Saturday, July 16, 2016 — Just a few notes before I have to get ready for Mass this afternoon … Thursday I had a chance to install the 500 Hz CW filter in the TS-690S. Kenwood made it super easy to add filters. Wow what I nice difference the filter made! I’m still not happy with the 800 Hz 
sidetone, but with the filter it makes the rig easier to use and much more pleasant to listen to.
I’m still thinking of additional filters; I would like to have the 500 Hz filter for the 455 kHz IF, and perhaps the 1.8 kHz SSB filter. After using the FT-2000 all these years, you don’t realize how dependent you become on having all the DSP tools at your disposal. I don’t particularly like running SSB at 1.8 kHz (or less) but I’ve done it when necessary in a contest situation.
Again, I’m not sure I want to double my investment in this rig with another filter (or two).
ANOTHER ARRIVAL. My Nye Master Key arrived in Friday’s mail, along with my 500 Hz filter. I had forgotten how heavy the Master Key is. I haven’t connected the key to a rig yet, but I tested the key’s action. Now I can’t attest to its operation yet, but the physical action of the key feels … mushy. The keying lever almost makes contact with the base, and there’s about a 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch of mushy travel at the bottom of the key’s travel. The key closes its contacts somewhere along the way. Maybe I’m not giving it a fair shake yet, but the feel of the key is what I remember about the other one I own (or owned …. I think now that I sold it at a hamfest).
I’ll give the key a try in the next few days, and report back.
73 es CUL de KY4Z SK … dit dit …
Jim,
First off, I enjoy your blog and visit often to see what kind of trouble you’re getting into. 🙂 I too collect keys, but it sounds like I’m in a much smaller league than you. 🙂
I’ve owned a TS-690SAT since new. It remains my main rig to this day. Planned upgrade when I retire in 2 years. Anyway, don’t overlook the 250Hz CW narrow filter (YG-455CN-1) for the 455Khz position. It would provide excellent rejection. Also, since you already have 500Hz in the 8.83MHz IF, you wouldn’t see as much difference by kicking in a 500Hz filter in the 455Khz position. The 250Hz skirts are a must-have for contest weekends. I also have a 1.8KHz SSB narrow filter in the 8.83 SSB spot. I find it provides a good step option between the stock 2.4KHz and optional 500Hz filters.
Also, don’t overlook the powerful RX Meter feature on this rig. It displays the post AGC audio level in dB. Many don’t have a clue how to use it. Back off the RF gain on a signal until the audio just starts to drop off the 0dB point. That is the sweet spot where AGC is no longer acting on the desired signal, while giving maximum signal to noise ratio. Less RF gain and you cut back the desired signal, More RF gain and the AGC cuts back the desired signal, while more noise is allowed through.
Hope this helps. 73 Paul N6EV
Paul,
Thanks for your helpful advice regarding the TS-690SAT. When I owned my TS-450SAT years ago, I never understood how to use the RX Meter feature. I have had it enabled since I’ve gotten the rig as a visual reminder to research its use. I’ll use your suggestions in order to get the most out of the rig.
For what its worth, I happened to spot a YG-455C-1 on eBay earlier today at a sweet BIN price — before I read your remarks, go figure! I’m going to give that filter some use, but I’ll keep an eye open for the 250Hz filter.
I really, really liked my TS-450SAT and regretted parting with it the day it left my QTH. While I’ve had a shack full of Icom (IC-746PRO, IC-756PROII) and Yaesu (FT-2000) gear in the years since, the receive audio of the Kenwood was like renewing an old friendship. Music to my years, hi hi.
73 – Jim KY4z