Tuning a tube transmitter Kenwood TS-520 example

[@jefflabonte4668]

Thanks! I got my ticket in Jan. about the same time I picked up a TS-520. Months of studying the manual and web page describig tune up and I was still confused. Your 3 minutes taught me more than all the reading!

[@n8oxc440]

Thanks Jeff! EXACTLY why I did it. 73 and good dx.

[@geraldharper330]

Thanks, just what I was looking for. Last tuned my TS520s 30 years ago.. Have fire extinguisher ready. Thanks again.

[@CV2Lex]

Nice video. You are spot on the tuning. I just bought a 520SE, and this video helps me to visualize what the manual describes.

[@KX4UL]

Nice demo of the tuning procedure. I haven't tuned a Kenwood TS-520 hybrid rig since my first on HF rig 25 years ago.

[@KB1PTH]

When I got into ham radio the first hf rig I had was a ts-520s once you can tune it you can tune just about any radio. Great Video by the way.

[@dj4tt]

Thanks for uploading. I have a 520 since one week. After a long time I must tune. You video is helpfull. Axel, DJ4TT

[@worldwide222dx]

very big help thanks tubes or getting red and when you mentioned bias and showed it on the meter I knew right away real happy now thank you

[@hmanonbass]

Glad it helped, they are nice hybrid radios.

[@joekrepps]

Nice. My first transciever was a TS-520S. Added a 500Hz CW filter at one point. Kenwood makes great rigs. I've had two sets of Twins as well. Made a lot of contacts with those rigs. Sometimes...I wish I wasn't running a FT-817ND, just for the warm glow of tubes and the rompin'-stompin' 100+ watts. :) The local ham radio shop once told me to just peak for max output. 73 de WB3CFN

[@kd8lcx]

Chris, great video. A lot of hams, including me, have never tuned a tube radio. Thanks a bunch! That rig would look great in my shack, don't ya think??? D

[@bob4analog]

Great vid! I have a 520SE and I think I may need to do some work on it, as it just kisses 100w max. I see that you got ~120w with yours. I love these radios, they're certainly worth keeping. Thanks for the tutorial. 73, KD5MHQ

[@spikebozo]

I have a 520s and to get my rig too tune up I have to use the vox the send switch works but when trying output for power I have to use the vox switch tks Rober

[@joseph2219801]

I have one of these on the way from FedEx and can't wait.

[@n5rdn]

Thanks for a good video! You might want to remind folks about keeping the mA @ 200 or below when operating CW. 73

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

Interesting - I want to learn more about electronics. Thumbs up!

[@dougrea]

really simple and well done. Thanks

[@PremMenon]

Nice video. You said you painted the rig. How did you choose the color (and type/manufacturer) ? Thanks and 73,

[@kg5pte]

When I turn mine on and transmit in SSB 28.400 mhz my needle swings backwards why ?

[@farrbl]

make sure the carrier control is fully clockwise when tuning on cw

[@kg5pte]

So it best to start with a dummy load first ?

[@silverstackmac199]

I'm looking at one of these that looks likes its in good condition is there anything I should look at or for to determine if it is worth the 100 he is asking. Also comes with a mic a green analog meter looking thing and some kind of doctor. I have never used the radio but wanted to get into these any help would be greatly appreciated

[@mykenwood830]

what about staying at 225 milliamps ?

[@hmanonbass]

@MyLesPaulcopy - Unless you are talking or feeding audio into the rig, you'll have no power showing because you are not "driving" it. If it tunes up properly using cw, have no fear, it'll work great on ssb.

[@cliffordtaft5865]

i have a kenwood ts520s it will receiver but on trans mis

[@tommybewick]

I would just add when dipping the plate while in the CW position, and the meter in the lP position, to make sure your current does not exceed 225mA.73, Tom, K2BEW

[@fayebower4312]

Good point Tom.

[@OLDMACK]

Great help

[@fayebower4312]

Great,, but couldn't see the meter too good. I have a 530s and this helps.

[@hmanonbass]

It's the same procedure, all the Kenwood hybrids xmit sections are about the same.

[@petchharrison]

good i got one comminig i hope so this helped alot..jeff england

[@hmanonbass]

Pardon me Mr. crappy attitude, but you are WRONG, that procedure is in the manual. I can give a lengthy dissertation regardin peaking the grid, dipping the plate and adjusting load to various impedances. This video is not that, it's a "quick guide" for tuning a Kenwood hybrid. You've been a member of KZbin for 2 weeks, post your call or return under the rock where you came from. I was requested to do this video and it appears to have helped quite a few people. That was my intent.

[@reallybadaim118]

old school

[@dwayner2819]

This is one of the worse video's on the correct procedures to tune a 520. If you don't know how to properly tune up your Radio, why are you showing others? 1. Your meter switch was in the WRONG position from the start. 2. It was in the wrong position all the way until the end, when it "defaulted" in the RIGHT position, because you didn't touch it. If you would have done it the correct way, you could have shown what a Dipping of the plate, and peeking of the Grid is all about. Read your Manual.

[@ronaljohngoodman2232]

i use to own one bloody good radio