PriorMike
Member
...TK-290. There is something ruggedly old-school about them...
Is it okay to feel this way?
Is it okay to feel this way?
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I kinda want a...
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mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
They are solid little radios. Our fire department used them for years. Well built and a lot of features. Fairly easy to set up for front panel programming.
I still have a site that is using a couple of the TK-390 UHF models.
I had one as a shop radio for years. Replaced it with a TK-5210 and the 290 was sort of a 'take home' radio. Eventually passed it over to our OES team as they needed an additional radio. Still running strong.
I still have a site that is using a couple of the TK-390 UHF models.
I had one as a shop radio for years. Replaced it with a TK-5210 and the 290 was sort of a 'take home' radio. Eventually passed it over to our OES team as they needed an additional radio. Still running strong.
n1nte
Member
I seek bargain ones out on eBay. I like them a lot.
Yes, the TK290 and TK390 are great older radios. The only weak thing on them is the battery latch.
Locally, they receive better out in the boonies than the NX-5000s that were purchased to replace them.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Close. 1998.
Our fire department ditched Motorola about that time and went to all Kenwood. TK-290 and TK-790H across the board.
DeoVindice
P25 Underground
Absolutely okay to feel that way. I haven't used 290s but would buy one in a heartbeat based on my experiences with 390s and 190s. Exceptionally durable radios with great performance, and the top-mounted display is handy. I do wish there were lithium batteries available for them. My main business radios are EFJ 5100ESs, but the 90-series Kenwood portables aren't going anywhere.
DeoVindice
P25 Underground
Still better than a TK-380. I really do not care for those temperamental things.
n1nte
Member
As a matter of fact, just won an eBay auction for a radio, battery, and antenna for less than $20 shipped!
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