New to me Kenwood TS480HX meter Question

KB4OIF · #1 09-27-2009, 04:05 PM

Hello all. Just purchased a almost new Kenwood TS 480HX from a old friend. I have read the manual once but can not seem to find out about the S meter constantly at s-9 except on FM. Little history here. This is my first new rig in 25 years. I am way behind the learning curve here. Even with no noise on the radio it stays at S9. I know it is probably a setting in one of the menu's. Is there a forum for 480 user's out there? My buddy up the street has a 480 but his does not show S9 all the time. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions are willingly appreciated.

John

AB9LZ · #2 09-27-2009, 04:17 PM

Does it stay there with the RF gain turned up all of the way?

73 m/4

KB4OIF · #3 09-27-2009, 04:47 PM

You hit it right on the head. THANKS!!!!!!! I purchased the radio from a old friend. The RF gain was set at 65 instead of 100 as per the manual. He was used to a quiet enviroment so that may have been the reason. Once again thanks!!!

John
73's

KM3F · #4 10-10-2009, 02:59 AM

I sometimes turn the gain back about 20% during noisey conditions or to the point the signals just bumps past the setting.
You radio has a lot of capability for the cost so learn about the menu and what it has to offer and use them.
NR, DNL, Audio frequency response controls all help in certain situations.
You even have narrow band filter for AM and FM use.
The narrow band filter works on FM transmitt as well to meet the rules for FM deviation limits below 29.000 mhz.
Good luck. A great radio.

KB4OIF · #5 10-12-2009, 12:43 PM

Thanks. I have read the manuel twice now and found that I missed some things the first time thru. You are correct about the NB, DNL, and NR. Here in NW Florida near the coast, the salt in the air collects on the high power lines and it sets up a static that builds till it rains again then it goes away. The radio is working great for me. The 440-S still was working great and it is my backup now. I love the upgrades that I have seen. Still learning, but it's kind of hard on an old fella like me.

**WS2L** · #6 11-07-2009, 01:58 PM

I have several friends who own the TS-480 and they all say the same thing that the rig is awesome. They say that the receiver on the rig is top quality and even beats out the receiver on the TS-2000.

Good luck with those menu's as most of the features are menu driven.

W5LDA · #7 11-07-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WS2L

I have several friends who own the TS-480 and they all say the same thing that the rig is awesome. They say that the receiver on the rig is top quality and even beats out the receiver on the TS-2000.

Good luck with those menu's as most of the features are menu driven.

Dave

I own both the ts480 and ts2000 and can say from experience the 480 does have a slight advantage in the receiver,but I would not trade away any of these 2 rigs as they fit my operating practices.

The menu system is no harder than any other rig I've owned. If you can locate the menu button,its as simple as selecting what you want. Just read the manual 2 times then read it again in case you missed something