I was outbid last week on a Kenwood 680v 10w version. I want an older low power HF rig I can pair with my low drive amp. I would replace all the parts that need it. Practice desoldering, lol. I do not want an SDR, maybe someday for Receive. I noted the US version of the Kenwood (100w) ran a pair of 2879's. I wonder what the sum-total difference is between the US and the JP radio, if any. Seems like a waste to use 2879 and then restrict to 10w PO.
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An old Kenwood 680v from Japan.
- Thread starter Naysayer
- Start date
I don't know about the J version of that Kenwood but yes it would be a waste to use a pair of 2879 's in it. My guess is it doesn't, it's probably using the same driver transistor as the other versions to drive the two 2879's but the J version is just using the driver for the main power out.
Most modern HF radio's have power level settings that can be set from 5 watts to 100 so any one of those radio's will work for you.
The Kenwood TS450S is a little nicer radio and are easily found in the used market for decent prices.
Most modern HF radio's have power level settings that can be set from 5 watts to 100 so any one of those radio's will work for you.
The Kenwood TS450S is a little nicer radio and are easily found in the used market for decent prices.
Any of the solid-state V series Kenwoods omitted the 100w PA brick and instead utilize a 10w push-pull version. This can fit inside the existing case without need for an external enclosure, though they do utilize a rear-panel heat sink.
I currently own a TS-130V and TS-660. On the short list are a TS-430V, 440V and a 680V. MAYBE a TS-670 - but some get horrid reviews while others are quite solid. YMMV I suppose.
I currently own a TS-130V and TS-660. On the short list are a TS-430V, 440V and a 680V. MAYBE a TS-670 - but some get horrid reviews while others are quite solid. YMMV I suppose.
On both the rigs I have, power output can be varied with either the Mic Gain or Car Level controls. IIRC there's also an internal setting on the TS-660 for maximum carrier in AM and FM modes (can be set independently).