KENWOOD Corporation
HF Transceiver  TS-950SDX

Swift performance and surgical precision are second nature to the TS-950SDX. Quality engineering blends aesthetic simplicity of form with a wide range of advanced features -- such as the built-in DSP (digital signal processor) and MOS FET final section. The result is exceptional transmission signal purity and first-class audio quality -- a benchmark for HF communications. And operating ease is just as impressive, thanks to the convenient menu system and many other user-friendly refinements.


Features at a glance:

160 m ~ 10 m amateur band operation
100 kHz ~ 30 MHz general coverage receiver
Built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
Digital AF filters
MOS-type FET final section
Dual-frequency receive
SSB IF slope tuning
Menu system
Automatic antenna tuner
AIP system
100 memory channels
Built-in AC power supply


TS-950SDX in detail:

Digital signal processor (DSP)
The digital accuracy and reliability offered by the built-in DSP, for both TX and RX, translate into an unprecedented advantage in HF communications.

  • Outstanding performance
    Carrier suppression is more than 50 dB, and unwanted-sideband suppression is also greater than 50 dB.
  • Digital AF filters
    15 LPFs for SSB and CW modes (with cutoff frequencies ranging from 600 Hz to 6 kHz), and 3 BPFs for FSK use (with a central frequency of 2200 Hz) are menu-selectable.
  • Digital filtering eliminates key clicks
  • Superior FSK transmission circuit
    The data control oscillator provides rapid switching for the cleanest FSK signal. The operator can choose 170, 200, 425 or 850 Hz FSK shift.
  • Selectable sound quality
    To ensure high-quality sound, there are 4 low-cut filters plus a through position, and 4 high-cut filters.

Dedicated Power MOS FET (MRF 150MP) final section
The TS-950SDX was the first amateur radio transceiver to feature an FET final section. Excellent linearity results in greatly improved transmitter performance and enhanced reliability.

Dual-frequency receive capability
For maximum convenience when operating split frequencies, the TS-950SDX can simultaneously receive two frequencies, which can be within 1 MHz of each other.

  • Independent IF & AF circuits for main & sub receivers
  • M/S (main/sub) select for operating sub receiver with main tuning knob
  • TF-SET (transmit frequency set) and "delta" F function
  • Independent CW filter (500 Hz) and S meter for sub receiver
  • Simultaneous, independent monitoring
  • Using an external speaker or headphones, main and sub receivers can be monitored simultaneously yet independently; monaural and mixed monitoring are also available.

Powerful menu system
Rapid, user-friendly access to the many features and functions of the TS-950SDX is provided by the menu system. This includes 32 menus for power-on settings, and a further 29 menus for use during transceiver operation.

Quick Memory
The Quick Memory feature allows for stacking and recalling frequency, mode and filter information on the fly. The 5 channels reserved for this purpose are independent of main memory.

Automatic antenna tuner
Built into the TS-950SDX, for maximum operator convenience, is a completely automatic antenna tuner (compatible with impedances of between 20 and 150 ohms), controlled by a microprocessor preprogrammed to rapidly tune for minimum SWR.

First-rate receiver performance and sensitivity

  • Superb frequency stability
    A TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator) and microprocessor-controlled digital PLL, DDS circuits control the frequency in 1 Hz steps. Consequently, the reference frequency (20 MHz) is accurate to within ±0.5 ppm between -10 degrees and +50 degrees C.
  • AIP system
    AIP (Advanced Intercept Point) is an exclusive circuit design that provides superior dynamic range (when AIP is selected). The use of two selective RF amplifiers results in a significantly reduced noise floor level.
  • 15 band-pass filters
    The RF amplifier section and 15 band-pass filters -- including 10 BPFs for amateur bands -- together offer outstanding two-signal characteristics.
  • Selectable IF filters with memory

Innovative interference reduction

  • SSB IF slope tuning
    For LSB and USB modes, independent high-cut and low-cut controls permit the operator to select the ideal IF passband width quickly and easily.
  • IF VBT & AF VBT
    With the variable-bandwidth tuning control, passband width can be adjusted without affecting the centre frequency. In CW, FSK and AM modes, the IF VBT control allows the operator to avoid interfering signals while maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratio.
  • High-precision IF notch filter
    Available for all modes except FM, the tunable IF notch filter provides approximately 45 dB of attenuation in a very narrow frequency range.
  • Dual-mode noise blanker plus noise-select function
    The blanker offers two modes -- NB-1 ("pulse") and NB-2 (longer duration noise) -- and can be tailored to match specific noise and signal level conditions. Also, by dedicating the sub receiver to noise detection and using its blanking pulse to blank the main receiver, the operator can soon determine the optimum setting.

High-performance CW functions

  • Full break-in and semi break-in
  • Reverse mode
    In reverse mode the pitch of interference competing with the CW signal is reversed, so the operator can approach the target from either side.
  • Variable pitch control
    Using the pitch control, CW pitch frequency can be varied between 400 Hz and 1000 Hz in 20 Hz steps. Current pitch frequency can be checked using the menu system.

100 memory channels
The TS-950SDX is equipped with channels 0-89 for independent storing of transmit and receive parameters such as frequency, mode, filter setting, auto-tuner and tone frequency. Memory channels 90-99 can be used to establish the upper and lower limits for the programmable band marker.

Versatile scanning
Any or all of the memory channels may be scanned, with selected channels skipped using the programmable memory channel lock-out function. The TS-950SDX can scan up to 10 groups automatically within the limits specified by the programmable band marker, and can also scan sub-receive frequencies. Scan speed can be varied continuously using the RIT/XIT control.

Other Features:

10 direct band access keys
Dual digital VFOs with A=B key
Multi-function display and digital bar meter
Ultra-fine (1 Hz) tuning with Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS)
4-step (0, 6, 12, or 18 dB) RF attenuator
Switchable AGC circuit (OFF/AUTO/SLOW/MID/FAST)
All-mode squelch circuit
RM-1 remote function keypad (supplied)
All-mode data communications
Optional IF-232C interface for computer control
All-mode RF output power control
Built-in AC power supply

Dimensions (W x H x D)

402 x 141 x 400 mm (15.83 x 5.55 x 15.75 in.)

Please note that not all features and options may be available for the model sold in your region.
Operation of DTSS, Pager, DTMF, and CTCSS is subject to local regulations.



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Updated 98/07/01 (C) 2001 KENWOOD Corporation