#34 Bring a Kenwood TS 520 back to life part 1

[@c.hundley9714]

As a 41 year tech, I'm amazed at your skills. Good job sir.

[@PilotMcbride]

Hey! Enough of the “old radio” stuff! Lol. I owned & operated its son, the TS-520S for years. Picked it up new in about ‘77. Fantastic radio. Sadly it was somehow injured during our move in ‘80 and a friend & myself tried to get it up and running again, but to no avail. Even replaced driver & finals, cleaned & sprayed all internals, sad loss. I still have it safely stored and when we finally get rid of our grandkids I’ll have a chance to have another shot at it and get my license again. Our move was job related and left me very little “own time” with the kids & all, now we have 4 grandkids we’re looking after. Family always first. Worked the World on various antenna designs, including a 10m 4 element yagi, 15m 2 el lazy pigeon made out of copper water pipe, G5RV and a 80m dipole with droopy ends due to available space at the time. Radio is a great hobby, this video has rekindled a love I thought I’d lost, now my job will be to go through all your vids, lol. Thank you very much for taking the time to post these vids, really really appreciate them. Former VK2PAE 68 last Birthday

[@peterfardell9267]

This has given me hope to cure my problem with the TS520S. (No rf audio but calibrate signal works fine). Did all the cleaning you suggested and rf noise returned but very faint. So now going to have another clean-up and hope it improves! Many thanks for best tutorials on YT for these hybrid rigs. Peter G0LQU.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

Thanks for this I'm picking up a TS 520 this Saturday....excited!

[@rollerbald]

I used to have one of those rigs back in the '80's - great old transceiver. Very enjoyable video Buddy. 73, Bill

[@TheRadioShop]

+rollerbald Thanks Bill. These are one of my favorites other than my Swans.

[@rollerbald]

+The Radio Shop My TS-520 was a replacement for a Swan 240 - still one of my favorites. I made a ton of contacts with that old Swan rig. 73, Bill

[@TheRadioShop]

+rollerbald Was quite a bit of difference n those. I have a 350, 500, 500CX. All three are great performing rigs. Would not take anything for them. Also have a National NCX-3, and 3 FT-101's. They need a bit of work now. More videos in the future.

[@nickjaxe]

Wish we had somebody like you over here in the UK.

[@marklowe7431]

I work in computing where everything is million dollar and the highest tech but when it comes to radio I really like and respect the gear of this era. Discrete valve and thru hole tech than can almost always continue to work. That swivel base is genius, those rigs weigh a ton.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for sharing!

[@daviddavidson1372]

that bearing assembly is also called a lazy Susan. for kitchen stuff.found at hardware stores..if someone wanted to build one..great videos..just got done watching the ft-101 and 220 meter repairs.cant stop watching...

[@TheRadioShop]

You are right David. I was in a hardware store the other week and saw one identical to this one. Thanks for watching. Many more to come, specially on the 101.

[@fredbissnette3104]

I've owned one of these fantastic radio, your a fantastic service tech.

[@TheRadioShop]

Many thanks!

[@Mrjm5411]

Heck you dont sound bad at all in these. Owned a TS820 back in the day and have restored several 820's over the years. Fun to watch videos on the old rigs, and test equipment. Much appreciated, KR0P

[@TheRadioShop]

+Mrjm5411 Ha ha, Trust me, I edited out quite a bit, At times my voice was squeaky and even loose it. then the cough. It was terrible, and felt really bad. But I am with you. I really like seeing videos of this stuff, But not much on KZbin, I plan on changing all that.

[@Mrjm5411]

+The Radio Shop That rig looks pretty clean inside compared to what it looked like on the outside, interesting. Noticed that it also has the narrow CW filter installed, nice.

[@TheRadioShop]

+Mrjm5411 Oh yes, I should had mentioned that in the video. It is very sharp in cw. Was nice to see the chassis was clean and rust free.

[@ate508]

I now have a TS 520. This video is so good and you are a wonderful teacher. Thank you. Doug KE7JZT

[@TheRadioShop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ki4dbk]

This is awesome. I have a 520 plus two parts rigs in need of recapping and other repairs. Now, I'll have your great material to watch when I get to it next year. In front of that is a Hallicrafters sx-110. I love the audio on that SS rcvr. I'm a cw op, only 48 yrs young, but love the code. I understand staying up late sick to work on electronics. 73 73 73, thank you for quality content.

[@woonsocket686]

Wonderful and very helpful video. Many thanks. Looking forward to reviewing your others.

[@CraigMilesYoutube]

Got a couple of these radios at a Hamfest recently. Havent tried transmitting yet, but they both receive well. I noticed that the fan doesnt work on one of them, but apart from that, amazing old radios.

[@rico1319]

I love it every time you bring back to life and old hybrid radio. My first radio as a novice was a TS 520 S. I kept it till I was an extra and finally upgraded to a TS 830 sugar gold emblem with all the filters. Not a mark on it! That’s how addicted I am to the Kenwood hybrids. Hope you feel better my friend. Take care of yourself. thank you for another great video! Who needs a mike dit dit 👍👍👍🇨🇱😎

[@slimh2080]

Thanks for this video. Mines still purring along but will have to do these things soon. nice to have an informative guide. I've got the DK-520 kit on her so I can use the frequency display they made for the S models. Also great to see the tune up for this, as people think this is more difficult than it is. there are no vids or guides on repairing these 520's so you are doing a great service for the future. Good Job!

[@TheRadioShop]

+Slim Hermer I tell you Slim these old rigs are tough as nails. To me the 520 and 830 was the last of the real rigs Kenwood produced. These just run so well and made great field day rigs.I need to pull mine off the bench (my original) and give it a good tune up. Replace caps, change out some resistors, do a good cleaning and alignment. When I do I will video the progress because what you said is correct. Just not enough videos on it. I agree tune up is a breeze. Nothing complicated about it. Just flip the switch and tune then get off of it. Thanks for you comment my friend.

[@slimh2080]

+The Radio Shop I agree with you. this rig does everything the new $2000+ rigs can do, Well not fm but hey, I can do digital and as for memory recall nothing that a crystal or two cant handle. plus I can lug this out for feilf day and a 12 volt battery. thanks again for this and part two.

[@billpowell5931]

Every time I think I have seen all the "good" videos you put out, I find another one that grabs my interest. I have always been a Kenwood fan. My first HF rig was an 820 I had when I was stationed in Germany (DA1MW). Lots of good times mostly on TTY from there. Another nice video. I am looking forward to watching Part 2. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Bill

[@YouAllKnowBob]

Thoroughly enjoyable! When these were coming out they were way out of my price range. But the HW101 I built wasn't too shabby either. Just getting back in the hobby after too many years. Rebuilding an IM-18 vtvm right now.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Robert. They are nice old rigs. I also have a HW-101 that is in need of a restoration.

[@YouAllKnowBob]

Yes, I saw it. Doing some binge watching today. I am up to #49 so far. :-)

[@rickj2913]

great job on the Kenwood 520

[@w3mq]

Your video was very informative,I appreciate the time you took to explain everything in such detail.I am going to look at your second video when I get the chance. 73's

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for the kind words. I try and do things a bit different than most so everyone can understand. I will be doing a repair series on the 520 plus all the accessories in the near future.

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

That will be a nice rig when your done hope to see the videos on it

[@TheRadioShop]

+DENNIS N Good thing was there was not much to do other than clean it up and replace some caps. Was going to align it but the thing was spot on :)

[@carolmurray9599]

I am very glad you made this video. I have a Kenwood TS-520SE that needs some TLC. It has been suggested to me to use contact cleaner just like you did, thank you for showing me how to do it without flooding the rig. You are right, all the innards do look complex, complicated and intimidating. I will be making a video of how my radio's innards look before and after I am done cleaning the contacts. I will see if I have a relay and will clean that too. thanks also for showing me what to look for in caps that need replacing. I will be watching the rest of this series and making a list of stuff to check on my 520SE. Keep up the great work!! 73

[@TheRadioShop]

+Carol Murray Thanks Carol for such a great comment. One you learn the sections of the rig it is a bit less intimidating. And yes, use no more cleaner than what it takes to break the crud odd. But do as I shown in video by turning the switch and let the contacts do the work. DeoxIT is good stuff to use. Let me know when you upload the video. I will be doing more series on the 520's and 101's as time allows.

[@carolmurray9599]

+The Radio Shop I cleaned the contacts, now I don't have any audio, the VFO light won't cut on, and the meter pegs left to 0. I don't have a clue what I did wrong, but I did something wrong. :-(

[@TheRadioShop]

+Carol Murray Carol, possibly not. If you only sprayed the contacts then rotated the control, you did nothing wrong. Unless the rig was under power. Now a possibility is some debris came loose and is now between a contact. Shutting down a stage on the control. If that is the case then another cleaning will not hurt. I have seen this many times. Also remember with the age of the rig, sometimes just by touching a wire or what ever it can break loose. Inspect the mode select switch carefully.

[@carolmurray9599]

+The Radio Shop The rig was off when I cleaned the contacts. I cant find any loose or broken wires. I have been told to follow the cleaning with compressed air, that hasn't made a difference either. :'-( I think my rig might be more dead than I can fix.

[@TheRadioShop]

+Carol Murray Sounds like a contact on a wafer switch that is connected to the selector with. This is the switch that selects marker, VFO or fix channel. Sometimes those contacts will spring open and not touch, Even seen them break off and since they are very small they are hard to see.

[@w.rustylane5650]

You have the patients of a saint! I love your Kenwood radio repairs. I just have gotten my General Ham license and bought a working Kenwood TS-430S with a Kenwood PS-430 dedicated power supply. Every thing works except for the S-meter on receive. It works okay on transmit. Any ideas??? I noticed you said that you restored an old TS-430S and put blue LED's in the radio and a customer?? swapped a TS-2000 for the TS-430. Only reason I'd like my receive S meter fixed so I can give a signal report to other Hams as I talk to them. All I need now is an antenna tuner and an end fed half wave antenna so I can get on the air. 73 from K9POW in eastern Tennessee. I really enjoy your videos.

[@mphaan]

Nice video. But the tuning was wrong. You had the meter on ALC when it should be IP and IP when it should be ALC. Max the drive in the ALC position then dip the plate in the IP position. (Like described in the manual.) I have a TS-520 too and it still performs wonderful every day. Great radios build like a tank.

[@TheRadioShop]

You are correct Marc. Been meaning to edit this, thanks for the reminder.

[@fey4949]

Glad you uploaded the videos. Great job to see that it works. I have also repaired and own some of these radio's and the are fun to work with. Your tuning procedure is different then mine but that is another topic. You have actualy to work this radio to make a contact. Today a push of a button is enough, AT, DSP etc etc. Nice video. Wish you the best and watch your next video. Best 73

[@TheRadioShop]

+FEY Thanks. Glad I did also. Seems a lot of folks tune in different ways. I have tried several myself. Made 3 contacts on this one. All great reports back. 2 were stateside and one was UK. And folks say the band is dead lol.

[@jamesgameson7564]

Thank you for a very thorough video covering your TS-520. I am working on mine that was purchased new back in 1975 - - the receiver has some kind of noise/distortion....possibly bad cap. Unit has always been in my office, dry and temperature-controlled. Currently re-capping the unit - - looking for a schematic that contains the voltages applied to the various components. I have the original operating manual, and the service manual, but none of the schematics list voltages - - especially the transistors. Let me know if you know where these can be located. Regards, Jim

[@MickLBrad]

The 520s are like a Timex watch, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'! 73, de Mick Bradford - WB4LSS

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes, they are very reliable rigs,

[@TRXLab]

Hi Buddy, nice old radio and good job but you really should cure your cold. Take care!

[@TheRadioShop]

+TRXBench Yep, should had been in bed with a hot cup of chicken soup. Wait, did that for 2 days, had to get out of the house.Thanks Peter.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I checked my TS-430S for mods and 2 mods have been done. It will transmit on all frequencies including 11 meters and the 10 Hz digit has been activated by clipping the jumper wire near the R220 resistor on the main board. The white wire on connector 10 has been cut so it will transmit on all HF frequencies.

[@foxman362]

I have one theses radio i just bought one for good price yesterday it's really in great shape my is ts520S version it came alot stuff for the price really good.

[@TonyButchT]

Very fine rig and a good video! Thanks!

[@TheRadioShop]

+Tony T. Glad you like the video. Thanks Tony

[@PapasDino]

Gosh Buddy you didn't sound all that bad (but I know you were feeling it!). Off to watch Part 2! 73 - Dino KL0S

[@TheRadioShop]

+Dino Papas Lol, the wonders of video editing :) And you are right, I felt really bad. Enjoy and thanks for stopping in.

[@jstrunck]

Thanks for posting!

[@TheRadioShop]

+jstrunck Thanks :)

[@JosephBCotton]

Great video - I have a 520s so I am very interested.

[@TheRadioShop]

Appreciate the kind words Joseph. I love these old rigs.

[@richardcook4643]

Good video Buddy, I must have missed it . Question , when you reinstall the plate knob how do you position the pointer on the plate control so it points to the right band. Thanks

[@supyrow]

Nice work!, great radio! feel better 73

[@TheRadioShop]

+su pyrow Thanks. And feeling much better now :)

[@DextersTechLab]

great video Buddy!

[@TheRadioShop]

+DextersLab2013 Thanks marc

[@DoRC]

i bet that rotating thing originally was on a bar stool. very cool

[@TheRadioShop]

That is very possible!

[@DoRC]

The Radio Shop youre either up super late or super early:)

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes. I have to be at work by 5am. Most of the time I do not get a chance to reply on videos this early. But I am being lazy here this morning :)

[@DoRC]

The Radio Shop unfirtunately im in the still up cant sleep side if early.

[@jerrypeal653]

I was looking for the relay first off they are notorious for contact issues

[@kayakbassfishing473]

I found a TS 520 and would like if you can go over my radio and fix anything and tune it up etc .. please ... I love the older radios .. thank you sir!

[@ticticboomoutdoors6850]

Nice video Buddy!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@TheRadioShop]

+Boom Fishing Thank Billy. And you keep that hook wet my friend.

[@mikep95133]

Hi Buddy. My neighbor just gave me his TS520. Needs cleaning like your's did. What I can't figure out is why the Drive adjustment is so incredibly stiff to rotate. I have the the top, bottom and finals covers all removed. What do you suggest?

[@mikep95133]

I figured it out. Not horrible.

[@k7ilo_Las_Vegas]

@@mikep95133 What was it?? Thanks

[@mikep95133]

@@k7ilo_Las_Vegas Never got back to working on it. So many higher priorities.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

Hi...not sure you are answering questions on this video...My TS520 arrived ....and it was working well....for about 4 months. Then I was on 20m having a chat....and I hear a loud POP and output goes to zero. Receive still happening. I looked inside and the 2 big caps (the ones you changed in this video) looked cooked (pimples on base etc). I have now changed these caps and the associated HV disc caps and resistors. Still no output and the idle current in sideband (IP) is off the scale regardless of bias adjustment on side. Filaments on all the tubes are lit....Any thoughts on what might be wrong.

[@ate508]

Thanks!

[@TheRadioShop]

Welcome!

[@TheArtofEngineering]

Yes who needs a mic...CB'ers! :)

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Hi Buddy, great video…Im in the process of about the exact same issues with my 520…..My question is where do I find the correct voltages listed? I have both manuals and the user manual lists a few….it would be nice to have all of them…..Thanks….Take Care-Larry..WA4PJP

[@TheRadioShop]

If I remember they are in the service manual. I will have to take a look again to be sure.

[@Backtothefutureradios]

@@TheRadioShop thanks! My service manual really doesnt have a lot of voltages listed….Ive been able to piece together some from articles and videos….I was surprised that the manual didnt have more…Thanks for the video and taking the time to answer me! Take Care-Larry…WA4PJP

[@louis1976lb]

I'm looking at getting one but he said it don't have cw.. how I go about that

[@jamesb1307]

what does usually a working 520 or simlary hybrid kenwood go for in working condition, had my license for 2 years looking to get one.

[@TheRadioShop]

Somewhere around 200 to 300 bucks. I have seen them as much as 500 dollars and as low as 100.

[@mykenwood830]

awesome video sir !! Thank you !

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you very much.

[@SoReal512]

What is the spray you used to clean the switches?

[@modex20]

You dipped the plate with the meter selector on ALC instead of IP.

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes I did, That was a mistake. Thanks

[@leolbenwayjr6561]

So my ts 520 has a prob. I recieve white noise but no other sounds on all bands . The vfo light dont come on and the rit light dont come on. Any help ? Or info?.

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

PA tubes can be neutralized with a VTVM and a RF Probe connected to a dummy load! Remember to use plastic tool on variable air cap in the PA cage! JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR

[@jimpruett4005]

I have a 520s and the frequency runs, take a long time to get it stabilized do you have any sugestion

[@TheRadioShop]

Check all c\voltages in the vfo and inspect grounds. Specially the old grease on the rotor shaft of the main tuning cap

[@jimmiller9386]

I have a Kenwood Ts-820 that is blowing fuses. How much would you want to be my Elmer this?

[@TheRadioShop]

Good luck on that transformer Jim.

[@davidtolassi2921]

Nice job!! THANKS!!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks David

[@overthetop3852]

Hi there what are you spraying in on switches

[@TheRadioShop]

Deoxit

[@jmitsch44827]

i ENJOYED THIS VIDEO VERY MUCH, LEARNED A LOT AS WELL. THANK YOU. ....N8DLI

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks. I will be doing a complete restore of a Kenwood TS.520 SE in the future. Not just the radio but a complete station.

[@kenanshobbies9970]

Buddy: I just started watching your videos. I'm a "technician-in-training", not to mention a ham, who wants to carry on the tradition of repairing the tube transmitters, receiver and transceivers. I have a lot to learn and your videos are a great resource. My question to you for this particular video is where did you purchase your HV, Screen and Bias electrolytic caps for the TS-520SE? I have two TS-820S on my bench and need to recap them both. Ebay has a couple of sellers with these cap kits: one from the UK and the other in Canada. Do you have any thoughts on this? Much appreciated. Kenan, KR6J

[@foxman362]

Did you got my youtube pm The radio Shop.

[@jimpruett424]

my ts 520s not only drifts it runs maybe MHz sounds like donald duck, I put it back on frequency and it does it again, do you have a suggestion as to the cause, I love the radio

[@TheRadioShop]

Check power supply rails going to the vfo.

[@grantfullen9559]

Nice Job :)

[@TheRadioShop]

+Grant Fullen Thanks Grant, You get my last email?

[@waynecarlson3736]

Buddy What do you use to remove the old grease??

[@TheRadioShop]

If I can remove the unit I will wash it with WD40. It is a great grease remover. Then clean with alcohol. Brake cleaner works well also.

[@mykenwood830]

were you using DeoxIT D5 spray ?

[@TheRadioShop]

DeoxIT is great stuff. I have many types of it and other cleaners.

[@scheetz69]

very nice buddy. 68 ohio

[@TheRadioShop]

+oHIo VooDoo Thanks. Uploading part 2 now :)

[@rabbibacongrease88]

what's the Frequency response like?

[@TheRadioShop]

Not that I did any accurate test on it but seems to be fine. No problem, and I think it is better than my,current 520.

[@pomchan4704]

Hi. I have a kenwood TS-520 in need of repair/restoration. how can I get in contact with you? thanks

[@TheRadioShop]

Under the video above click show more. Scroll to bottom to a link labeled donations. I contact info is there.

[@Denvermorgan2000]

You sound like your from North Carolina or Tennessee im from North Carolina.

[@TheRadioShop]

Yep, You are correct. I'm in NC

[@leolbenwayjr6561]

Oh yes and the vfo dont seem to change anything when I turn it.

[@akennyd]

Tnx!! Awesome!! 73

[@TheRadioShop]

+akennyd Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it.

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

I asked about this before on this guy site but he doesn’t respond unless you a patron

[@TheRadioShop]

What is the question??

[@charlieoscar09]

Im not sure i heard you mention how dangerous valve radios are to work on without knowing what your working with.Those old capicitors can hold voltage for years.Sticking your fingers in there could be lethal...There are a few videos on YT instructing how to make the radios safe before taking the cases off....Thanks for the video.

[@TheRadioShop]

+charlieoscar09 Yep, I only mentioned it once, really should say it more though. Very good point. Thanks.

[@jameslane2667]

Did you say that your name was Irvin Odell you do know him don't you he's in a movie national Lampoon's Merry Christmas

[@martygibson6009]

Your tune up is incorrect. Should be- 1st check zero plate bias, ssb, mic gain Ccw, IP, send, adjust bias control on side for 60mA. Normally set and forget. Important as this will affect your plate current, dipping. Then, Tune , ALC , peak with drive. Tune , IP, dip with plate control. Cw , RF, max swing using plate ,Load Once done.. Cw , IP, carrier control adjust IP to 200 210mA - 90-100w output.

[@williamlutz5566]

Super! I'm just about to dig into one. KG4NWQ

[@TheRadioShop]

Great, let us know how it goes.

[@Etherionix]

Moisture

[@TheRadioShop]

yep

[@butchlake5764]

FLORESCENT LIGHTS ARE TERRIBLE!!

[@kayakbassfishing473]

Hey you see my message??

[@TheRadioShop]

Hi, may want to send it again. I get hundreds a week and cannot keep up with all of them.

[@kayakbassfishing473]

I found a TS 520 and would like if you can go over my radio and fix anything and tune it up etc .. please ... I love the older radios .. thank you sir!

[@СерпантинКлюев]

Привет хороший трансивер

[@kayakbassfishing473]

I found a TS 520 and would like if you can go over my radio and fix anything and tune it up etc .. please ... I love the older radios .. thank you sir!