Kenwood TS-480 manual Voice Guide, Reset, Configuration mode for TX output, etc, Frequency lock

●Voice Guide

Kenwood’s Voice Guide function is not the same as the basic versions fitted in some transceivers merely to announce the frequency. Of course, we have included a frequency guide, but we were convinced that a Voice Guide is an obvious and essential feature for the menus and function settings that are so crucial for daily operation.

The TS-480 has inherited intact those Voice Guide features that have proved so popular in other models. However, in addition we have enhanced the Voice Guide functions for the different configuration modes, and by making it possible to vary the speed (5 levels) we have made sure that this rig is even more user-friendly.

We have programmed the TS-480 Voice Guide so that it only announces what has been changed in configuration mode, menus, etc. Thus items that are unchanged are not read out. Previously, even if there had only been a change in the options, the Voice Guide would read out each item: “menu”, menu number, option, and so forth. For the TS-480, however, we have changed the Voice Guide algorithm so that it only announces the option, enabling swift confirmation without you being forced to listen to unnecessary details being read out.

Normally, Voice1 is assigned to a PF key on the control panel to read out operating frequency, channel number, the settings for each function, and so on. However, if you reassign a PF key (using menu #48) to #62, by switching to Voice2 you can hear the S-meter level being read out.

Introduced here are a few of the benefits of the TS-480 Voice Guide. Some of these are automatic, while others are accessed by the PF keys.

1. Reset

When the power is switched on, if you press the power switch together with either A/B or A=B, the Voice Guide will automatically respond with the query “VFO/FULL RESET?”

2. Configuration mode for TX output, etc.

When the PWR switch is pressed, the Voice Guide will automatically respond with “TX PWR” plus the option. If you change the option using the MULTI/CH encoder, just the new option will be announced. With previous models if one pressed the PF key at this point, the frequency would be read out, but the TS-480 announces the setting plus the option.

3. Frequency lock

Whenever the MENU button is pressed for more than 1 second, the Voice Guide will automatically respond with “FREQUENCY LOCK ON” or “FREQUENCY LOCK OFF”, whichever is appropriate.

4. Menu settings

If the MENU button is pressed, the Voice Guide responds with “MENU” plus the menu number and the option. If you change the option using the MULTI/CH encoder, the menu number and option will be announced. If the i and j keys are pressed, just the option will be read out. For the options actually announced for the various menu items, please refer to the menu list provided in the instruction manual.

5. Split mode

If you press a PF key during split operations, the Voice Guide will read out VFO + S + A + frequency. (Here “S” stands for split mode, while “A” means VFO A.)

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