wrc@whuts.UUCP (CLEGG) (10/25/85)
Since a discussion has been started regarding the quality of ham rigs from Kenwood and Icom, I thought I would add my findings on a brand new Kenwood TR8400 just out of the box. The first symtom was during transmit in the 10 watt position. Only about 5 of the 7 LED lights would come on and after a short time the last two would flicker and die away. I think this may have been due to a low voltage condition at the radio, but from the discussions about loose ground connections and circuit boards, I am not sure that this was the case. The open circuit voltage at the radio was 11.9 volts and the wires were about 14 gauge, so that will have to be more closely looked at. The more important problem, however, is with the receiver. I measured the receiver sensitivity as -87.9 dBm for 12 dB SINAD. That's approximately 9 microvolts. No wonder I couldn't hear anything !!!! I don't know what is causing the problem but if it is anything interesting I will post my findings.