Peerless Performance

TS -590 S
HF/ 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER
 Discovering the Hidden

The TS-590S marks a bold new chapter in Kenwood’s proud ● Best dynamic range in its class versus
off-frequency interferencev
history of high-performance HF transceivers. Featuring a
● 500 Hz / 2.7 kHz Roofing Filter
narrow-band Roofing Filter, it significantly reduces interference
● 32-bit floating point DSP
from unwanted signals, resulting in excellent RX performance
● 100 W heavy-duty design
and revealing signals that would be hidden to lesser rigs.
● Automatic antenna tuner
With IF AGC based on advanced DSP technology, Kenwood has ● USB port for PC connectivity
essentially redefined HF performance.

Built to satisfy the most demanding DX’er, this high-performance

HF transceiver takes Amateur Radio to the next level and
continues the Kenwood tradition of operating ease and rugged
reliability.

2 TS-590S HF / 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER

 Reciprocal Mixing
Superb RX Performance: Excellent To measure the level of
Dynamic Range Even with Powerful reciprocal mixing, an off-channel
signal is mixed with the output
Off-frequency Interference! of a signal generator, which is
then varied until the unwanted signal
can be detected as noise. The higher
Thanks to a narrow-band Roofing Filter and dedicated 1st the figure, the less noise will be
Mixer, this new transceiver offers the best dynamic range generated by adjacent interference,
in its class to handle adjacent unwanted signals. allowing undisturbed reception.

Powerful 500 Hz / 2.7 kHz Roofing Filter

On the 15, 20, 40, 80 or 160 meter band, the TS-590S employs
down conversion* for the first IF (11.374 MHz). Having the 1st
Roofing Filter (6 kHz BW) directly after the Mixer enhances the
noise blanker’s ability to deal with adjacent off-frequency signals. AD9951 from Analog Devices, Inc

What really determines RX performance is the 2nd Roofing Filter,

after the post amplifier. The TS-590S comes equipped with a
500 Hz and 2.7 KHz BW 6-pole MCF. This results in superb
dynamic range when adjacent signals are present, performance
that was not previously possible using up conversion. So even
Wide Range of Features Thanks to
when an interfering signal 32-bit Floating-point DSP
approaches the target
In addition to basic functions such as AGC, digital IF
frequency, a virtually flat
dynamic range is maintained.
filters, detection and demodulation, a wide range of
Even with strong adjacent features including noise reduction and IF notch are all
interference, you can capture implemented with the latest algorithms.
a clear signal.
Advanced AGC with digital signal processing from
*For 1.8/3.5/7/14/21 MHz Amateur bands, when receiving in CW/FSK/SSB modes
the IF stage onward
down conversion is selected automatically if the final passband is 2.7 kHz or less.
The TS-590S employs DSP from the IF stage onward. Kenwood
was the first to offer DSP-based IF AGC in an Amateur radio
(TS-870) and this DSP technology has been further enhanced
for the TS-590S, resulting in the development of a unique
approach to IF AGC. It is possible to apply level-optimised AGC
even for signals that slip between the Roofing Filter and the final
IF passband. You can be confident of optimum operation at all
times, without having to think about the Roofing Filter bandwidth.
Gain control performance has been greatly improved for the target
signal in the final IF passband (RX band). This results in in-band
IMD (intermodulation distortion)
characteristics on a par with those
of top-of-the-line transceivers. You
can enjoy superb RX with next-
generation Kenwood sound.
Texas Instruments TMS320C6726B

DDS offers superb Carrier to Noise ratio

characteristics, significantly cutting noise generated
by adjacent unwanted signals
For the 1st local oscillator frequency, instead of employing
conventional PLL/VCO, the output of a DDS (Direct Digital
Synthesiser) is supplied directly to the following Mixer. When
down conversion is active, the oscillator frequency is lower than
it is with up conversion, so the output boasts even better C/N
(Carrier to Noise ratio) characteristics and a desirable level of
reciprocal mixing.

TS-590S HF / 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER 3

 ■ IF auto-notch* & manual notch**
Both automatic and manual notch are implemented at the IF
stage. By removing a powerful interfering signal with a notch filter,
you can capture a weak target signal. With the IF auto-notch,
notch frequency automatically tracks the beat frequency. The
notch filter has such sharp characteristics that it is not possible
to adjust it manually. Manual
■ IF Auto Notch
notch, however, offers not
only manual adjustment of the
notch frequency, but also the
choice of either normal or wide
attenuation to suit the type of
interference being encountered.
*Available only in SSB mode.
**Available in SSB/CW/FSK modes.
Extensive interference/noise removal features
■ Adjustable IF filter passband
■ Analogue & Digital noise blanking (NB1 / NB2)
By adjusting the DSP filter passband, you can tailor interference
In addition to the analogue noise blanker (NB1), which has a
removal to suit your needs. This provides slope tuning in SSB/
proven track record for eliminating weak noise, this transceiver
AM/FM modes, and bandwidth width/shift control for CW/FSK/
is equipped with a newly developed digital noise blanker (NB2).
SSB-DATA modes.
Just pick the blanker which is more effective for the type of noise
■ Slope Tune encountered and the RX conditions. NB1 offers stable noise
By adjusting HI/LOW cut, it is possible to
avoid interference on one or both sides suppression independent of RX bandwidth because, during down
of the target signal.
conversion, the noise that has passed through the 1st Roofing
Filter (NB filter) is fed to the NB circuit. The NB2 employs a newly
developed envelope tracking method, making it effective against
noise that defies tracking by an analogue noise blanker.

■ SHIFT ■ WIDTH ■ DSP noise reduction (NR1 / NR2)

If the interference is on one side only, You can also avoid an adjacent unwanted
you can shift the central frequency signal by narrowing the passband.
In addition to conventional NR1 and NR2, NR1 now employs a
without changing bandwidth. newly developed spectral-subtraction approach that is specially
designed to remove noise in speech modes. The optimum noise
reduction method is applied for each RX mode.

● NR1
Spectral-subtraction noise reduction has been developed with a
Options and defaults for each mode (default settings in bold) focus on improving speech clarity for weak SSB signals. Thanks
SSB mode to this advanced technology, which makes use of the processing
LOW CUT: 0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 Hz power of the 32-bit floating-point DSP, you can capture a target
HI CUT : 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.4, 4.0, 5.0 kHz
signal that is swamped by
CW mode
noise, without suffering any ■ Noise Reduction
WIDTH : 50, 80, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 Hz NR1: Noise level is estimated and that
SHIFT : 300 Hz to 1 kHz (50 Hz steps)
loss in quality. For the non- alone is subtracted, thus emphasising
speech modes (CW/FSK), the target signal.
SSB-DATA mode
WIDTH : 50, 80, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 Hz a line enhancer offers tried
SHIFT : 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2210 Hz and true noise reduction.
AM mode (AF filter for LOW cut) Whichever method is used, the
LOW CUT: 0, 100, 200, 300 Hz
degree of attenuation can be
HI CUT : 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 kHz
adjusted smoothly.
FSK mode
WIDTH : 250, 500, 1000, 1500 Hz
FM mode (AF filter) ● NR2 (SPAC)
LOW CUT : 0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 Hz
Kenwood’s original NR2 is SPAC-based noise reduction that
HI CUT : 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.4, 4.0, 5.0 kHz
extracts a periodic signal. SPAC is ideal for CW operations as it
can suppress noise at the same frequency as the target signal.
You can adjust correlation time in 2 ms increments from 2 ms to
■ Simple IF filter A/B switching 20 ms (10 steps). NR2 is not
You can, for example, set Filter A ■ Noise Reduction
available for FM.
NR2 : SPAC
for a wide passband, and Filter
B for a narrow passband. When
searching for a particular station
during CW operations you can
then use the Filter A, switching
to the narrower Filter B once communications are initiated. In this
way, you can easily switch between 2 preset DSP filters as needed.

4 TS-590S HF / 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER

■ Beat cancel (BC1 / BC2) ■ Optional TCXO
Whereas IF auto notch is The TCXO (temperature compensated crystal oscillator), which is
■ Beat Cancel
effective against a single, Multiple beats can be cancelled. available as an option, ensures superb frequency stability (±0.5ppm)
powerful beat, the beat throughout a wide temperature range, from -10°C to +50°C.
cancel feature comes into
its own when there are ■ Drive output (including 135 kHz band)
multiple, relatively weak
The DRV terminal provides external access to the TX drive
beats. Choose BC1 to remove
output (approx. 0 dBm). This is not just handy when a transverter
weak and/or continuous beat
is attached: the main antenna terminal cannot be used for
interference, and BC2 to
transmission on the 135 kHz band, but this DRV terminal fills that
handle intermittent beat, like that of a CW signal. Since this can
need. Convenience is further enhanced when combined with the
be used in conjunction with IF auto notch, even more effective
dedicated RX antenna terminal.
beat cancellation is possible. (SSB/AM/FM only)
Note: A separate license may be required in order to use this product with supplied
■ Beat Cancel OFF ■ Beat Cancel ON equipment or to transmit on frequencies that the TS-590S is not compatible with.

■ Speech processor (SSB/AM/FM)

The speech processor enhances the clarity of messages for the
receiving station by raising average TX power. And as well as
adjusting compression level, you can switch between soft and
hard modes.

■ Adjustable TX filter (SSB/AM)

The TX filter passband is switchable. Since the high-pass and
low-pass cut-off frequencies can be switched independently, you
can have fine control over filter operation.
High-reliability TX Section
for a High-quality Signal ■ TX equaliser (SSB/AM/FM)
Kenwood’s attention to detail is evident in both TX and The equaliser offers flat (default), high boost (2 types), Formant
RX performance. pass (to minimise extraneous sounds), bass boost (2 types),
conventional and user settings (using the ARCP-590). It is
Stable operation guaranteed. Designed for possible to adjust frequency characteristics to suit the voice
high reliability. quality and microphone characteristics on the transmitting end.

■ 100 W heavy-duty design

The cooling system features a pair of 60 x 60 mm fans, the same
■ TX monitor
size as on the previous model. Having two fans provides sufficient This outputs the TX audio via the speaker allowing you to check
air flow at low rpm, ensuring quiet operation. Meticulous attention your own sound quality.
has been paid not only to the fans and motors but also to the
size and shape of the intake/exhaust vents as a comprehensive ■ Other TX features
approach to noise reduction. The aluminium die-cast chassis ● VOX function (adjustable gain, selectable delay time) ● Adjustable

is combined with a large heat sink to enhance heat dissipation TX power output ● Adjustable MIC gain ● Adjustable CAR level
efficiency, minimising the rise in
temperature in the final section
during continuous TX sessions.
This heavy-duty design is
capable of withstanding long
Extensive CW Support
hours of operation under ■ CW auto tune
gruelling conditions typical of With just the press of a button, you can automatically zero in on a
contests or DXpeditions. target frequency for CW reception. During RIT operations, it will
also tune in to the RIT frequency.

■ Built-in automatic antenna tuner

(compatible with 5 MHz band)* ■ 2 key terminals on rear panel
The preset-type automatic antenna tuner enables quick band Thanks to both an electronic keyer (built-in) paddle terminal and
changing and can even operate a separate one for an external keyer, PC keying is possible even
when the TS-590S is receiving. when a paddle is connected.
When the TX frequency
changes, the requisite preset ■ Other CW features
data (stored separately for ● Support for full break-in and semi break-in (semi break-in delay

each antenna band) is loaded time: 50 ms~1000 ms) ● Memory keyer (max. 4-channel message
into the antenna tuner circuit to memory) ● Pitch control (300~1000 Hz) ● Side tone monitor with
ensure that optimum matching 10-step volume control ● Electronic keyer (selectable key speed,
is rapidly achieved without squeeze A/B modes) ● Microphone paddle mode ● CW reverse
having to retune. mode ● CW auto transmit (in SSB mode, a simple key-press will
*UK only switch automatically to CW)

TS-590S HF / 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER 5

 ■ Direct frequency entry, direct band selection
The keypad is used for Amateur
band direct key access. There are
3 memories for each band, so you
can quickly call up the frequencies
you usually use. Also, the buttons
– laid out to optimise ease of
operation – provide responsive
feedback.

■ USB connectivity for PC control

Thanks to the addition of a USB port, the TS-590S can be
hooked up to a PC with a USB cable, enabling PC control of the
transceiver plus TX/RX audio connectivity.
Note: Because of the theoretical latency of USB audio, it cannot be used for
applications that are affected by a time lag.

Superior Ease of Operation Plus More

Enjoyable TX/RX Performance ■ Remote control of the TS-590S using a computer
The user-friendly man-machine interface means you Using the ARCP-590 radio control
program, it is possible to access
can count on impeccable operation – under the gruelling
virtually all functions from a
conditions of a contest or a DXpedition.
computer. This makes it easy for
Numerous functions to assure easy operation you to change settings and manage
memory channels.
■ User-friendly menus, outstanding operating ease
*You can download related freeware from the Kenwood website after purchasing the
The TS-590S menus offer intuitive TS-590S.
access to numerous additional
features. The combination of menu
and arrow keys makes operation ■ Voice guide & storage unit (option)
intuitive. Also, the menu mode
The VGS-1 voice guide
is visible in the main area, while
and storage unit can serve
the sub area scrolls through the
two important roles: vocal
relevant guidance information.
confirmation (in English or
Japanese) of frequency, key
operation, settings, etc.,
■ Large display with 2-colour LED backlight
and recording/playback of
The large display ensures outstanding visibility under all
messages received by the
conditions. And you can select amber or green for the LED
transceiver.
backlight.
● Voice memory: max. 4 channels
(recording time: 30 secs each for CH1 & CH2, 15 secs each for CH3 & CH4)
● Constant RX recording: 30 secs (1 channel)

External Connectors

6 TS-590S HF / 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER

■ OFF beep Other features
In addition to conventional audio confirmation of operation, a RX
different beep sounds when a feature or mode is off, allowing ● RX equaliser ● ATT, pre-amp
clear differentiation. ● Adjustable RF gain, adjustable AF gain, selectable SQL level

FSK
■ Programmable function keys (PF A, PF B) ● Basic RTTY settings (keying polarity, shift width, high/low tones, reverse mode)

The TS-590S features 2 programmable function keys. You are free FM

to select frequently used functions for assigning to these keys. ● FM Wide/Narrow switching for TX/RX ● Repeater subtone
● FM signalling (CTCSS, cross-tone)

DATA
● Independent SSB-DATA/FM-DATA modes
● Choice of IF filters for PSK31/AFSK operations ● Variable ANO/ANI level
● Selectable DATA modulation line (ACC2/USB) ● DATA VOX

Accessory connectors
● ACC2 connector for packet operations
● Remote connector compatible with linear amp control
■ Memory/Scan functions (built-in vacuum tube linear amp control relay, selectable TX attack delay)
● Easy-to-use memory
External connectivity
The Memory Name function enables clear identification for up
● External antenna tuner ready (AT-300*)
to 110 memory channels (including specified ranges). Also, the ● Kenwood Sky Command II support
memory scroll function can be used to check memory channel (when connected to TH-D72E)
data without changing operating frequency. Other features include ● Packet cluster tune (when connected to TM-D710E/TH-D72E)

a Quick Memory function for storing frequencies on the fly (max.10 ● Cross-band repeater functions (when connected to TM-D710E/TM-V71E)
channels),* memory channel copy, single channel memory clear,
memory lockout, memory shift, and the ability to change memory Others
channel data/frequency temporarily. ● Emergency contact frequency paging
*3, 5 or 10 channels can be selected.
● TX tuning for external antenna tuner
● Power-on message
Note: A message of up to 8 alphanumeric characters can be input for display
● Multiple scan functions when the power is switched on.
Included among the many scan functions are program scan, ● Split data transfer using COM port
memory scan, group scan, subtone scan and CTCSS scan. And ● Firmware updates
a program slow scan automatically reduces the scanning speed ● Adjustable long-keypress timing
around any frequency of special interest. *Discontinued products

Kenwood Sky Command System II

The Kenwood Sky Command System (KSS) effectively puts an HF
transceiver in your hand, allowing you to relax in your lounge or Commander (CMD) Transporter (TRP)
backyard while controlling the TS-590S in your shack. Or you could 430 MHz/144 MHz (2M) 430 MHz/144 MHz (2M)
be sitting at a football game while operating the HF transceiver
HF antenna
safely installed in your car. And the Kenwood Sky Command II
COM connector
adds the convenience of LCD confirmation of HF frequency.
MIC
It’s not just freedom you’ll enjoy: KSS is simple and intuitive, or or ø3.5 EXT SP

yet amazingly powerful. Once the Transporter (TH-D72E or

TM-D710E TH-D72E TM-D710E TH-D72E HF Transceiver
TM-D710E)* has been wired to your TS-590S HF transceiver, TS-590S
all you need to carry is the second Commander (TH-D72E or 430 MHz band
TM-D710E). The Commander transmits control signals to the Voice signals, Control signals

Transporter, which also relays your voice to the HF radio. In 430 MHz band
return, HF signals are transmitted back to the Commander. Confirmation of HF frequency
This system allows you to transmit and receive HF signals, set
frequencies, switch memory channels, and much more — from 144 MHz band
HF receive audio
your handheld or mobile transceiver.

● Kenwood Sky Command II

Kenwood Sky Command II utilises full-duplex operation, adding

● The operator controls the TS-590S HF transceiver from the Commander (CMD)
some extra features that further enhance functionality. For example, TH-D72E or TM-D710E.
you can confirm HF frequency visually on the LCD panel of the
● Voice is transmitted from the CMD unit on the 430MHz band.
Commander. Control is effected via TNC (AX.25), and now even
● Control signals are sent from the CMD unit on the 430MHz band.
more HF functions are accessible: XIT, mode switching (USB,
● The received HF signal is re-transmitted by the Transporter (TRP) TH-D72E or
FM, etc.), split-frequency operations on/off, memory shift, and TM-D710E on the 2M band.
frequency step selection. In addition, once every 10 minutes, the
● The operator can confirm the HF frequency on the LCD of the CMD.
Transporter will send out its pre-programmed call sign via CW.
Note: Refer to applicable Amateur Radio regulations to check whether you are permitted to use
*Kenwood Sky Command II uses a pair of TH-D72E or TM-D710E transceivers. this function.

TS-590S HF / 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER 7

 Options

MC-90 MC-43 PG-20 MB-430 SP-23 ARCP-590

Deluxe Hand DC Cable Mobile External Radio Control
Desktop Microphone (7 metres) Bracket Speaker Program
Microphone
(available free for downloading
from the Kenwood website)
PS-60
MC-60A SO-3
HS-6 Heavy-duty
Desktop TCXO Power Supply
Microphone Headphones
(22.5A) ARHP-590
Radio Host
Program
MC-47 SP-50B VGS-1 (available free for downloading
Hand
HS-5 LF-30A Mobile from the Kenwood website)
Voice Guide &
Microphone Headphones Low-pass Filter Speaker Storage Unit
(50 MHz band
is not supported)
Not all accessories may be available. Please contact dealers for details.

Main Specifications
TS-590S TS-590S
General Receiver (Continued)
Frequency Range Sensitivity
TX 160,80,60*1,40,30,20,17,15,12,10, 6 meter bands SSB/CW/FSK (S/N 10dB)
RX 0.13 ~ 30 MHz, 50 ~ 54 MHz Less than 0.5 µV (0.13-0.522 MHz)
(VFO: Continuous 30 kHz ~ 60 MHz) Less than 4 µV (0.522 - 1.705 MHz)
Mode J3E(SSB), A1A(CW), A3E(AM), F3E(FM), F1B(FSK) Less than 0.2µV (1.705 - 24.5 MHz)
Less than 0.13 µV (24.5 - 30MHz)
Frequency Stabilitys ±5 ppm (±0.5 ppm with SO-3), -10°C~ +50°C
Less than 0.13 µV (50 - 54 MHz)
Antenna Impedance 50 Ω
AM (S/N 10 dB)
Antenna Tunable Range 16.7 ~ 150Ω
Less than 6.3 µV (0.13-0.522 MHz)
Supply Voltage 13.8 V DC ±15 % Less than 31.6µV (0.522 - 1.705 MHz)
Current Drain Less than 2µV (1.705 - 24.5 MHz)
TX 20.5 A or less Less than 1.3 µV (24.5 - 30 MHz)
RX (No signal) 1.5 A or less Less than 1.3 µV (50 - 54 MHz)
Operating Temperature -10°C ~ +50°C FM (12dB SINAD)
Dimensions Without projections 270 × 96 × 291 mm Less than 0.22µV (28 - 30 MHz)
Less than 0.22µV (50 - 54 MHz)
(W x H x D) With projections 280 x 107 x 335 mm
Weight (Net) 7.4 kg Squelch Sensitivity
SSB/CW/FSK/AM
Transmitter
Less than 5.6 µV (0.13 - 0.522 MHz)
Max 100 W, Min 5 W Less than 18 µV (0.522 - 1.705 MHz)
Output Power
AM: Max 25 W / Min 5 W Less than 1.8 µV (1.705 - 30 MHz)
Modulation Less than 1.1µV (50 - 54 MHz)
SSB Balanced modulation FM
FM Reactance modulation Less than 0.2µV (28 - 30 MHz)
AM Low-power modulation Less than 0.2µV (50 - 54 MHz)
Maximum Frequency Less than ±5 kHz (Wide) Image Rejection Ratio More than 70 dB
Deviation (FM) Less than ±2.5 kHz (Narrow)
IF Rejection Ratio More than 70 dB
1.7 ~ 40MHz: Less than -50 dB
Spurious Response Selectivity
40 MHz or more: Less than -60dB More than 2.2kHz (-6 dB)
SSB
Carrier Suppression More than 50 dB Less than 4.4 kHz (-60 dB)
Unwanted Sideband More than 500 Hz (-6 dB)
More than 50 dB CW/FSK
Suppression Less than 1.2kHz (-60 dB)
Transmit Frequency Response -6 dB: 400 Hz ~ 2,600 Hz More than 6 kHz (-6 dB)
AM
Microphone Impedance 600Ω Less than 12kHz (-50 dB)
XIT Variable Range ±9.999 kHz More than 12kHz (-6 dB)
FM
Less than 25 kHz (-50 dB)
Receiver
Circuitry Double or Triple Triple RIT Variable Range ±9.999 kHz
Superheterodyne*2 Superheterodyne*3 Notch Filter Attenuation
Intermediate Frequency Auto More than 60dB
Manual More than 70dB
1st IF 11.374 MHz 73.095 MHz
2nd IF 24 kHz 10.695 MHz Beat Cancel Attenuation More than 40 dB
3rd IF - 24 kHz (except FM) / Audio Output Power More than 1.5 W (8 Ω)
455 kHz (FM) Audio Output Impedance 8Ω
*1 UK only These specifications are guaranteed for Amateur Bands only.
*2 In 1.8 / 3.5 / 7 / 14 / 21 MHz Amateur band, IF band width 2.7 kHz or less (SSB, CW, FSK) Kenwood follows a policy of continuous advancement in development.
*3 Except in 1.8 / 3.5 / 7 / 14 / 21 MHz Amateur band, IF band width 2.7 kHz or less (SSB, CW, FSK) For this reason, specifications may be changed without notice.

JQA-QMA1205

www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk COMTS590S_V3 CA308E-E-8