Johnpayette
Member
Does anyone have some of these for sale with Battery, Charger, Antenna? Are the TK380 that must worse than TK-3180
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TK 3180 or TK 380
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mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
I wouldn't call one worse than the other. They are from two different eras, and have different capabilities. Deciding what you need should include looking at what the radios will do and comparing that to your needs.
The TK-x80 is plenty of radio if all you need is a basic analog radio. Plenty durable and lots of capacity.
The TK-x180 series are newer, have bigger displays, more capabilities (MDC1200) and will probably have more accessories easily available.
I've had TK-390's, and they are fine for what I needed. I've also got a TK-3180 and the additional capability and larger display (longer channel names) is really handy.
If you have the choice of both radios, got with the TK-3180.
The TK-x80 is plenty of radio if all you need is a basic analog radio. Plenty durable and lots of capacity.
The TK-x180 series are newer, have bigger displays, more capabilities (MDC1200) and will probably have more accessories easily available.
I've had TK-390's, and they are fine for what I needed. I've also got a TK-3180 and the additional capability and larger display (longer channel names) is really handy.
If you have the choice of both radios, got with the TK-3180.
Johnpayette
Member
I want to sell them once they are programmed to Houston Harris County EMS Channels I will see them.
Johnpayette
Member
I got a 380 to try and the reception isn't that great maybe its this radio the charger doesn't work. I don't see how they could use it professionally. Thier is a lot of static also
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mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
A radio that old would be in need of an alignment.
Also, with any radio that age, the antenna should be replaced. Checking programming would be a wise choice, also.
Johnpayette
Member
Can I align it with my Kenwood software? Or does this need to be put on an Aeroflex
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mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
I would need to be connected to a service monitor, like an Aeroflex/Viavi, etc.
A radio shop can do it for you, but expect $100 or so, but the chance of a shop still having the programming software for these would be low.
12dbsinad
Member
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- Mar 15, 2010
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Not a Kenwood guy myself but I know of many issues with failing LCD displays on the 280,380,480 series radios especially as they age. Somewhere in my radio collection I have a 380 and 480 and the displays on both radios are starting to have issues. Both are first Gen units.
the 380s were wheelchocks, and no matter how finely tuned they were on a service monitor - their conventional abilities sucked. Pretty not terrible on LTR/Passport, but on conv. they were good for taping messages to them and then throwing them at the recipient.
Got tired of the constant tuning, and went to the x180s and never looked back.
Got tired of the constant tuning, and went to the x180s and never looked back.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Yep, 280/380s are oldy moldy. 1998 called and wants their CD singles, Backstreet Boys cassettes, and 80 series portables with it.
The 2180/3180 while now 19 years old (released in 2nd Q 2004), are miles above the 80 series. KPG-89D is s breeze, F/W 1.22 supports MDC1200 encode/decode for the "cop sounds" everyone loves. Good radios with easy to find accessories, and pretty damn good perfomance too.
The 2180/3180 while now 19 years old (released in 2nd Q 2004), are miles above the 80 series. KPG-89D is s breeze, F/W 1.22 supports MDC1200 encode/decode for the "cop sounds" everyone loves. Good radios with easy to find accessories, and pretty damn good perfomance too.
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