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In reviewing the specifications for the SM-230 I note the following:
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I am going to be operating a TS-850s with an Alpha 87A plus Palstar Auto-HF tuner. Should I place the SM-230 in line between radio and amplifier or after the amplifier? I assume that after the amplifier I am only able to monitor the waveform for 5 minutes. Does the SM-230 in/out SO-239s operate in bypass when the unit is either switched off or with switch set to function other that waveform monitoring?
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I’d like to be able to leave in inline after amplifier and use sparingly. Otherwise I’ll have to place in between radio and amplifier.
73,
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David, WU3J
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I recently acquired a Kenwood SM-230 with original box and am excited to integrate it into my shack. I will take some unboxing photographs if anyone is interested.
73,
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David, WU3J
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I have unboxed the SM-230 and plugged it in. It seems to be functioning, but I just have to obtain / make up cables to connect with my TS-850s. The manual refers to the TS-950, but i assume this can be used with the TS-850. What functionality besides monitoring the output and the band scope can I expect with the 850? Also for monitoring the transmissions should I have the SM-230 before or after the Alpha 87A? The specifications refer to a 5 minute limit at maximum attenuation. When the SM-230 is off OR the selector switch to any other function (i.e. band scope) will the RF pass through the SM-230 without overloading it? I would like to be able to monitor my waveform at legal limit for brief periods as necessary, but don’t want to blow up the SM-230.
73,
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David, WU3J
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Hi, David,
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Congrats on a very useful acquisition!? I went thru this same exercise last year- my unit worked as soon as powered up, but I noted 5 gray electrolytic capacitors on the board with splits and slight leakage.? Yellow replacements from an E-bay dealer were specifically recommended as replacements.? Easy, cheap fix!? If you look for this before you power up, would you please post or DM? me a pic of the interior of your unit in the area of those 5 capacitors?? I? pulled a blue wire loose and cannot figure out where it goes.? (It comes from the BS-8 unit.)
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Good luck!
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73,
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Tom ai4th
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I have tested the SM-230 and it seems to be working just fine. Below are screen captures on the two tone generator input to the oscilloscope function. First is the 1000 hz tone, then the 1575 hz tone with the third showing them combined. The fourth shot is a capture in monitor mode showing the SSB envelope. I'm still learning my way around the scope. Last time I touched a scope was the vintage boat anchor EICO's in high school. Earlier in my ham life I did pick up one of those from a show and I gotta say there's just something about a glowing tube staring at you that gives a warm feeling. It just can't be duplicated in today's LED displays. 73,
David WU3J
Hi, David,
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Congrats on a very useful acquisition!? I went thru this same exercise last year- my unit worked as soon as powered up, but I noted 5 gray electrolytic capacitors on the board with splits and slight leakage.? Yellow replacements from an E-bay dealer were specifically recommended as replacements.? Easy, cheap fix!? If you look for this before you power up, would you please post or DM? me a pic of the interior of your unit in the area of those 5 capacitors?? I? pulled a blue wire loose and cannot figure out where it goes.? (It comes from the BS-8 unit.)
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Good luck!
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73,
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Tom ai4th
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David, Very nice! I had one years ago and wish I had another. It was nice with my 850. Maybe some day I'll have another. Bob W4JFA?
I have tested the SM-230 and it seems to be working just fine. Below are screen captures on the two tone generator input to the oscilloscope function. First is the 1000 hz tone, then the 1575 hz tone with the third showing them combined. The fourth shot is a capture in monitor mode showing the SSB envelope. I'm still learning my way around the scope. Last time I touched a scope was the vintage boat anchor EICO's in high school. Earlier in my ham life I did pick up one of those from a show and I gotta say there's just something about a glowing tube staring at you that gives a warm feeling. It just can't be duplicated in today's LED displays. 73,
David WU3J
Hi, David,
?
Congrats on a very useful acquisition!? I went thru this same exercise last year- my unit worked as soon as powered up, but I noted 5 gray electrolytic capacitors on the board with splits and slight leakage.? Yellow replacements from an E-bay dealer were specifically recommended as replacements.? Easy, cheap fix!? If you look for this before you power up, would you please post or DM? me a pic of the interior of your unit in the area of those 5 capacitors?? I? pulled a blue wire loose and cannot figure out where it goes.? (It comes from the BS-8 unit.)
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Good luck!
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73,
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Tom ai4th
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David-
Sorry- I misread your post title.? My monitor is a 220. You have the spiffy updated 230! My comment on the caps may not apply to your new-fangled? model.? I apologize for any confusion I may have caused.
73,
Tom ai4th
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Thanks Tom.
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?I just verified that the Band scope function is working as well. I am enjoying dimming the lights and tuning around the band as well as using the other SM-230 functions. It makes a nice light show. While I respect the latest SDR radios and have one from one of the big three (Kenwood/Icom/Yaesu), I still enjoy the TS-850 which is the pinnacle of solid state and the PL / cystal controlL.
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I bought the TS-850 new in 1992, but am enjoying buying all the filters for it that I could never afford then new, but snatched up on EBay.
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In my TS-850S I have:
DRU-2 digital recorder
Filters fo2 8.83 mhz, 1.8khz, 270 hz
Filters for 455, 500 hz
AT850 Antenna tuner
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I am using a HAMPlus AS-61WL to interface up to 3 radios to 6 antennas as well as an amplifier and tuner seamlessly. I am planning on adding the RigSelect Pro Transceiver Switch to handle switching my Heil headset among the 3 radios. Both radios are interfaced to my logging software so I can switch between rigs during a contest depending on mood. Eventually, I want to add an older tube type radio (ex: Collins, Drake, etc) to the array so I can have fun across all eras.
73,
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David, WU3J
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David, A good friend had the 850 and sold it to me when the 870 came out. I've had it ever since. I love the 850. I do have the digital recording unit in it which I had recently replaced the back up battery in. I also have three CW filters & the voice module to announce the frequency.
There's only one thing I wish it had is adjustable cw side tone from the front panel. I know there's a mod for that however it only adjusts the audio from it's internal setting and lower. With headphones the audio level is fine.? Regardless of the AF, the side tone is always at the same level. Some designer missed the boat on that one.
Bob W4JFA?
Thanks Tom.
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?I just verified that the Band scope function is working as well. I am enjoying dimming the lights and tuning around the band as well as using the other SM-230 functions. It makes a nice light show. While I respect the latest SDR radios and have one from one of the big three (Kenwood/Icom/Yaesu), I still enjoy the TS-850 which is the pinnacle of solid state and the PL / cystal controlL.
?
I bought the TS-850 new in 1992, but am enjoying buying all the filters for it that I could never afford then new, but snatched up on EBay.
?
In my TS-850S I have:
DRU-2 digital recorder
Filters fo2 8.83 mhz, 1.8khz, 270 hz
Filters for 455, 500 hz
AT850 Antenna tuner
?
I am using a HAMPlus AS-61WL to interface up to 3 radios to 6 antennas as well as an amplifier and tuner seamlessly. I am planning on adding the RigSelect Pro Transceiver Switch to handle switching my Heil headset among the 3 radios. Both radios are interfaced to my logging software so I can switch between rigs during a contest depending on mood. Eventually, I want to add an older tube type radio (ex: Collins, Drake, etc) to the array so I can have fun across all eras.
73,
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David, WU3J
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I like my 850 too. While I have an Icom IC-7610 (I like the TS-890 too)and appreciate the benefits of SDR and the waterfall display, sometimes I just want to sit down at a radio and have everything accessible from a dedicated knob or button. For example, RF output it a simple knob on the 850, while on the Icom, it is a menu press and use of a multi function knob. This is important as when using the 3CX800A7 based amplifier like the Alpha 87A, RF power needs to be regulated at between 45-55 watts for each band to go full legal.
73,
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David, WU3J
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I noticed that the band scope display is non functional when the 850 has the Advanced Intercept Point (AIP) enabled. I assume this bypasses the 8.83 MHz IF. Anyone care to have discussion on this?
73,
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David, WU3J
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It was too long ago for me to remember. I don't think it bypasses 8.83 since I use AIP and the 8.83 CW filters at times. Bob W4JFA?
I noticed that the band scope display is non functional when the 850 has the Advanced Intercept Point (AIP) enabled. I assume this bypasses the 8.83 MHz IF. Anyone care to have discussion on this?
73,
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David, WU3J
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I have a TS-870 with matching PSU and loudspeaker, all in immaculate condition.
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I'd love to get my hands on an SM-230 to complete the lineup but they are like hens' teeth here in the UK.
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Mike G8GYW
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I know. I paid about $600 US for one in working order still with original box. I have been looking for one for about 5 years.
73,
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David, WU3J
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Right. It may not bypass it, as I do see faint activity on the scope, but the signal emitted from the IF out is definitely weaker.
73,
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David, WU3J
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The AIP function bypasses the Rx RF amplifier and
feeds the Rx signal directly to the mixer, resulting in less gain on Rx...That's
why you see less signal on the SM-230 when the AIP is on...
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73...Jordan VE6ZT
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2025 7:44
AM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
Kenwood SM-230 Station Monitor
Right. It may not bypass it, as I do see faint activity on the scope, but
the signal emitted from the IF out is definitely weaker.
73,
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David, WU3J
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Here is one if you can get them to ship it to the UK:
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73 John AF5CC
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On Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 04:51 PM, John Geiger AF5CC wrote:
Here is one if you can get them to ship it to the UK:
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73 John AF5CC
Thanks John. That's a low price, the last one I saw at a UK dealer was ?699.
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My PS-31 PSU came from the US, it was in immaculate condition but the courier dropped it and bent the rear panel.
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Mike G8GYW
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I am located in Japan, and I have SM-230 and would part with it if somebody want it.? Tom
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I couldn't find an SM-230 locally but I did get an immaculate SM-220. Not the same colour as my radio but it will do for now.
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Do you guys leave the monitor in the antenna lead all the time or just connect it up when needed? Is the VSWR / insertion loss OK?
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Mike G8GYW
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Tom ai4th
Bob