View Full Version : kenwood TS-520S
KC2LNB
12-18-2003, 09:33 PM
would like to know more about this i am new to ham radio as a starter radio what should i look for in a TS-520s
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K3STX
12-18-2003, 10:04 PM
It is a great starter rig, but remember it does not have the WARC bands. Also, try to get one with one of the CW filters installed. If not, you can still get them on ebay and other "outboard" audio filters work too. I still use mine, I love it and have no other. Digital readout is not necessary for a radio.
There are lots of good used rigs out there. Check out reviews on eham.net so see what people think. Icom IC-735 is also popular.
you can email me for more info.
paul
WA4AVD
12-28-2003, 02:12 PM
The 520 is one of the best all-around xcvrs ever made...was introduced at the time of transition from tubes to solid state and just before digital readouts were standard and broadband tuning (no tune) came into the market. The 6146 tubes in the final are favorites of mine, the transmit audio is good, the receiver sounds good, has a carrying handle, cooling fan; it is a rig that is solidly built and lasts a long time when taken care of. You can find them for $200 - $300 on eBay all the time.
My first HF rig was a 520 and I sure miss it! It had great xmit and receive audio and I made many CW contacts with it using nothing but a straight key. It's a bit more complicated than today's solid state rigs as you have to adjust the plate and load for whatever band you're on, but if you can find one at a good price, you'll have a blast with it on the air! Read up on neutralizing the 6146 output tubes if you decide to swap them out for a fresh pair.
73,
Dan - N9GT
w5rtx
02-19-2004, 09:39 PM
I've still got a TS-520S as one of my transceivers and use it frequently. For a newcomer, tuning the transmitter may seem a bit tricky at first but after a few times it will come naturally. My TS-520S has been trouble free for years and a great, great value for the $200 that they can often be pruchased for. Just by one from a another ham who will assure you that it is in 100% working order. 73's. Gary W5RTX
Not to dampen your enthusiasm for the 520, because it is a nice old rig. But a slightly later vintage model, the 530, has a digital readout and WARC bands, and you should still be able to find it pretty cheap on E-bay or elsewhere. I have owned one since 1987 and it has been a terrific rig.