Kenwood TS-511S SSB Transceiver Operating Manual

This manual provides detailed information for operating the Kenwood TS-511S SSB Transceiver.

Introduction

The Kenwood TS-511S is a powerful, five-band transceiver designed for SSB and CW operation. It features built-in VOX, a crystal calibrator, a noise blanker, incremental tuning, and a 1 kHz frequency readout. High stability is achieved through a well-designed heterodyne VFO.

Specifications

Frequency Range: 80m (3.5-4.1 MHz), 40m (7.0-7.6 MHz), 20m (14.0-14.6 MHz), 15m (21.0-21.6 MHz), 10m (28.0-29.7 MHz)
Modes: LSB, USB, CW
Input Power: 500 watts PEP, 300 watts CW
Antenna Impedance: 50-75 Ω
Sideband Suppression: Better than 40 dB
Carrier Suppression: Better than 40 dB
Harmonic Radiation: -40 dB
Image Ratio: More than 50 dB
IF Interference: More than 50 dB
Transmit Audio Frequency Bandwidth: 400-2600 Hz (-6 dB)
Sensitivity: 3.5-21.6 MHz band - 0.5 μV S/N 10 dB; 28.0-29.7 MHz band - 1.5 μV S/N 10 dB
Frequency Stability: Less than 100 Hz drift per 30 minutes after warmup
Selectivity: SSB More than 2.4 kHz (-6 dB), More than 4.8 kHz (-60 dB); CW More than 0.5 kHz (-6 dB), More than 1.5 kHz (-60 dB) (with optional CW filter)
AF Output: More than 1 watt (10% distortion)
Receiver Output Impedance: 8 Ω (speaker and headphones)
Power Consumption: Max 550W (transmit), 150W (receive) with PS-511S
Components: 10 tubes, 1 IC, 4 FETs, 37 transistors, 57 diodes
Size: 13" W x 7-9/32" H x 13-5/8" D
Weight: 22 lbs.

1. Installation

1.1 Unpacking

Carefully unpack the TS-511S and check for the following accessories: Microphone plug, Interconnecting power cable, Fan cable, US plug, Plastic feet, 10 amp. fuses (included with PS-511S), Test rod.

1.2 Location

Select a dry operating location away from direct sunlight. Ensure at least 3 inches of clearance at the rear for adequate air flow.

1.3 Connections

Connect the ground lug of the TS-511S to a suitable ground.
Connect the interconnecting fan and power cable between the transceiver and the AC power supply (PS-511S).
Connect a suitable antenna (50-75 Ω load) to the ANT jack.
Connect a high impedance microphone to the MIC connector.
Insert the AC plug into a 117 V AC receptacle.

CAUTION: Before operating, ensure the AF GAIN knob is set to POWER OFF and the stand-by switch is set to REC to prevent damage.

2. Controls

2.1 Front Panel Controls

Meter: Monitors ALC, IP, RF, or HV in transmit mode; S-meter in receive mode.
METER Switch: Selects meter reading (ALC, IP, RF, HV) in transmit mode.
AGC/CAL Switch: Selects AGC time constants (Slow/Fast) or 25 kHz crystal calibrator marker.
MIC Connector: 4-prong connector for PTT operation.
PHONES Jack: Headphone jack (8 Ω). Disconnects speaker when used.
Main Tuning Knob: Operates the main tuning dial.
Vernier Scale: Calibrated in 25 kHz divisions (0-600 kHz).
Dial Reference Lines: For accurate frequency readout.
MODE Switch: Selects USB, LSB, or CW.
AF GAIN, NB PULL ON, POWER OFF Switch: Turns the unit ON/OFF, adjusts audio volume (clockwise), and activates the noise blanker (pull ON).
RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning) Control: Adjusts receive frequency ±2 kHz without affecting transmit frequency.
Main Dial Skirt: Calibrated in 1 kHz divisions; one revolution covers 100 kHz.
PLATE/LOAD: Plate tuning (dark knob) and load adjustment (silver ring).
DRIVE: Driver stage tuning control.
BAND Switch: Selects the desired frequency range.
VOX/REC/SEND Stand-By Switch: Selects VOX, Receive-only (REC), or Transmit-only (SEND) mode.
RF GAIN/RIT PULL ON: Adjusts RF gain (clockwise); disables RIT when pushed in.

2.2 Rear Panel Controls

REC ANT Jack: For separate receive antenna.
Cooling Fan: Provides cooling for the RF amplifier section.
GND Ground Lug: Connect to an adequate ground.
RF VOLT RF Voltmeter Sensitivity Control: Adjusts RF output meter sensitivity.
BIAS Adjustment: Controls bias voltage for 6LQ6 amplifier tubes.
FAN Socket: Connects to PS-511S to power the fan.
ANT Antenna Jack: For transmitting antenna (50-75 Ω load).
ANT SW Antenna Switch: COMMON for single antenna; REC for separate transmit/receive antennas.
REMOTE Remote Control Socket: For connecting to a linear amplifier.
KEY Jack: For CW operation control.
SG SW Screen Grid On-Off Switch: Turns screen grid voltage ON/OFF for tuning/neutralization.
POWER Connector: Connects to PS-511S AC power supply.
VFO OUT VFO Power Outlet: Powers the remote VFO.

2.3 Internal Controls

DELAY: VOX relay hold-in time adjustment.
ANTI-VOX: Adjusts the anti-trip level of the VOX.
VOX SENSITIVITY: Varies the sensitivity of the VOX unit.
MICROPHONE GAIN: Controls microphone gain level.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Receiving

Set controls as follows for typical receive operation (7 MHz band example): AF GAIN to Power OFF, Stand-By Switch to REC, BAND to 7 MHz, PLATE to 7, LOAD fully counterclockwise, DRIVE centered, RIT centered, RF GAIN fully clockwise, RIT Switch pushed in, METER SWITCH to IP, AGC/CAL to SLOW, MODE to LSB, ANT SW to COM, SG SW to ON. Ensure VFO plug is inserted. Turn power ON by advancing AF GAIN clockwise. Allow 40 seconds for warm-up. Adjust AF GAIN for desired audio level. Adjust DRIVE for maximum receiver sensitivity.

3.2 Calibration

LSB/USB: Set MODE to LSB or USB, AGC/CAL to 25 kHz. Tune main knob until calibrator marker is heard. Zero-beat the tone. Align dial skirt zero mark to the reference line.
CW: Set MODE to CW, AGC/CAL to 25 kHz. Tune for maximum S-meter reading (approx. 700 Hz tone). Align dial skirt zero mark to the center CW reference line. For operation without CW filter, tune 700 Hz higher.

3.3 Transmitter Tuning

CAUTION: Do not exceed 450-475 ma. IP during CW. Keep tune-up periods short. Ensure fan is operating.

Set controls for transmit operation (7 MHz band example): Stand-By Switch to SEND, AF GAIN to Power ON, BAND to 7 MHz, PLATE to 7, LOAD fully counterclockwise, DRIVE centered, RIT centered, RIT Switch pushed in, RF GAIN fully clockwise, METER SWITCH to IP, AGC/CAL to SLOW, MODE to LSB, ANT SW to COM, SG SW to ON.

Initial Tune-up: Set stand-by to SEND. Adjust BIAS control for 40 ma. idling current. Set stand-by to REC.

CW Tuning: Set MODE to CW, stand-by to SEND. Adjust PLATE for minimum meter reading. Set stand-by to REC. Set stand-by to SEND, adjust DRIVE for maximum meter reading. Set stand-by to REC.

Maximum Output Tuning: Set METER switch to RF. Set stand-by to SEND. Adjust PLATE and LOAD for maximum meter reading. Adjust RF meter sensitivity if needed.

SSB Tuning: Set MODE to LSB, METER switch to ALC. Connect microphone. Set stand-by to SEND. Adjust MIC GAIN so meter reads within ALC range while talking.

3.4 VOX Operation

Set stand-by switch to VOX. Adjust VOX SENSITIVITY until transmitter is voice-actuated. Adjust DELAY for desired hold-in time (approx. 1 second). Adjust ANTI-VOX so receive audio does not activate transmitter.

3.5 PTT Operation

Set stand-by switch to REC. Connect PTT microphone. Press PTT switch to transmit, release to receive.

3.6 CW Operation

Follow transmitter tuning steps. Insert key into KEY jack. Set MODE to CW. Set stand-by to SEND for manual CW. Do not hold key down longer than 10 seconds at max output. Set stand-by to REC to receive.

3.7 Semi Break-in CW Operation

Follow transmitter tuning steps. Insert key into KEY jack. Set MODE to CW. Set stand-by to VOX. Send dots, adjust VOX SENSITIVITY until key activates transmitter. Adjust DELAY for hold-in time. VOX should drop out between words.

3.8 Operation with a Linear Amplifier

The TS-511S is compatible with linear amplifiers. Use REMOTE socket for external switching control. To reduce output for linear amplifiers (approx. 100W drive for CW), turn DRIVE knob counterclockwise. Return DRIVE knob to original position for SSB.

REMOTE: Pin 5: Normally open (transmit: closed/grounded). Pin 4: Grounded. Pin 3: Normally closed (transmit: open).

Band/Mode Combinations:

3.5-4.0 MHz: LSB
7.0-7.3 MHz: LSB
14.0-14.350 MHz: USB
21.0-21.450 MHz: USB
28.0-29.7 MHz: USB

4. Circuit Description

4.1 Block Diagram

The TS-511S is a hybrid transceiver using 10 tubes, 1 IC, 41 transistors, and 57 diodes. It features a crystal-controlled double superheterodyne receiver and a dual-conversion transmitter with a filter-type SSB generator.

4.2 Carrier Oscillator

A 2-transistor circuit that functions as a carrier oscillator in transmit and BFO in receive.

4.3 SSB Generator

Consists of a FET amplifier, audio amplifier, diode modulator, and buffer. A crystal filter generates the SSB signal. For CW, carrier is produced by unbalancing the diode modulator.

4.4 IF Section

Amplify and filter the SSB signal before feeding it to the VFO mixer.

4.5 Driver

Converts the IF signal via a heterodyne mixer, amplifies it, and feeds it to the final amplifier. Also functions as antenna coils during receive.

4.6 Final Amplifier

The power amplifier stage using 6LQ6 tubes to produce the final RF output.

5. Alignment

CAUTION: High voltage present. Exercise extreme care.

5.1 Removing the Case

Top Cover: Remove the front screw, pull up black plungers, lift and pull cover forward.
Bottom Plate: Remove nine phillips screws.

5.2 Alignment Position

Rest the transceiver on its side for adequate ventilation and access.

5.3 Receiver Section

RF Coil Alignment: Use 25 kHz calibrator marker. Adjust MIX and DRIVE coils for maximum S-meter reading at specified frequencies for each band.
Heterodyne Crystal Oscillator: Adjust OSC coil until background noise disappears, then turn core one turn reverse. Adjust for all bands.
IF Section: T1, T2, crystal filter, and small IF transformers require no adjustment. Adjust T3 and T4 cores for maximum S-meter reading.
Carrier Oscillator: Set MODE to USB, AGC/CAL to 25 kHz. Tune calibrator marker. Adjust DRIVE for S-meter reading of 9. Turn main tuning clockwise to S-meter reading of 2. Adjust TC2 for zero beat. Repeat for LSB with TC3. For CW, set SG SW to OFF, stand-by to SEND, METER to ALC. Adjust DRIVE and TC1 for maximum meter reading.
Automatic Voltage Regulator: Connect voltmeter. Adjust VR1 for 9V reading on the specified terminal.

5.4 Transmitter Section

Carrier Level and Carrier Balance: Set SG SW to OFF, MODE to CW, BAND to 14, tuning to 14.175 MHz. Set METER to ALC, stand-by to SEND. Adjust carrier level control. Connect dummy load. Set SG SW to ON, adjust PLATE and LOAD for max output. Set MODE to LSB, adjust RF VOLT for full sensitivity. Set MIC GAIN to zero. Adjust CT1 and VR2 alternately for minimum meter reading on LSB and USB.
Neutralization of Final Power Amplifier: Connect dummy load. Set BAND to 28.5, tuning to 28.8 MHz. Tune for max output. Set SG SW to OFF. Measure output. Adjust neutralizing capacitor TC1 for minimum output.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Transmit

Symptom: No output in any mode. Cause: Voltage not applied to screen grid. Action: Set rear panel SG SW to ON.
Symptom: No indication of modulation. Cause: External VFO plug not inserted or MIC plug wired incorrectly. Action: Insert VFO plug; check MIC plug wiring.
Symptom: RF output present, no meter reading in RF position. Cause: MIC GAIN too low or RF meter adjustment too low. Action: Increase MIC GAIN or RF meter sensitivity.
Symptom: VOX does not function. Cause: VOX SENSITIVITY too low or stand-by switch not on VOX. Action: Increase VOX SENSITIVITY; set stand-by to VOX.
Symptom: VOX tripped by receive audio. Cause: ANTI-VOX improperly set. Action: Turn ANTI-VOX control clockwise.
Symptom: Fuse blows after transmission. Cause: Final amplifier detuned or improper bias. Action: Retune for proper resonance; adjust BIAS control for 40 ma. idling current.

6.2 Receive

Symptom: Pilot lights off, no audio. Cause: AC plug not seated or power cable issue. Action: Check AC plug and power cable connections.
Symptom: No signals heard, antenna connected. Cause: ANT switch set to REC or RIT circuit off. Action: Set ANT switch to COM; turn RIT circuit ON.
Symptom: Frequency cannot be changed with RIT. Cause: RIT control is off (pushed in). Action: Pull RF GAIN knob to enable RIT.
Symptom: No signals heard, S meter full scale. Cause: RF GAIN lowered. Action: Turn RF GAIN fully clockwise.
Symptom: SSB signals garbled. Cause: MODE switch set to wrong sideband. Action: Turn MODE switch to opposite sideband.

Voltage Measurements: Refer to the detailed voltage measurement tables for tubes and transistors in the original manual for troubleshooting.

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