Kenwood T599/R599 Twins--Looking for a few parts, transceive cable

I have acquired a set of Kenwood Twins. Both work, but I'm looking for a few parts or part sources -- mainly the rubber belts and a couple of knobs (loading and the drive knobs) -- to get them truly functional. K4EAA doesn't have these.

Also looking for a separation cable or at least the plugs, so I can make up my own cable. Other tips and hints welcome. Please e-mail me direct.

Thanks!

Rick, WW1ME
ww1me @ arrl . net

 

These are the 16-Pin Hirose Electric (HRS), Minicon 1300 series Rectangular Connectors.

Digi-Key has the Hirose 1300 series data sheet (and cross reference)
This datasheet has cross-reference numbers to NTT specification numbers (other suppliers)
http://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data Sheets/Hirose PDFs/1300.pdf

Mouser and Digi-Key are Hirose Electric distributors in the United States.

Nationwide Radio parts has the pre-made cables.
http://nationwide-radio--amp-amp-am...-for-the-r-599-a-d-t-599-a-d-radio-sets-used/



Hirose Electric (HRS) global web page
https://www.hirose.com/about/message/

Hirose USA has their offices in Chicago's western suburbs.
https://hrs-prd.s3.amazonaws.com/upload/corporate/file/Hirose_Move.pdf

N6WK sold his last "stash" of these HRS 1300 series connectors on QRZ in 2010.
http://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/kenwood-twins-interface-connectors.244497/

 

I also posted this information at eHam.net in March 2016
http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php/topic,108433.0.html

The Hirose Minicon 1300 series uses ROUND pins (used with Kenwood Twins).
A related Hirose product line, the Sumicon 1600 series, uses FLAT pins (NOT suitable).
-----
The original Hirose Electric, Co. (Japan) 16-pin rectangular plug (1300 series, 1962)
used on the Kenwood Twins cable (for transceive option/interfacing) are a bit rare.
When the Hirose 1300 series was "in production", the retail price was ~ $25.00 each.

Hirose web page, Japan
https://www.hirose.com/about/historical_evolution/

Orginal Kenwood part number: KE30-9981-00
Pacific Parts last stocked (2003) the part for $78 each.

This Hirose rectangular connector was very popular in Japanese video electronics
(professional VCRs, video monitors) from late 1960s to early 1980s.
Some amateurs have been able to acquire used connectors,
from surplus Japanese professional video equipment (Panasonic, Sony) of that era.

 

I didn't know Kenwood ever made separates ! (just Googled some photos)

Certainly never seen them here in Britain. (unlike Yaesu, that sold lots)

Of course they may have never been sold here, as Kenwood gear had to be re-branded TRIO in those days, due to a British Kenwood company that made food mixers.

Roger G3YRO

 

Roger -

Yes, separate transmitters and receivers were common before 1970. For post WW2 Novices, many used commercial SW receivers (Hallcrafters, Hammarlund, National, etc.) and DIY Built a crystal-controlled CW transmitter. Those that were close to the NYC Radio Row had access to inexpensive (war surplus) ARC-5 Command transmitters and receivers.

I started as a MW/SW listenser and then Novice (high school), and remember when Kenwood introduced the hybrid 599 separates (R-599, T-599) and the TS-520 hybrid transceiver.
Great time to be in high school shop (my electives). Started with hand drafting, then basic electronics, troubleshooting. In fall 1970, I was working with miniature tubes, transistors, new "op amps" ... by spring 1974 shown the Intel 4004 processor.
Intel also sent data sheets for a "new" 8080 processor -- 6 weeks before my h.s. graduation.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_8080

Kenwood had full page ads in the 1970s amateur radio magazines and color brochures, when you visited the AES stores. The 1970s decade marked the end of separate radios -- as solid-state transceivers would predominate amateur radio after 1980 (just in time for new WARC 79 bands, introduction of microcontrollers within the radio, and general coverage receivers).

 

If I remember correctly, Henry Radio first introduced the Trio R-599 and T-599 to the U. S. market. I still have have my original "599D" Twins and just picked up another set.

 

Pete -
I think you are correct, 1970?
Kenwood established their USA offices in 1974/1975 (Kenwood stereos took off that year).

The Tempo One transceiver (Yaesu FT-200) followed at Henry Radio,
shortly after that (~1972?, which was a big seller).
http://foxtango.org/ft250/foxtango FT200 Information Page.html

 

Thanks to all! The guy who gave me the set had tucked them away inside one of the sets. As for belts, if anyone is looking, I was able to obtain the rubber belts for the DRIVER shaft from Ken's Electronic Parts, www.kenselectronics.com. The one you want is the OC4.2. Costs about $6. There is a rubber belt that drives the loading cap inside the PA, but I have not yet determined how to remove it for measuring without extensive disassembly. It's intact, though, so I'm leaving well enough alone.

Rick

 

Congrats Rick, that was a lucky break (save $$).

Ken's Electronics in Kalamazoo, MI has been a good source for 1960s and 1970s electronic parts,
BUT his supply of some items is now exhausted (or very low).
--
2015 Dayton Hamvention -- Trio/Kenwood Forum
presenters: Mark Gilger, WB0IQK; Jan Servaites, N8CBX; Jeff Covelli, WA8SAJ
http://www.wb4hfn.com/KENWOOD/Hamvention/Kenwood_Forum_Slides_2015.pdf

Jan Servaites, N8CBX covers some specific updates for the Kenwood T-599 transmitter.

 

Okay, speaking of those connectors for the transceive cable, does anyone know how to make up the interconnecting cable itself? I'm guessing this exist somewhere on the Internet; I just haven't run across it yet.

73, Rick