TK 790 Programming below 150 frequencies

[KX7BAL]

I bought a used TK790. I have a functioning program cable, software KPG-44D, for the radio reads the info from the radio. The first Freq in the list is 150. When I tried a test frequency of 145 it said it was out of the range for programming. Not sure what's going on since this radio is used for HAM's. Any information would be great!

 

[hill]

You can try entering frequencies below 148 Mhz and see if the radio takes it. The software will say it's out of range, but it may work. Also on some Kenwoods going to far from its range will cause the VCO to unlock and it won't work.

 

[mmckenna]

There's two band splits for the TK-790
148-174MHz and a 136-156MHz. Sounds like you have the 148-174 version.

Hill is right, you can try plugging in the 2 meter frequencies. It'll complain, but push the file in anyway.

At some point below 148MHz, the VCO will unlock and the radio will complain. Also, the filters may be tuned to start rolling off somewhere below 148.
So, might work, might not.

Finding 136-156MHz versions can be difficult. If it's a TK-790H (110watt) version, they only came in 148-174MHz versions.

 

[KX7BAL]

Thank you for the information, I will give this a try. I am not sure if it is an "H" model, ebay purchase.....lol

 

[AK9R]

If was an H model, you'd know it. The chassis of the H model is about 12 inches long, mostly heatsink, and heavy.

In my experience with my H model, the software would complain about frequencies outside the radio's range, but you can ignore the error message and still put on those frequencies and the radio will take a download. If you those freqs and you get a constant tone from the speaker, the VCO is unlocked and you'll have to do some retuning inside the radio.

 

[n3obl]

big thing with these is also the narrowband tuning was never done properly at factory so if you plan on monitoring public safety best bet it to get a tuning and alignment.

 

[KX7BAL]

Well, it gave me an error every frequency I tried to put in. I just hit "OK" and kept going. Uploaded it to the radio annnnndddd It WORKED! Whooow Hew! Appreciate the help guys. N30BL, thanks for the heads up on tuning and aligning!

 

[mrweather]

I've got a 148-174 TK790 and it accepts frequencies down into the 144 range (2m repeater input) without a problem. My 450-490 TK890 starts going out of lock below about 442 MHz.

 

[KX7BAL]

How do you turn off the "Beep Tone" after someone finishes talking. I have the KPG-44D software but when looking around through the setting I don't know what it would be. I am a little out of my wheelhouse here with the software. Not sure what many of the setting do.

 

[n3obl]

option page 2
look foe transmit release beep

 

[KX7BAL]

 

[KX7BAL]

Didn't see that option if I am even in the right spot

 

[n3obl]

sorry try opt 1. its in that area somewhere.

 

[KX7BAL]

 

[n3obl]

Doh!!! try channel edit. Unfortunately I don't have my other laptop handy that has the program on it. I believe in this software its a per channel setting.

 

[talviar]

big thing with these is also the narrowband tuning was never done properly at factory so if you plan on monitoring public safety best bet it to get a tuning and alignment.

OBL I think the better statement is... the 790's left the factory mostly tuned but not quite....

One tech friend of mine that maintained a larger fleet with Kenwood equipment in it, basically said every 790 or 890 that they pulled out of the box had to be benched before it would work right.

 

[mrweather]

One tech friend of mine that maintained a larger fleet with Kenwood equipment in it, basically said every 790 or 890 that they pulled out of the box had to be benched before it would work right.

That's really sad...