KENWOOD TS-890 - HF and 50 MHz (100 W), 70 MHz (50W) TRANSCEIVER with ATU
Reference Performance for the Demanding Operator
Selected and distributed by Ham Radio Shop for the operator who accepts no compromises.
The Kenwood TS-890S is not just an HF/50MHz/70MHz transceiver; it's a high-engineering base station, designed for the operator who demands the utmost in reception performance, transmission signal quality, and maneuverability.
Born from the legacy of the renowned TS-990S, the TS-890S takes advanced down-conversion technology to a higher level, offering clarity and selectivity that transform listening even on the most crowded bands.
The Receiver: Uncompromising Listening and Additional Evaluations
The beating heart of the TS-890S is its receiver, optimized to excel in the most challenging band conditions.
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Down-Conversion Technology: The receiver operates in down-conversion on the first IF (8.248 MHz) on all amateur HF bands, ensuring a wide dynamic range and superior rejection of unwanted signals.
Evaluation: RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range): Typical values greater than 110 dB (at 2 kHz separation), classifying the TS-890S among the industry leaders for its ability to handle very strong signals near weak signals.
Evaluation: IP3 (Third-Order Intercept Point): Impressive value of +40 dBm, essential for QRO and contest operation.
Selectable Roofing Filters: Standard, the unit includes 4 roofing filters: 15 kHz, 6 kHz, 2.7 kHz, and 500 Hz (with option for 270 Hz), allowing the bandwidth to be perfectly adapted to operating conditions, improving selectivity in CW and SSB.
Stability and Purity: Equipped with a high-stability TCXO ($ \pm 0.1 \text{ ppm}$), the TS-890S ensures rock-solid frequency stability, essential for digital modes and contest operation.
Interface and Operability: Focus on the Operator
The ergonomics of the TS-890S have been designed to make operation smooth and efficient, even during extended sessions.
7-Inch Color TFT Display: The large, high-resolution display provides an exceptional Band Scope and Waterfall, with fast refresh rate and Auto-Scroll function, allowing precise and immediate analysis of band activity.
Intuitive Controls: Controls are logically arranged, with a layout reminiscent of Kenwood's best traditions, making filter, notch, and gain adjustments fast and natural.
Dual 32-Bit DSP: Dedicated processors manage the entire RX/TX signal path and the Band Scope, providing effective noise reduction (NR) and highly configurable DSP filtering.
Transmission Performance and Additional Features
The TS-890S excels not only in reception; the transmission section has been optimized for impeccable audio quality and clean RF output.
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Power and Linearity: It offers 100W of clean and robust RF power (50W at 70MHz, EU version). The final amplifier is designed for optimal linearity, minimizing distortion and spurious emissions.
Feature: Incorporates a dedicated DRV (Drive) output, allowing external amplifiers to be driven with maximum precision and control.
Fast and Flexible Tuner: The integrated high-speed automatic tuner handles an extended impedance range (typically 16.7 $\Omega$ - 150 $\Omega$), essential for imperfectly resonant antennas.
Dual Antenna Ports: Equipped with two main antenna connectors (ANT 1 and ANT 2) and an RX-only connector for Beverage or receiving loop antennas, maximizing installation flexibility.
Contest Functions: Full implementation of functions for contest operation, including electronic keyer (CW), message memory, and fast frequency memory management for critical band segments.
Key Technical Specifications (Summary)
| Feature | Detail |
| Operating Bands | 160m - 6m (HF/50MHz/70MHz) |
| TX Power | 100W (HF/50MHz), 50W (70MHz - Europe) |
| RX Architecture | Down-Conversion on all HF bands |
| RMDR (2kHz) | $> 110 \text{ dB}$ (Typical) |
| IP3 | $+40 \text{ dBm}$ |
| Roofing Filters | 15k / 6k / 2.7k / 500 Hz (Optional 270 Hz) |
| Display | 7-inch Color TFT, Band Scope, Waterfall |
| Freq. Stability | $\pm 0.1 \text{ ppm}$ |
| Connections | USB, Ethernet (LAN), RS-232C, DVI-I, DRV Output |
| Tuner | Built-in Automatic (Fast) |
Conclusion
The Kenwood TS-890S is the ideal apparatus for the DX and contest operator who wants to combine the purity of reception of a down-conversion system with the flexibility and interface of a latest-generation radio. Its reputation for excellence in phase noise and receiver dynamics places it among the top in its category.
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