Kenwood TS-950SDX Manual

The Kenwood TS-950SDX is a high-performance HF transceiver featuring all-mode operation (SSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY), 200W output power, built-in antenna tuner, dual VFOs, digital signal processing, IF shift, noise blanker, and comprehensive receiver/transmitter controls. Operating on 160-10 meter amateur bands with frequency coverage from 1.8-30MHz. Below are key sections for operation, features, installation, setup, specifications, 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. Advanced Features 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main transceiver unit, Front panel controls, Microphone connector, Antenna connectors, Power input, Accessory ports.

Feature	Description
Frequency coverage	1.8-30MHz (160-10 meter amateur bands)
Output power	200W PEP (SSB), 200W (CW), 60W (AM)
Modes	USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY
VFO system	Dual VFOs (A/B) with split operation
Antenna tuner	Built-in automatic antenna tuner
IF DSP	Digital Signal Processing for receiver filtering
IF shift	Adjustable IF shift control
Noise blanker	Switchable noise blanker circuit
Memory channels	99 memory channels with alphanumeric tags
Power requirements	13.8V DC ±15% (negative ground)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable operating surface.

Connect power supply: Use 13.8V DC power source with proper polarity.
Connect antenna: Use coaxial cable to ANT connector; ensure proper impedance matching.
Connect microphone: Use compatible Kenwood microphone to MIC connector.
Connect accessories: Use accessory ports for external speakers, keyers, etc.
Grounding: Ensure proper RF grounding for optimal performance.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block cooling vents. Use appropriate fusing for power connections.

First-Time Setup

Apply power; initialize transceiver settings.

Set operating frequency: Use main tuning knob to select desired band.
Select mode: Choose SSB, CW, AM, FM, or RTTY as needed.
Adjust power output: Set appropriate power level for operating mode.
Configure VFOs: Set up VFO A and B for split operation if required.
Calibrate antenna tuner: Perform automatic antenna tuning procedure.

CAUTION! Verify antenna system before transmitting. Start with low power for initial tests.

Specifications

Frequency Range: 1.8-30MHz (amateur bands)
Modes: SSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY
Output Power: 200W PEP (SSB), 200W (CW), 60W (AM)
Receiver Sensitivity: 0.25μV for 10dB S+N/N (SSB)
Selectivity: Various IF filter options available
Power Supply: 13.8V DC ±15%, approx. 22A max
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms unbalanced
Dimensions: Standard rack-mount size
Weight: Approximately 15kg

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, RF POWER, MODE, A/B VFO, TUNE, NB, AGC, IF SHIFT, FILTER, AF/RF GAIN.

Main Controls: Frequency tuning knob, Mode selection, Filter bandwidth, RF power control, Microphone gain, VFO selection, Memory operations.

Receiver: AGC (Fast/Slow/Off), IF shift, Noise blanker, Notch filter, RF gain, AF gain. Transmitter: RF power control, MIC gain, Speech processor, VOX, Break-in CW. System: Memory channels, Scan functions, Display contrast, Keyer speed, Time functions.

Connecting Accessories

Microphone: 8-pin DIN connector. Antenna: SO-239 connector. Power: DC input terminals. Accessory: Various accessory ports for external devices.

Turn off power before connecting accessories.
Use proper connectors and cables for each accessory.
Verify accessory compatibility before connection.
Configure accessory settings in menu system.

Tip: Use high-quality coaxial cables for antenna connections to minimize loss.

Operating Modes

Supports SSB, CW, AM, FM, and RTTY operations.

SSB Operation: Select USB/LSB; adjust microphone gain and speech processor.
CW Operation: Enable CW mode; set keyer speed and side tone.
AM Operation: Select AM mode; adjust carrier level and modulation.
FM Operation: Choose FM mode; set deviation and squelch.
RTTY Operation: Configure RTTY shift and filters.
Split Operation: Use dual VFOs for transmit/receive frequency splitting.
Memory Operations: Store/recall frequencies and modes in memory channels.
Scan Functions: Program and execute frequency scanning.

WARNING! Always check frequency and mode before transmitting. Ensure proper licensing for operating frequencies.

Advanced Features

Digital Signal Processing: IF filtering, noise reduction, audio shaping. Automatic Antenna Tuner: Memory-based tuning for multiple antennas. Memory System: 99 channels with alphanumeric labeling. Scanning: Programmable band and memory scanning.

Maintenance & Care

Disconnect power before maintenance. Clean exterior with dry cloth only; avoid chemicals.

CAUTION! Do not open covers; internal adjustments require qualified technician. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 97: Certified for amateur radio service. Compliance with applicable RF exposure limits. 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 connection/fuse	Check power cable; verify fuse; ensure proper voltage.
No transmit	Settings/connections	Verify mode selection; check microphone connection; ensure PTT operation.
Poor reception	Antenna/tuning	Check antenna connections; perform antenna tuning; verify receiver settings.
Overheating	Ventilation/power	Ensure adequate ventilation; reduce power output; check duty cycle.
Memory loss	Backup battery	Replace internal backup battery; reprogram memory channels.

Reset: Power cycle or factory reset procedure if available.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center; www.kenwood.com