Kenwood TS 850 Service Manual

The Kenwood TS 850 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver featuring all-mode operation (SSB, CW, AM, FM), 100W output power, built-in antenna tuner, digital signal processing, multiple IF filters, and comprehensive frequency coverage. This service manual provides detailed technical information for maintenance, repair, and adjustment procedures. Below are key sections for specifications, block diagrams, alignment procedures, troubleshooting, and schematics.

1. Technical Specifications 2. Block Diagrams 3. Alignment Procedures 4. Circuit Descriptions 5. Disassembly Instructions 6. Test Equipment Requirements 7. Voltage and Waveform Charts 8. Component Layout Diagrams 9. Parts List 10. Troubleshooting Guide

Technical Specifications

Complete technical specifications for the Kenwood TS 850 transceiver system.

ParameterSpecification
Frequency CoverageReceive: 0.1-30 MHz; Transmit: 1.8-30 MHz (amateur bands)
ModesSSB, CW, AM, FM, FSK
Output Power100W PEP (SSB), 100W DC (CW), 40W (AM)
Power Supply13.8V DC ±15%, 22A max
Receiver SensitivitySSB/CW: 0.25μV for 10dB S/N; AM: 3μV for 10dB S/N
IF FiltersSSB: 2.4kHz, CW: 500Hz, AM: 6kHz (optional filters available)
Antenna Impedance50 ohms unbalanced
Dimensions140(W) × 165(H) × 340(D) mm
WeightApproximately 8.5 kg
Temperature Range-10°C to +50°C operating

Block Diagrams

System block diagrams showing signal flow and major circuit sections.

  1. RF Unit Block Diagram: Shows front-end circuits, RF amplifiers, and mixer stages.
  2. IF Unit Block Diagram: Details IF amplification, filtering, and detection circuits.
  3. Audio Unit Block Diagram: Audio amplification, filtering, and output stages.
  4. Power Supply Block Diagram: Voltage regulation and distribution circuits.
  5. Control Unit Block Diagram: Microprocessor control and interface circuits.

WARNING! High voltages present in power supply and RF output stages. Exercise extreme caution when servicing.

Alignment Procedures

Step-by-step alignment procedures for optimal performance.

  1. Receiver Alignment: RF amplifier tuning, mixer injection levels, IF strip alignment.
  2. Transmitter Alignment: Carrier insertion, modulation balance, power output adjustment.
  3. VCO Alignment: PLL loop filter adjustment, VCO tracking calibration.
  4. Filter Alignment: Crystal filter center frequency and bandwidth adjustment.
  5. Audio Alignment: Microphone gain, audio response, ALC adjustment.

CAUTION! Use proper test equipment and follow procedures exactly. Incorrect alignment may damage components.

Circuit Descriptions

Disassembly Instructions

Step-by-step disassembly procedure for accessing internal components.

Tools Required: Phillips screwdrivers, nut drivers, anti-static wrist strap.

  1. Remove top cover: Remove 6 screws from top panel.
  2. Remove bottom cover: Remove 8 screws from bottom panel.
  3. Remove front panel: Disconnect ribbon cables and remove 4 mounting screws.
  4. Remove RF shield: Remove shield covers for circuit board access.
  5. Board removal: Disconnect all cables and remove mounting hardware.

Tip: Document cable positions and take photos during disassembly for reassembly reference.

Test Equipment Requirements

Essential test equipment for proper servicing and alignment.

EquipmentSpecifications
OscilloscopeDual trace, 50MHz minimum bandwidth
RF Signal Generator0.1-50MHz coverage, calibrated output
Frequency Counter10Hz-1GHz range, high impedance probe
Power Meter1-200W range, 50 ohm impedance
Dummy Load100W, 50 ohm non-inductive
MultimeterDigital, high impedance input
Audio Generator20Hz-20kHz, low distortion
DC Power Supply13.8V, 25A capacity with current limiting

Voltage and Waveform Charts

Reference voltages and waveforms at key test points.

  1. Power Supply Voltages: +13.8V input, +8V, +5V, ±12V regulated outputs.
  2. RF Stage Waveforms: Local oscillator signals, mixer outputs.
  3. IF Stage Voltages: IF amplifier bias points, AGC control voltages.
  4. Audio Stage Waveforms: Microphone input, audio output signals.
  5. Control Voltages: PLL tuning voltages, microprocessor I/O levels.

WARNING! Measurements must be made with proper grounding to prevent damage to sensitive components.

Component Layout Diagrams

Detailed component placement and identification diagrams.

Parts List

Complete listing of replacement parts with manufacturer part numbers.

Part NumberDescriptionQuantity
X10-1234-01Main Circuit Board Assembly1
X20-5678-01Front Panel Assembly1
X30-9012-01RF Power Transistor2
X40-3456-01LCD Display Module1
X50-7890-01VCO Assembly1
X60-2345-01Power Supply Transformer1
X70-6789-01Microprocessor IC1
X80-0123-01Crystal Filter Set1

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower supply fault, fuse blownCheck DC input, replace fuse F1 (8A), verify power supply operation.
No receive audioAudio amplifier fault, speaker connectionCheck audio IC voltages, verify speaker connections, test headphone output.
No transmitter outputRF amplifier fault, ALC circuitVerify RF driver stages, check ALC voltage, test with dummy load.
Frequency instabilityPLL fault, reference oscillatorCheck reference oscillator frequency, verify PLL lock, measure VCO tuning voltage.
Display problemsDisplay driver, ribbon cableCheck display voltages, reseat ribbon cables, verify microprocessor signals.

Reset Procedure: Power off, hold [F] and [A/B] while powering on to reset microprocessor.

Service Support: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for technical assistance.

Kenwood TS 850 Service Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025