Kenwood TS-590SG + fldigi Setup Guide
Complete setup for Olivia and other digital modes. The TS-590SG features excellent receiver performance with built-in USB soundcard and CAT control.
Quick Reference
| USB Connection | USB-B - single cable for CAT + audio |
| Rig Control | RigCAT with TS-590S.xml |
| Baud Rate | 115200 (Menu 68) |
| Audio Device | USB Audio CODEC |
| Critical Setting | "Reverse Left/Right" must be checked! |
| PTT Method | CAT Command (recommended) |
1. USB Connection Architecture
The TS-590SG provides dual functionality via a single USB-B connector:
| Function | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio | Built-in USB soundcard (mono input/output) |
| CAT Control | USB-to-serial converter (virtual COM port) |
Critical: Audio Channel Configuration
The TS-590SG uses separate audio channels - Left for TX (ignored) and Right for RX. In fldigi audio settings, you must check "Reverse Left/Right" so transmit audio routes to the Right channel.
USB Cable Requirement
Use a properly-wired USB A-to-B cable with all pins connected. Recommended: TrippLite USB cable with ferrite cores. Improper cables cause PTT and audio failures.
2. Driver Installation
Windows 11
- Download drivers from Kenwood Software Download
- Do NOT connect the radio yet
- Run installer and follow Kenwood's instructions
- Reboot computer
- Connect TS-590SG via USB
- Verify in Device Manager: "Kenwood TS-590SG USB Audio" and "Kenwood Virtual COM Port"
macOS
Download USB driver package from Kenwood. Run installer and reboot. Verify in System Report → USB.
Linux
No driver installation required. Linux natively recognizes the TS-590SG as:
- USB Audio Device (ALSA/PulseAudio)
- USB Serial Device (
/dev/ttyUSB0)
Verify: lsusb | grep -i kenwood
3. Radio Menu Configuration
Essential Menu Settings
| Menu | Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | Data Filter Mode | 2 | Flexible width + frequency for digital |
| 68 | USB Data Baud Rate | 115200 | Power cycle radio after changing! |
| 69 | USB Audio Source | 1 (USB) | Route audio through USB |
| 70 | DATA/USB TX Source | 0 | Transmit from USB |
| 72 | USB Data RX Level | -50 to -40 dB | Adjust watching VU meter |
| 75 | USB AGC | OFF | Disable for digital modes |
| 33/34 | SSB Filter | 1200-1500 Hz | Width for Olivia |
Menu 72 - RX Audio Level Procedure
- Tune to a strong digital mode signal (FT8, Olivia)
- Watch the VU meter on TS-590SG display
- Adjust Menu 72 until meter shows -50 to -40 dB
- Too low (-60 dB): Weak signals, poor decoding
- Too high (-20 dB): Distortion, AGC kicks in
4. fldigi Configuration
Audio Device Setup
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Soundcard Device (Capture) | USB Audio CODEC |
| Soundcard Device (Playback) | USB Audio CODEC |
| Sample Rate | 48000 Hz |
| Reverse Left/Right | CHECKED (critical!) |
Rig Control (RigCAT)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Rig Control | Checked |
| Rig Program | Rig-CAT |
| Rig Description File | TS-590S.xml |
| Device | /dev/ttyUSB0 (Linux) or COM3 (Windows) |
| Baud Rate | 115200 |
| Data Bits | 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1 |
| Flow Control | RTS/CTS |
Get TS-590S.xml from GitHub if not included with fldigi.
PTT Configuration
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CAT Command | fldigi sends CAT command | Most reliable, recommended |
| VOX | Radio keys when it hears audio | Testing, less precise |
| Hardware PTT | RTS/DTR serial lines | Legacy setups |
Recommended: CAT Command for reliable, automated PTT control.
TX Power Control
The TS-590SG doesn't support power control via CAT, so:
- Set radio power to maximum (100W)
- Control actual RF output via fldigi's "TX Level Attenuator" slider
5. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
No PTT / Radio Won't Transmit
- Check CAT connection:
ls -la /dev/ttyUSB* - Verify Menu 68 = 115200, power cycle radio
- Test TS-590S.xml exists in fldigi rigs folder
- Replace cable with known-good TrippLite cable
- Try VOX PTT method as diagnostic fallback
No Audio / Can't Hear Received Signals
- Check USB Audio CODEC selected for both Capture and Playback
- Verify Menu 69 = 1 (USB audio source)
- Adjust Menu 72 (RX level): -50 to -40 dB on VU meter
- Toggle "Reverse Left/Right" in fldigi audio settings
- Linux: Check
alsamixer- ensure USB Audio not muted
Audio Distortion / Clipping on TX
- Lower TX Drive Level in fldigi to 50-70%
- Disable ALC on Radio: Menu 75 = OFF
- Check OS audio mixer: USB CODEC input NOT boosted
- Reduce Menu 70 (TX audio source) and adjust fldigi output
Weak Received Signal Decoding
- Slowly increase Menu 72 until VU reads -50 to -40 dB
- Disable AGC (Menu 75 = OFF)
- Widen filter (Menu 33/34) to 1500 Hz
6. Official Documentation
Pre-Flight Checklist
- USB-B cable connected (TrippLite recommended)
- Drivers installed, Device Manager shows Kenwood devices
- Menu 29 = 2, Menu 68 = 115200, Menu 69 = 1, Menu 70 = 0
- Menu 72 adjusted for -50 to -40 dB on VU meter
- Menu 75 = OFF (AGC disabled)
- fldigi: USB Audio CODEC for Capture & Playback
- "Reverse Left/Right" CHECKED
- fldigi: RigCAT with TS-590S.xml, 115200 baud, RTS/CTS
- PTT Method: CAT Command
- Test RX: Tune signal, confirm audio
- Test TX: Press PTT, radio should key