Kenwood TS-590SG User manual

About This Manual
This in-depth manual is intended to explain the features of the TS-590SG and its convenient use. In addition to those who have
purchased or are considering the purchase of the TS-590SG, this manual can also be made use of by a wide range of users as
a handbook for HF transceivers.
Copyright
Copyright of this Manual and Software
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All intellectual property rights, including the copyright of this manual, as well as all manuals and documents that are supplied
with our software, shall belong to JVC KENWOOD Corporation. This software program is intended for use by licensed users
of KENWOOD brand products, and is not for sale. Users owns the right only for the media content stored in this software.
JVC KENWOOD Corporation retains the right to the software program.
JVC KENWOOD Corporation does not guarantee the compatibility of the quality and functions of our software described in
this or other related manuals with the intended use of the user. JVC KENWOOD Corporation also will not bear any liability for
defects and guarantees with regard to the software except for those expressly stated in this document.
Firmware Copyright
Firmware refers to software programs stored inside the memory of KENWOOD brand products for which the copyright is
owned by JVC KENWOOD Corporation.
Acts such as modication, reverse engineering, duplication, or release of the rmware on Internet websites without prior written
approval from JVC KENWOOD Corporation are strictly forbidden.
Transfer or sale of rmware that is not stored in a KENWOOD brand product to a third party is strictly prohibited.
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Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
•All other product names referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. ™ and
®are omitted in this manual.
Other Restrictions
The measured values exampled in this document are examples and do not guarantee the performance of the model.

Table of Contents
i
GETTING STARTED
Product Planning Objectives.......................................................1
Key Changes from TS-590S to TS-590SG .................................1
Circuit.................................................................................................. 1
Appearance / Mechanism ................................................................... 2
Function / Software ............................................................................. 2
01 RECEPTION
1.1 Type of Conversion................................................................3
1.2 Down Conversion..................................................................5
1.3 Up-Conversion....................................................................10
1.4 RX Auxiliary Circuits ...........................................................10
02 TRANSMISSION
2.1 KENWOOD Traditional Transmitting Circuitry......................13
2.1.1 IF Circuits................................................................................. 13
2.1.2 ALC Circuit............................................................................... 13
2.1.3 FET Final Circuit....................................................................... 13
2.2 High-speed Relay-controlled Antenna Tuner.......................15
2.3 Linear Amplier Control ......................................................15
2.3.1 REMOTE Connector ................................................................ 15
2.3.2 Setting Menu of Linear Amplier Control.................................. 15
2.3.3 ALC Operation when Connected to an External Device ........... 18
2.4 DRV Terminal ......................................................................19
03 LOCAL OSCILLATOR
04 DSP
4.1 Multipurpose 32-bit Floating Point DSP ..............................22
4.2 Advanced AGC Control via IF Digital Processing................23
4.3 Interference Elimination Within AGC Loop ..........................25
4.3.1 Digital IF Filter .......................................................................... 25
4.3.2 Types of Digital IF Filters .......................................................... 26
4.3.3 Manual Notch Filter and Auto Notch Filter................................ 27
4.3.4 Noise Blanker (NB2) ................................................................ 28
4.4 Demodulation .....................................................................29
4.5 Modulation ..........................................................................30
4.6 DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits (for RX).................................31
4.6.1 Beat Cancel (AF Processing)................................................... 31
4.6.2 Noise Blanker NB2 (IF Processing).......................................... 32
4.6.3 Overview of Noise Reduction................................................... 34
4.6.4 NR1 (Spectral Subtraction Method) (AF Processing)............... 34
4.6.5 NR1 (Based on a Line Enhancer) (AF Processing) .................. 35
4.6.6 NR2 (AF Processing) ............................................................... 36
4.7 DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits (for TX) .................................37
4.7.1 Speech Processor (AF Processing) ......................................... 37
4.8 DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits (Common to TX/RX) .............38
4.8.1 TX Equalizer & RX Equalizer (AF Processing).......................... 38
05 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING
OPERATING PLEASURE
5.1 Extended Data-mode Related Functions ............................39
5.2 Drive Out (DRV) ..................................................................40
5.3 Single Button Toggles IF Filters between A and B...............41
5.4 New Split Frequency Setting Method..................................42
5.5 Split Operation Using XIT....................................................42
5.6 Improved FINE Mode ..........................................................42
5.7 Optimizing the Frequency Step (MULTI/CH Knob)..............42
5.8 PF Keys...............................................................................42
5.9 Morse Code Decoder..........................................................44
5.10 Double Function Keys and Hold Time Selection................44
5.11 Mode Selection of Built-in Electronic Keyer.......................44
5.13 Power-on Message ...........................................................45
5.14 Quick Memory Function....................................................45
5.15 Cross Tone Function .........................................................45
5.16 Expansion of Voice Guide Function (Optional VGS-1
Required)............................................................................45
Voice Guide Function.............................................................................46
Voice Message Memory Function .......................................................... 46
5.17 Easy Updating of Firmware ...............................................47
5.18 PC Control ........................................................................47
06 APPEARANCE DESIGN: “DESIGN CONCEPT”
REVEALED BY DESIGNING ENGINEER
07 STRUCTURAL FEATURES
7.1 Cooling ...............................................................................51
7.2 LCD.....................................................................................53
7.3 Main Control Knob ..............................................................54
7.4 Top and Bottom Casing.......................................................54
08 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE
8.1 Windows Related Software .................................................55
8.2 System Congurations........................................................55
8.2.1 Controlling TS-590SG from a PC using the COM Connector ... 55
8.2.2 Controlling TS-590G from a PC using the USB Connector....... 56
8.2.5 Controlling TS-590SG from a PC on a Remote Site ................. 57
8.3 New ARCP-590G (Amateur Radio Control Program for TS-
590SG) Freeware................................................................57
8.3.1 Basic Specications Inherited from ARCP-590 ........................ 58
8.3.2 HiDPI Compatible .................................................................... 58
8.3.3 User Interfaces......................................................................... 58
8.3.4 KNS (KENWOOD NETWORK COMMAND SYSTEM)............. 60
8.3.5 Visual Scan .............................................................................. 61
8.3.6 Audio Equalizer........................................................................ 61
8.3.7 Tuning the Split Transmit Frequency......................................... 62
8.3.8 Function Key Setting ................................................................ 62
8.3.9 Morse Code Decoder............................................................... 62
8.4 New ARHP-590G (Amateur Radio Control Program for TS-
590SG) Freeware................................................................63
8.4.1 Basic Specications Inherited from ARHP-590 ........................ 63
8.4.2 HiDPI Compatible .................................................................... 63
8.4.3 User Interfaces......................................................................... 63
8.4.4 KNS (KENWOOD NETWORK COMMAND SYSTEM)............. 64
8.4.5 Disabling AF Gain Control from ARCP-590G........................... 64
8.5 ARUA-10 (USB Audio Controller) Freeware........................64
8.5.1 Basic Functions........................................................................ 64
8.5.2 Operation ................................................................................. 64
8.5.3 Setup ....................................................................................... 65
8.5.4 Starting and Stopping ARUA-10............................................... 66
8.5.5 Adjusting Volume...................................................................... 66
8.5.6 Automatic Execution when Windows Starts ............................. 66
8.6 ARVP-10H/ ARVP-10R (Amateur Radio VoIP Program)
Freeware.............................................................................66
8.6.1 Basic Functions........................................................................ 67
8.6.2 Setup of ARVP-10H (Host Station)........................................... 67
8.6.3 Making ARVP-10H (host station) Online or Oine................... 67

ii
Table of Contents
8.6.4 Setup of ARVP-10R (Remote Station)...................................... 67
8.6.5 Connecting and Disconnecting ARVP-10R (Remote Station) .. 68
8.6.6 Adjusting Volume...................................................................... 68
8.7 Virtual COM Port Driver.......................................................68
09 OPTIONAL ACCESSORY
9.1 PS-60 Regulated DC Power Supply....................................70
9.2 Rectier Circuit....................................................................71
9.3 Switching Circuit, Constant-voltage Circuit and Protection
Circuit .................................................................................71

11
GETTING STARTED
Product Planning Objectives
The TS-590S, which was released in the HF amateur radio market in October 2010, has been highly rated for its high
reception performance and reasonable pricing.
In response to the feedback and requests from users over the past four years, not only does the HF/50MHz transceiver TS-
590SG, which has been launched in the market as the successor of TS-590S, come with additional features and enhanced
operability through upgrading of the rmware, improvements have been made to the basic reception performance, which
cannot be achieved without upgrading of the hardware. Technologies developed for our high-end model, “TS-990S”, are
also lavishly employed.
In addition to its performance and operability, we have also brushed up the appearance. While it resembles the TS-590S at
rst glance, the TS-590SG takes on a more elegant appearance, with greater compatibility with the “TS-990S”in aspects
such as the nishing of the main knob and the contrast of the silkscreen printing.
Based on users condence in the TS-590S, the renewed TS-590SG aims to achieve even greater ease of use by users
ranging from beginners to DXʼers.
This manual introduces the charms of the TS-590SG from a technical approach. Besides its use as a handbook during
actual use of the product, this manual also comes in handy as a reference for those who are considering the purchase of
this product.
Some of the features that are newly added to or improved on the TS-590SG (please refer to the major modications from
TS-590S to TS-590SG in this manual for a list of these features) are also available for free to existing TS-590S users. To
do so, download the “TS-590S Ver.2 Update”. As with other updates, users can download the rmware update program
from our website and perform updating on their own. In conjunction with the update of the TS-590S, the ARCP-590 and
ARHP-590 have also been updated. For users of these applications, please update them accordingly.
URL for downloading the TS-590S Ver.2 Update:
http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
Caution:
◆Ver.2 Update contains functions that are supported by the update of the TS-590S main CPU. Those related to displays and
menu items, which are controlled by the panel CPU cannot be updated, as well as updates following changes in the hardware
are not included in the Ver.2 Update.
Key Changes from TS-590S to TS-590SG
The key changes TS-590S to TS-590SG are as follows.
Circuit
• The receive performance (dynamic range, AGC characteristic, etc.) is further improved through revising the DSP algorithms
and the circuitry which includes the roong lter.
• Equipped with antenna output function (switching of the drive output using menu setting). (Useful for connecting an external
receiver.)
• The MULTI/CH knob has been changed to a push switch type. Operability is enhanced through assigning programmable
functions to the push switch. (CW and modes other than CW can now be congured separately. The default values are KEY
and PWR respectively.)
• 10 gradations of color from amber to green can be congured for the LED backlight. (For conventional models, only 2 colors
(amber and green) can be selected.)

GETTING STARTED
2
Appearance / Mechanism
• The appearance has been modied to adopt a nishing similar to that of the TS-990S, such as the paint for the upper and
lower cases, the color and contrast of the paint and print of the front panel keys, the color of the knobs, and the color and
surface nishing of the main dial.
Function / Software
• Newly equipped with a Morse code decoder. The code is scrolled on the 13-segment display screen. (For ARCP-590G,
the character string is displayed in a separate window .)
• Programmable functions can be assigned to the [RIT], [XIT] and [CL] keys in addition to the existing [PF A] and [PF B] keys.
• Front or rear PTT can be selected for the DATA PTT using the menu.
• Possible to switch from HI CUT/ LO CUT to WIDTH/ SHIFT for changing the receive bandwidth in SSB mode.
●The following functions are included in the “TS-590S Ver.2 Update”.
• A new split function (method adopted by TS-990S) is added for quick split operation. Press and hold the [SPLIT] key to
enter into the split transmit frequency setting mode, the “SPLIT”indicator blinks. For example, press [5] key for “5kHz
Up”, or press [0], [5] keys for “5kHz Down”.
• During the split operation using XIT, it is also possible to use the main knob to change the XIT frequency during TF-SET.
• The FINE function can be set to ON/OFF in each mode.
• If the FINE feature is set to ON when the display frequency is less than 1 MHz, the display shifts one digit to the left of the
display frequency to display in units of 1 Hz. (Useful for operation of the 135 kHz or 475 kHz band, etc.)
• The status of FIL A/B can be set to VFO A/B separately.
• The RX ANT function can be used in the 50 MHz band. (Settings can be made separately in the HF band and 50 MHz.)
• The transmit output power can be set independently in DATA mode.
• The MIC gain and the processor level for the voice message can be set independently from the settings for microphone
transmission. (The optional VGS-1 is required.)
• The RX equalizer / TX equalizer can be set in each mode.
• The CW messages can be deleted by each channel.
• The following voice guide announcements are added. (The optional VGS-1 is required.)
“Type of transmission meter”
“DRV OUT function on/off”
“RIT/XIT frequency”
• The following PC commands are added.
“Reading of the installation status of VGS-1”
“Switching on/offthe backup of the AI function”
“Deleting of voice messages”
• The signal (approximately 0 dBm : 1 mW) of the 475 kHz band (472 to 479 kHz), as with the 135 kHz band, can be output
from the DRV terminal on the rear panel.

3
1.1 Type of Conversion
Receive performance is one of the key indicators that is used to evaluate a transceiver. And, above all, the capability to
protect against interference from adjacent signals close to the target signal is of the utmost importance.
To attain this goal, a circuit with a good large signal behavior characteristic is used for the rst mixer of the RX section. In
recent years, a lter used between the mixer and the subsequent stage (roong lter) is also gaining much attention as a
very important component.
About 30 years ago, an up-conversion circuit conguration (where the rst IF is at the high frequency range of 40 MHz
to 70 MHz) appeared as an RX circuit design to provide general coverage receiving from LF through the HF band. This
RX system was also adopted by amateur radio transceivers of the time to enable reception of overseas broadcasting and
other signals outside amateur bands and, as a result, from that time on, almost all HF transceivers have been equipped
with an up-conversion RX section.
The passband of roong lters used in an up-conversion RX design at that time is typically 15 to 20 kHz. However, in the
case an interfering signal is only several kHz away from the target signal, the interfering signal also passes the roong lter
and the target signal is masked rst in the subsequent stage. As a result, sometimes the performance of the rst mixer
was not extended to the best use.
That is the reason why switching the pass bandwidth of a roong lte is becoming prevalent in recent transceivers. Some
products can select a bandwidth as narrow as several hundred hertz and these products are very highly accepted in the
market.
Meanwhile, KENWOODʼs HF transceivers, which were produced before TS-590S, adopt roong lters with a wide passband.
Obviously, they still have satisfactory performance outside the pass bandwidth.
Against this backdrop, we started the development of the TS-590S by considering the circuit type that mostly focuses on
the characteristics of adjacent interference elimination.
In the early stage of the TS-590Sʼs product development, considering the product positioning in the market, we also
examined the RX design to be able to switch among the roong lters of 3 kHz, 6 kHz and 15 kHz. However, the bandwidth
of 3 kHz is too wide for CW, though it is fairly narrow for an SSB. We wanted to adopt a 500 Hz lter by all means for CW
enthusiasts. However, there was a big challenge to be solved.
When it comes to the pass bandwidth of a roong lter, at a frequency as high as 73 MHz, which is KENWOODʼs mainstream
rst IF frequency, it is difficult to mass-produce lters with bandwidth as narrow as 500 Hz. To solve this problem, there
was no other choice but to lower the rst IF frequency.
After reviewing, we decided to lower the rst IF to 11.374 MHz. This is called a down-conversion design. (In contrast with
the up-conversion design, down-conversion is, for the ease of description, dened as a method that adopts a low rst IF
frequency that is about 10 MHz.)
Yet, this circuit design has a drawback. When the IF frequency that was once raised 30 years ago to provide general
coverage reception is lowered again (to 8.83 MHz that was then used), images and spurious signals are produced (which
are relevant not only to reception but to transmission) and these causes must be addressed one by one.
Needless to say, it is technically possible to tackle individual problems but, to do so, many additional circuits and components
are required, which may result in a higher product price. In terms of market positioning, TS-590S must be a product in a
competitive price range having higher cost-to-performance ratio. After examining various frequency congurations, we
have selected a dual-mode conversion frequency conguration for the TS-590S to satisfy both the performance and price
requirements.
The main RX section of the TS-990S, our flagship model, employs down conversion for all of the receiving frequencies,
and adopts a design that bets the high grade, such as the use of a 500 Hz roong lter, and installation of a lter with a
narrow bandwidth of 270 Hz.
01 RECEPTION

01 RECEPTION
4
Figure 1-1 Dual-mode Conversion Frequency Configuration
First, let us begin with explanation about the up-conversion path.
In the up-conversion path, double-headed arrows are shown at each stage pointing in both directions. This means a transmit
signal as well as a receive signal is processed in the up-conversion path. The circuit conguration is a triple-conversion
design featuring an IF DSP, a typical conguration for an HF transceiver. (Replacing the IF DSP with an AF DSP and the
third Mixer with a modulator and demodulator changes it to be the conguration of TS-480HX/SAT.)
The pass bandwidth of the lter is about 15 kHz at 73.095 MHz, and at 10.695 MHz, it varies depending on the mode and
the RX bandwidth. In CW, SSB and FSK modes, the bandwidth is 2.7 kHz, in AM mode 6 kHz, and in FM mode 15 kHz.
The modulated transmit signal passes through the 6 kHz band pass lter except during FM mode. The nal bandwidth is
determined by the DSP. The local oscillator signal of the last outgoing mixer is FM modulated in the FM mode, and does
not affect the pass bandwidth of this lter.
The up-conversion path is applied only in conditions when no down-conversion path is used.
Next is the down-conversion path.
In the down-conversion path, only a single-ended arrow is shown at each stage. This means the down-conversion operation
is applied only to RX signals.
Also, in the gure the conditions in which the down conversion operates are described. These conditions are designed to
cover the bands, modes and bandwidths that are commonly used in a contest and on similar occasions.
On the surface, the circuit conguration may seem too complex and wasteful. Still, due to the frequency conguration that
focuses on particular points, the general coverage reception across the continuous frequency range of 30 kHz through 60
MHz covered by the VFO is maintained as on previous models. As a result, we have successfully produced a transceiver
in a competitive price range that achieves excellent receive performance comparable to the high-end HF transceivers on
the market.
As for the up-conversion path, though the same frequency conguration is used as in the previous models, the roong
lters have been improved to have better characteristics to protect against interference within the pass bandwidth. For
details, refer to 1.3 Up-Conversion.

RECEPTION 01
5
1.2 Down Conversion
Figure 1-2 Down Conversion Block Diagram
Figure 1-2 describes the circuit conguration around the rst mixer of the down-conversion path, showing the relationships
between frequencies upon receipt of a 14 MHz signal.
The signal from the antenna passes the RF BPF or LPF (as a receive as a receive lter, it divides the frequency band of
30 kHz to 60 MHz into 12 ranges) and RF Amp (or bypasses it) to be sent into the rst mixer. Because in the rst mixer
section, a different mixer is used for the up-conversion and down conversion respectively, the suitable mixer is selected
according to the conditions.
Figure 1-3 Receiver Mixer Circuit

01 RECEPTION
6
The receiver mixer circuit is a quad mixer consisting of four 2SK1740 JFETs. The mixer circuit achieves superior
characteristics thanks to the revision of I/O port matching and the optimization of biases. With the signal provided by the
rst local oscillator, the RX signal is converted to 11.374 MHz (rst IF frequency).
The converted RX signal is moderately amplied at the post amplier that compensates for the mixer loss, and sent to the
roong lter when NB is OFF. When NB is ON, a 6 kHz NB band limiting lter is inserted before the post amplier for the
band pass. The NB lter is inserted at this position to prevent the delay time from changing due to the target signal and noise.
The roong lter is mounted with two 6-pole MCFs of 500 Hz and of 2.7 kHz as standard at the time of purchase of your
transceiver. Which lter is used is automatically determined according to the nal pass bandwidth, i.e. depending on the
conditions including the bandwidth selection made with WIDTH or LO CUT/ HI CUT controls on the front panel.
For example, in CW or FSK mode, if WIDTH is 500 Hz or less, the 500 Hz lter is selected and if WIDTH is 600 Hz or more,
2.7 kHz lter is selected. In SSB mode, if the difference between the HI CUT and LO CUT frequencies is 2.7 kHz or less,
the 2.7 kHz lter is selected and if the combination produces exceeds a difference of 2.7 kHz, the up-conversion path is
automatically applied. (In SSB-DATA mode, if WIDTH is 500 Hz or less, the 500 Hz lter is selected.)
In AM and FM modes, because the pass bandwidth of the down conversion path is too narrow, the signal is received with
the up-conversion path.
These operations are used in the amateur radio bands of 1.8 MHz, 3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 14 MHz and 21 MHz, and for other
amateur radio bands including WRC bands, and for other frequency ranges of general coverage receiving, up-conversion
is used regardless of the mode and pass bandwidth. (Since this switchover is determined by the CPU taking various
conditions into its criteria, the conversion path cannot manually be selected.)
Figure 1-4 MCF
Figure 1-4 is an image of the MCFs. From left to right, there is the 500 Hz lter at 11.374 MHz that is used in down conversion
and next is the 2.7 kHz lter at 11.374 MHz.
At the rightmost lter is the 2.7 kHz lter at 10.695 MHz that is used during the up-conversion.

RECEPTION 01
7
Hints and Tips
●Which type of conversion is used?
• During the transmission:
The up-conversion conguration is always used in all modes and bandwidths. During the transmission in SSB mode, the pass
bandwidth is determined by the lter settings (digital lter of the DSP) selected in the menu mode. The pass bandwidth of 6
kHz is usually selected for the lter at the analog IF stage during transmission. The local oscillator signal of the last mixer is FM
modulated in FM mode and does not affect the pass bandwidth of the lter at the analog IF stage.
• During the reception in AM or FM mode:
The up-conversion conguration is always used regardless of the frequency or pass bandwidth settings.
• If WIDTH is switched from 500 Hz to 600 Hz during the reception in the 3.5 MHz band in CW mode:
While the down conversion conguration is maintained, the roong lter is switched from 500 Hz to 2.7 kHz.
• LO CUT is changed to 200 Hz when receiving in the 14 MHz band in SSB mode with LO CUT 300 Hz and HI CUT 3000 Hz:
Because the final pass bandwidth exceeds 2.7 kHz, the operation is switched from down-conversion to up-conversion
conguration.
• During the reception in the 50 MHz band in SSB mode with LO CUT 300 Hz and HI CUT 2700 Hz:
The up-conversion conguration is used. Though the pass bandwidth of the roong lter is 15 kHz, the 2.7 kHz lter is selected at
the second IF of 10.695 MHz.
Table 1-1 Combination of Filters at Conversion
Conversion Type
Analog IF lter Frequency Setting
Conditions Setting Example
Frequency Pass
Bandwidth
Down conversion (in 1.8 MHz,
3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 14 MHz and
21 MHz bands and if BW is no
more than 2700 Hz)
11.374 MHz
(rst IF)
500 Hz BW is no more than
500 Hz
7.005 MHz/ CW WIDTH:
250 Hz
2.7 kHz BW is between 550
Hz and 2700 Hz
14.175 MHz/ USB
LO: 100 Hz, HI: 2800 Hz
Up-conversion (in other than
above conditions)
10.695 MHz
(second IF)
2.7 kHz BW is no more than
2700 Hz
28.250 MHz/ USB
LO: 100 Hz, HI: 2800 Hz
6 kHz
SSB BW is between
2750 Hz and 5000
Hz/AM HI CUT
between 2.5 kHz and
3 kHz
3.560 MHz/ LSB
LO: 50 Hz, HI: 3000 Hz
15 kHz
AM HI CUT is
between 4 kHz and
5 kHz/ FM
50.550 MHz/ AM
LO: 100 Hz, HI: 4000 Hz
Hints and Tips
●Is KENWOODʼs AM bandwidth narrow?
The AM passband width is indicated as 5 kHz for HI CUT, and there were questions asking if this can be widened further. The
frequency displayed here is the frequency of the audio bandwidth after demodulation. At the IF stage, therefore, the passband
is twice as wide at the upper and lower bands, and the IF passband width is indicated as 10 kHz. Also, the lter bandwidth for HI
CUT is variable at the IF stage, while that for LO CUT is variable at the audio stage. In the FM mode, the lter bandwidth for both
HI CUT and LO CUT is variable at the audio stage.

01 RECEPTION
8
Following is a graph that provides the comparison between the performances of roong lters.
Figure 1-5 Comparison of Bandpass Characteristics of MCFs
Figure 1-5 compares the band pass characteristics of a roong lter of center frequency 73 MHz (gray line); and the roong
lters of the center frequency 11.374 MHz with bandwidth of 500 Hz (blue line) and with bandwidth of 2.7 kHz (orange line)
that are both employed by the TS-590S.
Because the center frequency of the lters differ, graphs are overlapped at the center frequency. The frequency indicated
as 0 kHz at the center of the Frequency [kHz] axis is the receive frequency.
It is apparent that when down conversion is active, large attenuation is achieved at frequencies other than the target signal.
It may be difficult to understand from the gure but for a lter with a bandwidth of 500 Hz, the attenuation is approximately
70 dB and 40 dB when the frequency is detuned 1 kHz and 0.5 kHz respectively from the center frequency. Only the down
conversion conguration can use lters with this kind of characteristic.
Figure 1-6 Comparison of Dynamic Range Characteristics

RECEPTION 01
9
Figure 1-6 shows the measurements for the third-order dynamic range characteristics of TS-590SG with the distance from
the interfering signal altered. As a comparison, the results for an existing model, TS-480HX/SAT (up-conversion, 500 MHz,
built-in CW lter), are displayed side by side with the readings for TS-590S (*extracted from the QST magazine 2011 May
issue of product review; reprinted with permission of ARRL).
The third-order dynamic range characteristics of the TS-590SG are almost flat up to 2 kHz. The intercept point calculated
from these readings is +33 dBm.
Measurement Conditions:
Receive
Frequency 14.200 MHz
Mode CW
Pass bandwidth 500 Hz
PRE AMP OFF
The abscissa axis shows the distance from the interfering signal. For example, it represents that at the point of 10 kHz the
receive frequency is 14.200 MHz and two interfering signals of 14.210 MHz and 14.220 MHz are given.
The orange line indicates the result of TS-590SG; the ◇mark indicates the result of TS-590S; and the gray line indicates
the result of TS-480HX/SAT.
The dynamic range of all the products exceeds 105 dB with an interfering signal separation of more than 20 kHz. However,
as the interfering signal approaches the receive signal, the dynamic range of the up-conversion type TS-480HX/SAT, which
does not make use of a roong lter with a narrow bandwidth, becomes smaller. This is attributable to the deterioration in
the attenuation of the interfering signal due to the wide passband width of the roong lter.
Meanwhile, difference is observed between the TS-590SG and TS-590S particularly when it is close to the receive signal
at 2 kHz. This is due to influence from the NB lter immediately after the rst mixer. On the TS-590SG, the signal passes
through the NB lter when the NB is OFF, enabling the full performance of the roong lter.
Note: Measurements of the receive frequency and adjacent bands
◆A different measurement method was adopted, which accounts for the different results between the data of the TS-590S
published in the catalog and in-depth manual and the ARRL measurements. During measurement of the published data
for the TS-590SG, the same method adopted by ARRL is used for measuring the third-order dynamic range to prevent
differences from arising as a result of the measurement method Figure 1-6 shows the measurements for the TS-590SG
based on random sampling of the mass-produced items. (Data used in the catalog is obtained based on the prototype.) The
outcome is an example, and does not warrant the performance of the product.

01 RECEPTION
10
1.3 Up-Conversion
Difference of characteristics due to the pass bandwidth in the roong lter can be viewed in graphs in Figure 1-5 and
Figure 1-6. So, letʼs see the characteristics of the up-conversion system in which the same front end conguration is used
as previous models. We will explain using the measurement result that compares the dynamic range characteristics of
TS-590S and of previous models in the 50 MHz band.
Figure 1-7 Dynamic Range in the 50 MHz Band
Measurement Conditions:
Receive
Frequency 50.200 MHz
Mode CW
Pass bandwidth 500 Hz
PRE AMP OFF
Comparison target TS-480HX/SAT (equipped with YF-107C CW lter)
(The measurement method is the same as that was applied to 14.2 MHz.)
In the 50 MHz band, the signal is received with up-conversion on both the TS-590S/SG and the TS-480HX/SAT. If the
separation between the target signal and the interfering signal drops below 20 kHz, the dynamic range decreases on both
transceivers. However, on the TS-590S/SG, the outcome is improved for 15 dB even within the pass bandwidth of the MCF.
This is thanks to the drastic modication of circuitry of the up-conversion section that was reviewed coupled with the down-
conversion path being added.
The same circuit is also used inWRC bands and in general coverage receiving as well as in the 50 MHz band, and therefore
the equivalent performance improvement is made in those bands.
1.4 RX Auxiliary Circuits
Typical built-in RX auxiliary circuits include the variable pass bandwidth circuit, notch lter and noise blanker (NB). In
modern HF transceivers, most of these auxiliary circuits (= auxiliary functions) are made possible by an arithmetic process
of the DSP. As well as the TS-590S/SG, only two auxiliary circuits operate genuinely at the IF stage: NB and AGC (ATT
circuit that functions by receiving the control signal provided by the DSP).
On the TS-590S/SG, there are two methods available to achieve noise blanking: NB1 and NB2. NB1 is realized by analog
processing and NB2 by digital processing of the IF DSP. Still retaining an analog noise blanker, TS-590S may seem out of
step with the times. But it is critical to have an analog noise blanker for a receiving system design using narrow roong lters.

RECEPTION 01
11
Noise is typically pulse-shaped and when the noise passes a narrow lter, the pulse waveform is changed to have a wider
(longer) pulse width.
Within the DSP, the processing block of the noise blanker is placed in a stage earlier than the lter block that determines
the nal pass bandwidth. Thus, even if the nal pass bandwidth is narrowed, the blanking operation can work properly,
free of the influence of the narrowed bandwidth.
However, roong lters are located far earlier than the DSP, in the later stage of the rst mixer. As a result, in the event the
bandwidth of the roong lter becomes as narrow as 500 Hz, the pulse width becomes wider and a conventional digital
noise blanker would not deliver a sufficient blanking effect.
This is the exact case while down conversion is active on the TS-590S/SG and a digital noise blanker alone may not produce
a great enough effect. That is the reason we have placed a lter of pass bandwidth 6 kHz right after the rst mixer. The
lter deters the transformation of the pulse shape and prevents false operation of the noise blanker due to adjacent signals
while sending the noise signals to the analog noise blanker.
During the up-conversion, the noise signal is derived from the second IF stage and delivered to the noise blanker circuit
as in previous models.
For the differences in operation for NB1 and NB2, refer to “Hints and Tips”in 04 DSP 4.6.2 “Noise Blanker NB2 (IF
Processing)”.
Hints and Tips
●Improvement of sensitivity in the BC band and alteration in ATT attenuation
On the TS-590S/SG, by changing the circuitry conguration inside the transceiver, you can change the sensitivity in the BC band
and the attenuation amount of the [ATT] key on the front panel.
Following is a gure that represents the TX-RX UNIT that has the circuitry conguration in question. By detaching the
lower case, you can access the jumper connectors CN101 through CN103.
Figure 1-8 TX-RX UNIT
1) Raising sensitivity in the BC band:
Remove the jumper for CN103 and insert the jumper into CN102. This will increase the sensitivity in the BC band for 20 dB.
(Assuming that there is the high output power in local broadcasting stations in the BC band, the factory default setting for
sensitivity is lowered by 20 dB.)
2) Changing the attenuation amount of ATT:
Remove the jumper of CN101. This changes the attenuation of ATT from 12 dB to 20 dB. (Store the removed jumper in a
secure place for future use.)

01 RECEPTION
12
Hints and Tips
●The output level of the headphone jack is too high?
The TS-590S is designed based on connection with a headphone with an impedance of 8 Ω. Therefore, if you use a headphone
with impedance higher than 8 Ω, you will experience the following symptoms.
• The volume level is too high overall.
• Even if AF Volume is turned down, a hissing residual noise is audible.
If you experience these symptoms, use a set of headphones with impedance close to 8 Ω.
The TS-590SG lowers the impedance at the headphone jack to reduce these kinds of symptoms when a high impedance
headphone is used. This will reduce the hissing noise by approximately 8 dB compared to TS-590S when the impedance of the
headphone is 32 Ω. In this case, increase the AF VR slightly to adjust to the same volume as TS-590S.
Hints and Tips
●Antenna output connector
In recent years, spectrum scope is realized externally by combining receivers of the direct mixer type or digital conversion type,
which are collectively referred to as SDR, with PCs and applications, and connecting with HF transceivers. Signals are generally
output to an external receiver from the IF output terminal of the HF transceiver. However, in the case of the TS-590S, the IF output
function cannot be added straightforwardly as there are multiple IF frequencies. For this reason, an “antenna output connector”is
introduced on the TS-590SG to obtain signals for the external receiver.
This feature was also introduced on the existing TS-870S in anticipation of the connection of a receiver as a sub-operator in a
contest.
In the actual circuit, signals from the antenna are branched by the built-in splitter circuit and fed to both the internal and external
receivers. As the splitter circuit may cause a loss of a few decibels in principle, it can be set to ON or OFF on the panel.
KENWOOD does not have any receiver or application that can be combined. You can refer to related magazine articles for the
relevant information. For some applications, the center frequency of the spectrum scope is variable in tandem with the receiving
frequency of the transceiver, so you can make use of it in the same way as an IF output terminal.
Also, this feature shares the same connector (RCA terminal) with the DRV output function. You can choose which one to use from
the menu.

13
02 TRANSMISSION
2.1 KENWOOD Traditional Transmitting Circuitry
The tradition of high quality audio technology that users rely on KENWOOD to deliver is produced by combining analog
and digital technologies that KENWOOD has nurtured thus far. The DSP controls modulation and determines the sound
quality and analog circuits convey and amplify the signal cleanly.
2.1.1 IF Circuits
The rst IF transmit signal that is processed by the DSP and output at 24 kHz from the DA converter is converted to 10.695
MHz in a dedicated IC for the mixer. The second IF signal at 10.695 MHz passes an IF lter of 6 kHz bandwidth at which
undesired frequency components outside the pass bandwidth are attenuated before the signal is amplied. Next, the signal
goes through the gain control circuit that corrects the differences in gain from band to band, and the signal enters the mixer
that is commonly used in TX and RX, and is converted to the third IF of 73.095 MHz. The signal passes through the gain
control circuit that adjusts the signal to the necessary gain level to output the specied power level. After the signal passes
the lter that eliminates spurious components, the power is controlled by an ALC circuit to prevent it from exceeding a certain
level before the signal enters the mixer circuit that converts it to the desired transmit frequency. Also, delicate control is
done, such as stopping the operation of the amplier while the key is not depressed in CW mode. The signal converted
to the desired transmit frequency passes the BPF for removing spurious signals to prevent from generating interference
outside the transmit bandwidth, and is amplied to a prescribed level before being sent to the nal circuit. The drive signal
produced here can be extracted from the DRV terminal. (While the output from DRV is selected.)
In the SSB mode, control is performed by the ALC circuit for the peak envelope power to reach the predetermined setting.
To prevent distortion of the wave to be transmitted when there is a large input, the output level is restricted through DSP by
a AGC upon exceeding a certain level. This prevents any distortion from occurring in the analog circuit after IF. It helps to
prevent distortion as well as splatter from occurring even in the event of a loud sound level. With such meticulous attention
paid to control the level, a high-quality transmit signal with low noise can be acquired.
2.1.2 ALC Circuit
Adopting an ALC control system developed for use on the TS-990S, the TS-590SG is able to send out properly-controlled
signals even at the initial rise of the SSB transmission signal.
2.1.3 FET Final Circuit
The nal amplier is a push-pull amplier using two pieces of RD100HHF1 MOSFET from Mitsubishi Electric Semiconductor
(Pch 176.5W). The drive amplier uses an RD16HHF1 MOSFET and the pre-drive amplier uses an RD06HHF1 MOSFET,
despite being 13.8 V nal circuits, the ampliers are able to amplify the signal reasonably in a stable and continuous manner
with low distortion. Figure 2-1 shows the graph of IMD characteristics and Figure 2-2 shows the graph of harmonic spurious
characteristics. Superior distortion characteristics and clean signals are acquired in this way.

02 TRANSMISSION
14
TS-590SG 14.175 MHz 100 W P.E.P. TX IMD
Figure 2-1 Transmit IMD Characteristics
TS-590SG 14.175 MHz 100 W TX Spurious Emission
Figure 2-2 Transmit Spurious Characteristics

TRANSMISSION 02
15
2.2 High-speed Relay-controlled Antenna Tuner
TS-590S/SG has a built-in high-speed relay-controlled antenna tuner that was rst employed in the TS-570. In contrast to
the variable capacitor type antenna tuner, it employs a small and lightweight relay to achieve a sufficient matching range
and a fast tuning operation with digital control. The control speed has been further accelerated over previous models.
When you return to a previously used operating band or frequency, the antenna tuner easily and quickly re-tunes.
2.3 Linear Amplier Control
When connecting a linear amplier, control it using the semiconductor switch or (mechanical) relay that is built into the
transceiver. The relay comes with floating make/break/common contacts, which is suited for the control of linear ampliers
that do not support full break-in. Meanwhile, the semiconductor switch is suited for the control of linear ampliers that
support full break-in, and enables more silent switch between sending and receiving than the relay.
2.3.1 REMOTE Connector
The REMOTE connector for connecting the linear amplier with this transceiver comes with the same pin layout and
specications as existing models. Not only so, its RL terminal is added with the "short to ground" logic during sending
that is supported on the TS-990S.
With the REMOTE connector, connection is made easier with commercially-sold linear ampliers.
2
4
1
6 7
3
5
ALC
GND
(RX)
(TX) COM BRK
RL
MKE
100Ω
100Ω
Relay
Active High/
Active during TX：12 V
Active Low/
Active during TX："L"
Semiconductor switch
REMOTE Connector
(View from the rear panel)
Figure 2-3 REMOTE Connector Pin Configuration
Pin 6 is the ALC terminal. When you use a linear amplier or transverter, you can connect the external accessory device
to the ALC terminal in order to control the output to be within an appropriate range.
The ALC signal is a signal to shift the voltage in the minus direction (in KENWOODʼs devices) when the output level requires
regulation to satisfy the requirements of the external accessory device. Generally external accessory devices have a VR for
adjusting the voltage. A negative voltage (approximately -7V) is applied to the ALC terminal to decrease the internal gain.
2.3.2 Setting Menu of Linear Amplier Control
To control the sending and receiving of the linear amplier, congure the settings using the menu (No. 53 or No. 54).
This setting includes options with the combinations of the signal setting for switching between sending and receiving and
the transmit start delay time setting. Select according to the linear amplier used.

02 TRANSMISSION
16
The transceiver is equipped with a relay output for controlling devices such as a linear amplier, as well as an RL terminal
(Pin 7) to which a voltage of approximately 12 V is output during sending. The relay output terminal and RL terminal output
can be adjusted in the setting menu No. 53 (HF bands) or No. 54 (50 MHz band) of the linear amplier control. Table 2-1
describes the options available in the menu, and Figure 2-4 and Figure 2-5 show the timing charts.
Table 2-1 Setting Menu of Linear Amplifier Control
Linear Amplier Controls
Setting Semiconductor Switch Control
(RL Terminal) *1
Relay Control
(COM/ BRK/
MKE Terminal) *2
Transmit Start Delay Time *3
Compatible
Linear
Ampliers from
KENWOOD
OFF OFF OFF (10 ms)
1 During the transmission: 12 V OFF (10 ms) TL-933
2 During the transmission: 12 V ON (10 ms)
3 During the transmission: 12 V ON CW/FSK: approx. 25 ms
SSB/AM/FM: approx. 45 ms TL-922
4During the transmission: Short
to GND (pin 1) OFF (10 ms)
5During the transmission: Short
to GND (pin 1) OFF CW/FSK: approx. 25 ms
SSB/AM/FM: approx. 45 ms
*1 The RL terminal enables the operation logic during sending to be switched using the output of the semiconductor
switch.
Specify whether to output voltage or short to ground during sending. Controlling the linear amplier without operating the
relay helps to achieve more silent operation. As a reference, the controllable current should be less than 10 mA.
100 Ωresistors arrayed in series are inserted to protect the internal circuit, which shifts the voltage according to the current
flow. Example: In the event of a 10 mA current, voltage decreases by 1 V (when the setting is 1, 2 or 3) or rises by 1 V (when
the setting is 4 or 5). Make use of your device within the safe range.
*2 Switch the operation of the relay (built-in linear amplier control relay).
The rated control capacity of the relay contact is 2 A/ 30 V DC (resistance load), and the maximum allowable voltage is 220
V DC and 250 V AC.
High-voltage signals such as those of a vacuum tube amplier can be switched. Control of the terminal voltage for TL-922
(approx. -140 V) is also possible.
*3 This feature extends the duration from the time sending starts to that when radio waves are output (approx. 10 ms
under normal circumstances) and from the time sending ends to that when output of the received audio starts (approx.
25 ms under normal circumstances). Note that if the full break-in setting is selected in the CW mode (and if the delay
time is set to “FBK”), the transmit start time cannot be delayed.
In the event that the linear amplifier in use requires a relatively long time to switch between receive →send or
send →receive, such as the case of the TL-922, using this setting helps to prevent errors such as malfunction and noise
from occurring.