Name: Kenwood TS-850S/AT
Brand: Kenwood

160m – 10m

Bands

100 W

Output

1991

Introduced

Frequency	TX: 160–10 m (incl WARC), RX: 0.1–30 MHz general coverage
Bands	160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m
TX power	100 W (5-100W SSB/CW/FM/FSK. 5-40W AM.)
Modes	USB, LSB, CW, FSK, AM, FM
Weight	9.5 kg (20.9 lb) - ~9.5 kg (9.4 kg base / 9.8 kg TS-850SAT with ATU). Desktop competition-class transceiver.
Connector	SO-239
Year	1991

Connectors

antenna	SO-239 (through ATU on TS-850SAT)
mic	8-pin round with retaining ring (MC-43S/MC-60A compatible)
key	key/paddle
acc	accessory connector
cat	RS-232C (CAT control)
ext spkr	external speaker
dc in	DC 13.8V 20.5A
power req	DC 13.8V 20.5A.

Kenwood's competition-class HF, 108 dB dynamic range, dual IF filters, optional DSP-100 108 dB dynamic range across entire 100 kHz - 30 MHz range general coverage receiver: 100 kHz - 30 MHz optional DSP-100: digital signal processing in BOTH transmit and receive modes (aftermarket goldmine) AIP (Advanced Intercept Point) function, further enhances dynamic range high/low-cut IF slope tuning (adjust passband shape) IF notch filter dual IF filter selection: 8.83 MHz AND 455 kHz IFs (optional filters for both!) dual noise blankers (two types) all-mode squelch CW full AND semi break-in built-in electronic keyer + memory keyer RF speech processor VOX RIT + XIT split frequency operation 1 Hz step dual VFOs 100 memory channels keypad frequency entry multi-function LCD display SWR/ALC/compression digital meter TS-850SAT: built-in AT-850 automatic antenna tuner (factory installed) optional DSP-100 DSP unit, VS-2 voice synthesizer, DRU-2 digital recording RS-232C computer control (CAT) MC-43S hand mic included Known issues: CAR-board DDS chips and display-board capacitors need replacement on most units eventually VINTAGE. DISCONTINUED

Strengths

108 dB dynamic range (competition class), with an optional DSP-100 adding TX+RX DSP, AIP, dual IF filter slots, and slope tuning. It has full QSK, a memory keyer, all-mode squelch, and CAT control, and the TS-850SAT adds a built-in ATU, $400-900 used.

Weaknesses

Vintage (1991). Known CAR-board DDS chip and display-capacitor failures (essentially all units eventually; budget for the repair). The optional DSP-100 is rare and expensive. No 6m. No color display or spectrum scope. Audio-level DSP only (if a DSP-100 is fitted). No USB.

Verdict

A competition-class HF rig that needs maintenance. The TS-850S earned its 'competition class' billing with 108 dB dynamic range, dual IF filter slots, slope tuning, and full QSK, and the optional DSP-100 adds both TX and RX processing (rare for the era). But essentially all TS-850S units eventually develop CAR-board DDS and display-capacitor issues. Buy one with those repairs already done, or budget for them; addressed, it is a superb HF contesting platform.

The Kenwood TS-850S is a highly regarded HF transceiver of the early 1990s, remembered for an excellent receiver and clean, capable operation. It covers 160 through 10 meters including the WARC bands at 100 watts (40 watts AM), with a general-coverage receiver from 100 kHz to 30 MHz, and operates SSB, CW, FSK, AM, and FM. An optional DSP-100 unit added digital signal processing on transmit and receive, relatively novel for its day.

Operators valued its quiet, dynamic receiver and a deep toolkit for fighting interference: high- and low-cut IF slope tuning, a notch filter, dual noise blankers, 1 Hz fine tuning, and well-chosen 8.83 MHz and 455 kHz IF filter stages. Solidly built and pleasant to use, the TS-850S became a benchmark 'no-DSP-needed' performer and a lasting favorite among operators who appreciate a great analog receiver.

It is a discontinued classic. Compare it with the DSP-equipped TS-870S and the flagship TS-940S.