Kenwood TS-850SAT Manual

The Kenwood TS-850SAT is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver featuring 160-10 meter coverage, built-in antenna tuner, 100W RF output power, dual VFOs, multiple operating modes including SSB, CW, AM, FM, and RTTY, IF shift and notch filtering, digital signal processing, memory channels, scanning functions, and comprehensive connectivity options. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, 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. Memory Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main transceiver unit, built-in antenna tuner, front panel controls, microphone connector, antenna ports, accessory connectors.

Feature	Description
Frequency Coverage	160-10 meters amateur bands
RF Output Power	100W PEP (SSB), 100W (CW), 40W (AM), 25W (FM)
Operating Modes	LSB, USB, CW, AM, FM, FSK
Antenna Tuner	Built-in automatic antenna tuner
VFO System	Dual VFOs with split operation capability
Filtering	IF shift, notch filter, DSP noise reduction
Memory Channels	99 memory channels with alphanumeric labeling
Scan Functions	Programmable band scan, memory scan
Power Requirements	13.8V DC ±15%, 22A max
Connectors	Antenna, microphone, speaker, CW key, accessories

Installation

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

Connect power supply: Use 13.8V DC power source with proper polarity.
Connect antenna: Use appropriate coaxial cable to ANT connector.
Connect microphone: Plug into MIC connector on front panel.
Connect speaker: Use external speaker for optimal audio quality.
Connect accessories: Optional equipment like keyer, data interfaces.

WARNING! Ensure proper grounding and use appropriate fuses. Do not operate without antenna connected.

First-Time Setup

Power on transceiver; initialize settings.

Set operating frequency: Use main tuning knob to select desired band.
Configure mode: Select appropriate operating mode (SSB, CW, etc.).
Adjust audio: Set AF gain and speaker volume for comfortable listening.
Set RF power: Adjust power output according to band conditions and license class.
Program memories: Store frequently used frequencies and settings.

CAUTION! Verify license requirements and band privileges before transmitting.

Specifications

Frequency Range: 1.8-30 MHz amateur bands
Modes: LSB, USB, CW, AM, FM, FSK (RTTY)
Power Output: 100W PEP SSB, 100W CW, 40W AM, 25W FM
Sensitivity: SSB/CW: 0.25μV, AM: 1.0μV, FM: 0.5μV
Selectivity: SSB: 2.4kHz, CW: 500Hz, AM: 6kHz, FM: 15kHz
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms unbalanced
Power Supply: 13.8V DC ±15%, 22A max
Dimensions: 140H × 406W × 355D mm
Weight: Approx. 12 kg

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, AF GAIN, RF POWER, MODE, FILTER, NB, NR, AGC, VFO A/B, SPLIT.

Main Controls: Main tuning knob, function keys, mode selection, filter controls, memory operations.

Receiver: RF gain, AF gain, AGC (fast/slow/off), noise blanker, noise reduction. Transmitter: RF power control, microphone gain, speech processor, VOX. Filter: IF shift, notch filter, bandwidth selection. Display: S-meter, frequency readout, mode indication, function status.

Connecting Accessories

Microphone: 8-pin DIN connector. Speaker: External speaker jack. CW Key: Straight key or keyer input. Data: ACC connector for packet, RTTY interfaces.

Turn off power before connecting accessories.
Use proper cables and connectors for each accessory.
Configure accessory settings in menu system.
Test functionality before regular operation.

Tip: Use shielded cables for audio and data connections to reduce noise.

Operating Modes

Supports SSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes.

SSB Operation: Select LSB/USB, adjust clarifier for precise tuning.
CW Operation: Set CW mode, adjust sidetone, use break-in operation.
AM Operation: Select AM mode for broadcast listening and AM phone.
FM Operation: Choose FM mode for repeater and simplex operation.
Digital Modes: Use FSK for RTTY, connect data interface for other digital modes.
Split Operation: Use dual VFOs for cross-band or repeater split operation.
Tuning: Use main knob for coarse tuning, clarifier for fine adjustment.

WARNING! Always identify your station according to FCC regulations.

Memory Functions

99 memory channels store frequency, mode, filter settings, and alphanumeric labels.

Store Memory: Tune to desired frequency, press F→M, select memory number.
Recall Memory: Press M→VFO, select memory channel.
Memory Scan: Scan through programmed memory channels.
Memory Lock: Prevent accidental memory changes.
Memory Label: Assign alphanumeric names to memory channels.

Care & Maintenance

Keep unit clean and dry. Use compressed air to remove dust from controls and connectors.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners on front panel. Disconnect power before cleaning.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 97: Complies with amateur radio service rules. This device must accept any interference received. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For technical support and service, contact authorized Kenwood service centers or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power supply/fuses	Check power connections; verify fuse condition; ensure proper voltage.
No transmit	Settings/connections	Check PTT operation; verify microphone connection; check RF power setting.
Poor reception	Antenna/tuning	Verify antenna connection; use antenna tuner; check antenna system.
Memory lost	Backup battery	Replace internal backup battery; reprogram memories.
Display issues	Connections/power	Check display connections; verify power supply stability.

Reset: Hold FUNC and POWER during startup for factory reset.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.