Kenwood TS-120V Manual

The Kenwood TS-120V is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver covering the 160-10 meter bands with SSB, CW, and AM modes. Features include built-in power supply, digital VFO, noise blanker, RF attenuator, and comprehensive receiver/transmitter controls. Below are key sections for operation, specifications, installation, controls, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Accessories 7. Operating Modes 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main transceiver unit, microphone connector, antenna ports, power input, accessory connectors.

Feature	Description
Frequency Coverage	160-10 meter amateur bands
Operating Modes	SSB, CW, AM
Power Output	Adjustable up to 200W PEP
Power Supply	Built-in AC power supply
VFO System	Digital synthesizer with main/sub VFO
Noise Blanker	Built-in pulse noise reduction
RF Attenuator	20dB front-end attenuation
Receiver	Double conversion superheterodyne
IF Shift	Adjustable IF bandwidth
Metering	S/RF power/SWR/ALC indicators

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface with adequate ventilation.

Connect antenna: Use appropriate coaxial cable to ANT connector.
Connect power: Use supplied power cord to AC outlet (120V 60Hz).
Connect microphone: Plug into MIC connector on front panel.
Connect accessories: Use accessory ports for external speakers, keyers, etc.

WARNING! Ensure proper grounding for safety and RF performance. Allow adequate ventilation space around unit.

First-Time Setup

Power on transceiver; allow warm-up time.

Set operating frequency: Use main VFO knob to select desired band and frequency.
Select mode: Choose SSB, CW, or AM as needed.
Adjust RF power: Set appropriate power level for operation.
Configure filters: Adjust IF shift and bandwidth for optimal reception.

CAUTION! Verify antenna SWR before transmitting. Start with low power settings.

Specifications

Frequency Range: 1.8-30 MHz amateur bands
Modes: LSB, USB, CW, AM
Power Output: 200W PEP SSB/CW, 50W AM carrier
Receiver Sensitivity: 0.25μV for 10dB S+N/N
Selectivity: SSB: 2.4kHz, CW: 500Hz, AM: 6kHz
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 300W max
Dimensions: Standard rack width, appropriate height/depth
Weight: Approximately 15 kg

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, RF GAIN, AF GAIN, MODE selector, VFO knobs, NB, ATT, AGC.

Main Controls: VFO A/B selector, RIT control, IF SHIFT, RF POWER, MIC GAIN.

Receiver: RF GAIN, AF GAIN, AGC (Fast/Slow/Off), NB (On/Off), ATT (On/Off). Transmitter: MIC GAIN, COMP, ALC indicator, CW KEY jack. General: POWER switch, meter function selector, clarifier control.

Connecting Accessories

Antenna: Coaxial cable to ANT port. Microphone: Dynamic mic to MIC jack. CW Key: Straight key or keyer to KEY jack. External Speaker: 8 ohm speaker to EXT SP jack.

Turn off power before connecting accessories.
Use appropriate cables and connectors.
Verify proper impedance matching.

Tip: Use high-quality coaxial cable for antenna connection to minimize loss.

Operating Modes

Supports SSB, CW, and AM operation.

SSB Operation: Select LSB/USB, adjust mic gain, use compression if needed.
CW Operation: Select CW mode, connect key, adjust sidetone volume.
AM Operation: Select AM mode, adjust carrier power appropriately.
VFO Operation: Use main/sub VFOs for split frequency operation.
Memory Channels: Store frequently used frequencies (if equipped).
RIT Use: Adjust receive frequency independently of transmit.

WARNING! Always verify you are transmitting on authorized frequencies with proper license.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning and inspection recommended.

CAUTION! Unplug unit before cleaning. Use compressed air for dust removal. Avoid liquid cleaners.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord/switch	Check power cord connection; verify switch position.
No transmit	Mic connection/PTT	Check mic cable; verify PTT operation; check ALC.
Poor reception	Antenna/tuning	Verify antenna connection; check receiver settings.
Overheating	Ventilation/duty cycle	Ensure adequate ventilation; reduce transmit duty cycle.
Meter not working	Selector setting	Check meter function selector position.

Reset: Power cycle if unit locks up.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for technical support.