Kenwood Stereo System Ts 590S Users Manual 590_EN_20110515

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2015-01-23

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Distinctive Performance

TS-590S
HF/50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This in-depth manual is intended to explain the features of the TS-590S and its convenient use. We
hope that this manual, as a general HF transceiver guide will be of your benefit, to whoever reads this
manual, whether you have already purchased a TS-590S, are thinking of purchasing of this product, or
are interested in HF transceivers.

About Copyright
Copyright of this Manual and Software
All copyrights and other intellectual property rights for this in-depth manual and relevant technical
documents as well as the software described in this in-depth manual and relevant technical documents,
and help texts and manuals attached to the software are owned by Kenwood Corporation.
A right to use the software described in this in-depth manual and relevant technical documents, and
help texts and manuals attached to the software is granted to a licensee by Kenwood Corporation;
however, the title to and ownership for the software shall be owned by Kenwood Corporation. Refer to
this in-depth manual and relevant technical documents, and help texts and manuals attached to the
software for details.
Kenwood Corporation does not warrant that quality and performance of the software described in this
in-depth manual and relevant technical documents, and help texts and manuals attached to the
software conform to the applicability of any use, and Kenwood Corporation shall be free from liability for
any defects, damage or loss, or from any warranty for anything other than what is expressly described
in this in-depth manual and relevant technical documents, and help texts and manuals attached to the
software.
Any distribution, resale, lease, waiver, assignment or disclosure on a website of all in-depth manual and
relevant technical documents, and help texts and manuals attached to the software written and made
by Kenwood Corporation.

About Trademarks and Intellectual Properties
• Microsoft, Windows®XP, Windows Vista®, Windows®7 and Windows logo are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
• 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.

Cover 2

TS-590S

CONTENTS
1 RECEPTION ..................................... 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

Type of Conversion ............................1
Down Conversion ...............................3
Up Conversion....................................8
RX Auxiliary Circuits...........................9

2 TRANSMISSION............................. 11
2.1

Kenwood Traditional Transmitting
Circuitry ............................................11

2.1.1
2.1.2

2.2
2.3
2.4

IF Circuits .........................................11
FET Final Circuit...............................11

High-speed Relay-controlled
Antenna Tuner..................................13
REMOTE Connector ........................13
DRV Terminal...................................15

3 LOCAL OSCILLATOR ................... 19
4 DSP................................................. 20
4.1
4.2
4.3

Multipurpose 32-bit Floating Point
DSP ..................................................20
Advanced AGC Control via IF Digital
Processing........................................21
Interference Elimination Within AGC
Loop .................................................23

4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4

4.4
4.5
4.6

Demodulation ...................................27
Modulation........................................28
DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits
(for RX).............................................29

4.6.1
4.6.2
4.6.3
4.6.4
4.6.5
4.6.6

4.7

TS-590S

Digital IF Filter ..................................23
Types of Digital IF Filters..................24
Manual Notch Filter and Auto Notch
Filter..................................................25
Digital Noise Blanker (NB2)..............26

Beat Cancel (AF Processing) ...........29
Noise Blanker NB2
(IF Processing) .................................30
Overview of Noise Reduction ...........31
NR1 (Spectral Subtraction Method)
(AF Processing)................................32
NR1 (Based on a Line Enhancer)
(AF Processing)................................34
NR2 (AF Processing)........................35

DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits
(for TX) .............................................36

4.7.1

4.8

Speech Processor
(AF Processing) ................................36

DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits
(Common to TX/RX) ........................ 37

4.8.1

TX Equalizer & RX Equalizer
(AF Processing) ................................37

5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING
OPERATING PLEASURE...............38
5.1

Extended Data-mode Related
Functions ......................................... 38
5.2 Drive Out.......................................... 39
5.3 Single Button Toggles IF Filters
between A and B.............................. 40
5.4 Double Function Keys and Hold Time
Selection .......................................... 41
5.5 Mode Selection of Built-in Electronic
Keyer................................................ 41
5.6 Switchover of Shift Frequency
Interlocked with Change of Pitch
Frequency ........................................ 41
5.7 Power-on Message .......................... 41
5.8 Quick Memory Function ................... 42
5.9 Cross Tone Function........................ 42
5.10 PF Keys ........................................... 42
5.11 Expansion of Voice Guide Function
(Optional VGS-1 Required).............. 44
5.12 Easy Updating of Firmware.............. 45

6 APPEARANCE DESIGN:
“DESIGN CONCEPT” REVEALED
BY DESIGNING ENGINEER...........46
7 STRUCTURAL FEATURES............47
7.1
7.2
7.3

Cooling............................................. 47
LCD.................................................. 50
Main Control Knob ........................... 51

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION
SOFTWARE ....................................52
8.1
8.2

Windows Related Software.............. 52
System Configurations..................... 52

8.2.1

Controlling TS-590S from a PC using
the COM Connector..........................52
I

CONTENTS
8.2.2
8.2.3

8.2.4

8.2.5

8.3

8.3.2
8.3.3
8.3.4
8.3.5

8.4.2
8.4.3
8.4.4

8.6.3
8.6.4
8.6.5
8.6.6

Basic Specifications Inherited from
ARCP-480........................................ 55
User Interfaces ................................ 55
KNS (Kenwood Network Command
System)............................................ 56
Visual Scan...................................... 58
Audio Equalizer................................ 58

Basic Specifications Inherited from
ARHP-10.......................................... 59
User Interfaces ................................ 59
KNS (Kenwood Network Command
System)............................................ 60
Disabling AF Gain Control from
ARCP-590........................................ 60

Basic Functions ............................... 61
Operation ......................................... 61
Setup ............................................... 61
Starting and Stopping ARUA-10 ...... 62
Adjusting Volume............................. 62
Automatic Execution when Windows
Starts ............................................... 62

New ARVP-10H (Amateur Radio VoIP
Program) Freeware ..........................63

8.6.1
8.6.2

8.7

9.2
9.3

PS-60 Regulated DC Power
Supply .............................................. 67
Rectifier Circuit................................. 68
Switching Circuit, Constant-voltage
Circuit and Protection Circuit............ 68

New ARUA-10 (USB Audio Controller)
Freeware ..........................................60

8.5.1
8.5.2
8.5.3
8.5.4
8.5.5
8.5.6

8.6

9.1

ARHP-590 (Amateur Radio Host
Program) Freeware ..........................59

8.4.1

8.5

9 OPTIONAL ACCESSORY ............. 67

New ARCP-590 (Amateur Radio
Control Program for TS-590S)
Freeware ..........................................54

8.3.1

8.4

Controlling TS-590S from a PC using
the USB Connector.......................... 53
Controlling TS-590S from a PC using
the COM and ACC2 connectors
(microphone and speaker connected to
the PC to be used)........................... 53
Controlling TS-590S from a PC using
the USB connector (microphone and
speaker connected to the PC to be
used)................................................ 53
Controlling TS-590S from a PC on a
Remote Site ..................................... 54

Basic Functions ............................... 64
Setup of ARVP-10H
(Host Station)................................... 64
Making ARVP-10H (host station)
Online or Offline............................... 64
Setup of ARVP-10R
(remote station)................................ 65
Connecting and Disconnecting
ARVP-10R (Remote Station) ........... 65
Adjusting Volume............................. 65

New Virtual COM Port Driver ...........66

TS-590S

PRODUCT PLANNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of September, 2010, the TS-590S, a Kenwood HF band amateur radio transceiver was
launched after the 7-year long silence since the releasing of TS-480S.
As implied by this model name, TS-590S is the “legitimate successor to the TS-570S”.
The product category taken over from the TS-570S by the TS-590S was created by combining the
line of compact HF transceivers that was initiated by the TS-120S and inherited by TS-450S; and the
line of TS-500s represented by the TS-520S that swept the market. The product is designed as a
transceiver in a preferable price-to-performance range that has sufficient features and performance
for the day-to-day use and that arrives with a compact size that is convenient for operations from a
fixed station as well as from a mobile station for use in any fields.
One of the noteworthy planning policies is improvement of fundamental receive performance. To
achieve the objective, a new structure has been employed for the front end. However, the
performance of a transceiver as a whole is not determined solely by the front end. It is imperative to
carefully design, in addition to the DSP and local oscillator, all the other elements including transmit
performance and ease of operation in a comprehensive manner.
On the TS-590S, we have also made a drastic modification to the external appearance and we are
confident it has a “face” that satisfies all HF users.
Following are the major features of the TS-590S:
 Superb receive performance and astounding adjacent dynamic range characteristics
• Adoption of powerful roofing filters of 500 Hz/ 2.7 kHz
(During the reception in CW, FSK and SSB modes in 1.8 MHz, 3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 21 MHz
amateur bands, and if the final passband is 2.7 kHz or less, either of the filters is automatically
selected.)
• Superior C/N (carrier-to-noise ratio) thanking to the high-precision DDS (direct digital
synthesizer) Substantial reduction of noise caused by unwanted adjacent signals
 Adoption of a 32-bit floating point DSP to realize various functions
• Advanced digital AGC control realized with DSP processing of the signal derived from the IF
stage
• A wide variety of interference removal functions including newly developed noise reductions,
WIDTH/SHIFT and IF notch
 High-reliability design that offers stable operation
• Heavy-duty specifications for a rig enduring from continuous operation in a contest and similar
occasions
• Built-in automatic antenna tuner
• High frequency stability of ±0.5 ppm thanking to the optional SO-3 TCXO (from -10°C through
+50°C or 33.8°F to 122.0°F) (The transceiver frequency is ±5ppm when the SO-3 option is not
installed)
 Outstanding operational ergonomics, more comfortable transmission and reception
• Easy-to-use menu structure allowing excellent operability
• Large-size display equipped with the selectable LED backlight from 2 colors
• USB port that accepts not only control signals but enables input/output of transmit/receive audio
signals from a PC
For details, refer to these pages providing technical explanations.
TS-590S

CONTENTS

Development Spirit
TS-590S was planned as the “legitimate successor to the TS-570S” after 14 years or more of time
have elapsed since the first market appearance of TS-570S in 1996. TS-590S is titled with the 500s
model number with the TS-570S but, needless to say, we started the development as a totally new
transceiver.
First, let’s look back on the TS-570S.
The product concepts of the TS-570S were “ease of operation” and “providing basic performance
sufficient for rag-chewing and DX operation at a preferable price range”.
Soon after the launch of the TS-570S, the simple exterior appearance with rounded buttons stirred
both positive and negative market comments, but we have received many favorable opinions from
users who actually used the transceiver, such as “Buttons are easy to press” and “Setup of functions
is easy to understand”.
In fact, the TS-570S employed an up-conversion circuitry configuration that was very popular at that
time and provided sufficient basic performance in a transceiver having the cost-to-performance-ratio
price range. The TS-570S incorporated an AF DSP, which was usually offered as an external device
around that time, and received favorable reception as “a younger brother” of TS-870S that was
equipped with IF DSP.
The most notable feature of the TS-590S is the superior receive performance that exceeds
expectations in its the cost-to-performance-ratio price range. It goes without saying, of course, that
we invested as much effort in all the other elements as in the RX circuit in developing the TS-590S.
In evaluating a transceiver, in addition to electrical characteristics represented by numerical data,
ease of operation and visibility are also important criteria. As for ease of operation, Kenwood has
been developing transceivers on the basis of operability of successive HF transceivers, to which
users' voices also have been reflected; therefore, we need to take the history and background into
consideration while designing a product.
Though the new TS-590S inherits the DNA of Kenwood’s HF transceivers, new technologies and
ideas are also added. We are confident that all users, from the newest user to the most experienced
veteran user, will be satisfied with this transceiver.
As for the development objectives and backdrop of the “totally new” portion of the product, we will
reveal them in the technical explanations of the chapters subsequently.
Be our guest and allow us to share the development background of the TS-590S and what’s in the
spirit of the development engineers.
Kenwood HF Transceiver Development Team

CONTENTS

TS-590S

1 RECEPTION
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 first mixer
of the RX section. In recent years, a filter used between the mixer and the subsequent stage (roofing
filter) is also gaining much attention as a very important component.
About 30 years ago, an up-conversion circuit configuration (where the first IF is higher than the upper
limit of RX frequency) 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 roofing filters used in an up-conversion RX design 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 roofing filter and the target signal is masked first in the subsequent
stage. As a result, sometimes the performance of the first mixer was not extended to the best use.
That is the reason a design to switch the pass bandwidth to be 3 kHz, 6 kHz, or 15 kHz is becoming
prevalent in recent transceivers. Some products can select a bandwidth as narrow as several
hundred Hz and these products are very highly accepted in the market.
Meanwhile, Kenwood’s HF transceivers, which were designed 7 years ago or earlier, adopt roofing
filters 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-590S’s product development, considering the product positioning in the
market, we also examined the RX design to be able to switch among the roofing filters 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 filter by all means for CW enthusiasts. However, there was a big
challenge to be solved.
When it comes to the pass bandwidth of a roofing filter, at a frequency as high as 73 MHz, which is
Kenwood’s mainstream first IF frequency, it is difficult to mass-produce filters with bandwidth as narrow
as 500 Hz. To solve this problem, there was no other choice but to lower the first IF frequency.
After reviewing, we decided to lower the first IF to 11.374 MHz. This is called a down-conversion
design. (If the receive frequency is lower than 11.374 MHz, the operation will be up conversion.
However, because the first IF is lower than the highest receive frequency (60 MHz), we call the
conversion type “down conversion”.)
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-toperformance ratio. After examining various frequency configurations, we have selected a dual-mode
conversion frequency configuration for the new TS-590S to satisfy both the performance and price
requirements.
TS-590S

CONTENTS

1 RECEPTION

1st

11.374 MHz

Down-conversion path
Double superheterodyne
For 1.8/ 3.5/ 7/ 14/ 21 MHz Amateur bands
If RX passband is 2.7 kHz or less
When receiving in SSB/ CW/ FSK modes

500 Hz
2.7 kHz

IF
DSP
1st Mixer

73.095 MHz

2nd Mixer

10.695 MHz

3rd Mixer

24 kHz

Up-conversion path
Triple superheterodyne
For all the conditions (incl. when transmitting) other than
listed above for down conversion
(Blocks that are not relevant for the explanation of the conversion type are omitted.)
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 upconversion path. The circuit configuration is a triple-conversion design featuring an IF DSP, a typical
configuration 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 configuration of TS-480S.)
The pass bandwidth of the filter 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. (In transmit, the signal passes the 6 kHz filter
regardless of the mode. The final bandwidth is determined by the DSP.)
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 figure 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 configuration may seem too complex and wasteful. Still, due to the
frequency configuration 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 most high-end HF transceivers
on the market.
As for the up-conversion path, though the same frequency configuration is used as in the previous
models, the roofing filters have been improved to have better characteristics to protect against
interference within the pass bandwidth. For details, refer to 1.3 Up Conversion.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

1 RECEPTION

1.2 Down Conversion

Figure 1-2 Block diagram: Down Conversion

Figure 1-2 describes the circuit configuration around the first 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 LPF, 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 first mixer.
Because in the first 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

TS-590S

CONTENTS

1 RECEPTION
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 first local oscillator, the RX signal is converted to 11.374 MHz (first IF
frequency).
The converted RX signal passes the first roofing filter of pass bandwidth 6 kHz and in the subsequent
stage the signal is moderately amplified by the post amplifier, and sent into the second roofing filter.
Part of the signal is also sent to the noise blanker.
The role of the first roofing filer is to limit the bandwidth for the sake of the noise blanker. We have
selected a pass bandwidth of 6 kHz that does not affect pulse noise. Besides, by setting the intercept
point of the post amplifier higher than that of the mixer, the deterioration of the two-tone
characteristics is minimized within the pass bandwidth.
For second roofing filters, two 6-pole MCFs of 500 Hz and of 2.7 kHz respectively are equipped as
standard at the time of purchase of your transceiver. Which filter is used is automatically determined
according to the final 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 filter is selected and if
WIDTH is 600 Hz or more, 2.7 kHz filter 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 filter is selected and if the combination
produces exceeds a difference of 2.7 kHz, the up-conversion path is automatically applied. (In SSBDATA mode, if WIDTH is 500 Hz or less, the 500 Hz filter 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 MCFs. From left to right, there is the 500 Hz filter at 11.374 MHz that is
used in down conversion and next is the 2.7 kHz filter at 11.374 MHz.
At the rightmost filter is the 2.7 kHz filter at 10.695 MHz that is used during the up-conversion.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

1 RECEPTION
Hints and Tips “Which type of conversion is used?”
• During the transmission:
The up-conversion configuration is always used in all modes and bandwidths. During the
transmission in SSB mode, the pass bandwidth is determined by the filter settings (digital filter of
the DSP) selected in the menu mode. The pass bandwidth of the filter in the analog stage is 6 kHz
and does not affect the final outcome of the frequency analysis.
• During the reception in AM or FM mode:
The up-conversion configuration 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 configuration is maintained, the roofing filter 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 downconversion to up-conversion configuration.
• During the reception in the 50 MHz band in SSB mode with LO CUT 300 Hz and HI CUT 2700 Hz:
The up-conversion configuration is used. Though the pass bandwidth of the roofing filter is 15
kHz, the 2.7 kHz filter is selected at the second IF of 10.695 MHz.
Table 1-1 Combination of Filters at Conversion

Analog IF filter
Conversion Type
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)

Up conversion (in other
than above conditions)

Frequency

11.374 MHz
(first IF)

10.695 MHz
(second IF)

Frequency Setting
Conditions

Setting Example

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

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*1/ FM

50.550 MHz/ AM LO:
100 Hz, HI: 4000 Hz

Pass
Bandwidth

In AM mode, the bandwidth at the IF stage is equal to the value as double as the value for HI CUT frequency at the AF stage.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

1 RECEPTION
Following is a graph that provides the comparison between the performances of roofing filters.

Figure 1-5 Comparison of Bandpass Characteristics of MCFs

Figure 1-5 compares the band pass characteristics of a roofing filter of center frequency 73 MHz
(gray line); and the roofing filters 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 filters 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.

Figure 1-6 Comparison of Dynamic Range Characteristics

Figure 1-6 shows a graph comparing the dynamic range characteristics of TS-590S and TS-480S
(with CW filter) that are measured by changing the frequency spacing with the interfering signal.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

1 RECEPTION
Measurement Conditions:
Receive
Frequency

14.200 MHz

Mode

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 shows the result of TS-590S and the gray line shows the result of TS-480S.
In the event the frequency separation is greater than 20 kHz, the dynamic ranges of both transceivers
exceed 105 dB; however, as the separation becomes smaller (the interfering signals come closer to
the receive frequency), the dynamic range of TS-480S with conventional MCFs is decreasing. As the
graph of pass bandwidth shows, this results due to the difference of attenuation at the roofing filter.
Note: In the receive frequency and its adjacent band, the measurement at the level of “3 dB higher than the ordinary noise level”
may not be feasible due to influence of the noise generated from its local oscillator. Instead, the level, which has been
reached to S5 with the measurement by an S-meter, is predetermined as the reference level, and the level is converted to
the same level as the predetermined level, namely “3 dB higher than the ordinary noise level”, and then appears on the
graph of pass bandwidth. For comparison, both transceivers were measured using the same measuring method. The
outcome is an example and does not warrant the performance of the product.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

1 RECEPTION

1.3 Up Conversion
Difference of characteristics due to the pass bandwidth in the roofing filter can be viewed in graphs in
Figure 1-5 and Figure 1-6. So, let’s see the characteristics of the up-conversion system in which the
same front end configuration 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

Pass bandwidth

500 Hz

PRE AMP

OFF

Comparison
target

TS-480S (equipped with YF-107C CW filter)

(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 and the TS-480S.
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, the outcome is improved for 15 dB
even within the pass bandwidth of the MCF.
This is thanks to the drastic modification of circuitry of the up-conversion section that was reviewed
coupled with the down-conversion path being added.
The same circuit is also used in WRC 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.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

1 RECEPTION

1.4 RX Auxiliary Circuits
Typical built-in RX auxiliary circuits include the variable pass bandwidth circuit, notch filter 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, 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, 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 roofing filters.
Noise is typically pulse-shaped and when the noise passes a narrow filter, 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 filter
block that determines the final pass bandwidth. Thus, even if the final pass bandwidth is narrowed,
the blanking operation can work properly, free of the influence of the narrowed bandwidth.
However, roofing filters are located far earlier than the DSP, in the later stage of the first mixer. As a
result, in the event the bandwidth of the roofing filter 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 and a digital noise blanker
alone may not produce a great enough effect. That is the reason we have placed a filter of pass
bandwidth 6 kHz right after the first mixer. The filter 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.
Hints and Tips

“What are NB1 and NB2?”

NB1and NB2 are the name of the functions that have been used in TS-930S and all subsequent
products. NB2 was especially designed to have a blanking effect against noise with a long pulse width
and a long period that has been known as the “Woodpecker.” After the woodpecker noise disappeared,
the NB2 function was not employed, but in recent years a new breed of noise called the “China Dragon”
has appeared. So, there may be cases when NB1 alone may not have a great enough effect on the
China Dragon, NB2 has been spotlighted again. Note, however, NB2 on the TS-590S is realized with
digital processing and, thereafter, totally different from NB2 in the TS-930S era.
As explained above, while the narrow bandwidth of the roofing filter is employed, the noise blanker of
the DSP cannot have a sufficient effect. However, the NB2 realized with the DSP on the TS-590S turns
out to be unexpectedly effective in many occasions, even while the bandwidth is less than 500 Hz in
CW mode. This is because the new NB2 can fully adjust the blanking time to the length of the pulse.
NB2 of the TS-590S is most effective when you want to pick up a weak signal that is almost buried in
the noise with a long pulse width that cannot be eliminated by NB1. Try NB2 in such occasions and
be surprised.
Hints and Tips “Improvement of sensitivity in the BC band and alteration in ATT attenuation”
On the TS-590S, by changing the circuitry configuration inside the transceiver, you can change the
sensitivity in the BC band and the attenuation amount of the [ATT] key on the front panel.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

1 RECEPTION
Following is a figure that represents the TX-RX UNIT that has the circuitry configuration in question.
By detaching the lower case, you can access the jumper connectors CN101 through CN103.

CN101

CN102

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 sensitivity is lowered by 20 dB as the is factory default.)
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.)
Hints and Tips

“The output level of the headphone jack is too high?”

The headphone jack of the TS-590S is designed to have, as on the previous HF transceivers, an
impedance of 8 (standard). Therefore, if you use a headphone with impedance higher than 8, you
will experience the symptoms as below.
• The volume level is too high overall.
• Even if AF Volume is turned down, a hissing residual noise is audible.
• Even if the beep sound level is set to minimum, the beep sound is loud.
If you experience these symptoms, use a set of headphones with impedance close to 8.
10

CONTENTS

TS-590S

2 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 first IF transmit signal that is output at 24 kHz from the DSP and 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 filter
of 6 kHz bandwidth at which undesired frequency components outside the pass bandwidth are
attenuated before the signal is amplified. Then, the second IF signal passes to the ALC circuit that
controls the output power to a stable level. After that, the signal goes through the gain control circuit
that corrects the minutely small 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 the gain control circuit that adjusts the signal to the necessary gain level according to the
specified power level. Then, the signal passes the filter that eliminates spurious components before
going into the mixer circuit that converts the signal to the desired transmit frequency. Also, delicate
gain control is done, such as decreasing the gain of the amplifier while the key is not depressed in
CW mode. By means of these processes, a high-quality transmit signal with low noise can be
acquired. The signal converted to the desired transmit frequency passes the BPF for removing
spurious signals to prevent from generating interfering signals outside of the transmit bandwidth, and
is amplified to a prescribed level before being sent to the final circuit. The drive signal produced here
can be extracted from the DRV terminal. (While the output from DRV is selected.)

2.1.2 FET Final Circuit
The final amplifier of the TS-590S is a push-pull amplifier using two pieces of RD100HHF1 MOSFET
from Mitsubishi Electric Semiconductor (Pch 176.5 W). The drive amplifier also uses an
RD100HHF1 MOSFET and the pre-drive amplifier employs an RD06HHF1 MOSFET and they,
despite being 13.8V final circuits, 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.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

2 TRANSMISSION

Figure 2-1 Transmit IMD Characteristics

Figure 2-2 Transmit Spurious Characteristics

CONTENTS

TS-590S

2 TRANSMISSION

2.2 High-speed Relay-controlled Antenna Tuner
TS-590S has a built-in high-speed relay-controlled antenna tuner that was first employed in the
TS-570S. 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 REMOTE Connector
The transceiver has a REMOTE connector that has the same pin assignment and specifications as
on previous models.
Pin 6 is the ALC terminal. When you use a linear amplifier or transverter, we recommend you
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 Kenwood’s 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. In the TS-590S, a
negative voltage (approximately -10 V) is applied to the ALC terminal to decrease the internal gain.
As well, for the purpose of controlling a linear amplifier and other external device, the transceiver is
equipped with a relay output terminal and an RL terminal (Pin 7) to which an approximately 12 V
voltage is output. The relay output and RL terminal output are coordinated with internal controls and
can be adjusted in the linear amplifier control setting menu No. 53 (HF bands) or No. 54 (50 MHz band).
Table 2-1 describes the possible settings of the menu, and Figure 2-3 and Figure 2-4 provide the timing
charts.
If using equipment that is not designed for full break-in and requires a delay for internal switchover,
such as TL-922, select “3”. In this way, you can increase the delay between the case when the
transceiver is switched to transmit and the case when the signal is actually sent out. Note; however,
if the full break-in setting is selected in CW mode (and if the delay time is set to “FBK”), the transmit
start time cannot be delayed.
Table 2-1 Setting Menu of Linear Amplifier Control

Linear Amplifier Controls

TS-590S

Setting

Control of Linear
Amplifier (RL terminal)

Control of Relay (COM/
BRK/MKE terminals)

Transmit Start Delay Time

OFF

10 ms

OFF

10 ms

25 ms

CONTENTS

2 TRANSMISSION
Menu N o. 53 or N o. 54 "1 or 2"
KEY
RX
TX
RL
10 ms

Switch
RF Power

AF
Figure 2-3 Timing chart (1 or 2)

Menu N o. 53 or N o. 54 "3"
KEY
RX
TX
RL
25 ms
Switch
RF Power

AF
Figure 2-4 Timing chart (3)

CONTENTS

TS-590S

2 TRANSMISSION

2.4 DRV Terminal
TS-590S is equipped with a DRV terminal that formerly was provided only for high-end transceivers.
The output level of the DRV terminal is about 0 dBm (1 mW) and can be decreased to around 1/20
depending on the setting of the transmit power. To reduce the output level further, you can adjust the
transmit power also by the carrier level in CW, FSK and AM modes or by the microphone gain or
processor output level in SSB mode. The output level of the signal from the terminal is too low to be
transmitted as is, but by connecting a high-gain linear amplifier, the signal can be used for operation
in the 135 kHz band or for operation with a transverter. Figure 2-5 through Figure 2-7 show the
spurious characteristics when using the signal from the DRV terminal in the 14 MHz band and Figure
2-8 through Figure 2-10 show the spurious characteristics in the 135 kHz band. If the output level is
0 dBm in the 135 kHz band, the harmonics increase slightly; therefore, you need to place an LPF
after the amplifier or in some other way eliminate the harmonics. Also, lowering the setting of the
transmit output level or limiting the output level at the DRV terminal by entering the ALC signal will
also contribute to reduce distortion.

Figure 2-5 Output Characteristics of DRV Terminal at 14.175 MHz and 0 dBm

TS-590S

CONTENTS

2 TRANSMISSION

Figure 2-6 Output Characteristics of DRV Terminal at 14.175 MHz and -10 dBm

Figure 2-7 Output Characteristics of DRV Terminal at 14.175 MHz and -20 dBm

CONTENTS

TS-590S

2 TRANSMISSION

Figure 2-8 Output Characteristics of DRV Terminal at 136 kHz and 0 dBm

Figure 2-9 Output Characteristics of DRV Terminal at 136 kHz and -10 dBm

TS-590S

CONTENTS

2 TRANSMISSION

Figure 2-10 Output Characteristics of DRV Terminal at 136 kHz and -20 dBm

CONTENTS

TS-590S

3 LOCAL OSCILLATOR
In the first local oscillator, instead of the conventional PLL/VCO system, a 14-bit DDS (direct digital
synthesizer) is adopted to provide the output signal directly to the mixer. During the down
conversion, the oscillator frequency is lower than that in up-conversion operation, and, therefore, the
output has far better C/N (carrier-to-noise ratio) characteristics that contribute to superior reciprocal
mixing*1 characteristics.
*1

Reciprocal mixing: First, the signal sourced from a signal generator (SG) at a frequency far from the receive frequency is
injected. Then, the output level of the signal generator is changed to measure the level at which the signal is detected as
noise. The higher the value, the lower the noise that is produced due to adjacent undesired signals occurring and therefore
quieter reception is possible.

Figure 3-1 Comparison: C/N Characteristics

Figure 3-1 is a graph to compare the measurement results of TS-590S and of TS-480S at 14.200 MHz.
For example, at the 10 kHz point, if the receive frequency is 14.200 MHz, an unmodulated carrier
signal of 14.210 MHz is supplied from a signal generator to the antenna terminal of the transceiver.
In the TS-480S, if the output level from the signal generator reaches -45 dBm, the noise level starts to
rise. However, in the TS-590S, you can see the noise level goes up if the signal sourced from the
signal generator is raised to -25 dBm.
Figure 3-2 shows a graph of C/N characteristics plotting the data measured at the TS-590S’s first
local oscillator.

C/N characteristics of the first local oscillator
when receiving 14.2 MHz
1 kHz
-116.5 dBc/ Hz
10 kHz -134.4 dBc/ Hz
100 kHz -142.5 dBc/ Hz

Figure 3-2 C/N Characteristics of the First Local Oscillator

TS-590S

CONTENTS

4 DSP
4.1 Multipurpose 32-bit Floating Point DSP
Figure 4-1 describes the DSP*1 of the TS-590S and peripheral devices connected to the DSP
including ADCs*2 and DACs*3.

RIF/DET

ADC
AK5385B

DAC
AK4382A

TIF/MOD

MIC

VGS䊶AO

ADC
WM8782

ANI/USB䊶AI

DSP
TMS320C6726B
221.184 MHz

DAC
AK4387

ANO
DAC
AK4387

FLASH
MEMORY

VGS䊶AI

AGCV
USB䊶ANO

µ com

Figure 4-1 TS-590S DSP and Peripheral Devices
*1

DSP: digital signal processor

ADC: A/D converter

DAC: D/A converter

The heart of the signal processing function is a 32-bit floating point TMS320C6726B DSP from Texas
Instruments Incorporated (Figure 4-2) and it is operated at the clock frequency of 221 MHz.
For ADCs placed at the receive IF signal input and the microphone input, 24-bit ΔΣADC AK5385Bs
from AKM Semiconductor, Incorporated are placed, and for DACs placed at the transmit IF signal
output and at the audio output, 24-bit ΔΣDAC AK4382As also from AKM Semiconductor,
Incorporated are placed. For other applications such as at the external terminals, USB audio, and
audio input to and output from the optional VSG-1, 24-bit ΔΣADCs and ΔΣDACs are implemented.
All these converters are operated at the sampling frequency of 96 kHz.

Figure 4-2 TMS320C6726B

CONTENTS

TS-590S

4 DSP
As for ADCs and DACs, the best combination of models are selected to suit the type of signal
processed, especially for the IF input section, high-performance ADCs designed for high-end audio
with dynamic range of 114 dB are used.
Both the ADCs and DACs have two analog input/output channels per device and the DSP has four
input channels and six output channels of signals.
As indicated above, the DSP processes many signals concurrently. This delivers a wide variety of
benefits including the capability to independently set volume levels of speakers, signal levels from
external terminals and USB audio, and to trigger the VOX circuit through the microphone and the
external terminal at the same time.
However, handling so many signals simultaneously puts a heavy load on the 32-bit floating point DSP,
though it operates at the clock frequency of 221 MHz. The DSP needs to be able to handle many
different signals, while performing not only basic functions including IF-AGC, digital IF filtering, and
demodulation, but also more advanced functions such as noise reduction and manual notch filtering.
To achieve this goal, we have introduced a real-time OS to the DSP of the TS-590S and also paid
careful attention to the software configuration to help deliver utmost performance from the OS.
The DSP of TS-590S realizes a variety of functions with its signal processing software that is
optimized to fully bring out the performance of the high-performance hardware of the transceiver.
In the following sections, we will explain the functions made possible with the innovative DSP signal
processing technologies.

4.2 Advanced AGC Control via IF Digital Processing
After TS-2000S, Kenwood has not launched an HF amateur transceiver incorporating “IF-DSP” that
processes digital signals from the IF stage. Still, over the years, we continued to study signal
processing technology using DSP. From the inception, we reviewed our design approach. Now, in
the new TS-590S, we have introduced the latest DSP technology that we developed from scratch.
TS-590S has adopted a unique frequency configuration where down conversion and up conversion
are switched over each other depending on the conditions and this was never used in previous
models. In either case, the pass bandwidth of the earlier stage (analog stage) can be wider than the
final pass bandwidth of the DSP. Even under such conditions, the target signal is not affected by an
interfering signal thanks to the sophisticated digital AGC control.
Also, we have further perfected the “high quality audio” that users rely on Kenwood to deliver and has
attracted so many users to previous product generations.
To produce audio signals that a user never gets tired of hearing during the long periods of operation,
we have developed a new attack control process of the IF-AGC. The attack control of the IF-AGC in
the DSP is tuned to produce a very rapid change in gain and to minimize the distortion during the
attack period, and the waveform of the audio output is expected to be shaped into a form of
overshoot during the period from the moment of the attack to the moment when the gain stabilizes.
In practice, little distortion is audible in the voice output, but in CW mode, depending on how the
waveform is shaped by the attack operation, the CW receive note may crackle somewhat. And that
tires the operator over a long operating period.
TS-590S incorporates newly developed functions such as the mentioned IF-AGC and other
improvements of conventional features. During the development, a signal process simulator was
employed to ensure performance enhancement.
When prototyping the TS-590S, we created and implemented two types of IF-AGCs experimentally and
conducted testing. As a result of this experimental process, we discussed the influence of distortion on
the audio quality, to finally decide to adopt the IF-AGC configuration described in Figure 4-3.
TS-590S

CONTENTS

4 DSP

Figure 4-3 Control Block Diagram of IF-AGC

In the attack control circuit, in addition to the normal fast gain shift function, we have added a
technology to capture the signal transformation in an overshoot form and to apply moderate gain to
the signal in order to lessen the audible clicks. As an example, Figure 4-4 provides a comparison
between the audio waveform of a CW signal controlled by the conventional AGC attack control and
by the AGC attack control of the TS-590S.

Figure 4-4 CW Receive Waveforms: Comparing Conventional and TS-590S’s Attack Control

The receive audio quality of the TS-590S has been highly evaluated since its launch, and this level of
quality has not been achieved only by the audio characteristics and hardware elements such as the
speaker, but also the digital AGC control characteristics realized by the latest technologies have also
substantially contributed.
Even now the IF-AGC continues to be examined and enhanced daily for further improvements of the
receive audio quality.
22

CONTENTS

TS-590S

4 DSP

4.3 Interference Elimination Within AGC Loop
TS-590S also incorporates rich and powerful interference elimination functions that work within the
IF-AGC loop (Figure 4-3).
The previous model (TS-2000S) already featured a digital IF filter and the auto notch filter function, and
in the TS-590S, a digital noise blanker (NB2) and a manual notch filter function*1 have been added.
These functions within the AGC loop eliminate interference to make a weak target signal emerge
clearly.
*1

The auto notch filter and manual notch filter cannot be used at the same time.

4.3.1 Digital IF Filter
The digital IF filter of the TS-590S consists of slope tuning combining an IIR (infinite impulse
response) LPF and an IIR HPF in SSB mode, of WIDTH/SHIFT using an IIR BPF in CW, FSK and
SSB-DATA modes, and of an FIR (finite impulse response) BPF in AM mode. (In FM mode, since an
FM detection IC is used, the signal at the IF stage is not processed by the DSP. Instead, the
demodulated audio signal is processed by an AF filter.)
The attenuation of the filter used in SSB, CW, FSK and SSB-DATA modes is set to 110 dB and the
filter slope is constantly sharp regardless of the setting of the slope tuning or of the WIDTH.
Meanwhile, because the IF frequency has been raised, the filter’s own group delay characteristics
are improved and the influence of the group delay is minimized even when a LO CUT frequency
(HPF) that is close to the carrier point is selected in the SSB mode.

Figure 4-5 Results of Amplitude and Frequency Analysis of the Digital IF Filter (SSB Mode)

In CW, FSK and SSB-DATA modes, a BPF with bandwidth of as narrow as 50 Hz can be selected,
but the group delay curve shows relatively large spectral excursions around the cut-off frequency. By
inserting an additional group delay compensation filter, we have decreased the delay of the filter as a
whole to obtain usable characteristics and to take advantage of the fast response of the IF-AGC.
TS-590S

CONTENTS

4 DSP

Figure 4-6 Results of Amplitude and Frequency Analysis of the Digital IF Filter (CW Mode)
0 Hz in the center that corresponds to the pitch frequency

4.3.2 Types of Digital IF Filters
The following table provides possible choices of the filters and the default value (shown in bold) for
respective modes.
LOW CUT

0 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 300 Hz, 400 Hz, 500 Hz, 600 Hz, 700 Hz,
800 Hz, 900 Hz, 1000 Hz

HI CUT

1.0 kHz, 1.2 kHz, 1.4 kHz, 1.6 kHz, 1.8 kHz, 2.0 kHz, 2.2 kHz, 2.4 kHz,
2.6 kHz, 2.8 kHz, 3.0 kHz, 3.4 kHz, 4.0 kHz, 5.0 kHz

WIDTH

50 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, 150 Hz, 200 Hz, 250 Hz, 300 Hz, 400 Hz, 500 Hz,
600 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 2500 Hz

SHIFT

Between 300 Hz and 1 kHz (in steps of 50 Hz), default value 800 Hz

WIDTH

50 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, 150 Hz, 200 Hz, 250 Hz, 300 Hz, 400 Hz, 500 Hz,
600 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 2500 Hz

SHIFT

1000 Hz, 1100 Hz, 1200 Hz, 1300 Hz, 1400 Hz, 1500 Hz, 1600 Hz,
1700 Hz, 1800 Hz, 1900 Hz, 2000 Hz, 2100 Hz, 2210 Hz

SSB Mode

CW Mode

SSB-DATA Mode

AM mode (LOW CUT
filters are AF filters)
FSK Mode

LOW CUT
HI CUT

2.5 kHz, 3.0 kHz, 4.0 kHz, 5.0 kHz

WIDTH

250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz

LOW CUT

0 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 300 Hz, 400 Hz, 500 Hz, 600 Hz, 700 Hz,
800 Hz, 900 Hz, 1000 Hz

HI CUT

1.0 kHz, 1.2 kHz, 1.4 kHz, 1.6 kHz, 1.8 kHz, 2.0 kHz, 2.2 kHz, 2.4 kHz,
2.6 kHz, 2.8 kHz, 3.0 kHz, 3.4 kHz, 4.0 kHz, 5.0 kHz

FM mode (AF filters)

CONTENTS

0 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 300 Hz

TS-590S

4 DSP

4.3.3 Manual Notch Filter and Auto Notch Filter
The manual notch filter is a notch filter with a frequency that can be shifted with the notch knob. The
auto notch filter is a notch filter that automatically tracks a beat frequency with an adaptive filter
technique. Both notch filters have the attenuation of more than 60 dB at the center frequency. Figure
4-7 describes how a weak signal emerges by the operation of AGC when the manual notch filter
eliminates an interfering signal in the power spectrum.

Figure 4-7 Clear Weak Signal by Eliminating Interference with Manual Notch Filter
(from above, Disabled to be Enabled)

TS-590S

CONTENTS

4 DSP
There are two settings on the manual notch filter: Normal and Wide. You can choose one of two
bandwidths for the notch filter (Figure 4-8). For a simple beat frequency, Normal is effective. If there
is an interfering SSB signal, or in the event the target signal is also trimmed by LO CUT/ HI CUT, a
Wide setting of the Notch filter used in combination with LO CUT/HI CUT may be effective.

Figure 4-8 Results of Amplitude and Frequency Analysis of the Manual Notch Filter

The shifting of the notch frequency with the notch knob is not actually done by switching the notch
filters depending on the knob position. In fact, within the DSP, the notch filter frequency is fixed and
the frequency shift is made possible by altering the IF signal frequency.
The auto notch filter inherited from the TS-2000S and the TS-870S also has been improved to deliver
better capability to track the beat frequency. The enhanced notch filter has good effect even on a
relatively weak beat signal. The auto notch filter is sharper, like a needle, than the manual notch filter
and can minimize the impact of the notch on the audio.

4.3.4 Digital Noise Blanker (NB2)
Refer to 4.6.2 Noise Blanker NB2 (IF Processing).

CONTENTS

TS-590S

4 DSP

4.4 Demodulation
For the demodulation of the RX signal in SSB, CW, FSK and SSB-DATA modes, we have employed
the proven PSN (Phase Shift Network) design again.
In the previous models (TS-2000S and TS-870S), the selection of the PSN’s characteristics was
interlocked with the passband setting of the IF filter, and when the passband is narrow, a PSN with a
good sideband suppression was selected.
On the other hand, on the TS-590S, the order of the PSN is decreased by tuning the PSN only to the
opposite side band that was not fully removed by the digital IF filter.
In this way, the low frequency range of the PSN stretches out substantially and the poor group delay
characteristics in the lower frequency range, which is a drawback of a PSN, is also improved. As a
result, the low range reaches farther with less attenuation than that reached in the previous models.
In SSB mode, the digital IF filter has a setting of “0 Hz” in LO CUT and this means the cutoff
frequency is set to the carrier point so that the low frequency range can be stretched out maximally.
Enjoy distinctly different audio from that of previous transceivers.
The same demodulation process is used in SSB, CW FSK and SSB-DATA modes, except that the
selection of PSN characteristics and of digital IF filters varies depending on the mode.
In AM mode, an absolute value detection circuit is used for demodulation as in the previous models.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

4 DSP

4.5 Modulation
Following is how the TX signal is processed. The audio signal captured from the microphone or an
external terminal is first processed by the bandwidth-limiting filter, microphone gain control, speech
processor or VOX, and then, in SSB and AM modes, the signal is modulated and output as an IF
signal; in FM mode, a CTCSS tone signal is added.
In CW mode, the waveform of the keying input is shaped and then the signal is multiplied by the
modulating carrier to be transmitted as an IF signal. At the same time, the signal is multiplied by a
carrier for monitoring to produce a CW sidetone.
In FSK mode, the keying input is processed by a baseband filter for bandwidth limiting, and then the
signal is processed by frequency modulation with the 24 kHz center frequency to obtain an FSK
modulated wave. As in CW mode, for the purpose of monitoring, the audio center frequency based
on the FSK tone frequency setting in the menu mode is processed by frequency modulation to obtain
the monitoring audio.
In SSB mode, the proven PSN design continues to be adopted for modulation. Unlike for
demodulation, for modulation enough sideband suppression must be provided for the bandwidth of
the modulation input. The characteristics of the PSN are designed to deliver sufficient suppression
according to the characteristics of the bandwidth-limiting filter (Figure 4-9).

Figure 4-9 Opposite Sideband Suppression Characteristics of the PSN for SSB Modulation

The bandwidth-limiting filter for transmission that can be set in the menu mode is applied to SSB and
AM modes, but in SSB mode the filter is made sharper at 3 kHz.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

4 DSP

4.6 DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits (for RX)

4.6.1 Beat Cancel (AF Processing)
Beat cancel (BC), as its name implies, is designed to cancel unpleasant beat interference. Like NR1
(line enhancer), BC uses adaptive filter technology. With this technology BC tracks and cancels a
beat signal just like shaping a band elimination filter.
BC is especially effective when there are multiple beats that are equivalent to or lower in strength
than the target signal. The adaptive filter can self-adjust its characteristics while tracking multiple
beats and effectively cancel them.

Figure 4-10 Beat Cancel

TS-590S

CONTENTS

4 DSP
Figure 4-10 shows how BC cancels beat signals, as monitored by an FFT analyzer. Notice how
multiple beats are clearly removed by BC.
There are two methods available for beat cancellation: BC1 and BC2. BC1 is tuned to be effective
against weak or continuous beat interference, while BC2 cancels intermittent beats such as a CW
signal. Note that since BC is designed to remove beats, it does not function in CW mode.
BC is a signal process method at the AF stage. Therefore, if there is a beat signal in proximity that is
stronger than the target signal, BC effectively removes the beat interference from the audio output,
but in the event the AGC is activated by the beat signal, the target signal is suppressed when
received.
In such an occasion, the auto notch or manual notch filter that works at the IF stage is more effective.

4.6.2 Noise Blanker NB2 (IF Processing)
We explained in the section of RX circuity that TS-590S is equipped with two noise blankers, NB1
and NB2, and that NB2 is a digital noise blanker based on the DSP. In the following section, we will
explain NB2 in detail.
A noise blanker is designed to remove pulse noise at the IF stage to reveal the target signal
suppressed by the AGC that was activated by the pulse noise. In addition to the analog noise
blanker (NB1), the TS-590S is equipped with a newly developed digital noise blanker (NB2) so that
the user can choose the blanker that is more effective for the type of noise encountered and the RX
conditions.
NB2 employs a newly developed envelope tracking method, making it effective against noise that
defies the tracking of the analog noise blanker (NB1).
Unlike the analog noise blanker, the procedure of NB2 is not a simple blanking of pulse noises from
the target signal. NB2 removes pulse noises by tracking the RX signal level to automatically detect
pulses and comparing the level of the pulses and of the target signal excluding the pulses to
attenuate the pulse parts appropriately. Hence, even a long pulse can be processed without
seriously degrading the target signal.
Figure 4-11 shows the time waveform of a signal containing pulse noises and a CW signal while NB2
is inactive, and Figure 4-12 shows the time waveform of the same signal while NB2 is active.

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4 DSP

Figure 4-11 NB2: Inactive

Figure 4-12 NB2: Active

However, depending on the nature of the pulse noise, the noise blanker cannot suppress the noise
effectively. In such a case, by using other methods such as noise reduction in conjunction, the
reception conditions may be improved.

4.6.3 Overview of Noise Reduction
There are two methods available for noise reduction on TS-590S: NR1 and NR2. You can select the
noise reduction that is more effective depending on the operation mode and reception conditions.
NR1 has different algorithms that operate according to the operation mode: in voice modes (SSB, FM
and AM), a newly developed noise reduction method featuring audio signals based on spectral
subtraction is used. In non-voice modes (CW and FSK), noise reduction is based on a line enhancer
using an adaptive filter that emphasizes the periodic signal. The noise reduction is automatically
switched over when an operation mode is selected.
On the other hand, NR2 employs what is known as SPAC (speech processing by auto correlation) to
piece together only the periodic components detected from the RX signal and to produce the result as
audio output. Table 4-1 provides the relationship between the RX modes and NR algorithms used.
Table 4-1 Reception Modes and NR Algorithms Used

Noise Reduction

TS-590S

Receive Mode
SSB/ SSB DATA

FM/ AM

CW/ FSK

NR1

Spectral subtraction

Line enhancer

NR2

SPAC

SPAC
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4 DSP

4.6.4 NR1 (Spectral Subtraction Method) (AF Processing)
Unlike the conventional noise reduction methods, the spectral subtraction method of NR1 is a brand
new approach of noise reduction developed for the TS-590S. NR1 estimates the noise component
and takes away (subtracts) the estimated noise component from the RX signal to make the target
signal emerge (Figure 4-13).
This method was developed with a focus on improving the intelligibility of a weak SSB signal.
Compared with conventional NR1 (based on a line enhancer), audio output with minimized
degradation of audio quality, while higher-pitched components are affected less, is obtained while
noise is effectively reduced. In developing NR1 based on spectral subtraction, a new technology has
been invented to reduce the introduction of musical noise (tonal “blip blip” sound) that is inherently
generated by spectral subtraction. Hence, the production of musical noise in the spectral subtraction
has been substantially suppressed.

Figure 4-13 Conceptual Scheme of NR1 Based on Spectral Subtraction

The new spectral subtraction-based NR1 allows selection of the NR effect level more smoothly than
the conventional NR1 method. Use the effect level of your choice according to the receive
conditions.
Note, however, since the noise estimation process of the spectral subtraction NR1 identifies any
steady sound as a noise component, beat interference or a CW signal is also judged as a target of
noise reduction. Meanwhile, the conventional noise reduction (based on a line enhancer) functions
to emphasize beat interference or a CW signal. Because the new spectral subtraction-based NR1 is
not intended for elimination of a CW signal or beat interference, you cannot expect a noticeable effect
against those signals. To remove beat interference or a CW signal, use beat cancel (BC) instead.
Below you can see the result of frequency analysis conducted on the receive audio containing an
audio signal while NR1 is inactive in Figure 4-14 and the result while NR1 is active in Figure 4-15.

CONTENTS

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4 DSP

Audio spectrum components swamped by noise

Figure 4-14 NR1 (Spectral Subtraction Method) (Inactive)

Audio spectrum components extracted by NR

Figure 4-15 NR1 (Spectral Subtraction Method) (Active)

TS-590S

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4 DSP

4.6.5 NR1 (Based on a Line Enhancer) (AF Processing)
As a noise suppression process, the line enhancer method based on a DSP has been adopted by
many amateur radio transceivers in recent years. This method automatically adjusts the filter
characteristics according to the characteristics of a RX signal to obtain filter characteristics suitable
for passing periodic signals such as a CW signal. Because the process automatically passes and
emphasizes periodic signals, it is called a line enhancer (line spectrum enhancer). Since the
degradation of receive audio is small, a line enhancer is an easy-to-use, engineer-friendly technique.
For the TS-590S, we have reviewed part of the NR1 process and succeeded in drastically improving
the noise reduction capability compared with previous models. Below you can see the result of
frequency analysis conducted on the receive audio containing a sine wave while NR1 (based on a
line enhancer) is inactive in Figure 4-16 and the result while NR1 is active in Figure 4-17.

Target signal

Figure 4-16 NR1 (Line Enhancer Method) (Inactive)

Target signal

Figure 4-17 NR1 (Line Enhancer Method) (Active)

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4 DSP

4.6.6 NR2 (AF Processing)
NR2 is what is known as SPAC. It detects periodic signals contained in the RX signal and pieces
together the detected periodic signals to produce output receive audio. As a result, only the periodic
signals in the receive audio emerge clearly.
NR1 based on an NR1 line enhancer is a filter in essence, but NR2 processes a RX signal in a
different approach. Hence, NR2 is very effective against a signal consisting of a single frequency
such as a CW signal. Also, since the processing method tends to detect the rising of a signal quickly,
it also delivers an effect to make the attack part of a CW signal more distinguishable.
Hence, NR2 is a very beneficial function for CW operations. However, due to its operating principle,
in the case of less periodic signals such as voice, it may generate some noise where periodic signals
are joined and, thereafter, the audio quality may become less clear. In actual operation, we
recommend you use NR1 in SSB mode and choose between NR1 and NR2 depending on
circumstances in CW mode.
For NR2, a user can set the autocorrelation time between 2 and 20 ms that aids greatly in detecting
periodic signals. The optimum autocorrelation time setting differs depending on the receive
conditions, including the frequency of the target signal contained in the RX signal and noise
conditions. Try to find the best autocorrelation time setting while actually receiving a signal.
Below, you can see the result of frequency analysis conducted on the receive audio containing a sine
wave while NR2 is inactive in Figure 4-18 and the result while NR2 is active in Figure 4-19.

Target signal

Figure 4-18 NR2: Inactive

TS-590S

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4 DSP

Target signal

Figure 4-19 NR2: Active

4.7 DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits (for TX)
4.7.1 Speech Processor (AF Processing)
TS-590S also incorporates an AF-type speech processor. Though it is an AF type, the speech
processor provides sufficient compression through a unique signal processing technique.
A typical voice signal tends to have the highest amplitude in the low frequency range with smaller
amplitude as the frequency range increases. That is the reason why distortion is likely to occur in the
low range while excessive compression processing is used. On the TS-590S, signal processing is
conducted to reduce the difference in amplitude between the low and high range when compression
is performed. As a result, the speech processor can raise the talk power while minimizing rasping
distorted sounds.
Besides, since the relatively emphasized high range has an effect of raising the intelligibility of the
voice, the speech processor has now become an effective feature to receive a reply in a pileup.

Figure 4-20 Speech Processor (Active/Inactive)

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4 DSP
Figure 4-20 shows how the waveform changes when the speech processor is toggled between active
and inactive.
You can see that when the speech processor is activated, the differences in amplitude are averaged
and the talk power is increased.
The speech processor has two settings: HARD and SOFT.
HARD is a setting that you choose so as to increase talk power while tolerating some distortion and
SOFT is a setting to minimize rasping distorted audio. Select either of the two settings according to
your predilection and operational circumstances.

4.8 DSP-based Auxiliary Circuits (Common to TX/RX)

4.8.1 TX Equalizer & RX Equalizer (AF Processing)
If you use the RX equalizer (RX EQ), you can easily adjust RX audio quality. Pick your quality of
choice from the preset curves: high boost, formant pass, bass boost, and flat.
Likewise, TX audio quality can be adjusted with the TX equalizer (TX EQ). It is easy to make
changes to suit your taste of TX audio quality: for example, correcting microphone characteristics or
applying compensation to match the characteristics of your own voice.
Also, on the TS-590S, with the ARCP-590 provided on the Kenwood Web page, you can adjust the
settings in the 18-band graphic equalizer offered in its Audio Equalizer window (Figure 4-21). This
function offers you more diverse options for equalizing.
Any adjustments made in the Audio Equalizer window of ARCP-590 are reflected in the TS-590S in
real-time. Meanwhile, the equalization done while “User” is selected is stored on the TS-590S.
Typical graphic equalizers used in audio devices divide the spectrum into octave segments. In
contrast, the equalizer on the TS-590S divides the spectrum into multiples of 300 Hz to allow the
insertion of a notch at a particular frequency and precise reproduction of complex frequency analysis
results.

Figure 4-21 ARCP-590 Audio Equalizer Window

TS-590S

CONTENTS

5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE
In addition to the features we have explained thus far, the TS-590S comes with extensive functions to
make your operation more pleasant. We will guide you through some of them.

5.1 Extended Data-mode Related Functions
We have modified data-mode related settings to meet many different needs.

Figure 5-1 Front Panel of the TS-590S

In SSB-DATA and FM-DATA modes, the On/Off settings of the speech processor and the settings of
DSP filters are stored independently of the normal SSB and FM modes. Hence, you can
conveniently switch between the data mode operation and the normal mode operation with a single
touch of a button.
Also, now that USB audio functions*1 accept external audio input/output, operations in combination
with a PC have become more convenient. The audio output of the TS-590S can be easily delivered
to a PC simply by connecting the transceiver and the PC using a single USB cable. If you select
“USB” in “Audio input line selection for data communications” of Menu 63, you can transmit using an
audio source from a PC.
The transmit command is given with the PC control command of “TX1;”. During an operation using
ARCP-590, in the “Setup TX Control” of the Tool pulldown menu, select “USB” as the modulation
line. To transmit via key operation, assign “DATA SEND” to the PF key in menu mode. It is also
possible to transmit using the PKS signal in the ACC2 connector as before. Furthermore, by
enabling the “Data VOX” function in Menu 69, a transmission can be made automatically using an
external signal.
*1

The USB audio interface has latency (signal delay) due to a limitation resulting from the specifications. So a USB device may
not be used for a latency-critical application.

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5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE
Also, in data modes, the specification of the receive DSP filter is automatically switched from LO
CUT/HI CUT to WIDTH/SHIFT, allowing for operations with non-voice modulation types such as
RTTY and PSK31.
Therefore, the IF DSP filter can be adjusted to as narrow as 50 Hz in SSB-DATA mode to deliver an
interference-free output.
Setting values of WIDTH and SHIFT in SSB-DATA mode. (Hatched blocks are default values.)
Setting values of WIDTH [Hz] (14 steps)
50

100

150

200

250

300

400

500

600

1000

1500

2000

2500

Setting values of SHIFT [Hz] (13 steps)
1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

2210

Hints and Tips “Considerations on modulating the signal using an audio input from the PC”
If modulating the signal using an external audio input via the USB or ACC2 connector, and
transmitting with the [SEND] key or the SS terminal of the ACC2 connector, the signal will not be
modulated.
Conversely, if transmitting with the PKS signal of the ACC2 connector, PC control command “TX1;” or
“DATA SEND” of the PF key, the signal from the microphone jack cannot be used to modulate the
transceiver.
This is due to the specification that stipulates when a microphone and an external modulation source
are connected at the same time, the external modulation input is muted if transmitting using the
microphone, and the microphone is muted if the external modulation source is used.
Thanks to this specification, when you operate in PSK31 mode from your PC, for example, you don’t
have to disconnect the microphone each time.

5.2 Drive Out
TS-590S is equipped with a DRV connector. The connector allows access to the drive output during
the transmission. The drive output level is about 1 mW (0 dBm) and for operation in the 135 kHz
band this output is used for transmission.
Also, since the active or inactive state of the DRV is stored for each band, you can interlock the status
with the RX ANT connector to handily run a transverter.
Note:
Accessory/additional equipment
If you connect accessory equipment (such as an external TNC, SSTV equipment, RTTY equipment
or when you connect the USB port and a PC for data communication) or additional equipment (such
as a transverter or a linear amplifier) to the TS-590S, be aware that the transceiver is no longer
eligible for Technical Regulations Conformity Certification and that you need to have the equipment
certified to make an application. For a sample application form, visit our web site “TS-590S USB
Audio Setting Manual”.

TS-590S

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5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE

Figure 5-2 DRV and RX ANT Connectors

Operation in the 135 kHz Band
Since the Technical Regulations Conformity Certification of the transceiver is invalid for operation in the
135 kHz band, you need to make a separate application for certification to work this band.
• Higher-level knowledge and skills are required to connect external equipment to the transceiver.
• If you use external equipment, be fully aware of the connector specifications, possible loop
interference, and other relevant issues.

5.3 Single Button Toggles IF Filters between A and B
For use of the legendary slope tuning and WIDTH/SHIFT functions incorporated in successive
Kenwood HF transceivers, TS-590S stores the status of two filters (FILTER A and FILTER B) set for
each type of signal. Hence, you can easily switch between the filters with a single touch of a button.

Figure 5-3 [IF FIL] Key

As an example, store the setting of a wide IF filter and narrow IF filter in FILTER A and FILTER B
respectively. When you look for a station for a contact, use the wider FILTER A and once you have
started a QSO, switch to the narrower FILTER B, with a touch of a button, to be able to receive the
target signal only .
Hints and Tips “Is this filter switchover with a single touch of a button different from NAR?”
This filter switchover with a single action is based on the way the NAR function was used in the days
when analog IF filters were used. Continuously, variable bandwidth is convenient in the sense that
you can adjust it freely to whatever value you choose, but you may have difficulty operating in a
timely manner in a contest or similar because it does not allow a jump to a certain value
instantaneously, Therefore, we considered introducing a mechanism equivalent to the previous NAR
function, but we were swayed by the opinion that a user wants to operate with normal bandwidth
usually, yet still maintain the to switch to a wider bandwidth when it is required. Consequently, to
satisfy both needs, we have devised a system to store settings freely.
40

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5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE

5.4 Double Function Keys and Hold Time Selection
Just like the TS-480S, TS-590S employs double function keys to activate different functions by
holding down a key. This is meant to make operation easier than in the system requiring one to push
a function key first before hitting another key to invoke the desired function.
Since for most of the keys, functions related to the original functions of the keys are assigned, they
can be used intuitively.
Examples: NB key and variable NB level, the NOTCH key and NOTCH WIDTH selection, etc.
Additionally, the hold time to activate another function can be switched in three stages. By default
about 0.5 seconds is selected, but you can switch between about 0.2 seconds, and about 1 second
as necessary.

5.5 Mode Selection of Built-in Electronic Keyer
The transceivers in the previous generations were equipped with an electronic keyer in which dots
and dashes are always memorized for output. On the TS-590S, we have employed an electronic
keyer which allows a user to select either of the conventional keyers, which is called “Mode B”, or a
newly adopted “Mode A” which has different memory timings. If you experience the problem of
producing an extra dot or dash in “Mode B”, try “Mode A” and you may find you are able to send more
accurately with greater ease.

5.6 Switchover of Shift Frequency Interlocked with Change
of Pitch Frequency
On the transceivers in the previous generations, after a user chose and set a pitch frequency, they
then manually changed the shift frequency, but on the TS-590S, when the pitch frequency is changed
on the menu, the shift frequency is also altered accordingly.

5.7 Power-on Message
The transceiver can be configured to display a maximum of 8 characters (alphanumeric characters and
some symbols) on the 13-segment display on the right side of the display screen during the powerup.
As the factory default, the string “KENWOOD” is set to be displayed.

Figure 5-4 Power-on Message

TS-590S

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5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE

5.8 Quick Memory Function
The TS-590S comes with a quick memory function as did with the previous transceivers. The
number of channels is a maximum of 5 as default, but you can increase the number up to 10 by
setting in the menu mode. Conversely, if you wish to decrease the number of channels to make the
operation quicker, it is possible to limit the number to 3. You can also scan all the quick memory
channels or erase the channels at one time.

Figure 5-5 [Q-M.IN]/[Q-MR] Key

5.9 Cross Tone Function
Among the functions newly employed in FM mode is the cross tone function. This function allows a
user to set separately the encode tone frequency, which is added when CTCSS is transmitted, and
the decode tone frequency added when CTCSS is received. This function is meant to be used when
you use a repeater where tone frequencies of uplink and downlink are different.

5.10 PF Keys
The TS-590S incorporates two PF keys instead of the conventional one to enhance user
convenience. Some functions can be assigned only to the PF keys, so as to use the PF keys as
required by the operational circumstances.
Examples of functions that can be assigned only to the PF keys:
• DATA SEND function:
When modulating the signal using the ACC2 or USB audio input located on the transceiver’s rear
panel, modulation signals other than those at these microphone connectors are muted, whereas
there is no modulation with the audio input through the connectors on the rear panel if a
transmission is made with the [SEND] key on the front panel. In such a case, it is convenient to
assign DATA SEND function to the PF key.
• TX TUNE function:
A continuous carrier with a certain output level can be sent out regardless of the current settings of
mode or transmit output level. This function is very convenient for tuning a screwdriver type
antenna tuner or adjusting a linear amplifier.
As an alternative, you can assign a frequently-used menu or a function of a double-function button
such as NR LEV to the PF key for a quick activation.

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TS-590S

5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE
Hints and Tips “Extension of PF function”
Though only two PF keys are available on the transceiver, it is possible to increase the number of the
PF keys by using a switch to switch a voltage derived from the microphone connector.
If you have a microphone equipped with the PF keys such as MC-47 (although it was discontinued
and no longer available), you can assign the PF function to the PF key and the UP and DOWN keys.
Likewise, by adding an external circuit as shown below, the PF function also can be assigned.
PF1

PF4

MIC CN
3

6
7

DOWN

2
1

22 k

PF3

100 k

22 k

100 k

PF2

Figure 5-6 Example of Circuit
Caution:
 The figure shows the microphone connector viewed from the front panel, but it is inverted (upside down).
 The circuit only shows the connection of DC signals. Be fully aware of loop interference of radio frequency signals and other
possible issues that may arise.
 We will not accept any request for fixing problems arising from connecting devices other than Kenwood’s genuine optional
products regardless of the content of this document.

TS-590S

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5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE

5.11 Expansion of Voice Guide Function
(Optional VGS-1 Required)
The optional VGS-1 voice guide and storage unit can be installed on the transceiver. The voice guide
and audio recording function that are acclaimed by sight-impaired operators become available. The
following are the details of the VGS-1 and new functions added for the current version.

Figure 5-7 VGS-1

 Voice Guide Function
On the TS-590S, in addition to the conventional audio announcements, the readings of the
multimeter (SWR meter, ALC meter and COMP meter) can be also announced.
Also, by setting the auto announcement to be disabled in the menu mode, the announcements can
be made only when the VOICE key (that is to be assigned to the PF key) is pressed.

 Voice Storage Function
A maximum of 4 channels can be used for storing voice for transmission. This is a very
convenient option for an operator who participates in a contest in SSB mode. (The CW message
memory function is available on the transceiver and does not require VGS-1.)
Channel 4 of the voice recording channels for transmission can be assigned for recording a
received voice signal. Anytime upon a press of the [REC] key, you can store the voice signal
received over the past 30 seconds in flash memory and replay the voice as required.

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TS-590S

5 SOFTWARE: ENHANCING OPERATING PLEASURE
Hints and Tips “What are the projections on the rear panel for?”
On the rear panel of the TS-590S, projections are placed near some connectors.

Figure 5-8 Projections on the Rear Panel

We have provided these guides to meet the demands from sight-impaired operators who wish to set
up the transceiver without help from someone else. If two identical connectors are placed side by
side, you can not tell them apart just by feeling them. The projections are provided so that the
applications of the connectors can be easily distinguished.
These projections will allow a sight-impaired person to understand the positional relationship of the
connectors and to connect cables easily by feeling the rear panel with their fingers.
Also, a transceiver is often placed on a rack and a user is sometimes forced to connect cables
without seeing them. The projections will also help you in such a situation.
This careful attention is also part of Kenwood’s efforts for “accessibility improvement” based on “easy
operation”.
Projections are provided near the following connectors: DRV, RX, ANT, ANT1, and ANT2.

5.12 Easy Updating of Firmware
The procedure of updating firmware is further simplified. Like the TS-480S that already incorporates
this function, there is no need for removing the cover.
You have only to connect a USB cable or an RS-232C cable and run the update program on the PC.
The availability of firmware updates is from time to time announced on Kenwood’s website.

Figure 5-9 Sample Screen Shot of the Updater

TS-590S

CONTENTS

6 APPEARANCE DESIGN: “DESIGN CONCEPT” REVEALED
BY DESIGNING ENGINEER
The design development of the TS-590S was started by asking myself “What are the characteristics
that make Kenwood’s HF transceivers just what they are?” Among the key words adopted to describe
the characteristics were “innovativeness”, “high quality” and “sharpness”, based on which I pursued a
design that captures the trends of the times.
On the development of TS-590S, I exchanged lively discussions with my colleagues and finally
settled on the design concept of “deep and heavy”. This means “a genuine HF transceiver that
nobody can make light of” or “a design that, when it is placed among other peripheral devices in a
shack (which is inevitable due to the nature of the product), does not stand out distastefully”.
The work of designing a transceiver does not end with just creating an outer shape, but includes a
wide variety of tasks ranging from scrutinizing colors, materials, character fonts, etc., to examining
the size, thickness and balance of characters displayed in the LCD.
A horizontal line penetrating the front panel describes the sharpness and the DNA of Kenwood’s HF
transceivers that has been handed down from generation to generation.
When it comes to the main knob that a user touches most often, I have devised a design that never
makes a user tired from long hours of operation or slips out of the hand while handling. Also, for the
material I have employed fluorine-containing rubber that does not attract dirt and dust.
As for the color of the body, I have selected matte-black finish to give it a typical look of a transceiver
and to prevent the reflection of light as much as possible when a user operates from a portable station.
Much attention is also paid to the printing of the characters and graphics to express the typical
preciseness of Kenwood’s HF transceivers and to deliver better visibility to enable intuitive operations
and eye-friendly views.

Figure 6-1 A Sketch of the TS-590S

Figure 6-1 shows a sketch that is almost complete. We make a lot of such sketches in the process of
finalizing the outer design for the purpose of discussions before creating a full-size mock-up sample.
The TS-590S is an HF transceiver launched by Kenwood after a long interval. We felt desperately
sorry each time a customer asked us, at the annual ham fairs, when Kenwood’s new HF transceiver
would be available.
I was more than happy that our hard work was rewarded when the TS-590S was eventually launched
and a customer told me “My patience finally paid off!” It was my greatest joy as a designer.
Finally, as one of the developers, I hope the TS-590S will be used by as many amateur radio
operators as possible.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

7 STRUCTURAL FEATURES
7.1 Cooling
We have designed the chassis of the TS-590S to endure heavy-duty operation.
The PCBs are placed as follows: FINAL UNIT on the upper side of the chassis, TX-RX UNIT and LO
UNIT on the lower side, CONTROL UNIT beneath the LO UNIT, NB UNIT and DISPLAY UNIT in
front.
We have placed two cooling fans in the front of the chassis.
The cooling fans have two operation modes: LO and HI. By rotating two fan motors at a lower
revolution speed, we aimed to reduce the operating noise.

TWIN FAN

LO UNIT

CONTROL UNIT

FINAL UNIT

TX-RX UNIT

NB UNIT

DISPLAY UNIT

Figure 7-1 Layout of Printed Circuits Boards of the TS-590S Series

We have optimized the chassis structure using computer-aided thermal analysis to improve the heat
dissipation performance. We have designed the chassis to facilitate smooth air flow.

Figure 7-2 Results of Computer-aided Thermal Analysis

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7 STRUCTURAL FEATURES
We have also paid much attention to the area and shape of the air inlets/outlets to lessen the
operation noise of cooling fan motors.
To reduce the noise from the air inlets/outlets, the area and shape were examined through repeated
experiments and we have finally succeeded in alleviating the cooling fan motors’ operating noise.
The area of air inlets/outlets of the TS-590S is about 1.5 times larger than that of TS-2000S so that
the suction and emission efficiency is improved.
The following figure portrays the aluminum die-cast chassis of the TS-590S.
Figure 7-3 shows the side of the FINAL UNIT, Figure 7-4 shows the side of the TX-RX UNIT. Final
FETs are positioned on the two raised areas located to the left on the side of the FINAL UNIT. On the
reverse side of the final FETs, beneath the TX-RX UNIT, a heat sink (Figure 7-5) is placed to remove
heat from the final FETs and discharge it.

Figure 7-3 On the Side of FINAL UNIT

Figure 7-4 On the Side of TX-RX UNIT

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TS-590S

7 STRUCTURAL FEATURES

Figure 7-5 Heat Sink Section

We will provide the temperature data when a continuous transmission is made at a 25°C or 77°F
room temperature so that you can understand the TS-590S’s superb cooling capability.

Figure 7-6 Temperature Data while Transmitting Continuously

As can be seen from the above graph, the output power does not drop (the protection is not
activated) while transmitting continuously for more than two hours at a 25°C or 77°F room
temperature with an output power of 100 W.
As explained above, TS-590S is designed for heavy-duty operation as were the previous HF
transceivers, but, as a general rule not limited to Kenwood products, the higher the temperature, the
shorter the life span of an electronic device. Therefore, we recommend you use the transceiver with
an appropriate output power that suits the circumstances in order to prolong the longevity of the
transceiver.

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7 STRUCTURAL FEATURES

7.2 LCD
“We wanted to complete the display without uneven brightness!” That was our goal of designing the
display screen, or the “face” of the transceiver. On the TS-590S, after repeated examinations and
trials, we have finally reached our goal of a display with perfectly even brightness.
The secret of this even brightness lies in the illumination structure of the LCD.
The TS-590S’s illumination structure is a bottom direct-lit type backlight structure in which LEDs are
lit from the reverse side of the LCD. In the stage of discussing the structure, we have also examined
front-lit and edge-lit designs that have been already proven in the previous transceivers, but they
didn’t suit the display size of the TS-590S, resulting in uneven illumination. So, we focused on the
the bottom direct-lit type backlight structure and further studied the design.
We would like you to confirm the beauty of the display with your own eyes.
Also, as the first trial on a Kenwood HF transceiver, the color of the backlight now can be switched
between amber and green. At first, the color of the backlight was amber only but, considering color
visibility differs from one amateur radio operator to another in the world, we have added green. You
can choose either amber or green backlighting, whichever pleases you most.
In addition to the backlight itself, we also carefully designed the brightness (dimmer setting) of the
backlight and the segment displays for better visibility. You can choose among 7 steps of brightness
(OFF and 1 though 6) of the backlight in the menu mode.
The TS-590S has more dimmer setting steps than the TS-570S or TS-2000S, allowing a user to
adjust the backlight brightness to suit the installation environment.
For the segment displays on the LCD, we have adopted a large-size, positive LCD.
Focusing on the visibility, for 7-segment and 13-segment displays, we have adopted the same largesize characters as in the TS-570S that were highly evaluated. The type of LCD chosen is a semitransmissive TN LCD (1/3 duty) that has high contrast.
Good outdoor sunlight visibility is another reason why we have chosen a semi-transmissive LCD.
The TS-590S has a semi-transmissive LCD using a white reflection plate. And this LCD type delivers
comfortable visibility under sunlight. Hence, the transceiver maintains good visibility characteristics
outdoors as well as indoors.

Figure 7-7 Amber and Green

CONTENTS

TS-590S

7 STRUCTURAL FEATURES

7.3 Main Control Knob
We have designed the main control knob located in the center of the front panel, focusing on easy
handling and good appearance.
For the encoder, a 250-pulse magnetic encoder is adopted, which enables the pulses are multiplied
by 4 using software to produce 1,000 pulses per revolution so that a user can tune to the desired
frequency smoothly.
Each of the aluminum parts is machined with CNC (computerized numeric control) and treated with
spin finish. We also paid careful attention to the color of the main control knob; we have colored the
knob with a color alumite treatment.
We made samples repeatedly until the desired color was finalized. The alumite color is adjusted to
match the rubber color of the knob ring and the paint color of the front panel in order to express the
integration and massiveness of the entire panel.
Not only for the main control knob, easy handling was our priority when designing the sizes and
locations of other controls (knobs and keys). We carefully studied the sizes and layout of the knobs
so that a finger will not hit the adjacent knob when a user turns a knob.
Though the TS-590S has a relatively compact front panel as an HF transceiver, the controls are
positioned for comfortable operation.

ً
Main control knob
Figure 7-8 Main Control Knob

TS-590S

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE
8.1 Windows Related Software
This chapter describes the Windows related software to be used to control the TS-590S from a PC.
Following are the Windows related software products that can be used with the TS-590S.
Table 8-1 Windows Related Software for TS-590S

Name

Description

ARCP-590

This software enables control of the TS-590S from a PC.

ARHP-590

This host program is used on the host station PC when the TS-590S is remotely controlled over
a network. The software is used in combination with ARCP-590.

ARVP-10

This VoIP software is to transfer the TX and RX audio signals when remotely controlling the
TS-590S over a network.
Note: The software is composed of ARVP-10H and ARVP-10R.

ARUA-10

This software enables use of the microphone and speaker of a PC in place of those on the
TS-590S. It enables the audio signal from the PC’s microphone to be transfered via USB audio
and transmitted from the TS-590S. Also, the audio output of the TS-590S can be emitted from
the PC’s speaker via USB audio.
Note:
 If you are using a home-made audio cable connected to the ACC2 connector, this software is not
required.
 This software is not required if this is used over a network.

Being installed on the PC, this supports use of ARCP-590 and ARHP-590 after the TS-590S is
Virtual COM Port connected to a PC with a USB cable.
Driver
Note: If the TS-590S is connected to the PC with a serial cable, this software is not required.

8.2 System Configurations
We will provide some typical system configurations using the TS-590S and Windows software.

8.2.1 Controlling TS-590S from a PC using the COM Connector
The microphone connected to the TS-590S and the transceiver’s built-in speaker are used.
PC

Type of
Connection

TS-590S

Software

Hardware

Control signal

ARCP-590

RS-232C cable

* Connected to the COM connector

Audio signal

No connection

The microphone connected to the
TS-590S and the transceiver’s built-in
speaker

CONTENTS

Hardware

TS-590S

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.2.2 Controlling TS-590S from a PC using the USB Connector
The microphone connected to the TS-590S and the transceiver’s built-in speaker are used.
PC

TS-590S

Type of
Connection

Software

Hardware

Control signal

Virtual COM port
driver and
ARCP-590

USB cable

* Connected to the USB connector

Audio signal

No connection

The microphone connected to the
TS-590S and the transceiver’s built-in
speaker

8.2.3 Controlling TS-590S from a PC using the COM and ACC2
connectors (microphone and speaker connected to the PC to
be used)
The microphone and speaker connected to a PC are used. The ACC2 connector is used for input/
output of the TS-590S’s audio signal.
PC
Control signal
Audio signal

Software

Hardware

ARCP-590

RS-232C cable

The microphone
and speaker
Home-made
connected to the audio cable
PC

TS-590S

Type of
Connection

Hardware
* Connected to the COM connector
* Connected to the ACC2 connector

Caution: To use the ACC2 connector for input/output of the audio signal, ARUA-10 is not required.

8.2.4 Controlling TS-590S from a PC using the USB connector
(microphone and speaker connected to the PC to be used)
The microphone and speaker connected to the PC are used. The USB connector is used for input/
output of the TS-590S’s audio signal.
PC
Software

Hardware

Control signal

Virtual COM port
driver and
ARCP-590

Audio signal

Windows
standard driver
and ARUA-10

TS-590S

Type of
Connection

The microphone USB cable
and speaker
connected to a
PC

TS-590S
Hardware

* Connected to the USB connector

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.2.5 Controlling TS-590S from a PC on a Remote Site
Remote Station (PC that remotely
controls the transceiver)
Software

Hardware

Control signal

ARCP-590

Audio signal

ARVP-10R or
generic VoIP
software

Type of
Connection

The microphone Network
and speaker
connected to a
PC

Host station (PC that is located
near the TS-590S)
Software

Hardware

ARHP-590

* Connected to
the COM or USB
connector

ARVP-10H or
generic VoIP
software

* Connected to
the ACC2 or USB
connector

Caution: When the USB connector is used for input/output of the audio signal on the host station, ARUA-10 is not required
neither.

8.3 New ARCP-590 (Amateur Radio Control Program for
TS-590S) Freeware
ARCP-590 (Amateur Radio Control Program for TS-590S) is software enabling control of the TS-590S
from a PC.

Figure 8-1 Main Window of ARCP-590

ARCP-590 is available free and can be downloaded from Kenwood’s website.
URLs from which ARCP-590 can be downloaded:
http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
As with ARCP-480 for the TS-480S, the new ARCP-590 program is designed to control virtually all of
the functions on the TS-590S transceiver.
54

CONTENTS

TS-590S

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.3.1 Basic Specifications Inherited from ARCP-480
The basic specifications of the ARCP-590 are inherited from ARCP-480 for the TS-480S. In addition,
ARCP-590 conforms to the new functions of the TS-590S.

8.3.2 User Interfaces
ARCP-590 supports Japanese and English user interface languages. A user can use ARCP-590 in
the language the user is the most familiar with.
The ARCP-590 comes with a function to automatically connect to the TS-590S when the software is
started. If you habitually control the TS-590S from a PC, the function saves the effort to establish a
connection each time. To enable this function, from the Tool pulldown menu, select “Setup” and in
the Setup dialog box, click on the Connect automatically at startup checkbox to activate.
In addition to the tuning control method used in ARCP-480 for TS-480S, ARCP-590 has new
methods to change frequency as follows:
1. Frequency change with the main knob
2. Frequency change with “Tune up” and “Tune down” buttons
3. Frequency change with “MULTI/CH up” and “MULTI/Ch down” buttons
4. Frequency change with the direct input mode
5. Frequency change with the mouse wheel
6. Frequency change by clicking on the frequency display section
In method 1 and 2, you can now select the tuning step from the Tuning step dropdown list.
Caution: In the event you are using KSN over a network or you have selected a setting other than “Preset” from the Tuning
Step dropdown list, the response may be slower. In such a case, select “Preset”. This is because the way to control
the TS-590S differs in Preset and in other settings.

In method 5, by turning the mouse wheel, you can change the step selected from the MULTI/CH Step
dropdown list. By turning the mouse wheel while pressing down the [Ctrl] key, you can change the
step selected form the Tuning Step dropdown list (this function is available in ARCP-590 Ver. 1.01 or
later).
In ARCP-590, a status bar is added in the bottom part of the main window. You can check frequentlyused items in a single glance, such as modulation line, transmit output power, microphone gain,
keying speed, connection destination, time in UTC and local time.

Figure 8-2 Status Bar

TS-590S

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE
The ARCP-590 has newly adopted a listing by category in the menu function. The new listing by
category as well as the conventional general listing allows quick access to the desired function.

Figure 8-3 Menu Function

The ARCP-590 enables a user to set the delay time for switching from transmit to receive in order to
address the delay that occurs when using KNS over a network. Formerly, the last part of the
transmitted voice was sometimes cut off when switching from transmit to receive due to the
difference of delay time of control commands and of audio signals. In order to solve this problem, the
timing to actually switch back to receive can be delayed for the time period specified in ARCP-590
after the user operates the switchover.
From the Tool pulldown menu, select “c”. In the Setup TX Control dialog box of transmit control you
can select delay time from the Switching the delay time from transmit to receive while the
transceiver is connected to the network dropdown list for switching back from transmit to receive
when controlling over a network connection.

8.3.3 KNS (Kenwood Network Command System)
As with ARCP-480 for the TS-480S, the ARCP-590 also enables control of the transceiver using KNS
over LAN or the Internet. Install ARHP-590 program (explained later) on the host station PC to
construct the system.

Figure 8-4 Conceptual Image of a KNS Configuration

CONTENTS

TS-590S

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE
In ARCP-590, the number of connection destinations that can be registered has been expanded from
a maximum of 10 to 100.
The ARCP-480 and ARHP-10 for the TS-480S are supplied with the VoIP function to send and
receive voice over the network connection, but the VoIP engine is not compatible with newer
Windows OS’s. That’s the reason the VoIP function is excluded from the new ARCP-590 program.
In order to use VoIP capability, construct a system using ARVP-10H and ARVP-10R (explained later)
or generic VoIP software.
KNS Welcome Message function is added so that the KNS host administrator can leave a simple
message to a KNS client user; or a KNS client user to the another KNS client user.
The KNS welcome message can be edited or deleted either from ARCP-590 or ARHP-590.
In ARCP-590, select the “Edit KNS Welcome Message” from the Tool pulldown menu and you can
edit or delete the welcome message in the Edit KNS Welcome Message dialog box.
In ARHP-590, select the “Edit KNS Welcome Message” from the Tool pulldown menu and you can
edit or delete the welcome message in the Edit KNS Welcome Message dialog box.

Figure 8-5 KNS Welcome Message

Refer also to “TS-590S KENWOOD NETWORK COMMAND SYSTEM Setting Manual” on the
Kenwood’s website.
Caution: You must comply with all radio and domestic laws, regulations and rules of the country or region where you are
connecting with the KNS System via the Internet.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.3.4 Visual Scan
ARCP-590 is capable of visually showing the location of the current RX frequency on the display and
of shifting the current RX frequency to the center of the scan span. The scan center frequency and
the scan span can be stored for each amateur radio band. It is ideal for checking the condition of
respective bands for specified frequency ranges.

Figure 8-6 Visual Scan
Note: During the scan, the receive audio of the transceiver is muted.

8.3.5 Audio Equalizer
In ARCP-590, the setting of the audio filter can be configured with a graphic equalizer-type interface.
ARCP-590 has 18 bands from 0 Hz through 5,100 kHz.

Figure 8-7 Audio Equalizer

CONTENTS

TS-590S

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.4 ARHP-590 (Amateur Radio Host Program) Freeware
ARHP-590 is the host application to control the TS-590S with Kenwood Network Command System
(KNS).

Figure 8-8 Main Window of ARHP-590

ARHP-590 is available free and can be downloaded from Kenwood’s website.
URLs from which ARHP-590 can be downloaded:
http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
Refer also to “TS-590S KENWOOD NETWORK COMMAND SYSTEM Setting Manual” on the
Kenwood’s website.

8.4.1 Basic Specifications Inherited from ARHP-10
The basic specifications of the ARHP-590 are inherited from ARHP-10 for the TS-480E. In addition,
ARCP-590 is compatible with the new functions of the TS-590S.

8.4.2 User Interfaces
ARHP-590 supports Japanese and English user interface languages. A user can use ARHP-590 in
the language the user is the most familiar with.
In ARHP-590, a function to automatically run the program when Windows starts is added. Using this
function, upon restart of the PC, ARHP-590 can be activated and a connection is made automatically.
To enable this function, select “Setup” from the Tool pulldown menu and in the Setup dialog box,
click on the Activating automatically when Windows starts checkbox.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE
ARHP-590 allows a user to check the operating status of ARHP-590 and TS-590S even after
minimized. You can check the status of the power of the TS-590S (Power ON or Power OFF) and
your connection and transmission statuses.

Figure 8-9 Checking the Operating Status

8.4.3 KNS (Kenwood Network Command System)
For details of Kenwood Network Command System, refer to 8.3.3. KNS (Kenwood Network
Command System).

8.4.4 Disabling AF Gain Control from ARCP-590
ARHP-590 has a capability to disable the AF gain control from the ARCP-590. While AF gain is
controlled from ARCP-590, the audio volume of the TS-590S may be adjusted in an unexpected way.
Therefore, we have added a function to disable this control.
To enable this function, from the Tool pulldown menu, select “Setup” and click on the Prohibits
control of AF gain from ARCP-590 checkbox.

8.5 New ARUA-10 (USB Audio Controller) Freeware
We have released ARUA-10, the USB audio control software to allow the PC’s microphone and
speaker to be used in place those of the TS-590S.
ARUA-10 is available free and can be downloaded from Kenwood’s website.
URLs from which ARUA-10 can be downloaded:
http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
Refer also to “TS-590S USB Audio Setting Manual” on the Kenwood’s website.
Caution:
 For USB audio, time delay is unavoidable due to its operating principle. Therefore, USB audio cannot be used for a latencycritical application (e.g. operations in a contest or pileup where a quick response is essential).
 During the operation with KNS over a network connection, ARUA-10 is not required.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.5.1 Basic Functions
If ARUA-10 and ARCP-590 are used in combination, you have only to connect the TS-590S and a
PC with a single USB cable to use the microphone and speaker connected to the PC in place of
those on the transceiver. To use ARCP-590 over a USB cable connection, the virtual COM port
driver needs to be installed.
If you use only ARUA-10 over a USB cable connection, the virtual port driver doesn’t need to be
installed. If you use the built-in USB sound function of the TS-590S only, the function runs on the
Window’s standard driver.

8.5.2 Operation
ARUA-10 bridges the TS-590S’s built-in USB sound function (USB audio device) and the sound
device that controls the microphone and speaker on the PC.
A voice signal from the microphone connected to the PC is input into the modulation input of the
TS-590S’s USB audio device. The audio output of the TS-590S’s USB audio device is emitted from
the PC’s speaker.

Figure 8-10 Flow of the Audio Signal

8.5.3 Setup
Configure the necessary settings to use ARUA-10.
Right click the “ARUA-10” icon in the Windows task tray and select “Device Setup” in the menu and
the Setup dialog box will appear. In the Device tab, you can set up the device to input/output the
audio signal.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Figure 8-11 Device Tab

In the “Reception Output” of the Transceiver frame, “Microphone (USB Audio CODEC)” must be
selected.
In the “Modulation Input” of the Transceiver frame, “Speaker (USB Audio CODEC)” must be
selected.
In the “Microphone” of the PC frame, specify the microphone of the sound device.
In the “Speakers” of the PC frame, specify the speaker of the sound device.
You can check the name of the sound device in the entry under “Sound video and game controllers”
category in Windows Device Manager.

8.5.4 Starting and Stopping ARUA-10
To start ARUA-10, after above settings completes, right click the “ARUA-10” icon in the Windows task
tray and select “Start” in the menu.
To stop ARUA-10, right click the “ARUA-10” icon in the Windows task tray and select “Stop” in the
menu.

8.5.5 Adjusting Volume
To adjust volume of ARUA-10, right click the “ARUA-10” icon in the Windows task tray and select
“Volume” in the menu and from the volume screen adjust volume.
For details, refer to “TS-590S USB Audio Setting Manual” on the Kenwood’s website.

8.5.6 Automatic Execution when Windows Starts
ARUA-10 is capable of starting automatically at the start of Windows. With this capability enabled,
ARUA-10 starts and connection is made automatically upon restart of a PC.
To enable this capability, right click the “ARUA-10” icon in the Windows task tray and select “Other
settings” in the menu, and the Setup dialog will appear. In the Other tab, click on the Run
automatically at Windows startup checkbox.
62

CONTENTS

TS-590S

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.6 New ARVP-10H (Amateur Radio VoIP Program)
Freeware
We have released the ARVP-10H program that provides the VoIP function at the host station (to
which TS-590S is connected) and the ARVP-10R program that provides the VoIP function at the
remote station (which controls the transceiver remotely).

Figure 8-12 Main Window of ARVP-10H

Figure 8-13 Main Window of ARVP-10R

ARVP-10H and ARVP-10R are available free and can be downloaded from Kenwood’s website.
URLs from which ARVP-10H and ARVP-10R can be downloaded:
http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
Refer also to “TS-590S KENWOOD NETWORK COMMAND SYSTEM Setting Manual” on the
Kenwood’s website.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.6.1 Basic Functions
ARVP-10H and ARVP-10R enable a voice signal to be sent and received over LAN or the Internet.

8.6.2 Setup of ARVP-10H (Host Station)
Configure the necessary settings to use ARVP-10H.
Select “User Settings” from the File pulldown menu and click the “Add...” button in the User Settings
dialog box and the Setup User dialog box will appear, In Setup User dialog box, you can set the user
name and password.

Figure 8-14 Setup User Dialog Box (ARVP-10H)

To disable the user temporarily, click on the User is disabled checkbox.
To deny a connection request from all users temporarily, click on the Reject connection request
checkbox in the main window.

8.6.3 Making ARVP-10H (host station) Online or Offline
To place ARVP-10H online, after above setting is complete, click the “Online” button in the main
window.
To take ARVP-10H offline, click the “Offline” button in the main window.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.6.4 Setup of ARVP-10R (remote station)
Configure the necessary settings to use ARVP-10R.
Select “ARVP-S10R Settings” from the File pulldown menu and click the “Add...” button in the
ARVP-10R Settings dialog box and the Detailed Settings dialog box will appear. In Detailed
Settings dialog box, you can set the connection name, IP address, the port number, user name and
password.

Figure 8-15 Detailed Settings Dialog Box (ARVP-10R)

8.6.5 Connecting and Disconnecting ARVP-10R (Remote Station)
To connect ARVP-10R to ARVP-10H, after above setting is complete, click the “Connect” button in
the main window.
To disconnect ARVP-10R and ARVP-10H, click the “Disconnect” button in the main window.

8.6.6 Adjusting Volume
ARVP-10H and ARVP-10R have no function to adjust volume. Instead, use the volume mixer or
volume control in Windows to adjust volume.

TS-590S

CONTENTS

8 EXPANSIVE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

8.7 New Virtual COM Port Driver
To connect the TS-590S and a PC via a USB cable to control TS-590S, the virtual COM port driver
needs to be installed on the PC.
URLs from which virtual COM port driver can be downloaded:
http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
If you connect the TS-590S and a PC using an RS-232C cable, the virtual COM port driver does not
need to be installed.
Also, if you connect the TS-590S and a PC via a USB cable and you use only ARUA-10, the virtual
COM port driver does not need to be installed either. If you use only the built-in USB sound function
of the TS-590S, the function behaves using the Window’s standard driver.
To view the COM port number to which the virtual COM port driver has assigned the USB port of the
TS-590S, open Windows Device Manager and check “Port (COM and LPT)”. Locate the entry
named “Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMxx)” and “xx” in the “COMxx” represents the
COM port number assigned by the current virtual COM port driver.
In the example of Figure 8-16, you can see the indication of “Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART
Bridge (COM4)”. In this case, “COM4” is the COM port number assigned by the current virtual COM
port driver.

Figure 8-16 Device Manager

While the TS-590S and a PC are connected via a USB cable, the COM port number is changed if the
USB port is switched to another USB port. To view the current COM port number, follow the above
procedure again.

CONTENTS

TS-590S

9 OPTIONAL ACCESSORY
9.1 PS-60 Regulated DC Power Supply
PS-60 is a regulated DC power supply designed for amateur transceivers.
The power supply adopts a switching module that accepts the input AC Voltage in the range from 90
V to 264 V. Though the power supply unit is compact in size (W 173.5 mm x H 95.5 mm x D 204.3
mm or W 6.83 inch x H 3.76 inch x D 8.04 inch) and lightweight (2.6 kg, or 5.73 lb), it has a capability
to stably supply the power source enough to the transceivers including the TS-590S for 100-W class
output power.
PS-60 has a higher load efficiency (85% typical with rated load current at 100 V) than the
conventional transformer-type power supply units and conforms to your local energy regulations,
enabling ecological and economical operation.
PS-60 received safety certificates in many countries in the world and incorporates the following
protection features. Furthermore, the power supply has gone through safety and durability tests
conducted according to Kenwood’s criteria to ensure your safe operation.

If the load current exceeds 27 A, the output voltage droops and the output becomes intermittent to
protect the main body.

If the output voltage exceeds 18 V due to any failure, the supply of the power source stops so as to
protect the connected device.

The internal temperature is always monitored and if an aberrant value is detected, the supply of
the power source stops so as to protect the main body.
The unit is equipped with a quiet cooling fan that starts running once the internal circuit detects the
temperature exceeding a certain level.
The power supply unit has an external appearance design that matches the TS-590S and the front
panel can be positioned on the same panel height of the TS-590S using the stand on the front
bottom. (Since the length of the body differs, the angle of inclination is slightly different.)

Figure 9-1 PS-60

TS-590S

CONTENTS

9 OPTIONAL ACCESSORY

9.2 Rectifier Circuit
 Adopts a PFC Circuit that does not Produce Harmonics in an AC Rectifier Circuit
A switching power supply typically produces large harmonics in the rectifier circuit by its switching
operation which compromises the phase factor and may cause noise and other disturbances to
external devices due to the harmonics that are reflected back to the AC input side.
PS-60 incorporates a PFC-rectifier circuit that produces a rectified waveform close to a sine wave
and prevents a compromise of phase factor and disturbances caused by harmonics.
 Miniaturized Size by Employing an Interleaved Switching Scheme
By turning On and Off the FET switches on the master and slave sides alternately, the burden on
each element is lessened and reliability is improved.

9.3 Switching Circuit, Constant-voltage Circuit and
Protection Circuit
In the switching circuit, a full-wave current resonance type PFM control circuit is adopted to
alternately turn On and Off two FETs in a 50% duty cycle. By defining a certain period of time after
both FETs are turned Off, a soft switching operation, in which no current is made to flow at the point
of switchover, is made possible to reduce noise.

Figure 9-2 Comparing Rectification Waveforms

A high switching frequency (about 500 kHz) is chosen to enable miniaturization of the transformer for
highly-efficient DC conversion.
The DC output voltage after the conversion is monitored by the detection circuit to be compared with
the reference voltage in the PFM control circuit in order to control the switching frequency for
stabilizing the output voltage. If an overvoltage is detected, the switching of power source stops so
as to suspend the DC output.
Also, output current is monitored by the detection circuit and if an overcurrent is detected, the
switching frequency is shifted to droop the output voltage and the operation is transited to produce
intermittent output.

Figure 9-3 Circuit Diagram

CONTENTS

TS-590S

Version 1.00 May 15, 2011

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