buy this rig to repair please email me. 4X1XS.
I must be blessed. Mine (so far) has no dot problems.
The person you bought it from did a crappy pack job. Its amazing it arrived in one piece!
Me. Guzta. Mucho estos equipos es la primera que miro. Toda esa esplicacion soy radio aficionado muy viejo y quiero algjna orientacion. De los buenos radio aficionados alguna oriientacion
Me gusta. Mucho este equipo 440 de la kenwoood. Informacion español
Guacino Moreno busca en Ebay. Hay muchos en condicion de repararle algo .... siempre alguna cosita tienen. Pero es un GRAN equipo. Suerte !
I'm picking one up I'm expecting a good experience de ve1qfa
I hope you enjoy yours ad much ad I do mine
@@SevenFortyOne I had a 140 and loved it the one im grabbing was bought new and not used much I know the owner it should get me back on hf!
No se si todos entendemos lo que es una radio portátil o móvil.los tiempos an cambiado mucho .tienes equipos móviles muchos más pequeños y livianos .por nombrar algunos Yaesu 857 o 891 .que es el que tengo yo y creo que con eso queda todo claro .no entiendo.claro entiendo que algunos compañeros se an quedado atrapados en el tiempo .nunca se me ocurriría llevarme un 440 en el car o mobil .en estos tiempos sería una brutalidad .suerte y a disfrutar de ese tanque pero en Qth .nos tomarían por locos en un parque con esa reliquia .esos equipos antiguos son como las personas mayores no te puedes ir a un maratón con 70 años .esos equipos de más de 30 años es para moverlos lo menos posibles y cuidarlos en casa como joyas .no pensar darle una vida de joven en expedición .sería su muerte
I really miss my Kenwood 140s with the external speaker and power supply, I sold it after a divorce and regret that decision. I am currently looking at a 440 with power supply, Tommy, KE5PQD
always wonder why people don't take the pride and keep there eqt clean. shows allot about that person.
Always wonder why people don't take the pride and keep their eqt. clean. (It) shows a lot about that person.
I I HAVE ONE OF THOSE THE GUD OLE KENWOOD TS OR AS I SAY TRASH OF TIN-SHIT ...jeff..