Kenwood TS-590S

Kenwood TS-590S firmware

Kenwood · TS-590S · TS-590S · HF transceiver

Latest firmware for the Kenwood TS-590S is v2.05 (March 12, 2020).

Specifications

TS-590S specifications

Type
Amateur HF/VHF transceiver
Frequency range
TX: 10-160 m + WARC / 6 m / RX: 0.03-60 MHz
Modes
AM / FM / SSB / CW / FSK
Show the full specification

General

Mode
AM / FM / SSB / CW / FSK
Type
Amateur HF/VHF transceiver
Weight
7.4 Kg (16.31 lb)
Power supply
13.8 VDC ±15%
Tuning steps
Down to 10 Hz
Other features
USB audio in/out. RS-232C. CW decoder. Keyer. CTCSS/PL with tone scan. VOX. 32-bit DSP.
Frequency range
TX: 10-160 m + WARC / 6 m RX: 0.03-60 MHz
Dimensions (W*H*D)
270*96*291 mm (10.63*3.78*11.46")
Frequency stability
±5 ppm @ -10 to +50°C (14 to 122°F), ±0.5 ppm option
Repeater shift / offset
No dedicated. Use VFO A/B split instead
Channels / memory management
100 regular with 8 character alpha tags 10 Scan ranges 10 quick memories Non-volatile EEPROM storage
Antenna impedance / connector
16.7-150 ohm (With built-in ATU) / Two SO-239
Current drain / power consumption
RX: Max 1.5 A TX: Max 20.5 A

Miscellaneous

Manufactured
2010-201x (Discontinued)

Receiver Section

Selectivity
AM 6 KHz (-6 dB) 12 KHz (-50 dB) FM 12 KHz (-6 dB) 25 KHz (-50 dB) SSB 2.2 KHz (-6 dB) 4.4 KHz (-60 dB) CW/FSK 500 Hz (-6 dB) 1.2 KHz (-60 dB)
Sensitivity
AM (10 dB S/N) 0.13-0.522 MHz: 6.3 uV 0.522-1.705 MHz: 31.6 uV 1.705-24.5 MHz: 2 uV 24.5-30.0 MHz: 1.3 uV 50-54 MHz: 1.3 uV FM (12 dB SINAD) 28-30 MHz: 0.22 uV 50-54 MHz: 0.22 uV SSB/CW/FSK (10 dB S/N) 0.13-0.522 MHz: 0.5 uV 0.522-1.705 MHz: 4 uV 1.705-24.5 MHz: 0.2 uV 24.5-30.0 MHz: 0.13 uV 50-54 MHz: 0.13 uV
Image rejection
70 dB
Receiver system
Double conversion superheterodyne (RX1) 1st IF: 11.374 MHz 2nd IF: 24 KHz Triple conversion superheterodyne (RX2) 1st IF: 73.095 MHz 2nd IF: 10.695 MHz 3rd IF: 24 KHz (FM: 455 KHz)
AF output power / speaker
1.5 W at 10% distortion / 8 ohm
External speaker connector
TS "Minijack" (3.5 mm), 8 ohm

Transmitter Section

RF output power
AM:5-25 W FM:5-100 W SSB (PEP):5-100 W CW/FSK:5-100 W
Modulation system
AM: Low power FM: Reactance SSB: Balanced
Spurious emissions
HF: Better than -50 dB 6 m: Better than -60 dB
Microphone input level
? mV
Max FM deviation (Factory set)
Wide: ±5 KHz Narrow: ±2.5 KHz
Microphone impedance / connector
600 ohm / 8-pin (Male locking ring jack)

Changelog

TS-590S firmware changelog

  1. v2.04 v2.05

  2. v2.03 v2.04 Enables Sub-receiver mode for Split Transfer A with compatible equipment

  3. v2.02 v2.03

  4. v2.01 v2.02

  5. v2.00 v2.01 NB1 and NB2 noise blankers can now be enabled at the same time.

  6. v1.08 v2.00 Adds split-frequency function and per-mode settings for FINE, equalizers, and DATA power; fixes DATA VOX and SWR issues.

  7. v1.07 v1.08 Adds VFO selection for split-frequency transmit, fixes Band Change PC commands and VFO B memory backup.

  8. v1.06 v1.07 Enables stopping repeating CW/Voice messages via keyer paddle and buttons; fixes SWR meter and auto zero-beat issues.

  9. v1.05 v1.06 Antenna tuner presets now correctly store per antenna; fixes S-meter and CW recording.

  10. v1.04 v1.05 Added hold-to-repeat for message playback; fixed ALC meter display when switching to CW/FSK modes.

Firmware history

All versions below were published by Kenwood on kenwood.com. Third-party and modified firmware is never listed.

  1. Version 2.05 Latest Released Mar 12, 2020 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following symptom is revised.

    1. When c​onnected to another transceiver for Split Transfer operation​, the power may not be turned off correctly depending on the timing.
    Release notes & download
  2. Version 2.04 Released Jan 30, 2019 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Enables Sub-receiver mode for Split Transfer A with compatible equipment — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following feature is updated​.

    1. Enables to work as a "Sub-receiver" on "Split Transfer A" operation with using a TS-890S or a TS-590SG (firmware Ver.1.05 or later) as a "TX/RX End".

    Set both of the Menu No.58 and 59 to "ON" to turn the TS-590S Split Transfer function on in VFO operation.

    The TS-590S does not work as a "TX/RX End". Please use a TS-890S or a TS-590SG (firmware Ver.1.05 or later) ​as a "TX/RX End".

    For details of the "Split Transfer A" operations, please refer to the TS-890S instruction manuals or the revised TS-590SG instruction manuals .

    Release notes & download
  3. Version 2.03 Released Nov 17, 2016 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following sym​ptom is revised.

    1. The internal antenna tuner may not work correctly​ under certain conditions.
    Release notes & download
  4. Version 2.02 Released Dec 9, 2015 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The follow​ing symptom is revised.

    1. After changing the operating mode, the Split-frequency func​tion might not work correctly.
    Release notes & download
  5. Version 2.01 Released Jul 28, 2015 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    NB1 and NB2 noise blankers can now be enabled at the same time. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following fea​tures are updated.

    1. Enables NB1 and NB2 to be simultaneously set to ON.

    When the Noise Blanker is set to OFF, pressing and holding the [NB(LEV)] key enables NB1 and NB2 to be set to ON at the same time. Then, pressing the [NB(LEV)] key again enables NB1 and NB2 to be set to OFF.

    When NB1 and NB2 is set to ON at the same time, the Noise Blanker level cannot be adjusted. Adjust the Noise Blanker​ level once the Noise Blanker is set to OFF and NB1 or NB2 is set to ON.

    (Please also update both of the Radio Control Program

    ARCP-590

    and the Radio Host Program

    ARHP-590

    for functional compatibility.)

    Release notes & download
  6. Version 2.00 Released Jan 29, 2015 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Adds split-frequency function and per-mode settings for FINE, equalizers, and DATA power; fixes DATA VOX and SWR issues. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following features are updated.

    1. Enables use of the new Split-frequency function for quick split operations.

    Hold down the [SPLIT] key, and the “SPLIT” indicator blinks. For example, press [5] key for "5kHz Up", or press [0], [5] keys for "5kHz Down". (If the specified frequency is lower, [0] must be prefixed to the frequency.)

    2.

    Enables the XIT frequency to be set while pressing [TF-SET] key when RIT is OFF in simplex mode.

    1. Enables FINE function to be set to ON/OFF in each mode.
    2. Enables display of the 1Hz frequency digit when the FINE function is turned on below 1MHz (except in transverter mode).
    3. Enables the status of ​FIL A/B to be set separately for VFO A/B.
    4. Enables use of the RX ANT in 50MHz band. The status can be set separately in HF and 50MHz band.
    5. Enables the setting of RF output power independently in DATA mode. (RF output power in HF SSB-DATA/ FM-DATA, 50M SSB-DATA/ FM-DATA, HF AM-DATA, and 50M AM-DATA can be set independently).
    6. Enables setting of the voice message’s PROC level and MIC gain separately from the setting of usual microphone input’s PROC level and MIC gain. (The optional VGS-1 is required)

    9.

    Enables setting the RX equalizer / TX equalizer in each mode.

    1. Enables deleting CW message memories by each memory channel.
    2. Enables announcement of the type of the transmission meter.(The optional VGS-1 is required)

    12.

    Enables announcement of the DRV OUT function ON / OFF status.(The optional VGS-1 is required)

    13.

    Enables announcement of the RIT/XIT frequency.(The optional VGS-1 is required)

    14.

    Enables reading the status of the optional VGS-1 (if installed in the TS-590S).

    1. Enables back up of the status of the AI function ON/OFF.
    2. Enables deleting Voice messages from a PC.

    (Details of the above-mentioned PC commands are described in the revised " PC CONTROL COMMAND Reference Guide ")

    17.

    Revises the band memory [GENE] 2nd setting to 472kHz / CW.

    1. Enables output of the 475kHz band (472~479kHz) signal from the rear panel DRV (drive output) co​nnector as well as 135kHz band.
    2. Reduces the minimum volume of the beep sound, CW side tone, VGS-1 Voice message playback and announcement.

    (Please also update both of the Radio Control Program

    ARCP-590

    and the Radio Host Program

    ARHP-590

    for functional compatibility.)

    The following symptoms are revised.

    1. After changing the operating mode, DATA VOX might not work correctly.
    2. While transmitting in SSB or CW mode, the SWR meter level might become high for a moment.
    Release notes & download
  7. Version 1.08 Released Dec 6, 2013 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Adds VFO selection for split-frequency transmit, fixes Band Change PC commands and VFO B memory backup. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following feature is updated.

    1. Enables the operator to change "tuneable VFO while transmitting in split-frequency​ operation" from TX VFO to RX VFO.

    By pressing [SPLIT] + Power On, after the Power-on message appears, a decimal point blinks a few times at the left of the main 7-segment display.

    The function can be deactivated by Powering Off and then pressing [SPLIT] + Power On again. (Please also update the Radio Control Program

    ARCP-590

    which includes this new function.)

    The following symptoms are revised.

    1. If the radio is in split-frequency operation and a PC command of Band Change is​ sent to the transceiver, the transceiver will sometimes not transmit.
    2. Band memory may not be backed up correctly in VFO B.
    Release notes & download
  8. Version 1.07 Released Sep 14, 2012 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Enables stopping repeating CW/Voice messages via keyer paddle and buttons; fixes SWR meter and auto zero-beat issues. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following ​feature is updated.

    1. Enables to stop the temporary repeating CW / Voice message by operating keyer paddle or PTT as well as pressing [CH1], [CH2], [CH3], [RX/4], or [CLR] key.

    The following symptoms are revised.

    1. Just after returning to receive mode in CW semi break-in operation, the SWR meter level might become high for a moment.
    2. ​ When changing the memory frequency temporary, auto zero-beat (CW tune) function might not work correctly.
    Release notes & download
  9. Version 1.06 Released Dec 22, 2011 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Antenna tuner presets now correctly store per antenna; fixes S-meter and CW recording. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following features are updated.

    1. Improves desensing level caused by strong out-of-passband signals on up-conversion bands.
    2. Reduces the minimum volume of the TX monitor in [FSK] mode​.
    3. Changes the time constant of the ALC meter and the Speech Processor compression meter from 50ms to 300ms.

    The following symptoms are revised.

    1. Just after an AT tuning is completed, the S meter level might become h​igh for a moment.
    2. Preset data of the internal antenna tuner might not be stored correctly for each antenna connector ANT1 / ANT2.
    3. Cannot record CW messages correctly when the built-in electronic keyer is set to Mode A.
    Release notes & download
  10. Version 1.05 Released Jun 30, 2011 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Added hold-to-repeat for message playback; fixed ALC meter display when switching to CW/FSK modes. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following feature is updated.

    1. While a CW / Voice message (one-shot) is played back, when pressing and holding down the same message memory cnannel key [CH1], [CH​2], [CH3], or [RX/4] temporary repeats the current message.

    The function works when Menu No.56 (PLAYBACK REPEAT) is set to "OFF"(Default).

    For example, "CP 1111" or "AP 1111" appears on the sub-display while temporary repeating the message in channel 1.

    To stop the temporar​y repeating message, press [CH1], [CH2], [CH3], [RX/4] or [CLR] key.

    The same interval time is applied as the value which is set in Menu No.57 (PLAYBACK INTERVAL TIME).

    The funciton is not available to activate by a PC command.

    The following symptom is revised.

    1. When the meter is set to show "compression" in LSB/USB or FM/AM mode, changing to CW/FSK mode does not indicate ALC automatically.
    Release notes & download
  11. Version 1.04 Released May 20, 2011 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Reduces minimum volumes for beep, monitor, and CW sidetone; improves FM audio. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following features are updated.

    1. Reduces t​he minimum volume of the beep sound.
    2. Reduces the minimum volume of the TX monitor.
    3. Reduces the CW sidetone ​volume in constant recording using the VGS-1.
    4. Improves the receiving audio low frequency charactristics in FM mode when TONE is enabled.
    Release notes & download
  12. Version 1.03 Released Mar 24, 2011 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Fixed antenna tuner detection, SSB-DATA AGC behavior, and AM band auto-step. — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following ​symptoms are revised.

    1. When turning [SSB-DATA] mode on and off, the AGC time constant might not change correctly.
    2. The TS-590S might not detect a connection with the AT-300 external antenna tuner.
    3. The AM broadcast band​ 9kHz auto step size (Menu No.13) may not work correctly.
    Release notes & download
  13. Version 1.02 Released Jan 20, 2011 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Fixes CW keying, USB connection issues, and transmit power spike problems — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following symptoms are r​evised.

    1. In [SSB-DATA] mode, Speech Processor might not be disabled internally.
    2. At the end of TX tune mode, carrier output returns to normal mode level after a short delay.
    3. When the TS-590S is turned ON, the USB port connection may be unstable.
    4. When the built-in electronic keyer is set to Mode A, CW keying may not work properly.
    5. TX rise time power spike activates some ​linear amplifiers' input power protections.

    (The firmware Ver.1.02 revises the ALC response characteristics to reduce the power spike.)

    6.

    When a separate RX ANT is connected, TX output power may be fed back to the RX ANT connector and might affect internal circuits.

    (The firmware Ver.1.02 deactivates (opens) RX ANT relay every time the radio transmits.)

    Release notes & download
  14. Version 1.01 Released Nov 30, 2010 First seen Sep 6, 2026

    Fixes PC control command response and CW weight bug with linear amplifier control relays — summary by updatemystuff.com

    Source: kenwood.com

    Show release notes

    The following symptoms are revised.

    1. Response for the PC contorol command "FT" varies when TF-SET is turned on.

    (Please also update the Radio Control Program

    ARCP-590

    which includes this control revision.)

    2.

    When Menu No.53(Linear amplifier control relay for HF band) or 54(Linear amplifier control relay for 50 MHz band) is set to "3", CW weight may become incorrect.

    Applicable models/units :

    The firmware updating program Ver.2.05 is applicable for all units of the TS-590S. (The TS-590S is no longer in production.)

    Note

    :

    You can check the firmware version of your TS-590S by pressing [M.IN] + Power ON.

    The firmware version appears in the center of the LCD display.

    Operating Environments

    1.

    Operating System (OS)

    Windows ® 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit)

    Windows ® 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)

    Notes

    This software is designed to run on the above operating systems.

    This software also runs on Windows ®

    1. (Noted on June 23, 2022)

    Applicable operating systems are subject to change without notice due to the end of the technical support by Microsoft Corporation or change of the product s​pecifications.

    1. Processor

    Faster than the recommended CPU for each OS.

    1. System Memory (RAM)

    Larger than the recommended System Memory for each OS.

    1. Free Hard Drive Space

    100 MB or more of free hard drive space.

    1. Runtime

    Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).

    1. Peripheral Devices

    A display with resolutions higher than XGA (1024 x 768).

    A keyboard and a mouse, or other pointing devices.

    A USB cable (B type for the transceiver's USB port) or an RS-232C straight cable (D-SUB 9-pin female for the transceiver's COM port).

    Notes

    If the transceiver is connected to a PC using a USB cable, ensure that the connection is directly in place. The firmware updating program may not behave properly if a connection is in place through a USB hub.

    Download and install the virtual COM port driver to make a USB connection possible for command communications via a USB connector.

    Attention

    Updating the firmware from Ver.1.08 (or before) to Ver.2.05 resets the transceiver automatically due to internal memory address reallocation.

    If you do not want to lose user data, save the data using the Radio Control Program ARCP-590 before updating the firmware and write the data back after updating the firmware.

    Usage Notes

    Users are prohibited to assign, rent, lease, redistribute, or resell the software.

    Users are prohibited to revise, change, translate, merge, de-compile, or reverse engineer the software.

    The quality and performance of the software is not warranted for the applicability of any users.

    JVCKENWOOD Corporation shall not assume liability for any defects, nor warrant anything other than is expressly provided in the agreement.

    The​ selection and introduction of the products as well as the results there from shall be upon the liability of the users.

    JVCKENWOOD Corporation shall own all copyrights and other intellectual properties for the software and all manuals and documents attached to the software.

    The user shall be allowed to use, not to resell, the software by obtaining a license from JVCKENWOOD Corporation.

    While the media in which the software is stored is possessed by the user, the ownership for the software itself shall be reserved for JVCKENWOOD Corporation.

    Installation:

    1. Extract the downloaded file "TS-590_V205E.zip" into a designated folder.

    In the designated folder, a folder labeled "TS-590_V205E" will be created.

    1. In the folder labeled "TS-590_V205E", the firmware updating program "TS-590_V205_e.exe" and "TS-590_e.chm" are automatically created.

    Updating:

    Click to read the firmware updating procedure.

    Uninstalling:

    Delete the folder labeled "TS-590_V205E" manually using the Explorer or an alternative method.

    If you agree with the details listed above, click the following link to download the firmware updating program.

    (The latest version includes all previous updates.)

    Latest update: TS-590S Firmware Update Version 2.05 (March / 2020)

    TS-590_V205E.zip : 1.41MB download

    If you have any enquiries, click the link below. https://www.kenwood.com/i/contact.html

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    Microsoft ® , Windows ® , and Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

    .NET Framework is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

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    Release notes & download

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