The design of TS-480 visually resembles TS-2000, but simplified and much smaller. Yet, with its features (and price), it leans more towards high-end devices. In addition to the already mentioned power (HX) differences in this category, Kenwood TS-480 has built-in DSP, removable front panel and with ARHP-480 and ARHP-10 software, you don't even have to run home from work when you see the desired DX in the cluster. Just sit down at the computer and do it.
Specification of Kenwood TS-480HX/SAT
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*1 The voltage difference between DC1 and DC2 sources must be less than 1V These parameters are guaranteed by the manufacturer only within the amateur bands. |
The tranceiver gives a very elegant impression. The real effect, however, is achieved only in the dark. In addition to the clear, yellow-backlit display, the control elements are also illuminated. In the dim light of the hamshack, it is not necessary to turn on a lamp when, for example, turning on the noise blanker. The front panel can be placed up to four meters away from the tranceiver body. The speaker is mounted on the panel, not the body.
The left part of the display is dominated by a measuring instrument that displays signal strength, output power, ALC, and PSV. In the middle, the largest digits show the frequency of the active VFO with a resolution of tens of Hz. Below it, the frequency of the second VFO can be displayed in smaller numbers. As usual, the remaining screen space is used to display activated functions.
The control is intuitive and the first connection can be made even without looking at the manual, which is very detailed. The menu includes approximately sixty items. Most of the buttons on the front panel have two functions, but thanks to the ergonomic layout, working with them is comfortable. It's a shame that RIT/XIT is in the upper right corner, the lower right would be better. Apparently, this required the placement of the CL/XIT/RIT buttons, which would not fit in the said location.
The tuning step on SSB, CW and FSK is 10 Hz, giving 2.5-10 kHz per turn of the tuning knob. On AM and FM, the step is 100 Hz. With the FINE button, tuning can be refined in a ratio of 1:10. Any frequency step can be assigned to the MULTI-function rotary knob in the menu. Of course, the exact frequency can also be entered from the numeric keypad. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to switch bands. In auto mode, the transceiver switches the modulation according to the frequency.
The TS-480 has one hundred alphanumeric memories, and the name can be eight characters long. The scanning options are very extensive.
There are several connectors on the body of the transceiver. The rear panel is properly crowded, the consequence of which is that the connectors for connecting the antennas (one for KV, one for 6m) are on pieces of cable. Furthermore, on the rear panel there are power connectors, a mini-DIN for connecting to a PA, but mainly two fans pushing air into the device.
Communication of Kenwood TS-480HX/SAT with a computer
The TS-480 connects to the computer directly, without an interface. The ARCP-480 program allows you to control the transceiver from a computer (200 MHz and W98). ARHP-10 is an extension of this program, with which it is possible to work outside the hamshack via a tranceiver. It requires a sufficiently fast computer with a sound card (W2000/XP) and a connection to a fast Internet or LAN. It uses VoIP (Voice over Internet protocol). Both programs are free to distribute and you can find them on the website Connection with other Kenwood radios is seamless.Similarly, connection with other Kenwood radios is seamless. With TM-D700E/A, it is possible to tune in to incoming spots from the DX cluster.
DSP circuits
DSP circuits work during reception and transmission. For SSB, AM, and FM, it is possible to set up a high-pass or low-pass filter, for CW and FSK various narrowband filters (50 or 250 Hz). In addition to these filters, several others are available for PSK31,RTTY and similar digital modes. Switching between filters in the menu is a bit clumsy. TS-480 also offers automatic tuning to the CW signal.
When transmitting, the operator can choose from several equalizers. DSP also functions as a speech processor, with the bandwidth of the transmitted signal adjustable. VOX also contributes to comfort. TS-480 comes with a handheld microphone.
TS-480 meets the requirements for full and semi break-in. With the PA connected, there will be no issues, and various ways of switching RX/TX can be set in the menu. The built-in automatic keyer operates in the range of 10 to 60 WPM. In the three 50-character memories, not only fixed text but also macros can be defined, for example, to increase a number in a contest.
Evaluation of Kenwood TS-480HX/SAT
According to the manufacturer, the dynamic range is comparable to the TS-950. The TS-480 performs really well on the band. Improvement of some receiver parameters will likely come in the following series. The transmitted audio signal is clear, very audible. Turning on the speech processor does not degrade readability. CW signal is clean. The difference between full and semi break-in is not significant, but the first mark is slightly shorter. Overall, both versions of TS-480 can be evaluated as successful tranceivers that will surely find their place among radio amateurs.
Accessories for TS-480
| SO-3 | High-stability TCXO |
| YF-107C | 500 Hz CW filter |
| YF-107CN | 270 Hz CW narrow filter |
| YF-107SN | 1.8 kHz SSB narrow filter |
| PG-4Z | Cable for connecting the front panel (4 m) |
| PG-20 | Power cable (7 m) |
| HS-5 | Deluxe headphones |
| HS-6 | Small headphones |
| LF-30A | Low-pass filter |
| MC-43S | Hand microphone (requires MJ-88) |
| MC-47 | Hand microphone (requires MJ-88) |
| MC-60A | Deluxe desk microphone (requires MJ-88) |
| MJ-88 | Microphone adapter |
| PS-53 | Permanently 22.5A power supply |
| SP-23 | External speaker |
| SP-50B | Car speaker |
| VGS-1 | Voice guidance control module |