kenwood ts 820s

[KC2USH]

what do you think about this as the first hf rig for a new ham?
thanks Evan

[VE3FMC]

If the price is right, the tube finals are at full output then the TS-820S is a good rig.

You need to learn how to load it properly for transmit purposes, which is a pretty simple process.

You also must realize the radio might drift around in frequency just a little when you first turn it on. That should settle down within a few minutes.

The WARC bands are not covered on that radio. So if you want those bands you will need another radio.

The nice thing about the old Kenwood's is you can work on them. Plus you can also hunt around and find the matching external VFO, Speaker, AT-200 antenna tuner, and MC-50 mic to have a complete station.

A good first radio which there are plenty on the used market would be an Icom 718. Or buy a new one, with full warranty.

I own an Icom 718, use it for digital modes and SSB. I also own a TS-520 which I use for SSB. The lack of WARC bands on the TS-520 does not bother me.

[KJ4KDM]

Good radios. I have a couple of them. It will give you a great intro into tubes radios and tuning them. I use mine quiet often. Sometimes i think it breaks a pile up better then my TS-2000.:D

[AF6LJ]

I have a TS-820, I'm quite happy with it.
The 820 does make a reasonably good first radio.
It's easy to tune up and S-2001s or 6146s are forgiving when it comes to mistuning. I would recommend this radio over an FT-101 or anything else that uses sweep tubes in the final.

[K7GBS]

I purchased two off of e-bay. Both needed minor work, one needed a new driver. Just to be sure, I purchased 9 tubes for drivers, and 4 for finals. (Two were the stronger 6146W military version). Haven't needed the finals as yet. Working one rig on PSK-31, 20meters into a simple dipole, 10 feet off of the roof. I am working all kinds of DX from S. America to Siberia and Russia, even Germany. A great rig for PSK, running about 40 watts output. A good poor man's rig and easy to work on. The digital readout has a history of problems, Making the TS-820 a more reliable choice.

K4EAA.com is a great resource for Schmetics and service advice and parts.

Walt Galer, K7GBS

[WB4AUW]

I had a TS-820S in the late 70's up to the early 90's. It was a great radio, I wish now I hadn't sold it. If you find a nice one it will be a good first rig.

[KC2USH]

Thanks everyone that helped me alot

[PH5E]

Anyone know what the difference between the TS-890 (http://rigreference.com/rigs/view/3509/Kenwood-TS_820) and TS-890S (http://rigreference.com/rigs/view/3510/Kenwood-TS_820S) is?

[AF6LJ]

Anyone know what the difference between the TS-890 (http://rigreference.com/rigs/view/3509/Kenwood-TS_820) and TS-890S (http://rigreference.com/rigs/view/3510/Kenwood-TS_820S) is?
The 820S has digital frequency display, the 820 doesn't.
That is the only difference.
There is a display board
a 5V regulator board
and the counte3r / mixer board that are not in the 820.

[WB2WIK]

Anyone know what the difference between the TS-890 (http://rigreference.com/rigs/view/3509/Kenwood-TS_820) and TS-890S (http://rigreference.com/rigs/view/3510/Kenwood-TS_820S) is?

What Sue said.

And it's not TS-890/TS-890S, it's TS-820/TS-820S.

[K2WH]

Best rig Kenwood ever made. Here is a picture of one of mine. A brand new (I do mean new) never been put on the air. Just plugged in for this picture. The dust you may see on the rig is from the styrofoam packaging.

K2WH

[W0GI]

The TS-820S is a super rig. A great analog radio with wonderful audio.

After 30+ years of HF rigs, I can only say that some of the new radios have cool stuff, but in basic performance many are lacking.

In reality, the TS-820S receiver will perform better then a new bargain HF rig.

The cool thing is that you can actually fix the old stuff.

At the same time, something like an IC-718 is a fine little radio, and for normal operation will do the job just fine. The TS-820s has a better receiver, but if you don't have strong signals close in, you may never even notice.

I am pretty happy with the Yaesu MK-V, but I am done spending big $$$ on the latest rig. $8-10K for an HF rig is getting ridiculous IMHO. Yes they have a ton of functions, but the K3 has a great receiver for $1400. A receiver that outperforms those mega$$$ radios.

My next rig is an Elecraft K2. QRP heaven. :)

[W1ACC]

all this reminds me i need to hook up my ts-820s this weekend .. it was my first HF rig the i got the ts440s and the ts-930s.. 3 very good kenwoods.. i have the shure 444 on my ts-820s . 73 w1acc.phil

[AF6LJ]

Best rig Kenwood ever made. Here is a picture of one of mine. A brand new (I do mean new) never been put on the air. Just plugged in for this picture. The dust you may see on the rig is from the styrofoam packaging.

K2WH

I am suitably jealous. :)