JVCKENWOOD Corporation has announced the launch of
the new TS-990 Series of HF/50MHz transceivers, the latest KENWOOD
competition-class models, in Japan and the rest of the world in late
February 2013.
Note: An Amateur Radio license is required to operate these models – Level 2 for the TS-990S, Level 3 for the TS-990D.
The TS-990D is only available in Japan’s domestic market.
The debut of the TS-900 in 1973 established the
magnificent tradition of KENWOOD flagship HF transceivers, designed for
DX’ers with exacting requirements for long-range high-performance
Amateur Radio communications. Successor series have been the TS-930,
TS-940, and TS-950.
Continuing this tradition, the new TS-990 is equipped with dual
receivers to enable simultaneous reception on two different bands. The
main receiver employs full down conversion and features a new mixer and
narrow-band roofing filters, resulting in a third-order intercept point
of +40dBm; this represents the highest level of RX performance. Also
equipped are triple 32-bit floating point DSPs and an original IF AGC
circuit featuring leading-edge DSP technology. Advanced KENWOOD
technologies deliver the top-end RX performance that DX’ers are looking
for in an HF transceiver. Moreover, 50V MOSFETs are used for the final
amp, ensuring stable high-output operation with minimal distortion, even
at 200W RF output power. All this and more: the world’s first*1 dual TFT display – with a band scope, audio scope, and S meter – offers enhanced visibility and operating ease.
*1 World’s first transceiver with dual
TFT display (JVCKENWOOD data, as of January 8, 2013) to be launched in
late February 2013.
Main Features
●Receiver
1. Down conversion employed for all Amateur Radio bands (main receiver)
The main receiver of the TS-990 employs down conversion for the
first IF (8.248MHz) for all Amateur bands. This results in excellent
dynamic range when adjacent unwanted signals are present – significantly
better than what was possible with the up-conversion approach
previously used. Even when the interfering signal is on an adjacent
frequency, the TS-990 is able to maintain almost flat dynamic range
characteristics, capturing just the target signal.
2. Newly developed mixer contributes to IP3 +40dBm performance (main receiver)
The first mixer circuit, at the heart of the main receiver, is
equipped with a new double balanced grounded switch type mixer. In order
to prevent distortion when there is a large input signal, the signal
route up to the first mixer includes sophisticated circuitry with
carefully selected components – such as large-core toroidal coils and
relays for signal switching between bands – resulting in a third-order
intercept point of +40dBm.
3. New narrow-band high-IP roofing filters help to remove adjacent interference (main receiver)
As well as employing down conversion for reception on all Amateur
bands, the TS-990 is equipped with 5 high-IP roofing filters as
standard. In addition to 500Hz and 270Hz filters, which provide the sort
of narrow passband that is so important for CW (Morse code) operations,
there is a 2.7kHz filter for SSB, as well as 6kHz and 15kHz filters
suited for AM/FM use. These filters are selected automatically depending
on the DSP’s final passband setting. Manual switching is also possible.
4. New VCO division-type first local oscillator divides high frequencies to ensure high C/N
The TS-990’s local oscillator features independent circuits
optimized for different signals: VCO division type / DDS direct for the
main receiver; DDS direct for the sub receiver; and conventional PLL for
the transmitter. The newly developed VCO division-type approach adopted
for the first local oscillator of the main receiver involves having the
VCO oscillate at a frequency higher than the target frequency, and by
dividing this frequency it is possible to generate a local oscillator
signal with excellent C/N characteristics, almost as good as produced by
a DDS direct circuit, and with low spurious emission equivalent to that
of PLL. This reduces noise in the local oscillator and, thanks to the
high C/N ratio, the target signal is not allowed to become buried in
noise. The pure incoming signal can thus be shifted to a first IF.
5. ±0.1ppm TCXO ensures both high stability and reduced power consumption
As a standard signal source, the TS-990 is equipped with a TCXO
(temperature-compensated crystal oscillator) that has a frequency
stability of ±0.1ppm. In addition to delivering high stability, it does
not require a warm-up period like an OCXO (oven-controlled crystal
oscillator), so it can start up rapidly as soon as power is applied. It
also complies with the European Union’s Lot 6 standard for energy
conservation, consuming less than 0.5W in standby mode. Input/output of a
standard 10MHz signal is enabled.
6. Sub receiver down conversion*2 on main Amateur bands below 21MHz range
For its sub receiver, the TS-990 uses a more advanced version of
the receiver found in the TS-590, which since it was launched has been
acclaimed for its top-of-class RX performance. Of especial note is the
fact that it uses front end circuitry that enables down conversion for
the 5 major Amateur bands, so that despite being a “sub receiver” it has
what it takes for full-fledged RX applications.
*2 When IF band is below 2.7kHz for 1.8/3.5/7/14/21MHz bands (SSB/CW/FSK/PSK).
7. Dedicated triple DSPs for main & sub receivers plus band scope
Triple DSPs
Each main section is equipped with its own dedicated DSP. By thus
dividing the work of signal processing between the main IF, band scope
and sub IF sections, KENWOOD engineers have ensured ample signal
processing capability. (AF DSP is used for FM mode.)
8. Advanced AGC (Auto Gain Control), digital and analog
The audio quality of SSB and CW reception is not determined solely
by audio frequency response and filter retardance: AGC performance also
plays a very important role. KENWOOD fans report that they do not get
tired even after listening to their radio for long periods, and this can
be put down to the renowned AGC performance of KENWOOD radios. For the
TS-990, engineers have further improved the DSP’s AGC algorithms and the
analog AGC, resulting in an even better “KENWOOD tone”.
9. Extensive interference/noise removal features
The TS-990 Series features adjustable-passband IF filters, simple
IF filter switching (A/B/C), IF notch, band elimination, digital and
analog noise blankers (NB1/NB2) to reduce pulse noise, and noise
reduction (NR1/NR2).
●Transmitter
1. Robust design delivers stable operation at 200W
VRF150MP
The push-pull circuit utilizes VRF150MP 50V power MOSFETs to
deliver a stable output of 200W on all bands. Engineers have determined
the bias and matching conditions that ensure maximum possible benefit
from the characteristics of the VRF150MP, resulting in superior IMD
(intermodulation distortion) performance. The DSP produces a clean
modulating signal, and passing this through an amplifier with high
linearity results in the renowned “KENWOOD tone”.
2. Internal automatic antenna tuner enables rapid tuning
Covering all Amateur bands from 1.8MHz to 50MHz, the built-in
automatic antenna tuner is of the preset type, capable of tuning even
during reception. It employs the relay approach, acclaimed for rapid
operation, so the operator can quickly QSY (change operating frequency)
with an instant band change. The tuner components – relays, capacitors,
coils, etc. – are all rated sufficiently high to endure the 200W output.
3. Cooling system capable of providing ample airflow to each unit
To ensure a stable output of 200W, it is essential to have good
cooling. The TS-990 employs a fin-type construction to enhance the heat
dissipation efficiency of the large aluminum heat sink. Moreover,
independent variable-speed fans are employed for the switching power
supply, the final section, and the antenna tuner, ensuring ample airflow
to cool each unit. Moreover, the switching power supply and final
section are both served by twin cooling fans. Heat sensors are used to
control fan speed, thus contributing to quieter operation.
●World's first*1 dual display
1. Dual TFT display offers excellent visibility
Located on the front panel is the world’s first1 dual TFT display, enhancing both visibility and operating ease.
Dual TFT display
2. Main display monitors target signal vicinity
The 7-inch TFT main display provides basic information on
frequencies and modes as well as meters and the on/off status of key
functions. It can also display internal parameter configurations and
memory lists, and it features a band scope for monitoring band
conditions; FFT processing by the DSP ensures a rapid sweep. The TS-990
operator can choose from a variety of display modes, including a
waterfall display.
3. Sub display monitors actual target signal
The 3.5-inch TFT sub display is located just above the main dial,
so the operator hardly needs to shift attention to check the frequency.
But there is more: by displaying the demodulated signal audio spectrum,
it enables monitoring of the actual target signal.
●Superb operating ease
1. New frequency function for intuitive operation
The frequency function that previously switched between VFO A and
VFO B is now used to switch between main and sub bands. The sub receiver
RX key located above the main dial is used to switch the sub receiver
on/off, while the TX key enables switching between simplex and split
operations. Also, the operator can tell at a glance what the current
operating mode is thanks to the LEDs.
2. New split function for quick configuration
In addition to the M>S and M/S configuration found on the
previous series, a 2-step split-frequency configuration has been added
for quick setup.
3. Memory accessible even during split/sub receiver operation
With a maximum of 120 memory channels available, as well as
storing frequencies, it is possible to arrange presets for beacons and
broadcast stations. And thanks to dual-channel memory, the operator can
easily access memory while receiving two frequencies simultaneously.
4. Remote PC operation of TS-990 Series
Once installed on a PC, the ARCP-990 radio control program
provides remote access to almost all of the TS-990 functions. It is also
possible to configure the various functions and manage memory channels.
The software is provided free and can be downloaded from the JVCKENWOOD
website.
Note: ARCP-990 is compatible with Windows XP (32-bit, SP3 or later), Windows Vista (32-bit, SP2 or later), and
Windows 7 (32-bit/64-bit) operating systems.
5. Data modes facilitate switching between external terminals
In addition to the mic terminal, the rear panel offers a variety
of I/O options, including analog audio I/O, USB audio, and digital
optical interfaces. When these are combined with data modes 1 to 3 for
SSB, FM and AM, it is easy to switch between external equipment for
modulation/demodulation. Also featured are Data VOX and a mute switch
for each modulation line.
Rear panel
6. Enhanced convenience with 2 USB sockets on the front panel
7. Firmware updates via USB memory stick or USB cable
All company names, brand names and product names are registered trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.
●New option: SP-990 external speaker
SP-990
SP-990 with TS-990S
Recommended retail price: ¥21,945
(incl. tax)
・Full-range speaker (5W, 8Ω)
・Built-in filters (3 x high-cut, 3 x low-cut)
・2 inputs (A/B)
・Mute
・Dimensions: W200 x H165 x D300 mm
(not including protrusions)
・Weight: 2.8kgs
