I’ve not been real busy with playing around much, but starting to get a little more free time. Most of my time around ham radio recently has been centered around research on the Kenwood TS-430S. I’ll log the resources here, and try to keep them updated when I find more information.
Manuals:
Owners Manual
Service Manual
Common fixes:
Intermittent Drop in Power Output
Filters:
INRAD filters
More Information Links:
QSL Net resources
Finally got a rig!
After a month of looking, reading, researching, and patience, I was finally able to purchase an HF rig that gives me just enough functionality to keep me busy for a while!
Why the Kenwood TS-430S? Because it fit my requirements!
Requirements:
How did I get to this list of requirements?
I’ll touch on a few of the “not so obvious ones” here.
I wanted a modular system that I can build with individual components that I can leverage in the future for expansion and extending capabilities. I especially didn’t want to trust an older system to have all of it’s components functioning flawlessly. Power supplies and antenna tuners are things that can often get abused, are easy to repair/replace, and would be much more difficult to fix if they share integrated circuits with a larger system.
I wanted to do phone operations and also have the ability to get into CW, all while actually knowing at a glance what frequency I’m on.
The name brand requirement is really just an extension of the “supportability” of the system. If you go with some off-the-wall brand, you are risking component availability, as well as others not being familiar with the system (because face it, you’re going to need some help!).
I’m a very hands-on kind of person. Having dials, knobs, and buttons that I need to manipulate just appeals to me. I like being physically involved in the tuning process.
This also feeds my want to fix things myself. With plenty of available parts and documentation, I can muddle through just about anything that doesn’t require a degree in electrical engineering to figure out. I want this to be a learning experience, and if I can’t open the case and solder a few components, I’ll never learn.
Finally, I want the ability to modify my transceiver to become whatever kind of Frankenstein I want it to be come. I want it to be mine, and fail or perform as a result of my sweat and hot soldering iron. If there’s no battle scars by the time I’m done, I’ll not have learned a thing.
In conclusion, I really just wanted something of value that I can work with as a base for learning. This is a great hobby that I’ll be able to have fun with for years. I want a setup that will allow me to fulfill this need, and I believe that the Kenwood TS-430S will allow me to succeed.
Seems there are a lot of deals out there for good (older) used radios if you just look in the right places, and be patient. Places to look for the deals?
Depending on how adventurous and trusting of others, there are many places to turn. I’ll give you a run-down of sites I’ve browsed, with my opinion of safest to “feeling lucky?”
Safe: $$$ Places that won’t scam you
Some Risk: $$ Places that help to guard against scams
Buyer Beware: $ If you know what you’re doing, you can make out with a great deal
How to buy?
You don’t have money to buy new, so you better plan so you can make the best of the money you have.
Always start with a budget, and (at least) general requirements of what you need, ie. $300 and HF operation with AM/CW/SSB capability.
Search for things that match your requirements, and start writing down the prices you’re seeing. Make notes as to the condition and sellers information. This may come in handy later if you have seen the item/seller often, and need to gauge how much the seller may be willing to negotiate.
You will start to get an idea of whether or not you will be able to purchase what you want within your budget quickly. The longer you can wait for a deal, the more success you’ll have in getting a lower price.
Also, the more open you are to things like wear and limited functionality, the more you can negotiate and save. If you’re not one that is handy with fixing things, be realistic and open your wallet.
Always remember that if you know what you like, don’t compromise! You’ll always be thinking “what if?”
Using this method, I was able to hone in on a used Kenwood TS-430S for $264 shipped from eBay. The seller said it functioned fine, and had a good seller rating and reviews. The pictures showed signs of wear and some oxidation on case screws. That meant that the photos weren’t edited, and ensured (to me) the “honest” nature of the posting. I took a gamble, and ended up with a radio that even contained an FM mode board that wasn’t even shown on the item description! Bonus! I’m very pleased with my purchase, and it didn’t break the bank, nor force me to compromise.
I hope your experience will be as good or better than my own venture. Good hunting!