Kenwood TS-480 manual New Option Voice Guide & Storage Unit VGS-1, Constant recording function

New Option: Voice Guide & Storage Unit (VGS-1)

Developed at the same time as the TS-480, the VGS-1 can be installed as an option. Combining in one unit the functions of the voice synthesizer unit (VS-3) and the digital recording unit (DRU-3A) previously offered by Kenwood, the VGS-1 goes beyond both of these.

Let’s now take a close look at the functions that are available using this unit.

● Constant recording function NEW

Haven’t you ever wondered if your callsign was being used correctly by other stations while on a DX’pedition? If you use this constant recording function, you can record and playback the last 30 seconds of received audio or transmitted audio (sidetone when operating in CW mode), allowing you to check what was said afterwards. In addition, you can use this handy feature for other purposes, such as recording memos.

It could not be easier to use. From the menus, you set constant recording to ON, and then all you have to do is operate the CH3/REC key. If you press the CH3/REC key for more than one second, the last 30 seconds of audio data is recorded in flash ROM. Then when you press the CH3/REC key the audio data recorded in flash ROM is played back. The audio data in held in flash ROM until it is overwritten by a fresh recording. Note that when recording to flash ROM, or when other VGS-1 functions are in use, constant recording is temporarily paused.

●Message recording/playback function

If beforehand you record standard CQ messages such as your callsign in the voice message memory, you can transmit them repeatedly at will, a feature that is extremely useful for DX’peditions and contests.

The main features of this message/recording playback function are as follows: There are three recording channels;

You can record up to 30 seconds in each channel (using all three channels this allows a maximum of 90 seconds for message playback);

Used in conjunction with VOX, message playback can be used to switch between TX and RX; Repeat playback is possible;

You can adjust the interval for repeat playback (0~60 sec.); and You can adjust recording level.

With VOX on, repeat playback on, and the interval set appropriately, if you play back a prerecorded message repeatedly, the TS-480 will automatically switch between transmitting the message and waiting for a response. There is thus no need to sit in front of the mic and actually repeat your message over and over again.

Even when you use a microphone with low sensitivity to record a message, the TS-480 is designed to set the appropriate recording level. Normally, this recording level is automatically linked to the mic gain setting, so if you wish to adjust recording level manually, you should adjust mic gain while recording is in standby. In message recording mode, the ALC meter scale serves as a recording level meter. As you speak into the microphone, adjust mic gain so that the recording level just crosses into the MAX zone occasionally. Even when you record in this zone, the AGC is designed to keep audio distortion to a minimum.

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