The Kenwood TS-590SG is a high-performance HF/50MHz transceiver designed for amateur radio enthusiasts who prioritize excellent receiver performance, robust construction, and user-friendly operation. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the TS-590S, the TS-590SG incorporates enhancements and refinements to further elevate the operating experience for amateur radio operators.
At the heart of the TS-590SG is its advanced receiver architecture, which features a triple conversion superheterodyne design with a down-conversion IF stage. This configuration ensures superior sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range across the HF and 50MHz bands, allowing operators to receive weak signals with exceptional clarity even in crowded band conditions. The TS-590SG's receiver also incorporates a high-performance roofing filter and adjustable DSP filtering, providing users with the flexibility to tailor the receiver's characteristics to their specific operating preferences.
The transmitter section of the TS-590SG delivers up to 100 watts of RF output power on HF and 50MHz, ensuring reliable communication over long distances. Its precise DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) oscillator and strong final amplifier stage help make the RF output clean and stable across the whole frequency range. The TS-590SG also features a built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU), allowing operators to quickly and easily match their antenna to the desired operating frequency without the need for external tuning equipment.
One of the standout features of the TS-590SG is its user-friendly interface, which includes a large, easy-to-read LCD display and intuitive front panel controls. The LCD display provides essential information such as operating frequency, signal strength, and operating mode, while the front panel controls allow for precise adjustment of settings including frequency selection, mode selection, and volume control. Additionally, the TS-590SG supports USB connectivity for remote control and data transfer, allowing operators to seamlessly integrate the transceiver into their station setup.
In addition to its excellent performance and user-friendly design, the TS-590SG offers a range of convenience features to enhance the operating experience. These include built-in digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities, which provide noise reduction, notch filtering, and automatic gain control (AGC) to improve signal clarity and intelligibility. The transceiver also supports multiple operating modes, including SSB, CW, RTTY, and AM, as well as digital mode capabilities such as PSK31 and JT65, allowing operators to explore a variety of communication techniques.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the TS-590SG maintains a compact and lightweight form factor, making it ideal for both home station and portable operation. Its rugged construction and durable components ensure reliable performance in a wide range of operating conditions, while its energy-efficient design minimizes power consumption during operation. Overall, the Kenwood TS-590SG offers a winning combination of performance, reliability, and user-friendly operation, making it a popular choice among amateur radio operators seeking a versatile and dependable HF transceiver.
Strengths:
Excellent Receiver Performance: The Kenwood TS-590SG boasts exceptional receiver performance with a triple conversion superheterodyne design and high-performance roofing filter. This configuration ensures superior sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range, allowing operators to receive weak signals with exceptional clarity even in crowded band conditions.
Robust Transmitter: With up to 100 watts of RF output power on HF and 50MHz, the TS-590SG delivers reliable communication over long distances. Its precise DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) oscillator and strong final amplifier stage help make the RF output clean and stable across the whole frequency range.
User-Friendly Interface: The TS-590SG features a large, easy-to-read LCD display and intuitive front panel controls, making operation straightforward and efficient. The LCD display provides essential information such as operating frequency, signal strength, and operating mode, while the front panel controls allow for precise adjustment of settings, including frequency selection, mode selection, and volume control.
Weaknesses:
Limited Frequency Coverage: The TS-590SG's frequency coverage is limited compared to some other HF transceivers in its class. While it covers the HF and 50MHz bands, it may not provide coverage of the higher frequency bands that some operators require for certain operating activities.
Lack of Built-in Antenna Tuner: Unlike some other HF transceivers, the TS-590SG does not include a built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU). While it supports external antenna tuners, the lack of a built-in ATU may be a drawback for operators who require quick and convenient antenna matching capabilities, especially when operating on multiple frequencies or bands.
Limited Digital Mode Capabilities: While the TS-590SG supports digital mode operation such as RTTY and PSK31, its capabilities in this area may be limited compared to dedicated digital mode transceivers. Operators who primarily operate in digital modes may find the TS-590SG's features and performance in this area to be less comprehensive than desired.
Here are the specifications of the Kenwood TS-590SG HF/50MHz Transceiver:
Frequency Coverage:
- Receive: 0.03-30 MHz (guaranteed range)
- Transmit: 1.8-30 MHz, 50-54 MHz (amateur bands only)
Mode: USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM
Frequency Stability: Less than ±0.5 ppm (0°C to 50°C)
Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +50°C (+32°F to +122°F)
Power Supply Requirement: DC 13.8V ±15%
Current Drain (at 13.8V DC):
- Transmit: 20A (maximum)
- Receive: 2A (maximum)
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms (unbalanced)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 270 x 96 x 291 mm (10.63 x 3.78 x 11.46 inches)
Weight: Approximately 8.8 kg (19.4 lbs)
Transmitter:
- Output Power: 100W (HF/50MHz), adjustable in 1W steps
- Modulation System: SSB: Balanced modulation, AM: Low level modulation, FM: Variable reactance modulation, Digital modes: PSK31/63: Digital phase modulation, RTTY: Digital frequency shift keying
Receiver:
- Receiver System: Triple conversion superheterodyne
- Sensitivity (HF/50MHz):
- SSB/CW/RTTY: 0.15 μV (1.8-29.999 MHz, preamp on)
- AM: 13 μV (1.8-29.999 MHz, preamp on)
- Selectivity:
- SSB/CW/RTTY: More than 2.2 kHz/–6 dB, Less than 4.4 kHz/–60 dB
- AM: More than 6.0 kHz/–6 dB, Less than 15 kHz/–60 dB
Supplied Accessories:
- Hand microphone (MC-43S)
- DC power cable
- Spare fuse
- Spare fuse holder
- ACC cable
- Mounting bracket kit
These specifications highlight the TS-590SG's wide frequency coverage, multiple operating modes, high-power output, and advanced receiver system, making it an ideal choice for amateur radio operators seeking top-tier performance in HF communication.