TS-890 - Why I think its Fantastic

If you find this useful, please subscribe to my channel and give me a thumbs up!
Some of the TS-890 features that make this the best rig I have ever owned. Rob Sherwood has kindly contacted me to point out that above the TS-890 in his list are a version of the Flex 6700 that is no longer available, an Icom receiver and three versions of the K3 that should only really count once.
That makes the TS-890 3rd and just below a 10K+ GBP Icom 7851.
I've done a follow up video here • TS-890 - Digital Mode ... on Data Modes and the radio config necessary - focus is on WSJT but I try and make it as generic as I can.
The third part to this is here • TS-890 - More Bits and... and covers Split operation, RTTY encode and decode plus IF filter selection and config.
I hope you enjoy! If you do, feel free to buy me a coffee:
paypal.me/markg0mgx

[@comichaven]

Thanks Mark for the very nice video. I got my TS-890S a little over a week ago and I LOVE it! I am enjoying all the nice features that it has for me to discover. It truly is a learning experience. Just what I needed. I also like the SWL program that it has for listeners. I guess there are so many things I like about this radio. The RTTY and CW are very nice and work in my opinion very well. Keep up the great videos, as there are very much appreciated! 73 from Wisconsin, Denny WB9MSM

[@mrluke8264]

Amazing job! Your camera didnt shake like 99% of all Ham videos! I compared the 890, 7610 today, seems the 890 analog has an advantage with close in strong and weak work over the SDRs. Keep up the great vids! A pleasure to watch.

[@pablogartze]

Thank you for your great video, lots of things to learn I just got mine yesterday 73’s

[@529bigboy]

Great overview video, keep them coming I enjoy your style.

[@robj1646]

This my first HF TRX review by someone who understands CW, so the assessor will have CW in mind, which is important to me.

[@ChipLohman]

Thanks for a very helpful series of videos. I did read the owners manual, but I have watched your video several times to get a better understanding of how things work. Thanks

[@MarkG0MGX]

Thanks Chip - please subscribe to the channel if you find it useful. Mark G0MGX

[@W-733_KWX]

Great video Mark! I have always been a Kenwood fan (have owned TS450, 850, 950SDX, now 590SG, and this model is on my bucket list :)

[@dback4430]

I also have the sg and am looking at this one

[@VE3NMW]

Awesome video, Mark! I was still trying to decide on a Yaesu or Kenwood rig until I watched this video. The 890 is the winner. Thank you!!

[@Paddy_Roche]

Lovely Radio, thank you for the demo.

[@gbujold3552]

As of January 1 2019, this is the best TS-890 video, I have seen. It explains the features you find important in an excellent formatted manner. Great Video. Would love to see you do a lot more of these for references, for us TS-890 beginners. Awesome work.

[@MarkG0MGX]

If there is anything specific please let me know

[@MarkG0MGX]

If there is anything specific please let me know

[@MarkG0MGX]

If there is anything specific please let me know

[@MarkG0MGX]

If there is anything specific please let me know

[@MarkG0MGX]

If there is anything specific please let me know

[@normkirk65]

Very well done ! Thank you ! Really love my TS-890. Would like to see much more of these videos as the transceiver is very capable and complex.

[@MarkG0MGX]

Let me know if there is anything specific you would like covered.

[@normkirk65]

@@MarkG0MGX Hi Mark. I actually had several questions. Maybe I just missed it in the manual. I was wondering about the maximum size of the USB memory "thumb drive". I was hoping it would be able to accept at least a 32GB or even perhaps a 64 GB thumb drive. I was also wondering if it would accept a wireless ( 2.4Ghz ) keyboard as opposed to a wired keyboard. And I noticed when I select the SWL screen ( which I love ) and have dedicated the PF3 to, I have to always select the spectrum scope manually. I'm hoping a future firmware update will "correct" this. What are your thoughts on these things ? Norm KC1VY

[@MarkG0MGX]

@@normkirk65 Hi Norm, Yes you can use a wireless keyboard - I do. I think the SWL mode is intended to look "old school" so I wouldn't expect the spectrum scope to be on by default - you could do this with a PC based macro easily though. I will try and find out about the USB drive maximum size, I guess the easiest way is to ask on the 890 forum and see what size people are using.

[@undefinedname1398]

I was testing a few watt meters with mine at different frequencies, the radio has a feature that remembers the last 10 frequencies making it easier to test with consistency. After the initial manual input all you need to do is hit the "ent" key and then use the multi switch and scroll through.

[@gliderpilot8882]

Based on your video's I purchased the Kenwood TS-890S. I like the radio.

[@ea7haa]

It is really a fantastic rig. I hope it will be my new one. TNX for your excellent review.

[@teashea1]

Nice video ===== good conversational style and informative ==== My 890S arrives tomorrow

[@steveschaub705]

Very nice video Mark. I've had my eye on this radio since it came out. Many thanks.... de Steve W4PF

[@LeoTV1968]

Nice video and interesting to watch. After many years of service my TS-850S has to be replaced. I think this radio will be a worthy successor. 73 Lothar DL9SCT

[@Penn1969]

Wow!! You've definitely sold me the radio. I was talking to my mate this evening because I am just in the middle of putting up my new BOLPA 10. The Kenwood890 would be his choice of radio everyday of the week. I been using an ic 7800 and an SPE for the last few years. However, I think it's time for change and I've set my heart on the Acon 2000A fully automatic linear amplifier. I've just been looking around for another radio. I think I may have found the radio.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thanks for this, very useful, especially as I'm thinking of upgrading to a TS890 or TS990S. I have a TS2000 which I've been very happy with, so would like to stay with Kenwood despite them not being the big name in amateur radio that they once were. I like the style and content of your videos, so I've subscribed.

[@tonybutler3502]

Wonderful demo video Mark, drooled over the rig HI. Great to see you and know more of the man behind the callsign. Vy 73 Tony G3ZRJ

[@nq0amark138]

I was considering the IC 7610, but after thinking about what I really want and need in a radio your video helped me decide that the TS 890 is the radio for me. I'm hoping to pick one up while they have them on sale thru July 2019. I will watch the pricing to see if it looks like there will be further price reductions coming before then or not. Thanks for a very helpful video! I will look for more on your channel. 73...

[@teashea1]

Terrific video - well done - great presentation style - nice audio - no fumbling around ----- BTW I love my 890

[@barrykery1175]

Great video, lots of tips and very informative. Thanks de Barry, KU3X

[@pu2xbt74]

I already bought mine, waiting to arrive this beautiful radio, 73

[@radioman6489]

How you like the 890 so far?

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Just ordered one...hope it lives up to the hype.

[@derekkelleher1]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@teashea1]

nice production values - clear discussion - well done (I like my 890 also)

[@MarkG0MGX]

Thanks!

[@nobodybetter9175]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@cx5fk]

Excellent demonstration of a fantastic rig thanks for that. And since you asked them to ask for some special feature to be shown. I would like to know how good CW reception is with low signal and qrm if it were possible something that these days is not difficult to find Hi. We pray that day by day for Mr. Sun to wake up, Thank you for showing excellent rig that is surely next at home.

[@patmb2011]

vry nice demo... tnx 4 sharing. got lost while u explained the three configurable PF keys... i mean u press PFB but we can't see it b'cuz the camera is zoomed in so close? . . . or is PFA actually PFB after it is configured in the menu? clear as mud :)

[@teashea1]

center mode on my transceivers seems rather strange to me at first, but now I always use it.

[@EricFullwood]

Finally a CW guy doing a review and a very high quality one at that. Too many KZbin yappers out there doing 90% of their "analysis" on the rig's video screen. This is ham radio, not Xbox. Tell me about audio quality, build quality and ergonomics. Great job here.

[@MarkG0MGX]

Thanks Dave, feedback appreciated!

[@denniscody3799]

Great Video... I disagree on your take on Sherwood reports as I have a K3 (#12) without the latest syn boards and it absolutely blows away my new Icom 7300 #(18) on receive. Difference between night and day. Really considering the TS890S as Kenwood always has the best sounding transmitters ! Sure wish I knew someone that had one I could actually see in person. Thanks for a great presentation

[@SkyCharter]

Thanks. Leaning this way... if I can find one.

[@OM0ET]

Great rig Mark! Have a good times with him ;-) 73 Paul OM0ET

[@DannerPlace]

Very nice video. I'm a Kenwood fan, even though a presently operate an IC-7300. This might be my next rig :-) 73 de W5SRT, Fort Worth, TX, USA

[@normkirk65]

Hi. I also have an Icom IC-7300. Both great transceivers. Both keepers !

[@lizzyfan1986]

I dumped my 7300 for the 890

[@BAIPHOTO]

Great review thank you . I have tried the ic7300 and the Flex6300 but always come back to my Kenwood 590. Maybe this is the way forward for me. Can you view screen on a larger monitor . Does Kenwood have a Remote software for it? Thanks

[@cobraxspeed]

Nice review. What is the current drain DC in both RX and TX ?

[@RA4FOC]

Tks Mark! Good radio!!!!

[@xe2ac]

Great review. Tnx

[@toolstimber5953]

Tnx fr nice 890 video

[@daveh9907]

Thank you for an excellant introduction to the TS-980...One take-away is CW...My Dad used it but today do we really need it or does it just keep a beautiful history go comms going. Do kids totay see any reason to learn CW ...? Thanks Again!

[@ftlaud911]

Just wanted to say thank you for the 890S videos. Watched all of them. Very informative and great content. Just ordered a 890S to add to the shack. Can't wait! Bought it for my main CW rig. How is the QSK relay noise? Hoping to have many years of enjoyment. Thanks again!! 73

[@MarkG0MGX]

Thanks for the feedback. I find the qsk relay noise more than acceptable - let me know what you think when you get yours

[@frankENZC]

Thanks for the awesome video. I'm in the market for the TS-890 as soon as their available. 73 de WA3RSL

[@gliderpilot8882]

Thanks for the review. 73's de N6PAZ, Tehachapi, CA USA

[@gliderpilot8882]

Based on your review I purchased the radio . It's been the best radio I have every purchased.

[@robertnagy2163]

If it had a fast refresh scope (instead of old tech slow scope), this would be in my shack.

[@Yavor54]

Wonderful radio. If the screen refresh rate was 50% faster, I'd buy one immediately.

[@DickieBird888]

Hi Great video..... Can PF A,B,C be configured for 60 meters and 4 meters select?

[@jeffmachul9562]

❤. Nice job ❤

[@antennebuis]

Thx. for the video Here the Kenwood 590 SG black E. plus the Perseus SDR 73,

[@biltztom2685]

What do you think, if I live in a noisy environment, can be the TS 590SG a better option than the Yaesu FTDX10 ? I am mainly a CW operator.

[@alagoku]

I am going to buy this rig...just to perfect CW...thanks so much for this....M1ETW

[@mi0vkomi0vko42]

good recording and info on the radio, i was wondering if the internal fan was noisy??, i have an icom 756pro3 and i find the noise of the fan rather annoying in comparision to my ts590s, cheers de MI0VKO..

[@MarkG0MGX]

I have never noticed any fan noise at all on the radio; however I only run at low RF output levels to drive my amplifier so I would expect the radio to run very cool under those circumstances.

[@genieur8188]

Thanks for the excellent overview of the rig. Maybe I am dreaming. But wouldn't it be a neat idea to program the rig using an HTML interface? Like we do with every router today? No need for software that soon will be no longer work due to an outdated OS.

[@KC6CNN]

Could you show the 890 in keyboard cw encode mode

[@superppp4217]

good morning can I use the keyboard for morse transmission by writing directly as if it were a double blade key?

[@raytowler2286]

Hello Mark, Congratulations on your ts-890 and your very intuitive video. I also have a Kenwood collection and love to use them on HF. Hope to meet you on 40 or 30meters ssb or cw. Best 73's Ray GM0KET 😎 🎙️ 📻 📶

[@mikemc4759]

Thank you for this excellent information. I am also owning this rig. However one point I do not like: The access of 60m is a pain. Do you have an idea how to access 60m without PC and CAT software? Currently I am typing always a 60m QRG on the key pad to get access. I had tried to store a QRG on the PF keys but this is not possible. I can only store bands, but not 60m. If you have a nice idea for getting fast access, it would be very nice. Best regards.

[@MarkG0MGX]

I have put the UK "bandlet" centre frequencies into memories - have you tried using memory recall and tune?

[@mikemc4759]

Thanks Mark. This is really the easiest way. I don't know why I had not the same idea....

[@ON6KE]

Hello Mark, how would you compare the performance of the NB of a 7610 wit the one of the 890? How would you compare the 7610 DNR against the 890? How would you compare the 7610 notch (auto and manual) against the 890? I could live with not having a second receiver but not with a too inferior NB, DNR and notch. Your input would greatly be appreciated here. I'm making my mind up on the IC7610 or the TS890. We all know de Kenwood's DNR is not as capable as the DNR of Icom ond Yaesu. The million $ question on the 90 is how outspoken the differences are. Hope to hear drom you. 73 es DX Gust ON6KE

[@michaelm1keyhardy865]

Impressed with the kenwood ts890s i thought the icom 7610 was the beast but seeing the ts890s its as my wife points out its ''OLD MANS PORN'' thanks for the intresting film Mike M0FCG M1KEY

[@boxingday11]

Thanks Mark, Regards Carl.G0lka.

[@carlosgarcia-yu4ye]

Hi, Please help me ... I will buy a new radio and I am in doubt which one to choose ??? Kenwood ts 890 or Icom 7610 ??? yaesu ftdx 101mp can you help me with the opinion on which one is best ??? thanks 73

[@Yoshi489]

If TS890 200 watt version were released , it would be more fantastic. from Japan

[@kingsqueak2221]

Great job on this video, you may have sold one.

[@stefos6431]

Hi Mark, Can you scramble this units frequencies via an inbuilt scramble? Thanks

[@IZ2WZG]

hello, this magnificent radio in the menu has the microphone equalizer? greetings IZ2WZG

[@MarkG0MGX]

Yes! same as the TS-990

[@Digital-Sparks]

Mark, just curious if you have ever tried to connect a Bluetooth Keyboard to your TS-890, I am thinking about buying a keyboard for mine, but I am not sure it would work with Bluetooth-type keyboards or not.

[@MarkG0MGX]

I never tried, the wireless keyboard I have is from Amazon and the dongle just sits in the rig.

[@pascalmestdagh5074]

Hello, I was wondering why the transmitter wasn't sending in CW as you typed in a message with the wireless keyboard? Is there something else to activate in order to operate the transceiver in CW via the keyboard? Thanks, 73 Pascal

[@MarkG0MGX]

you have to make sure break in is enabled - so the VOX button must be pressed - otherwise you just get the sidetone

[@pascalmestdagh5074]

@@MarkG0MGX Hi Mark, never did CW before, thanks for this clarification to a CW-newbie. I was visiting a Kenwood shop recently and did some trials with a keyboard attached to a TS-890S, but it didn't transmit, I now know why:) I will give it another try at my next visit. It's interesting to have a CW encoder straight from a keyboard with accompanying onscreen decoder for people who want to get to know the CW-domain without having to undergo some CW-bootcamp first:) Best 73 from Belgium, Pascal

[@petrok1rp254]

AF, RF, tune, all on the right hand?? Seems horrible... or is it comfortable?

[@KC6CNN]

Can you do a video about writing macros?

[@MarkG0MGX]

I think I did one already, take a look at this (its for the 990 but the theory is identical) - let me know if you need more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZe0XoNtfpieeJI

[@1OFGODSOWN]

I prefer the ICOM 7610 because it has Two independent receivers and everything I own is an ICOM. 890S is no slouch but it doesn’t have two receivers.🎙

[@vtradio]

Hey Mark! You have the same avatar that I have. Where can I get one in color? I think it's called Grumpy Ham. I have the Kenwood TS-590SG. I'm hoping to be able to afford the TS-890S one of these days. I do some CW contesting and the high rating on the Sherwood Engineering web site makes it even more attractive to me. I see that you have a 6 Meter Beacon. I have a 10 Meter Beacon at 28.243 MHz. 73 Paul AA1SU

[@MarkG0MGX]

I just emailed it to you at the email address on your QRZ.com page.

[@garylanders1470]

Ditto 🤙

[@29DR194]

I wonder why Kenwood used DVI for monitor output instead of HDMI or Display port. DVI is obsolete now days.

[@MarkG0MGX]

I believe there are licencing requirements associated with HDMI - but I could be wrong

[@dyrnenorka]

HI everyone, i realy need some help here, i don't know anything about this kind of Receivers, what is the point to have this for? , is it for radio station ? can someone explain the purpose of having a radio like this and what is it for THX

[@MarkG0MGX]

this is an Amateur Radio transmiter/receiver (called a transciever) - see kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5jZcnRtl8eDhdU

[@dyrnenorka]

@@MarkG0MGX thx for you help and the link sorry for my bad English i am from Belgium

[@Stealthmodeactivated-h8w]

What about the 990?

[@Swampfox10mm]

Odd that it doesn't have a tune button already. Also odd that it requires a menu choice to safely remove the USB? I love the radio, but this seems so weird.

[@MarkG0MGX]

The safe USB removal is to make sure the files are all closed and not left in a corrupt state. Its the same with your PC :-)

[@Swampfox10mm]

@@MarkG0MGX I understand that. But it is lacking a tune button?

[@MarkG0MGX]

@@Swampfox10mm Not really - the "tune" on most rigs is to activate the ATU - the tune function I am describing is to send a carrier for external ATU tuning. The Icom 7610 IS lacking a tune button - there are no options except an external box plugged into the external ATU connector. The Yaesu has a RCA jack for an external button "TX request". On the Kenwood they give you the option to allocate the function to one of the PF keys (which includes the external keypad if you have one). I think the Kenwood is the best of the bunch by far.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

super..

[@cathrynm]

Envious of your 4M band.

[@63snampook]

Great rig, I'm sure, but the Pan-adapter sucks. It's jumpy. Nothing like the Flex 6xxx series. And for me, that's a deal-breaker.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

So buy a Flex?! I'd take a Kenwood transceiver over a Flex any day of the week.

[@kursk88-k1t]

Thinking of buying an 890. What don't you like about the scope?

[@user-ne8bj7ip8x]

How much this Rig?

[@johnsails]

Great Video, showed me a lot... de John KK4SHF

[@timothygoetz9742]

some one told me to buy an icom 7300 and save $3,000. Says that as a new ham, I'll never use all the features the Kenwood offers

[@pd9rd]

That might very well be true in your case. Ask yourself what you want to do and buy accordingly. However, I think the 890 has options to pull weak signals from the noise that the 7300 doesn't have, amongst other very useful options. It's all a matter of what you want, and what you want to spend. 73

[@billmccullough777]

You won't always be a new ham. The 890 gives opportunities to grow in many directions.

[@sergiodelta]

y SSB?

[@ricsanders69]

I love it...just too expensive for us mere mortals...sigh.

[@MrAlphacallsign]

NICE RADIO MARK , IN 3 YEARS WHEN THEY FIX ALL THE BUGS IT WILL BE THE KENWOOD TS 890SG I ALWAYS LIKE KENWOOD PRODUCTS

[@MarkG0MGX]

I think this radio inherits a lot of functionality from the 990 and hence the "bugs" are already fixed.

[@martyb.995]

MY NEW KENWOOD TS 890....THE TEMP READING GOES TO 3/4 SCALE. WHAT HAPPENED THE TRANSMIT AUDIO STARTED TO SOUND GARRBULED,I WAS RUNNING 35 WATTS THE TEMP RISE THEN THE TROUBLE, I DID NOT HEAR ANY FANS COME ON TO COOL THE HEAT SINK,,,,TEMP DROPED AND AUDIO WAS CLEAR...RE TRANSMIT AND TEMP BACK UP DISTORTION WAS BACK,,IS THE A HEAT PROBLEM I DID NO HEAR FANS COME ON.....YOUR OPINION.................W2OT/MARTY

[@lizzyfan1986]

Stop screaming

[@radioman6489]

Which is better the 890 or 990?

[@MarkG0MGX]

Good question! The spec of the Rx is better on the 890, but two Rx on the 990. The 990 firmware had been updated to include most if not all of the 890 features including the CW decoder.

[@radioman6489]

@@MarkG0MGX Well, I'm a SSB operator 90% of the time. Am I better off with the 890 to save money? Thanks

[@MarkG0MGX]

@@radioman6489 I cant make the decision for you; sorry :-)

[@radioman6489]

@@MarkG0MGX well what radio do you think is better for SSB?

[@alexjohnsen4756]

at first i thought you were speaking of its cost, but any radio is only as good as its antenna, g0dhz.

[@mr.fantomas7726]

But it hasn't a VHF and UHF band. Price above 4800€.

[@extreme978]

The menu needs to be complicated. That's why I like my ts-2000. This isn't 1970, and that isn't your grandfather's boat anker

[@sugiantobengbeng568]

I'likes 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Ed-vi6tg]

it would have been nice if you put the camera focus on the display and not the knobs. oh well, one cant have everything.

[@petemason57]

A radio with a digital display made to attract you and your money. My radio is 20 years old and gets just as many contacts as yours does. All down to personal preference and what gimmicks you want to play with.

[@anthonycosta1776]

I heard the dsp sucks. The dnr on the 101d is amazing.

[@MarkG0MGX]

I wouldn't agree. For me the lack of averaging on the waterfall/spectrum scope on the 101 is a show stopper - why oh why didnt they implement that?

[@Nobody-ld7mk]

As Brilliant as the Japanese are with electronics you'd think everything could be plugged into the back in this modern age.

[@adamsz350]

Let as hear signal from this radio ! All video about windows gadgets etc....

[@SodaAnt7]

Lack of a second receiver in a rig in this price class makes the TS-890 a non-starter.

[@AmishSpecialForces]

Yet in 60 years this'll be a doorstop and the old boat anchors will still be chugging along.

[@iantoleo]

the screen is not touch: for its price, that's the only thing I don't like

[@barnabajones6524]

with no 2m and 70cm band. Tragedy.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

That's a plus in my books.

[@colddeadhands7202]

Must of been what they used to talk to the astronauts on the moon ?

[@SSN515]

we never went to the moon