The Kenwood TS-811 is, more or less, the 70cm twin of my TS-711. Both are styled after the TS-440. The features are similar, and the styling is identical. These units were all introduced at about the same time, mid to late eighties, and even use some of the same accessories (such as the computer interface). Unlike the HF model, the UHF versions have a built in power supply, and can be plugged directly into the wall. This is an all mode transceiver, and is not limited to FM like most 70cm units. This was Kenwood's middle range series. Though there were some initial issues, due to this being the rather rare (and frequency limited) Japanese units, once I made some modifications, I found myself with what I consider to be the ultimate 440 base.

        Inside, the radio looks nearly identical to my TS-711A. Both radios take the same accessories, and have identical operating procedures. In both cases, these are 13.8 volt radios, with built in transformers that come out and then plug back into the radio. This is why the rear Molex plug must always be inserted when operating off of house current. As can be seen from the photograph, the radio was without the tone board, speech board, and computer interface. The tone board would have been installed in the right rear corner of the board, which is the lower right hand side of the photo. The speech board would have gone next to it, and the computer interface board would have installed near the center of the board, by the empty IC socket.   Adding all of these boards, with the possible exception of the speech board, will make this a $600 radio - one of my more expensive units.

         This has been a long awaited and anticipated addition to my shack. The TS-811 is one of the very few all mode 440 (70 cm) radios. It is desk sized, makes a great base, and is very satisfying to operate. Most 440 users operate off of hand helds, or perhaps a mobile with a DC power supply. These are normally set up to transmit on 430 – 450 MHz. The Canadian version only goes up to 440 MHz, as do the European versions. Though the band goes down to 430 MHz, most of these radios will not transmit down this far. This is by design; the portion of the band between 420 and 430 is generally used for amateur TV transmission.

         My radio is not an American version, which is probably a good place to explain about the model variants on the Kenwood mono-band 811/711 radios. These radios came in A, B, D, and E versions. There is no C model of which I am aware. The variants are essentially the same radio, with different diodes, jumpers, and programming. To a certain extent, mods can convert one type to another, though it is more difficult with some models. A summary of the differences is below:

• TS-811A American version - 430 - 450 MHz, 25 watts, PL tones (option), 5 MHz split as well as custom split. 110 - 120 VAC.

• TS-811B No information. (If anyone has any info, I would appreciate hearing from you)

• TS-811D Asian version - 430 - 440 MHz, 25 watts, PL tones (option), DCS tones, 5 MHz split as well as custom split 100 VAC.

• TS-811E European version - 432 - 438 MHz, 25 watts, Tone Burst, 1.6 MHz split as well as custom split 240 VAC.

       Some versions of this radio only put out 15 watts. This particular unit puts out 25 watts. This is enough power for local communications, within the limitations of this band. It is also enough power to run a good quality linear amplifier up to full rated power. There are few 70 cm bases made - I am unaware of any in current production. There are also very few SSB/CW radios made for this band. I initially purchased this radio, out of curiosity, and because the price was right. I also wanted to get the third member of the old Kenwood trio.

        Most users of 70 cm are doing satellite, amateur television, or talk on small handhelds through local repeaters. There is some mobile use, generally through dual band units; but the frequencies are not much used for base operations. So who can I talk to on this rig? Well, the answer is not much of anyone. We do have a few repeaters around, but even on the repeaters I do not often find much traffic. Having a good antenna, high off the ground, has helped; but most repeater users are on the 2 meter band, and consider 70 cm as a secondary.

        Though this is of the same series as the TS-440, and shares that unit's all mode operation, the TS-811 is a bit less capable, being more of a twin of the more popular 2 meter 711. Like the 711, it is missing many of the connections, which give the HF unit so much of it's flexibility. The rear panel features an antenna connector, ground, power connectors for 120v and 13.8 volt, computer interface, and audio jacks. Most activity, on the 70cm band, is FM, making it hard for many ham operators to justify the expense of an all mode radio.

        Installing the IF-10A (more on this latter) permits computer control. The accessory plug permits direct data connection, in and out, to the radio. These two connectors permit complete computer control and connection. The command set is a bit limited, due to the technology of the time, but it is still enough to do amazing things with this radio.

The 70 cm band

       One interesting thing to consider about 70 cm is that its bandwidth of 30 MHz is a bit larger than that of the entire HF spectrum. Even more striking is that if you add up all the frequencies allocated to amateurs in the HF spectrum, they come out to only 2.85 MHz. This gives those of us who operate on 70 cm a lot of room to play. Admittedly, due to the characteristics of these frequencies, you can not work DX or talk to the world on UHF; but a 30 MHz bandwidth offers many possibilities.

        Most hams consider this to be THE UHF band, though there are others. Sadly, there was a possibility of losing a big chunk of this band to unspecified medical devices. The FCC was considering auctioning parts of the band off. This is no longer a concern, as of this writing; but once the government gets an idea, vigilance is the watchword. In Europe, the band was iinitially only a 10 MHz sliver (430 - 440); but even this was reduced. The politicians that run the allegedly united Europe have whittled it down to 432 - 438.

        In the United States, we have full use of the full spectrum, though this can vary in certain locations. There are certain areas where portions of the band can not be used due to interference with some types of radar. Also, out of respect to our Canadian neighbors, a line running south of Canada, and also across a portion of Alaska, denotes the boundaries of the use of the 420 MHz to 430 MHz portion of the band, so that transmissions do not interfere with Canadian PS radio services. As a general rule, where they are permitted, frequencies below 430 MHz are used for amateur television, which is why even the American version of this radio does not transmit below 430. For TV, a special transmitter is used, which operates on a much wider bandwidth. A general band plan is listed below. The band plan has no legal weight, but is largely held to by most amateurs.

420.00-426.00 ATV repeater or simplex with 421.25 MHz video carrier control links and experimental
426.00-432.00 ATV simplex with 427.250 MHz video carrier frequency
432.00-432.07 EME (Earth-Moon-Earth)
432.07-432.08 Propagation beacons (old band plan)
432.08-432.10 Weak-signal CW
432.100 UPPER SIDE BAND 70 cm calling frequency
432.10-433.00 Mixed-mode and weak-signal work
432.30-432.40 New beacon band
433.00-435.00 Auxiliary/repeater links
435.00-438.00 Satellite only (internationally)
438.00-444.00 ATV repeater input with 439.250 MHz video carrier frequency and repeater links
442.00-445.00 Repeater inputs and outputs (local option)
445.00-447.00 Shared by auxiliary and control links, repeaters and simplex (local option); 446.00 MHz national simplex frequency
447.00-450.00 Repeater inputs and outputs

        As a UHF band, 70 cm is largely limited to line of sight. This translates to range being directly related to antenna height. Increasing power can sometimes overcome obstacles of local noise, and penetration through foliage or other obstacles; but does nothing to increase range. As with everything in science, technology, and radio, there are exceptions. The 70 cm band can get long range through atmospheric ducting, meteor showers, and the working of repeater satellites. These are challenging pursuits, and have become hobbies in their own right.

        Under normal point to point  communication, 70 cm has slightly reduced range over that of 2 meter, though again circumstances can affect this. The 70 cm range is said by some to have better building penetration, and be better suited for urban areas, but this depends upon the building. Higher frequency radio can be more easily blocked, but can also more easily penetrate smaller openings. A part of the 70 cm band is very close to the FRS/GMRS band. Though more power is allowed, propagation is similar. As with GMRS, range between hand held radios is a mile or so. Range between mobiles may be as much as five to seven miles, and range between bases can be as much as twenty to thirty miles. These ranges are all subject to conditions, and can be far greater if one or both stations are located at high elevations.

        One significant advantage that 70 cm has over 2 meters is in the area of antennas. Where a quarter wave antenna for 2 meters would be 18" long, the same type of antenna for a 70 cm would be about 6". This gives a large advantage to 70 cm for handheld operation. There is a practical limit to how long an antenna mounted on a portable can be. A six inch antenna mounted on a hand held radio will be a quarter wave long on 70 cm, giving a potential efficiency of 22%. The same antenna used for two meter would be roughly a tenth of a wave, giving a possible efficiency of perhaps 1.5%. Even though the antenna can be made electrically a quarter wave on two meter, the actual physical length determines its potential efficiency.

        The relatively small antennas required by this band is one of the reasons that its use is so popular for satellite work. Hitting a satellite a couple hundred miles up requires a very high gain antenna. Typically, a Yagi style antenna is used, having anywhere from three to seven (or more) elements on a boom that could be anywhere from 18" to over three feet long. Most satellites are cross band repeaters, transmitting on one band, and receiving on another.

        One use to which the frequency range of 70 cm lends itself is amateur television. A regular fast scan television signal requires a bandwidth of about 4 - 6 MHz. Fast scan television is not possible on any of the lower bands, due to limited bandwidth. The entire two meter band would barely be able to hold one fast scan transmission. Fast scan television requires special transmitters, which are broadbanded. The TS-811 can not do fast scan television. A regular voice transmitter/transceiver will put out a signal width from 12.5 KHz to 25 KHz - far too narrow for fast scan television. Previously, hams who wanted to send pictures could do slow scan television, still used on the lower frequency bands. Slow scan is more like a slide show than a real television transmission, but can be sent using a regular transmitter, and requires no more signal width than a voice transmission.

• Remove the top cover and locate the control unit (X53-1410-XX)

• Cut diode D30, xmit now 430.000 TO 450.995 MHz.

        The final output transistor is a Mitsubishi M57745, rated capable of generating up to 33watts on frequencies from  430 MHz to 450 MHz. A look at the trends in the data sheet indicate that the unit should have no problem getting down to the 420 range, if properly tweaked.

        These units are also capable of taking optional boards to give tone capability, voice announcement of operations, and computer control.I will go into mroe detail on these when I have time to update.

Updates

are

coming

        The most significant mod is to change my D model Japanese spec radio over to an A model America spec radio. Details on this project are in the following section. The outlook is hopeful.

Using the D model in The United States
This section will be updated as soon as I attempt modifications.

        The version of the TS-811 radio that I have is the D version. This is the version meant for Japan, and other parts of Asia. The radio is configured for the standard United States repeater splits, and use of PL (CTCS) tones; but is only able to access frequencies from 430 MHz to 440 MHz. The European E model is even worse, having a similar limit of frequencies, but also being set up for a 1.6 MHz split, and tone burst. I am a bit hamstrung, using this radio in my area, since all of my local repeaters operate above 440 MHz.
        One feature that the Asian model has, that I do not see on the other versions, is the DCS system. It is similar to the privacy codes now being used on many FRS and GMRS radios. The feature is kind of pointless these days, but it is an interesting curiosity. A number of PS/PB radios use such things as calls for specific users. For this type of user, where you have a dispatcher and a number of mobiles, this can be very useful. For the amateur operator, I see little utility. The system will only work with another similarly featured radio. This is the only outward identifying mark on these radios. They have a reset button and an indicator for DCL. This is not a feature that I am ever likely to use, but you never know.
        The radio I have also included an original paper manual, in the original Japanese. I have included a link to the PDF of the English manual for the TS-811A. The problem with the Japanese manual is that I do not read Japanese, and I can find no English translations of the D manual anywhere. The radio certainly has a slightly different layout than the American version, and I would be interested to know how the DCL works. I would also like to know a bit more about the internals of this radio. Though the board is the same, it is configured quite differently from the more well known American and European models.
    My biggest concern with this radio was the possibility of opening up the unit to operate up to 450 MHz, and maybe even down to 420 MHz. On the E and A models, the range can be opened up by cutting diodes D30 and D34. Cutting the D34 diode on the E model will open it up to 430 MHz to 450 MHz. Cutting the D30 diode on an American (or Americanized) version will open up the operating range a bit more.

    The problem with the D version, is that these diodes are not even installed. This portion of the board is blank, though the positions of the diodes are marked. A photo of the board as it came is shown to the right. The empty solder pads for the diodes are at the top of the photo.

     I could not resist the temptation to install the missing diodes (leaving D30 and D34 out), despite the fear that I might ruin my radio. The diodes that appear to be the ones that need to be installed are D30, D31, and D33 - though as I mentioned, I may leave D30 out.

        The diodes used on the board are switching diodes. I was unable to find these locally. The model number is 1SS133. These are rated at 80v 130ma. I picked some up on eBay for about ten cents each. I saw these same diodes selling for much less at various electronic supply houses, but the orders generally had to be for dozens or hundreds of units.

            A photo of the modified board with the new diodes installed is to the left above. Please, no comments on the quality of my solder job. I am not an electronics tech. The job is good enough, despite appearances, and the radio will now tune up to 450 MHz, as can be seen in the photo to the right. Or can it? Installing the diodes enables the processor to hit frequencies up to 450 MHz; but things are a bit more complicated.
            It is also necessary to recalibrate or retune certain portions of the radio, and to open up the front end. While cutting and jumpering diodes may open up the processor and mixer, the coils and other tuned circuits may need to be opened up as well. In the E version, opening the frequency range also requires retuning and calibration. Without doing this, the radio will be deaf on the extended frequencies.

        In particular the two helical filters must be recalibrated. In order to be done properly, an oscilloscope and a special connector (which can be easily home brewed) are required. The helical filters are there to remove spurious signals and possible harmonics. They can be adjusted with a screwdriver. I have included a cropped scan from the service manual, advising how to calibrate the filters for various versions of the radio. In theory, I suppose you could just open them all the way; but this will certainly cut down on the cleanness of the signal. Adjustment of the filters allows for operation on the full band with a nice clean signal.

        My big worry now, is that the unit produces frequencies between 430 and 440 using the PLL, and from 440 - 450 using a crystal based oscillator. It is my hope that the crystal for the higher frequencies is installed for consistency, and will be available after the modification. Otherwise the project is going to get very complicated. I have read of no such issues with the European units; but the Japanese unit may be different.
        The only other real concern on this version of the radio is the power supply. The Japanese version requires up to 8 amps of 100 volt AC. This is pretty close to the American 110 - 120 Volts, so I am not too worried, but it is a consideration. The radio appears to be operating fine. If worse comes to worse, I can always operate it directly on 13.8 volts DC, but so far this has not been necessary.
        This is not something that I would recommend, for the person simply looking for a great 440 radio. It has become quite the project, and the Japanese version is not any less expensive than the corresponding American or European versions. If nothing else, this gives me a chance to learn, and to play with the insides of yet another radio. It will also make my shack just a tiny bit unique. How many operators in Wisconsin have a Japanese version of a 70 cm radio? I suspect not too many.
        The diodes used on the board are switching diodes. The model number is 1SS133. These are rated at 80v 130ma. I picked some up on eBay for about ten cents each. I saw these same diodes selling for much less at various electronic supply houses, but the orders generally had to be for dozens or hundreds of units.

 

Antennas

         One of the best things about 440 is the potential to experiment with really small antennas that can also be very effective. A full sized vertical antenna for this band can be six inches high. A beam can be a couple of feet long, and a J-pole or Slim Jim can be less than two feet long. My first antenna for this radio was my old magnet mount 440, mounted to a metal plate. This was for testing purposes only. I also ran it for a bit on the copper Slim Jim for 2 meter, as the bands are resonant with each other. Still, for best efficiency I really needed an antenna tuned to this band. In addition, using a 2 meter antenna for 400 gives a pattern that is a bit too high for my tastes.
        Because they can be made so small, I have also built a horizontal dipole, and a beam for this unit. In addition, I am putting together an experimental cobweb antenna, to test the concept for a possible future HF antenna based on this design. The cobweb element for this radio would be three inches to a side. This is the one radio for which I have considered the construction of a beam.
        The disadvantage of this frequency is that it is badly attenuated by most building materials. Where HF will usually not be much affected by indoor installation, VHF, and especially UHF, can have absorption and attenuation issues. It is best to have these little antennas outside. It is also very susceptible to feedline loss. RG-58 cable has 10db loss per hundred feet. RG-8 has about 5db loss per hundred feet. Even 300 ohm ladder line, which usually has what is considered to be negligible loss, will have losses of about 2db per hundred feet. So in addition to having antennas outside, the antenna should be very close to the transmitter. Sometimes these two requirements are contradictory. The upside of this is that because the antennas are so small, it is easier to put an unobtrusive antenna outside.
        My main antenna for this radio is a Slim Jim. I have made this from soft copper tubing, and have it hanging from the wall of my shack, very near the radio. It is approximately 18 inches long. I also have a horizontal dipole, which was also made from soft copper tubing. I am presently getting my feet wet in antennas design, and have a five element Yagi (my first), and a loop (also my first). What is great about this is that these experiments do not cost much, and can easily be discarded if they are not suitable. Summaries of my 70 cm antennas are below. Details are on my antenna pages.
        Though this is my least used radio, it has more antennas than any other radio I own. the temptation to experiment is just too great. I am hoping to do some experimentation with loops, spirals, and helical antennas as well. Such shortening techniques are not even remotely required at these high frequencies; but they are easy to build, test, and compare. I have even made a small wire slim Jim for a handheld and mounted it in a length of PVC, soldering it to a BNC connector. It works quite well, and I would never have considered doing such a thing on two meter. For mobile use, I still employ the classic magnet mount antenna, using the car body for a ground. Interestingly, this is inferior to my little eighteen inch J-pole, so perhaps a little experimentation is required here as well.



                                                                      Slim Jim
        The Slim Jim is a vastly improved variant of the classic J-pole antenna. It is a groundless vertical antenna with 6 db gain, and a very narrow horizontal beamwidth. This is my very favorite antenna for VHF/UHF FM use. The only reason I do not have Slim Jim antennas for all of my bands is the very large size of this antenna. These are basically three quarter wavelengths long, though their groundless nature means they can be quite narrow.
        Functionally, a J-pole is an end fed vertical dipole, with a quarter wave matching stub. A Slim Jim is the folded version. The Slim Jim is often preferred for its larger bandwidth, and flatter radiation pattern. The matching stub is used to prevent pattern changes by proximity to ground. A pure vertical dipole would be very much affected by height. There is not exact formula that can be given for such an antenna, due to variation sin install locations. The most important consideration is the location of the feedline connection along the matching stub. This offers the advantage not only of matching the antenna to the location, but also of matching the antenna from variances in construction. Distance between elements, width of elements, and length all interact in these antennas.

                                                             Ground Plane
        A classic groundplane was easily made in about an hour, from five 6" lengths of copper pipe. Though this was a satisfactory antenna, it offers no gain, and can be a bit cumbersome with the four radials sticking out the bottom. This antenna has been retired to the attic, where it serves as my GMRS antenna. There is nothing exciting or unique about this antenna. Along with the horizontal wire dipole, the classic ground plane is common and known to every novice.
        On such high frequencies, an antenna made from half in pipe, as this one is, has a fairly high bandwidth. At GMRS/440 frequencies, a half in pipe is something like 10% of a quarter wave. This is great news, for a couple of reasons. It partially compensates for the high losses at these high frequencies, by keeping sir low. It also also allows for effortless tuning, without the worry of antenna tuners.
        Such antennas are so simple, that they have even been made by soldering wires to the mounting holes of coaxial connectors, along with a copper wire in the center position to act as radiator. Such an antenna lacks the higher bandwidth of the copper pipe version, but can be made for a few dollars.





  Beam antennas are not usually an option for the apartment dweller. UHF is an exception. I have easily put together a five element beam, which is small enough that I can hold it in my hand and aim it out the window. Such small beams are often used with hand held radios to chase satellites, meteor scatter, or auroras. I am considering mounting this on a gun stock, though with all the paranoia in the world today, I am not certain this will not attract the attention of nervous police officers - maybe of I paint it orange.
        This antenna, in common with the one below, is of wooden construction, except for the elements. It has a single active element, with a pair of directors in front and a pair of reflectors in the back. It should get me something like 12 DB gain, though I have no way to test this.

                                                              Mini cobwebb
        This has been a great help to me looking after design considerations for my HF Cobbweb antenna. it is also a pretty good antenna in its own right. Even so, this is not a real practical antenna for use on UHF, due to its horizontal polarization. Nearly all UHF communication is local FM, usually through repeaters. Skip, on anything other than meteor scatter, Moon bounce, Auroras, or satellite is nearly unheard of at these frequencies. The mini cobbweb is for use on 70 cm, 220, and 2 meter. It's a shame we don't have 4 meter amateur here in the U.S. It would make for a nice balanced antenna. Six meter is just too far away, so this will be a three band cobwebb.

Band	Side	Wire run	Construction is easy, due to the small size of the elements. This will be the common horizontal antenna for all of my VHF/UHF radios. It is small enough to be used vertical and aimed for RDF. More details latter.         Measurements given are approximate, before trimming.  I used double stranded speaker wire in construction of the radiators. The framework is a simple X of wooden dowels. Wires were all joined at a common feedpoints, and then soldered to the coax connector. Shorting points are determined by trial and error. These are necessary to adjust impedance. Natively, the antenna has an impedance of about 12 ohms. Shorting the twin strands and reversing them quadruples the impedance to around 48 ohms, nearly ideal for coaxial connection.
440  (70 cm)	3"	12"
220 (1.25 M)	4.5"	18"
144 (2 meter)	9.6"	38.42"

                                                                    Links
Not much out there, as the 70 cm band is not really a popular band for base operation. Still, the radio has a following, and has generated a certain amount of interest.

eham review	TS-811 user group	Radio facts.	Service manual
http://jh1lkj.blog.ocn.ne.jp/blog/2011/05/ts811d_9035.html