Kenwood: Kenwood TS-440s

[N4JKD]

Anyone else run this radio as well? When I bought it, I had got it from an estate sale for $400 about 5 years ago, and had many issues, like the common dots issue, a VFO was out of phase, and not allowing me to transmit at all, plus there were some bad solder connections in places. I sent it to a man that lives in Knoxville, Tennessee and he went out of his way and fixed everything, plus replaced the blown out speaker. The only issue he could not fix, because he didn't have one, is the auto tuner was bad, but as you see, I have a MFJ external tuner. He did this all for me for $100, plus painted the outside of the metal radio and made it look good. Now it works wonderfully.

I could go and spend over $1,000 on a new, which I don't have at the moment, but I have already ordered the IC-10 chipset to allow the radio can be used with computer interface, and already have the cable. I am just looking to get the Signalink USB interface, so I can be able to use it for FT8 and other modes. Debating if I want to order another internal tuner for it, so when I use the radio for field day or POTA.

 

[prcguy]

The TS-440 was one of my least favorite radios of the time, I had its predecessor the TS-430 and thought it was a much better radio and the later TS-690 was also a better radio. Many of the 440s I come across are full of problems with more lurking around the corner. Sure a new radio is more expensive but it will have a warranty and work for a long time. Are you prepared to keep putting $$ into the 440 if those other bad solder connections start acting up? There are some great deals on new preowned radios like a used Icom 7300 runs about $750 these days and its really nice for the price.

 

[N4JKD]

The TS-440 was one of my least favorite radios of the time, I had its predecessor the TS-430 and thought it was a much better radio and the later TS-690 was also a better radio. Many of the 440s I come across are full of problems with more lurking around the corner. Sure a new radio is more expensive but it will have a warranty and work for a long time. Are you prepared to keep putting $$ into the 440 if those other bad solder connections start acting up? There are some great deals on new preowned radios like a used Icom 7300 runs about $750 these days and its really nice for the price.

No, I don't plan on it, but if it takes a crap on me, I can still sell it for parts, because it still does somewhat seem to be a sought after radio. He went through and fixed up the bad solder joints and fixed to problems I had seen with it. I am not one to nickel and dime something when it comes down to where it isn't worth it. It is working for me now, and have no complaints. If it does go down, and I get everything else, at least I will still have all of that stuff for when I do get another rig. One of our local EMA offices has a TS-440 still in service that they have had for over 30 years, and it still works well. I think the main reason they don't want rid of it is because the guy that got it for the office, used to be a member of the EMA office there and he is now a SK.

 

[Engine104]

The TS-440 was one of my least favorite radios of the time, I had its predecessor the TS-430 and thought it was a much better radio and the later TS-690 was also a better radio. Many of the 440s I come across are full of problems with more lurking around the corner. Sure a new radio is more expensive but it will have a warranty and work for a long time. Are you prepared to keep putting $$ into the 440 if those other bad solder connections start acting up? There are some great deals on new preowned radios like a used Icom 7300 runs about $750 these days and its really nice for the price.

I'd also suggest the IC-718. Good basic rig for those on a budget. I may replace my TS-140 at some point with either that or a 7300, depending on my budget. For now, the 140 still works like new.