TS2000 owners, quick question

[paul_c]

Can anyone tell me what type of connection is on the rear of the TS2000 for the HF RX antenna input? I don't think it is a BNC; looks like an RCA imput or something (forget what you call this). Just trying to get the right connector before I buy this radio (BTW, you can see the back of the unit on Univeral Radio). Thanks!

 

[nfd_rescue]

It looks like a phono plug to me.

 

[paul_c]

This is the weirdest thing: your reply says it looks like a phono plug, but the email that I got saying there's a new message says that you think it's a Motorola plug! What do you really think NFD?

Actually, I know what happened --you edited--so phono? I'm just going to order both.

 

[nfd_rescue]

In your first message, you didn't specify a brand name. There is more than one company producing a radio model TS-2000 and I wasn't sure which one you were purchasing. The Kenwood has a phono plug on the back.

 

[paul_c]

In your first message, you didn't specify a brand name. There is more than one company producing a radio model TS-2000 and I wasn't sure which one you were purchasing. The Kenwood has a phono plug on the back.

Thanks. Sorry, thought Kenwood was the only TS2000. Kind of a weird attachment for an antenna input, at least to this newbie.

 

[rickak]

That jack is really only used by operators that use seperate RX and TX antennas for working HF. People commonly will use a beverage for receive and a vertical to transmit on 80/160meters.

Just FYI, you can probably just use the standard pl259 connector.

Rick

 

[paul_c]

That jack is really only used by operators that use seperate RX and TX antennas for working HF. People commonly will use a beverage for receive and a vertical to transmit on 80/160meters.

Just FYI, you can probably just use the standard pl259 connector.

Rick

Rick, that is my intention. I have a PAR End-Fedz that I'll use for the HF receive, and a Diamond D130J that covers 25-1300 (I believe) and can handle TX to 200W (although I wouldn't test that limit). I know the discone isn't optimal (I also got it to handle scanner duty) but we'll see how I do. I hope I'm not doing something stupid here: was planning on using an antenna splitter "reversed": since the TS2000 has inputs for the 6M antenna, 2M, and 440, I was going to run all these to the splitter, then have one output for the feedline (4 way splitter); I realize most people use these for multiple antennae/one radio, whereas I'm sort of doing the opposite. Any big problem here?

 

[rickak]

Rick, that is my intention. I have a PAR End-Fedz that I'll use for the HF receive, and a Diamond D130J that covers 25-1300 (I believe) and can handle TX to 200W (although I wouldn't test that limit). I know the discone isn't optimal (I also got it to handle scanner duty) but we'll see how I do. I hope I'm not doing something stupid here: was planning on using an antenna splitter "reversed": since the TS2000 has inputs for the 6M antenna, 2M, and 440, I was going to run all these to the splitter, then have one output for the feedline (4 way splitter); I realize most people use these for multiple antennae/one radio, whereas I'm sort of doing the opposite. Any big problem here?

Just an ordinary CATV splitter or something? Even if that did work well for receive, you are asking for trouble when you transmit. You could easily blow the receive circuitry by sending your transmitter output into your other connectors. You should use a triplexer if you plan on transmitting.

I'm not at home right now to look, but i believe the ts2000 has 2 UHF connector HF inputs as well as the separate receive only RCA antenna jack.

Rick

 

[zz0468]

Phono jacks are actually pretty decent RF connectors. Years ago, I once asked the service manager of the local heathkit store why they used phono jacks on so many of their rigs. He told me it was cost vs performance. Many years later, when I gained access to some sweep gear, I measured some and confirmed what Heathkit knew so long ago - the phono audio jack is a FAR better connector at HF than the PL259 is.

I wouldn't do the splitter thing, btw. You'll end up putting transmitter energy into all the receivers attached, and only a fraction of the tx power will actually go to the antenna. Use a switch or seperate antennas. You'll get better porformance, and you won't ruin the front end of the radio.

 

[paul_c]

Just an ordinary CATV splitter or something? Even if that did work well for receive, you are asking for trouble when you transmit. You could easily blow the receive circuitry by sending your transmitter output into your other connectors. You should use a triplexer if you plan on transmitting.

I'm not at home right now to look, but i believe the ts2000 has 2 UHF connector HF inputs as well as the separate receive only RCA antenna jack.

Rick

I shouldn't have said "splitter" but rather swich. Here it is:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/switch/2415.html

The TS2000 is supposed to automatically select the correct antennae output based on the tune frequency. I was just going to use an antenna switch as a convenience, rather than disconnect the coax each time I change from 2m to 440, etc. Therefore, with this "high quality" switch, I wouldn't think that the TX power could go back into one of the other antenna inputs/outputs. If this isn't the case, I'll have to read about duplexers (triplexers/quads?!)

 

[jonny290]

I shouldn't have said "splitter" but rather swich. Here it is:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/switch/2415.html

The TS2000 is supposed to automatically select the correct antennae output based on the tune frequency. I was just going to use an antenna switch as a convenience, rather than disconnect the coax each time I change from 2m to 440, etc. Therefore, with this "high quality" switch, I wouldn't think that the TX power could go back into one of the other antenna inputs/outputs. If this isn't the case, I'll have to read about duplexers (triplexers/quads?!)

Yes, get a triplexer. Since the icom 706 and similar HF/VHF/UHF rigs are available now, they've started to make HF/VHF/UHF triplexers. This will work perfectly for your '3 antenna jack' needs.

BTW, you are going to be *sorely* disappointed by that discone on transmit. For starters, we're at the bottom of the sunspot cycle and the best bands are 75 and 40 meters at night and 40 and 20 meters during the day. You're going to get frustrated by all of the stations that you can hear, but can't talk to. I recommend a basic vertical antenna - you can get a 20 foot base loaded vertical for around 100 bucks and it's unobtrusive, and will work so much better than that discone on transmit.

 

[paul_c]

Yes, get a triplexer. Since the icom 706 and similar HF/VHF/UHF rigs are available now, they've started to make HF/VHF/UHF triplexers. This will work perfectly for your '3 antenna jack' needs.

BTW, you are going to be *sorely* disappointed by that discone on transmit. For starters, we're at the bottom of the sunspot cycle and the best bands are 75 and 40 meters at night and 40 and 20 meters during the day. You're going to get frustrated by all of the stations that you can hear, but can't talk to. I recommend a basic vertical antenna - you can get a 20 foot base loaded vertical for around 100 bucks and it's unobtrusive, and will work so much better than that discone on transmit.

Thanks, will look into the Triplexer. Since the Kenwood TS2000 can do 2m/6m/70 cm, I could use this:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamants/0153.html
Seems like Diamond quality is okay.
Another problem (and probably a no-no, but...)--can I put my Diamond D130J AND this other antenna on the same chimney? (I know people's feelings about chimney mounts, but I don't have any flat surfaces on my roof for a tripod). Even if both antennas aren't hooked up at the same time, is there going to be a problem having these two metal antennas in relatively close proximity?

 

[rickak]

I shouldn't have said "splitter" but rather swich. Here it is:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/switch/2415.html

The TS2000 is supposed to automatically select the correct antennae output based on the tune frequency. I was just going to use an antenna switch as a convenience, rather than disconnect the coax each time I change from 2m to 440, etc. Therefore, with this "high quality" switch, I wouldn't think that the TX power could go back into one of the other antenna inputs/outputs. If this isn't the case, I'll have to read about duplexers (triplexers/quads?!)

yes thats a much different story. You should be fine with that switch. If it has an option to ground unused connections, use it for extra protection. The triplexer would allow you to not have to flip any switches, all would be connected and usable (RX/TX) at all times. It is essential a very sharp filter.

On the other question, I've never had any trouble with antenna close together, even when running legal limit power.

Rick

 

[paul_c]

yes thats a much different story. You should be fine with that switch. If it has an option to ground unused connections, use it for extra protection. The triplexer would allow you to not have to flip any switches, all would be connected and usable (RX/TX) at all times. It is essential a very sharp filter.

On the other question, I've never had any trouble with antenna close together, even when running legal limit power.

Rick

Rick, thanks, that makes me a happy man!(a friend is coming this weekend to help get everything up in the air, and I was worried I had more things to order)

 

[nexus]

Can anyone tell me what type of connection is on the rear of the TS2000 for the HF RX antenna input? I don't think it is a BNC; looks like an RCA imput or something (forget what you call this). Just trying to get the right connector before I buy this radio (BTW, you can see the back of the unit on Univeral Radio). Thanks!

The Antennna connections on the back of the Kenwood TS2000 are SO-239 connectors. You'll screw on a PL259 connector which is attached to 50ohm coaxial cable.

The TS2000 has 4 antenna connections on the back...

ANT1 is for your primary HF/6meter Antenna's feedline
ANT2 is for a secondary HF/6meter Antenna feedline
ANT3 is for your VHF (2meter) side of the radio
ANT4 is for your UHF (70cm) side of the radio.

The HF Receive only antenna connection is RCA (according to the operators manual)

 

[nexus]

Note... I posted my response before reading the rest of the thread. heh..

 

[gcgrotz]

Phono jacks are actually pretty decent RF connectors. Years ago, I once asked the service manager of the local heathkit store why they used phono jacks on so many of their rigs. He told me it was cost vs performance. Many years later, when I gained access to some sweep gear, I measured some and confirmed what Heathkit knew so long ago - the phono audio jack is a FAR better connector at HF than the PL259 is.

I wouldn't do the splitter thing, btw. You'll end up putting transmitter energy into all the receivers attached, and only a fraction of the tx power will actually go to the antenna. Use a switch or seperate antennas. You'll get better porformance, and you won't ruin the front end of the radio.

Years ago GE used them all the time on Land Mobile stuff all the way to UHF and 100 watts. I still have an old antenna relay with phono plugs, used it to switch RX antennas. I'm not sure I would trust one of today's consumer grade plugs with transmit power but for receive it should be great.

 

[kingpin]

Hmm, I never noticed the RCA antenna connector on the back of mine. I just use the PL259. Ah well.

 

[eorange]

BTW, you are going to be *sorely* disappointed by that discone on transmit.

I absolutely agree. In fact, I seriously doubt that a discone would resonate across any HF band for transmit (except 6m). Personally, I wouldn't even try it for fear of high reflected power.

I use a Hustler trap vertical and it does pretty well on all HF bands.