My Kenwood TS-2000 thoughts.........updated 11/10/06
I purchased one of these rigs in September of 2005. Now that I've had a
chance to use it a bit, I thought I'd let you know my
thoughts on it.
Cons:
* I don't like the built-in keyer. I just can't seem to get the hang
of it. I have an MFJ Econo Keyer that I have no problem
with. I use that one instead. The built-in keyer on my IC-718 is far
superior to the one on the TS-2000. It's my understanding
some of the 2000's have a problem with RF getting into the keyer. That
sounds about right because it inserts extra dits and dah's
when transmitting but doesn't do it when NOT in transmit.
* The receiver is OK. I also have a Kenwood TS-430 late 80's
vintage. The 430 receiver is just as hot, if not hotter....but
it's also not a "daylight to dirt" rig so I'll have to look past that.
And the 430 doesn't have DSP. But the narrow CW filter is quite nice!
* It has a LOT of buttons. And many of the buttons do double duty. It's ok but takes some time to learn and get used to.
* I wish you could crank the power lower than 5 watts. UPDATE:
Actually you CAN turn it clear down to ZERO on power output. First, turn
down the
POWER CONTROL to 5 (as low as it goes) then activate the
CARRIER control with FUNC + CAR then turn it down. Return it to
50 when finished. Thanks to Dan, K9RQ, for that tip.
Pros
* This is a "daylight to dirt" rig. It's a great one-unit ham radio.
If you have limited space and like to work everything from
1.2gig to 160 meters, this is the one to consider.
* The IF DSP is great. And you can narrow down a CW signal in the 50 hz. filter and shut out the rest of the world.
* The QSK is really nice! Switching is lightning fast.
* I like the power control. Easy to change power levels.
* All modes on VHF/UHF :>)
* Dual receivers. Sub receiver is VHF/440 only, and AM/FM only but it's still nice. You can monitor police/fire, hams etc. with it.
* Transmit audio monitor. That's COOL.
* I really like the built-in automatic antenna tuner. This is my first rig with a built-in ATU and it is VERY nice.
* Some reviewers on
eham.net have criticized the look of the 2000. It's a bit
different but I don't really have a problem with it. In fact the
more I look at it the better I like it. It's different and therein lies
its beauty.
This rig has many many nice features and a few more things that bug me just a
bit but it's still a nice rig. If you are a die-hard
contester or an HF only operator you may want to put this one down on your list
a bit but if you like to do a little bit of everything
ham radio has to offer, you may be pleased with the TS-2000. I've seen
reviews elsewhere on this rig and many have expressed that
it doesn't do any one thing fantasticly (is that a word?) but it does do
most things fairly well....I think that's a good way to put it. It is NOT
a plug-and play radio. You will have to take some time to get to know it
and know what it can do. Be patient and you will see just
how powerful a rig it really is.
Kelly