Kenwood TS-50S User manual

GOc /AN>)|
HF TRANSCEIVER
S-50S
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
KENWOOD CORPORATION

|. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing this new
transceiver.
Notice to the user:
One or more of the following statements
may be applicabie to this equipment.
; FCC WARNING
This equipment generates or uses radio
frequency energy. Changes or
modifications to this equipment may
cause harmful interference unless the
“modifications are expressly approved in
_ the instruction manual. The user could
lose the authority to operate this
equipment if an unauthorized change or
‘modification is made.
| Information to the digital device user
| .
| required by the FCC:
' This equipment has been tested and |
| found to comply with the limits for a
'Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
115 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable
' protection against harmful interference in
| a residential installation. This equipment
‘generates, uses and can generate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. |
However, there is no guarantee that the i
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by
_ turning the equipment off and on, the
‘user is encouraged to try to correct the
_interference by one or more of the
| following measures:
= Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
- Increase the separation between
the equipment and receiver.
-- Connect the equipment into an
outlet on a circuit different from that |
to which the receiver is connected. f
-- Consult the dealer for technical :
| assistance.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please read all safety and operating instructions before
using this unit. For best results, be aware of all
warnings on the unit and follow the provided operating
instructions. Retain these safety and operating
instructions for future reference.
1 Power Sources
Connect this unit only to the power source
described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the unit itself.
2 Power Cable Protection
Route all power cables safely. Ensure the power
cables can neither be walked upon nor pinched by
items placed near or against the cables. Pay
particular attention to locations near AC
receptacles, AC extension bars and points of entry
to the unit.
Never pull or stretch
the cord.
3 Abnormal Odors
The presence of an unusual odor or smoke is
often a sign of trouble. Immediately turn the
power OFF and remove the power cable. Contact
a dealer or the nearest service center for advice.
POWER OFF!
4 Electrical Shocks
Take care not to drop objects or spill liquids into
the unit through enclosure openings. Metal
objects, such as hairpins or needles, inserted into
the unit may contact voltages resulting in serious
electrical shocks. Never permit children to insert
any objects into this unit.
[eel SL Ree ER en

TF
Ventilation
Locate the unit so as not to interfere with its
ventilation. Do not place books or other
equipment on the unit that may impede the free
movement of air. Allow a minimum of 4 inches (10
cm) between the rear of the unit and the wail or
operating desk shelf.
9
10
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Power Lines
Minimum recommended distance for an outdoor
antenna from power lines is one and one-half
times the vertical height of the associated antenna
support structure. This distance allows adequate
clearance from the power lines if the support
structure should fall for any reason.
Heat
Locate the unit away from heat sources such as
radiators, stoves, amplifiers or other devices that
produce substantial amounts of heat.
o a a
> See
d
4
and attics.
il
Cleaning
Do not use volatile solvents such as alcohol, paint
thinner, gasoline or benzene to clean the cabinet.
Use a clean dry cloth.
lightning. It also reduces the chance of a build-up
of static charges. Section 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with respect to proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of
grounding conductors, location of antenna-
discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode. See the accompanying illustration.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL COOF
LEAD IN
wine
ENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20
‘GROVNOING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-211
Lne—-—~ POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
NEC ~ NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INGE: ART 260, PART: HI
13
14
of time.
Servicing
Remove the unit's enclosure only to do accessory
installations described by this manual or accessory
manuals. Follow provided instructions carefully to
avoid electrical shocks. If unfamiliar with this type
of work, seek assistance from an experienced
individual, or have a professional technician do the
task.
Damage Requiring Service
Enlist the services of qualified personnel in the
following cases:
a) The power supply cable or plug is damaged.
b) Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the
unit.
c) The unit has been exposed to rain.
d) The unit is operating abnormally or performance
has degraded seriously.
e) The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure
damaged.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Thank you for purchasing this new KENWOOD information:
compact HF transceiver. This transceiver has many
powerful features. To get the most out of these 1 Noise entering from the DC power supply, or static
features, we suggest you read this instruction manual electricity may disable the buttons or the tuning
carefully, and keep it handy for further reference. control. If this occurs, determine the source of the
This transceiver provides these main features: interference and take appropriate measures to
reduce or eliminate the offending noise. If the
1 This radio is so compact that you can easily transceiver still does not function normally, reset
transport, install and operate from either a the microprocessor. (For the reset procedure, refer
portable, mobile or fixed station installation. to page 45.)
2 Setting-up transceiver functions is simple with 2 Resetting the transceiver will clear the memory
the easy-to-use Menu System. The transceiver channels and return the menu settings (described
ees! if sco
Carrier Operated modes are provided for this Transmission, tne Tan speed accelerates 10 1s
function.
maximum
speed,
and
the
sound
of
the
fan
will
become more noticeable. !f the heat sink
4 The tuning control automatically changes the temperature becomes excessively high, the
frequency step, depending on how fast the control temperature protection circuit will trip to reduce the
is rotated. (Achieved by a “fuzzy logic” control transmission output.
technique).
For extended transmit periods, or when operating FM
or RTTY, we recommend selecting 50 W or 10 W
5 The TF-SET function allows changing the transmit transmitter output power.
frequency while still listening to your received
signal.
6 The Automatic Power Off function switches off
the power if the transceiver has not been operated
for approximately three hours.
7 The MC-47 microphone allows assigning four
control functions to the microphone PF
(Programmed Function) keys.
In addition, this transceiver offers many other HF
transceiver functions, even though it is very compact.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INSTALLATION AND
CONNECTION
CHAPTER 4 MEMORY FEATURES
RNG R ER Be BPE REI ag MEMORY CHANNEL STORAGE .............,..31
Gy Detuer Pehle Canaartinn Zz a
DU Power Supply Connection .............0. 9 MEMORY TRANSFER.........----- 002-0 e eee 33
Antenna COnMeCUON waive Yams Maes y act 9 MEMORY CHANNEL CLEAR ..........-.0-0.00- 34
Ground Connection.........0.... 0... e eee 10 MEMORY CHANNEL PROTECT...............-. 35
ACCESSORY
CONNECTIONS...................
Ni
Memory
Protect}
.......-----ccccceeeeeees
25
CHAPTER2 CONTROLS AND Memory Protect 2...............0000220005 35
CONNECTORS QUICK MEMORY CHANNEL SELECT..........., 36
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ................0006 12 Selecting a Channel Containing Data ........ 36
REAR PANEL CONNECTORS................--- 18 Selecting an Empty Channel..,............. 36
DISBEA Ries chin si don Ritesh aa aN ae tl aes 19
CHAPTER5 SCAN
CHAPTER 3 COMMUNICATION MEMORY SCAN ... 6. cece cece ene eee eee 37
CONFIRMATION BEFORE OPERATION ,......... 21 Group Scan cece eee eens 37
SSB OPERATION... 0. eee ee eens 22 All-channel Scan oo... 0.0... cee eee 37
RECOptiON 3 2 :sci2 cccneaeceeaaad ate eciaats es tad 22 Confirming Start and End Frequencies........ 38
Transmission... 1.00. eee eee ee 22 Memory Channel Lock-Out................. 38
CW OPERATION | fi. cca et sense or en eases ne 23 PROGRAM SCAN .......... 00 cece cece eee eae 39
RECO DTION i kee eRe ad aie tage det 23 SCAN tiaiaie sent Saale edee Lath awe 39
Transmission 0.0000... ccc ccc c este eee e ees 24 Confirming Start and End Frequencies........ 39
EMP OPERATION ys viscciaticoaft s Ma arecnaavaur gene e 25 Scan Holds tscs ver aiaaeavaneehereuaneeend 39
Reception: os eeisc ences pee ak eee ane 25 BUSY-FREQUENCY STOP...............000005 40
TrANSMISSION. 2... eee es 25 SCAN SPEED CHANGE ....... 0.0.0.0 00sec eae 40
AM OPERATION 1.0... . ccc ccc tte e eee 26
PRCODUON coach de pavtaivn nected Sa wRe eNews 26
Transmission. ....... ccc cece enna eee 26
DATA OPERATION (PACKET, AMTOR, RTTY)..... 27
RECEPTION
ois
apiataiiates
sae
oe
alee
areca
es
27
TPANSMISSION 2... eee eee eee 28
FM REPEATER OPERATION ................008 29
SPLIT-FREQUENCY OPERATION .............0- 30

i ae)
CHAPTER6G OTHER USEFUL FEATURES
TROUBLESHOOTING. .....00000 0000 cece cece 52
GONTROLS
ose
sees
eee
eee
rete
nett
een
ees
_
RECO
LON:
>
denehei.dc
pataee.
og
feleore'
tasadttace
nag
eae
52
Frequency
Step
Change...
-.-........+...-.
a
TranSmissiony.:.
5
6c.
bye
ga
eee
ee
ate
ca
Aa
hs
§3
Amateur
Band
Switching
...................
41
ADJUSTMENTS
«00...
ooo
ccccccecccccccccceeee
54
PESGDEERON: xeon eth ahk Pasichiraite sy a REFERENCE FREQUENCY CALIBRATION ........ 54
DUAL DIGITAL VFOS.... 0... 0.0... c ce eee eee 42
AUTOMATIC POWER OFF (APO). .......2....... 42 CHAPTER 10 OPTIONS INSTALLATION
INTERFERENCE AND NOISE ELIMINATION. ...... 43 FILTER ssc mint ostevtoet ea oataea bet 55
TE SRI ei fe cucu A cig i tasiale une ae ce eee. 43 TCOXO UNIT (SO-2) 000 eee eee 56
JE
PROP
oi
ouinn
oak
nd
Vy
sted
owwaeie
sha
ee
43
Noise Blanker .......---.---- cece eee eee 43 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES.................. 57
AUDIO AND SOUND FEATURES................. 43 SPECIFICATIONS ........................5. 59
Beep TONG oe coe encanta nennehe neces 43
Mode Confirmation Tone Output............. 43
Morse Code Alarm Output ..............000. 44
Carrier Point Shift... 0.0.0.0... 0000 cc0eee 44 ACCESSORIES
MICROPROCESSOR RESET........... 0020. .20, aS MC-47 Multifunction Microphone
Initial
SettingS
...........
0...
c
ec
cece
e
eee
45
(TEO5
2B
5)
2s
oo
aies
wane
venue
donee
sadury
1ea.
othe net Ricci ality! seduce nase
PIE
POS
a
eRe
Senden
Ghisensee
ean
-
DC
Power
Cable
(E30-3157-05)
..............
lea,
CHAPTER7 MENU SET-UP Handle (KO1-0416-05) ..........0... cea eee lea.
MENU A ING arene, oA aia che tuudsrarace capecdilbcetnt 4
MOET
e
Calibration
Cable
(E31-2154-05).
2...
02.2.2...
lea.
MENU
B
SETTING
......
0...
0
eee
ee
47
To
set
the
reference
frequency
CHAPTER 8 OPERATION USING Fuse, 25A (FO5-2531-05)............. 0.000 lea.
ACCESSORIES For the DC power cable
LINEAR AMPLIFIER Fuse, 4A (FO6-4029-05) 0.0... 1ea.
= EF |
OPSAtION Joo do ce coat eaekweusd Mio neh bomeee 48 FE Pare gy Oe ON hace
Warranty Card... 0.0... ccc eee ee eee 1 copy
MIGROPHONG 3.053 san Seas deen sada dadeenees 4
. U.S.A./Canada and Europe versions only
UP and DWN Buttons .................2.--- 49
PTT Button. ..... 0... cc ccceccceccecececcee 49 Instruction Manual (B62-0291-00)........... 1 capy
Programmable Function Keys ............... 49 Save the box and packing in the event the transceiver
is to be transported for portable or remote operation,
CHAPTERS MAINTENANCE AND or shipped for upgrade, maintenance or service.
eC Le Ter En

1 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
PREPARATION FOR MOBILE OPERATION
When you use this transceiver for mobile operation, do
not attempt to perform any kind of configuration or
menu set-up operation while driving your car, simply
because it is too dangerous. Stop the car and then
perform transceiver configuration. In addition, do not
wear headphones when you are driving.
DC POWER CABLE CONNECTION
Connect the DC power cable directly to the vehicle's
battery terminals using the shortest route. Do not use
the cigarette lighter socket since vibration may loosen
the connection, resulting in poor transceiver
performance due to an unstable power source.
ante ae,
@ Installation example
1 Install the mounting bracket using the supplied flat
washers and self-tapping screws.
2 Position the transceiver in the bracket to
determine the best viewing angle.
3 Insert and tighten the supplied SEMS screws and
washers.
Self-tapping screw
You can also use the optional MB-13 mounting
bracket. For the correct mounting procedure, refer
to the instructions packaged with the MB-13.
Be sure to use a 12 V vehicle battery which has
sufficient current capacity.
If the current to the transceiver is insufficient, the
display may darken during transmission (at audio
peaks during SSB operation), or transmitter output
power may drop excessively.
Note: ff you use the transceiver for a long period when the
vehicle battery has not been fully charged, or when the engine
has been stopped, the battery may become discharged, and will
not have sufficient reserves to start the vehicle. Avoid using the
transceiver under these conditions.
ANTENNA CONNECTION
Use a whip antenna for mobile operation. HF mobile
antennas are larger (and have a larger wind load) and
are heavier than VHF antennas. Therefore, use a
strong and rigid mount to safely and securely install
the HF mobile antenna.
The success of your mobile installation will depend
largely on the type of antenna, and its correct
installation. The transceiver can give excellent results,
if the antenna system and its installation is given
careful attention.
The performance requirements of a mobile antenna
are the same as those for a fixed station installation.
(Refer to page 9.)

1 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
a
GROUND CONNECTION
The ground, which is the other half of the antenna
system, is very important when using a mobile whip
antenna. Connect the feed line ground for the antenna
securely to the vehicle’s chassis, and be certain to
bond (electrically connect} the vehicle body to the
chassis, The sheet metal will provide the primary
ground plane, so be sure to establish a good RF
connection from the feed line to both the chassis and
the body. For comprehensive information on mobile
antennas and their successful installation and
optimization, refer to the ARRL Handbook or similar
publications.
If your car has plastic bumpers, make sure to ground
the antenna mount to the body and the chassis of the
car.
IGNITION NOISE
This transceiver has been designed with a Noise
Blanker to filter ignition noise. However, some cars
may generate excessive ignition noise. If there is
excessive noise, use suppressor spark plugs (with
resistors), or perform other countermeasures as may
be required to reduce these undesired electrically
generated noises. The ARRL Handbook, or other
similar reference, has a wealth of information regarding
this topic.
Note:
1 The negative fead fram the battery must remain disconnected
until all connections are completed, in order ta prevent the
possibility of an accidental short circuit during installation.
2 After installation and wiring, confirm that aif work has been
performed correctly, then reconnect the negative battery lead.
3 tf the fuse blows, check that the power cable has not been
damaged or short circuited, is not pinched or squashed, etc.
After resolving the problem, replace the fuse with one of the
same type and rating.
4 After the wiring is finished, wrap the fuse holder with heat-
resistant tape to protect the fuse against heat and moisture.
5 10 NOT remove the fuse holder even if the power cabie is
too long.

1 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
PREPARATION FOR FIXED STATION OPERATION
The following figure illustrates how the cables must be
connected on the rear of the transceiver. Connect the
cables securely so they will not come loose if they are
pulled.
Speaker
* DC 13.8 V
DC POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION
In order to use this transceiver for fixed station
operation, you will need a separate 13.8 V DC power
supply, which may be purchased separately. DO NOT
attempt to directly connect the transceiver to an AC
outlet!
polarities are correct.
Fuse holder
AC
DC power cable (supplied)
This transceiver draws less than 20.5 A (with an
optional automatic antenna tuner, less than 22.5 A)
when transmitting at full power output.
Kenwood recommends you use the optional DC power
supply, model PS-33, which matches the electrical and
cosmetic features of this transceiver.
Note:
1 Before connecting the OC power supply to the transceiver, be
sure to switch the transceiver and the DC power supply off.
2 Do not plug the DC power supply into an AC outlet until you
make all connections.
3. if the power supply voltage exceeds 18 V, the transceiver
protection circuit will turn the pawer off automatically. The
transceiver resumes operatian automatically when the input
voltage drops to 13.8 V.
@ Installation example
External speaker
(option)
External DC power
supply (option)
For a deluxe installation, take the time to install the
transceiver in the mounting bracket. The diagram
offers some mounting suggestions.
Added benefits of using the mounting bracket in your
fixed station include the following:
e You can angle the transceiver for best visibility from
your operating position.
@ The transceiver remains stationary when you attach
e The bracket eliminates the risk of anybody bumping
the transceiver off your operating desk.
If you decide to mount the transceiver in a horizontal
plane instead of angling it up or down, use the top or
middie row of mounting holes on the bracket. The
bottom row of holes cannot be used to mount the
transceiver horizontally.

1 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
SSS a
ANTENNA CONNECTION
The type of the antenna system, consisting of the
antenna, ground, and feed, will greatly affect the
successful performance of the transceiver. Use a
properly adjusted antenna of good quality to let your
transceiver perform at its best. Use a good quality 50
ohm coaxial cable and a first quality connector for the
connection. Match the impedance of the coaxial cable
and antenna so that the SWR is 1.5:1 or less. All
connections must be clean and tight.
While the transceiver's protection circuit will activate if
the SWR is greater than 2.5:1, do not rely on
protection to compensate for a poorly functioning
antenna system. High SWR will cause the transmitter
output to drop, and may lead to radio frequency
interference to both consumer products (such as
stereo receivers and televisions), and RF interference
to the transceiver itself. Reports that your signal is
Fry an Ces dae wet
certain that at the least, your coax connector is loose
at the rear of the radio, and at the worst, your antenna
system is not efficiently radiating power.
Caution: Ina fixed station installation, use a lightning arrester
ta prevent fire, electric shock, or damage to the transceiver.
Using the optional auto antenna tuner allows the
transceiver to perform at its very best. For additional
information on the antenna tuner, refer to
“AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER” on page 48.
GROUND CONNECTION
At the minimum, a good DC ground is required to
prevent such dangers as electric shock. For superior
communications results, a good RF ground is required,
against which the antenna system can operate. Both
of these conditions can be met by providing a good
earth ground for your station. Bury one or more
ground rods, or a large copper plate under the ground,
and connect this to the transceiver GND terminal. Use
heavy gauge wire Or a copper strap, cut as short as
possible, for this connection. Just as for antenna work,
all connections must be clean and tight.
Caution; DO NOT attempt to use a gas pipe (which is clearly
dangerous), an electrical conduit (which has the whole house
wiring attached and may act like an antenna), or a plastic water
pipe for a ground,
10