Ts-940s agc circuit improvements more ts-940s transmitter hum in ssb more ts-940s signal to noise ratio improvement with nb ts-940s vco/carrier to noise ratio improvements more more ts-940s squelch switching noise sn ts-940s ssb talk power improvement s/n 601xxx-708xxx more ts-940s erratic display (remove the rom socket) more.

Modifications for the Kenwood TS-940

Friends's TS-940 which had a serial number 100 lower than my own and found that the fix had been factory installed. Apparently, more than one manufacturing site is used and serial numbers are given to each in blocks. Consequently, it is possible for higher serial numbers to be produced at one location. PIEXX Serial Interface kit for Kenwood TS-940. Can also be used with the TS-140 or TS-711 / 811. Up for bid is a brand new serial interface kit for use in the Kenwood TS-940 transceiver. The kit comes complete with the internal interface board, a serial cable and the necessary accessory EPROM chip.

19-07-1998TS-940S LCD Clock Display Erratic Operation
We have received a few reports concerning erratic operation of teh LCD clock display when the Main dial is rotated, or the VBT or SLOPE TUNE controls are operated. This appears as if you had pressed the SET, SCROLL, or GRAPH switches.
This erratic operation may be caused by improper timing of the input pulses applied to the auxiliary display microprocessor, IC1.

This symptom is easily corrected by replacing IC2 MBM2764-30T1 with MBM2764-30T2, on Digital Unit A. Early models of the improved IC will carry the old nomenclature but will be distinguished by a white dot on the top of the chip.
After the IC has been changed reset the main microprocessor by pressing and holding the A=B key, and then turning the power switch OFF and then back ON. Then release the A=B key.
After this change is made the sub-display will not immediately track the main display. A slight delay has been introduced int he new IC to prevent any timing errors. It may take approximately 0.5 seconds for the LCD to track the main display.
Please return the old IC2 to the Service Department along with the WSR for Credit.

Kenwood Serial Number Lookup

Perform this modification only if the symptom occurs, as a repair. This change is not required otherwise.
Time required for this modification is 1 hour or less.
19-07-1998TS-940S SSB Talk Power Improvement
Author: Trio-Kenwood Communication, inc.

TS-940S's in the serial number range of 601XXXX through 708XXXX may be limited n SSB peak power as compared to full CW output. The level may be increased by changing the value of capacitors C182 and C183 in the ALC circuit on the Control board. The recommended replacement value for each capacitor is 0.0022 uF, 50v (CK45B1H222K).

Procedure:

Disconnect the power cord and antenna from the transceiver.
Remove the top and bottom covers (16 screws).
Locate the Control board on the bottom of the transceiver.
Locate transistor Q37 on the board (toward the back right hand side.) The two capacitors are mounted on the foil side of the board underneath Q37.
To access the bottom of the board remove the 8 screws that mount the board and heat sink to the chassis (See figure 1.)
Carefully lift the board/heat sink fomr the right hand side and pivot it toward the front of the transceiver.
Replace C182 and C183 with 0.0022 uf, 50v capacitors.
Lower the board back into its original position (don't pinch any wires!) and re-install the 8 mounting screws.
Put the covers back on the TS-940S and secure them with the 16 case screws.
Connect the antenna and power cord then test the transceiver for normal operation.

This is an optional change and may not be performed under warranty.
Time required for this change is 1 hour or less.
19-07-1998TS-940S Erratic display
Author: Trio-Kenwood Communication, inc.

Service Bulletin no. 951 (20-1-1989)

Intermittent control or display problems that are difficult to correct with the reset procedure may be caused by a faulty ROM socket. The socket should be checked to insure that it makes good electrical contact with each pin of the ROM. If it is found to be intermittent, remove the socket and solder the ROM directly to the board. It should be noted that units between serial numbers 701XXXX to 811XXXX and from 903XXXX to 909XXXX are not likely to have this failure. In addition, units with a serial number of 909XXXX and above do not incorporate a socket.

CAUTION

Removing the socket requires good soldering skills. The ROM is mounted on the Digital A unit and is designated as IC2. The board, being double sided, has solder connections on both component and foil sides. When the socket is removed, it is very important to insure that each pin is completely solder free. Having to pry up on the socket means that it is not completely desoldered and will cause the circuit foils to tear.

When performing any work on the Digital A board, CMOS handling techniques must be observed. Such techniques include using a grounded or isolated soldering tip, avoid touching the pins of IC chips with your fingers, and ground yourself with a wrist ground strap.

To remove the socket:

Disconnect the power cord and antenna coax.
Remove the top and bottom covers from the transceiver.
Remove the 2 flat head screws from each side of the front panel chassis.
Loosen the round head screw on each side of the front panel chassis.
Carefully rotate the front panel forward. It will be necessary to unplug the VS-1 cable from the transceiver.
Remove the 4 screws from the speaker mount.
Carefully pull up on the mount and rotate it toward the front panel. Swing the mount toward the right side of the transceiver and allow it to rest on the Digital B unit shield.
Remove the 8 screws from the Digital A unit shield plate.
Lift the plate and rotate it to the left side of the transceiver.
While avoiding contact with the pins, remove the ROM (IC2) and set it aside on anti-static foam.
Remove the 6 screws that mount the Digital A board. Rotate the board toward the front panel to expose the bottom side of the board.
Carefully desolder the socket and remove it from the board. Do not pry up on the socket. If it does not easily pull off the board, the top foils are still soldered to the socket.
Install the ROM in the board and solder it in place.
Assemble the transceiver by reversing steps 1 - 11. Do not pinch the power switch cables between the front panel and the body of the transceiver.

Time required for this modification is 1.5 hrs or less.
19-07-1998RX AUDIO

On Kenwood TS-904's that do not have the optional Voice Synthesizer module VS-1 installed, you may notice a hum in the RX audio. The already present molex connectored cable for this module should be dressed to the top of the shield case where the voice synthesizer mounts. However, on some units they have been left hanging free in the vicinity of the PLL and digital A units and are quite good at picking up noise from these circuits.
The Fix, is simply to secure this cable to the top of the shield case where the VS-1 would mount. Plastic tie straps, or even simple electrical tape works very nicely.

19-07-1998Amtor switching time

Most stock TS-940S' require 30 to 50 mS to switch back from TX to RX. This can be reduced to less than 20 mS by cutting the center lead of Transistor Q68 on the Control Unit PCB.
After the modification, a slight 'click' will be heard in the speaker during switching. However, this is no big deal to the AMTOR nut because of the improved switching time.

19-07-1998ALC time constant

This Mod will change the TS-940 time constant from approximately 1 second to .022 second.

Kenwood Ts 940s Serial Numbers