[CQ-Contest] TS-440 vs. IC-765 for SS Phone

[Zack Widup]

The two chips needed for the TS-440 digital interface are the uPD8251A and 
any CMOS 4040 (many manufacturers).

Jameco still stocks the 8251A for about $4:

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=52652

Just about every major electronics supplier sells 4040's. They're about 40 
cents each.  You want the 16-pin DIP package.

Mine has been going strong for many years. I did have to clean off all the 
glue from the VCO board because it was showing the dreaded VCO unlock 
"dots" on the display.

73, Zack W9SZ

On Thu, 8 Nov 2007, Chet Moore wrote:

> Rick
>
> Probably the most important thing I would want in SS  is computer logging
> and to be able to click on spots using N1MM or any of the other computer
> logging programs.  The TS-440 as it came out of the box has a computer
> interface plug on the back BUT.............. you have to buy the 2 chips to
> enable the handshaking between the 440 and the computer.  If the 440 has
> those chips installed you are ready to go.
>
> My understanding is that Kenwood no longer has the chips available.  That is
> what i was told by the local kenwood dealer.  I ended up purchasing the kit
> that provides everything needed by a private dealer.  I think it was $60.
> It does require you to open the front panel and plug in the two chips.  Mine
> worked like a champ.
>
> I don't know if the 746 has a computer interface.  I used my TS-440 when
> sailing merchant marine..  I had the mod in mine that allowed me to xmit on
> 2 - 30 mcs so it was a nice backup for my shipboard xmtrs and I also had the
> 500 kc cw filter.  There is an SSB filter which would really help on SSB in
> a crowded band scenario such as SS SSB.  I used my 440S (AT) to make in
> excess of 120 K on both modes and thought it was a terrific radio.  My next
> radio was an MP-1000.  After putting those radios side by side its obvious
> that the 440S has some limitations.
>
> Perhaps some one else can fill you in on the Icom 765 and if it has a
> computer interface, then you will be able to make a more accurate choice.
>
> I would have to look in my check book to find out who it was that I
> purchased my computer interface kit from.  They do have a web site but it
> was over a year ago and i don't rember the company name.   They shipped
> quickly but it still took 4 or 5 days to get the kit in the mail.
>
> press on regardless
>
> 73
>
> Chet  N4FX