Arduino based Kenwood DG5 emulator for my TS-520S

Here’s a quick video of my DG5 emulator prototype buttoned up in a project box.

Still waiting on my PCB’s to arrive on the slow boat from China.  I already have changes to make – the first version PCB has the 3 RCA jacks for the 3 signals from the TS-520S on the opposite side from the Arduno’s USB – not exactly the best for mounting in a box.  And I also have added the display since I sent in the design, so I’ll have to add that in as well.  The “shield” is getting a bit tight with the DIP IC’s and new requirements, I might either go to SMD devices (for the IC’s at least) or just make the shield bigger that an Arduino.  This might actually be an advantage, as a bigger shield would allow me to slide it in a Hammond type aluminum extrusion chassis, with the Arduino plugging in on top, upside down.

Got myself one of the AS9850 DDS modules that are available on eBay for around $10.  Looking at making an external VFO for the TS-520 with one of these, so a bigger box might be a good idea.

7 thoughts on “Arduino based Kenwood DG5 emulator for my TS-520S

  1. RUSSELL FLAGG ZS2AHF

    HI TODD,
    MY VENERABLE TS520S IS STILL GIVING ME GREAT SERVICE EXCEPT FOR THE DG5 FREQUENCY READOUT WHICH DEFIES ALL EFFORTS TO RELIABLY REVIVE IT. SO I AM KEEN TO GO THE ARDUINO ROUTE. I HAVE DOWNLOADED ALL THE INFO FROM YOURS AND STEVES WEB SITES WHICH WOULD INCLUDE PURCHASING THE LATEST ARDUINO FROM YOUR SUPPLIERS. MY DAUGHTER JENNIFER AND FAMILY LIVE IN TAMPA,FLORIDA AND WILL BE PURCHASING ALL COMPONENTS,DELIVERED TO HER HOME ADDRESS. ALL I NEED IS THE PRICE (USD) OF THE ARDUINO, DELIVERED,TAMPA. I WILL PROVIDE HER WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL COMPONENTS REQUIRED.I`M SURE THIS WAY WILL BE MORE SATISFACTORY THAN LOOKING FOR COMPONENTS HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA.
    KIND REGARDS, RUSSELL FLAGG ZS2AHF.

    Reply
  2. RUSSELL FLAGG ZS2AHF

    Hi Steve,
    please help, I need the code details for the KENWOOD DG 5 EMULATOR LCD version. I have tried to find them ,but no avail.
    Have you details available on the LED version yet?

    Regards, Russell.

    Reply
    1. RUSSELL FLAGG

      Hi Steve,

      Have completed my DG-5 Emulator, and is working,but reads 5 kz high.The lcd indicates “u” for the upper side band, but on lower side side band indicates “c”. Any suggestions?
      When the 520s is off, the DG-5 reads 0,000,0 and the the letter “L”. Does this indicate that all is well with the unit?Have checked the Carrier, Hetrodyne and VFO frequencies on 7mhz, and they read:Car.3.393, Het. 15.895 and Vfo 4.9 -5.5.

      Your comments would be appreciated. Regards, Russell ZS2AHF.

      Reply
      1. admin Post author

        Russell –

        I have some newer code that might be worth trying, I’ll see if I can post it an e-mail it to you. The calculation for Upper (“U”), Lower (“L”) and CW (“C”) is done based on a range out of the service manual – it might need tweaking on your unit.

        One thing to try if you have a signal generator would be to see if it’s 5k off if you measure it with a known signal – your Arduino clock might be way off. What model Arduino are you using?

        Steve
        KV6O

        Reply
        1. RUSSELL FLAGG

          Hi Steve,
          I am not sure if I sent you my reply re your question: “what Arduino board am I using?”I am using the Arduino Uno, Purchased from China. You also mentioned that you have some newer code that might be worth trying.
          Regards, Russell. ZS2AHF

          Reply
    2. Norman Bergen

      Hi Steve i I have inherited a dg5 emulator from a deceased estate – have completed the board have purchased an arduino but I cant find the code to program it, Can yu please either send me the code or tell me where I can download the code

      Reply

Leave a Reply to RUSSELL FLAGG Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.