kg0wx
02-09-2007, 05:52 AM
I just bought a Kenwood TS-830S Gold Line from Gordon - He basically rebuilt the radio and changed the PA tubes from 6146B's to 6883B's. From what I gather, Gordon is one of those sources that cares very much that his customers are happy with what they get. That alone is proof that he is a good seller. You should see this 830! It looks, feels and operates better than new. His shipping practices are top notch, too. He double boxed the rig and added 125% insurance, on his initiative. Nice!
As far as rebuilding older rigs, it's VERY apparent that Gordon knows what he is doing. The 6883B's really sing and I'm easily seeing better than 125 watts on all bands.
The receiver is hot and the TX audio (with my MC-50 set to lo-z) is getting unsolicited compliments.
Here is an example - I own a 6 meter SSB rig, tuned to 50.125. I hooked up the 830 to a dummy load and set the controls for 25.062.5 then fine tuned the 6m rig to zero beat the harmonic from the 830. Once spot on, I moved to 10.025.0 and transmitted - the rig was DEAD ON the 6m harmonic still! On WWV, you can set the 830 so that you are just past 9.999.9 (where it does not switch back from 10.000.0 anymore but stays on 10mhz exactly). Do this with the volume down then turn the volume up and bingo! The rig is absolutely spot on.
Gordon also went through the rest of the rig so the overall operating experience is like the rig is brand new.
Hey Gordon - If I find a SM220/230 will you rebuild that too? If you do as good a job as you did with this transaction, I'll really have something to brag about.
Good job, OM!
Ken KG0WX http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
As far as rebuilding older rigs, it's VERY apparent that Gordon knows what he is doing. The 6883B's really sing and I'm easily seeing better than 125 watts on all bands.
The receiver is hot and the TX audio (with my MC-50 set to lo-z) is getting unsolicited compliments.
Here is an example - I own a 6 meter SSB rig, tuned to 50.125. I hooked up the 830 to a dummy load and set the controls for 25.062.5 then fine tuned the 6m rig to zero beat the harmonic from the 830. Once spot on, I moved to 10.025.0 and transmitted - the rig was DEAD ON the 6m harmonic still! On WWV, you can set the 830 so that you are just past 9.999.9 (where it does not switch back from 10.000.0 anymore but stays on 10mhz exactly). Do this with the volume down then turn the volume up and bingo! The rig is absolutely spot on.
Gordon also went through the rest of the rig so the overall operating experience is like the rig is brand new.
Hey Gordon - If I find a SM220/230 will you rebuild that too? If you do as good a job as you did with this transaction, I'll really have something to brag about.
Good job, OM!
Ken KG0WX http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif