Kenwood TK-880 Questions..

[QHaba]

So, I just got this Kenwood TK-880-1 Ver 2.0 UHF radio, Link to the radio, and I wanted to ask a few questions..

I have a TK-940, and a 840, and they don't transmit, program, or receive. I was wondering if this unit will be the same due to it's age?

Is there a function to field program it using the buttons?

Will I be able to get on the frequency of 457.6625 with a PL tone of D043N, and another channel on the same frequency with a PL tone of D023N, by field programming it?

Will this radio work on 13.8 volts and function properly?

Do I need the power cord, and not just the cord on the radio, or can I just use the radio's cord without the power cord?

And last but not least, could I take a random frequency (for example, 462.7725), and use that in the state of Minnesota, legally? I have a Kenwood TK-3200L, and I want to be able to have my "own" frequency that I can use without a license. Or else could I use some uniden/cobra toy walkie talkies and use those frequencies legally?

Let me know.

Thanks! Ben

 

[cmdrwill]

Is there a function to field program it using the buttons?
Will I be able to get on the frequency of 457.6625 with a PL tone of D043N, and another channel on the same frequency with a PL tone of D023N, by field programming it?

No on first question. Probably no on the second question..

 

[fwradio]

You need the KPG-49D software and KPG-36 cable to program the radio. That is the only way they program those radios.

As for your random channel, if you don't have a license, then you can't use it legally. Using the 462/467 frequencies from those toy FRS/GMRS radios is also not legal unless you have a GMRS license.

 

[KevinC]

So, I just got this Kenwood TK-880-1 Ver 2.0 UHF radio, Link to the radio, and I wanted to ask a few questions..

I have a TK-940, and a 840, and they don't transmit, program, or receive. I was wondering if this unit will be the same due to it's age?

Is there a function to field program it using the buttons?

Will I be able to get on the frequency of 457.6625 with a PL tone of D043N, and another channel on the same frequency with a PL tone of D023N, by field programming it?

Will this radio work on 13.8 volts and function properly?

Do I need the power cord, and not just the cord on the radio, or can I just use the radio's cord without the power cord?

And last but not least, could I take a random frequency (for example, 462.7725), and use that in the state of Minnesota, legally? I have a Kenwood TK-3200L, and I want to be able to have my "own" frequency that I can use without a license. Or else could I use some uniden/cobra toy walkie talkies and use those frequencies legally?

Let me know.

Thanks! Ben

Are you still trying to talk to your school?

 

[QHaba]

Are you still trying to talk to your school?

I got on that.

 

[mmckenna]

So, I just got this Kenwood TK-880-1 Ver 2.0 UHF radio, Link to the radio, and I wanted to ask a few questions..

I have a TK-940, and a 840, and they don't transmit, program, or receive. I was wondering if this unit will be the same due to it's age?

Why don't they transmit? Age shouldn't necessarily be an issue.

Is there a function to field program it using the buttons?

Yes, there are ways to do it. However, it requires the programming software to set it up, put in the alpha/numeric names, as well as set up the rest of the radio functions. The Front Panel Programming only lets you change some very basic settings.

Will I be able to get on the frequency of 457.6625 with a PL tone of D043N, and another channel on the same frequency with a PL tone of D023N, by field programming it?

If you use the software. You can do it with the front panel programming, but it takes some work and the software to set it up. Don't rely on the front panel programming, get the software and cable, it makes life a lot easier.

Will this radio work on 13.8 volts and function properly?

Yes, but you need to have a power supply that will provide enough current to make it work. For receive only you'll need about 2 amps. If you want to transmit, you'll need at least 10 amps.

Do I need the power cord, and not just the cord on the radio, or can I just use the radio's cord without the power cord?

You -could- cut off the connector on the end and attach another type of connector to fit your needs. Just remember you need to have fuses installed.

And last but not least, could I take a random frequency (for example, 462.7725), and use that in the state of Minnesota, legally? I have a Kenwood TK-3200L, and I want to be able to have my "own" frequency that I can use without a license. Or else could I use some uniden/cobra toy walkie talkies and use those frequencies legally?

No.

There are no "license free" frequencies that those radios will work on. They do no qualify under FRS rules, so you cannot legally use it there.
If you have a valid FCC issued GMRS, amateur radio, or Part 90 license, you can use the radios under those licenses on their appropriate frequencies only.

Transmitting without a license of your own would be in violation of the FCC rules. There are no exceptions to that.

 

[QHaba]

Okay. Thanks. I have another problem though, my Kenwood TK-3200l is programmed to my school, and I programmed the radio to it, and it just buzzes when I transmit on the mobile. I can hear the 3200 perfectly through the mobile, though.

 

[03msc]

Sounds like you're trying to get a radio to operate on frequencies for which you do not have authorization. I doubt anyone here is going to assist you with such. Before trying to program radios, etc., you need to have a basic understanding of how radios works, FCC regulations, etc. They aren't toys...unless you just buy them in the bubble pack at Walmart. Sounds like that's what you should do...

 

[QHaba]

The frequency I have my radios programmed to I have permission to be on the license, from the school.

 

[03msc]

The frequency I have my radios programmed to I have permission to be on the license, from the school.

In your first post here you asked about using a "random frequency" and be legal. That's a big negative.