How to tune a Kenwood TS -520 hybrid transceiver

[@KX4UL]

Thanks for the tuning tutorial. I needed to refresh my memory. It's been nearly 25 years since I had my TS-520S. Oh the smell and glow of tubes. 73!

[@JT-bm8dz]

You're welcome! I'm glad to help out! Glad you could fire up the tubes 🔥

[@geraldharper330]

Me too... I have a TS-520s... Starting it up in the next few days. WD4DFB Georgia

[@mobiltec]

Thanks. I just got the 520e. I assume everything is the same except the output power?

[@robertarchuletta2498]

All the 520's with the exception of the 520X and 520V are 100 watt outputs. The differences between them are the addition of the 160 mtr band and on the SE it has a switchable narrow and wide switch. The 520SE is the king of 520's. Nope ,I don't have one. I have to the 520S.

[@allanvarner5037]

Thank you I just got my old 520 on the air after 15 years.. I'm getting old can't remember anymore. De N3WYZ

[@martygibson8656]

Hello .. I suggest you redo this video as the procedure is WAY OFF. you initially set 60mA bias with USB and mic audio injection. You want NO audio at all. Mic gain CCW to set 60mA. Then mode TUN , ALC and peak meter to full scale peak , not just ALC end of scale. needle as far as it goes. Next - mode TUN meter to IP , SEND , use plate control to drop dip the plate..I dont think you keyed the radio - why you got no movement. you will get 10-15W at this point when dipped. high IP lowers output W here. Dipping raises output for tuning. NEXT - mode CW , meter RF .. SEND, load and plate adjusts for a full peak point on scale.. If needle pings end , drop the RF voltage at the side..2/3 scale.There is a sweet spot for all bands as to not allow needle ping! you may see 150W here (meanning IP is actually high) Dont be surprised it 250-260mA with good driver / tubes. LASTLY - mode still in cw , meter drop back to IP , SEND , Drop carrier control to 200mA (MAXIMUM) - your output power will now be 90-100W You may start carrier at #5 position.. Doing this IP drop to 200mA may see carrier control now at #2 position.This is normal. For Ft8 and CW , carrier is important , to lower that IP duty cycle. FT8 may require a 40-50W max output to save your bottles. these radios werent built for FT8..They can do it , BUT DROP THE IP/carrier / output. NOTES - in TUN mode , half voltage at plates/grids (125v) saves the bottles. In CW / USB , its now 256v full plate/grid voltage. To make full emissions. you are leading users up the wrong path...for potential KAPOW!! Thermal runaways and cathode resistor explosions!! see K4EAA tuneup procedure (ken SK) on his website. Its good info. Takes longer to read it , than doing it properly. www.k4eaa.com/tune-up.htm (best procedure on the Web.)

[@HenryJames-q6t]

Yeah, this is wrong. The K4eaa procedure is correct.

[@Masterkill45588]

You did it wrong. The drive is peaked to max, period. Staying within alc is not important for this step. Car control sets that.

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

You’re right it’s the carrier! Tune drive for loudest receive, or loudest static !KJ7TBR