The Kenwood TS-711a is, more or less, the 2 meter twin of my TS-440. The features are similar, and the styling is identical. Both units were introduced at about the same time, and even use some of the same accessories (such as the computer interface). This makes it a classic knob and dial turner, and button pusher. Unlike the HF model, the 2 meter version has 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 2 meter units. There was also a third member of the family: the TS-811, a 70 CM unit. This was Kenwood's middle range series.
       The unit puts out 25 watts. This is enough power for local communications, within the limitations of the 2 meter band. It is also enough power to run a good quality linear amplifier up to full rated power. I plan, in the near future, on getting a linear amp for this unit. Mirage makes a suitable unit, which puts out 160 watts, and is capable of multi-mode (including FM) operation. This should give me a respectable amount of power, for local operation, and still be within the capability of the 42 amp power supply which runs my shack. The Mirage has a clamed current draw of about 20 amps, which still leaves plenty in case I wish to operate the linear and my TS-440 HF at the same time. It is unlikely that I will ever wish to do this, but it is comforting to know that the capability is there if I need it. Output is continuously adjustable, via the RF PWR knob, from 2 watts, up to the maximum of 25.
        Hitting any of the mode buttons to change mode generates a Morse code beep announcing the new mode selected. The main reason I selected this unit for my shack is that it is capable of all mode operation. the majority of 2 meter units out there are FM only. I don't know how much SSB or CW I will be using on two meter, but it's good to have the option. Frequency can be set in increments as small as 5 KHz.

        This unit has the optional speech chip, which was thought to be a very big deal back in the 80's, when digital technology was novel and just coming of age. Today, it seems kind of silly and quant. The speech chip announces, in a pleasant female voice, any frequency changes or mode changes that I make - 80's high tech. the unit also has the tone board, which was an option back in the eighties, but is certainly a requirement these days. This is also one of the earlier units to be capable of computer control. An optional chipset (IC-10) must be added, along with a level converter for RS-232C.

         There are 40 memory locations available in this unit. Each can store frequency, shift, and tone. The last three can store two separate frequencies to be worked as a split. This is a nice feature which somewhat compensates for the 600KHz non adjustable offset of the 711. With the tone card installed, the unit is capable of selecting between 37 tones from 67 to 250.3 Hz.

       The transceiver is capable of  shifting the receive frequency up to 9.99 KHz, using the RIT control. It is also capable of shifting the receiver passband, through use of the IF shift control. The unit also has scanning features, due to an early version of computer control, and an eighties era microprocessor. Scanning can be done fo segments of the band, or of the memory locations. You can also set a particular memory location for an alert, anytime it shows activity. A DCS feature allows the radio to respond to tone alerts or calls.

       Though this is of the same series as the TS-440, and shares that unit's all mode operation, the TS-711a is a bit less capable. In particular, 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 two meter band, is FM, making it hard for many ham operators to justify the expense of an all mode radio. To properly use the radio to its full potential, it should be hooked up to a vertical antenna for FM, and a horizontal dipole for SSB.
 

Antenna System

        Wow! Is there ever an abundance of material on how to make a two meter antenna.  This is an extremely popular band, and antenna matters are very interesting to most radio amateurs. Due to space limitations, I was unable to do anything very elaborate. I had considered several ideas, but finally went the very conventional route. I made myself a horizontal dipole for AM and SSB, and a modified version of a J-pole, called a Slim Jim for FM. The dipole is essentially three feet of wire, and the Slim Jim is about twice the amount of twin lead - simple.

        One great thing about my two meter station is that it is single band - one band, one antenna. This means matching the antenna once, and then  leaving it be. There are no recurring worries about SWR, tuning, or cable loss. Yes, VHF losses are greater in coax than those at HF frequencies, but this is all related to SWR, and SWR can be kept very low in a single band system. I do prefer to swap between the horizontal and the vertical, when I change operating modes, but this is a minor inconvenience. Lately, when I wish to operate in FM mode, I use my Azden 6000, rather than my Kenwood.

• Remove the top cover and locate the control unit (X53-1410-XX)
• Cut diode D30, xmit now 141.000 TO 150.995 MHz.