Kenwood: TM-281 menu access problem

[K2BLS]

Hi, I'm new to the forum but have been a ham for 18 years.

I've been searching everywhere to find a solution to a problem with my rig that just started during a trip last week. For some reason, I can't access the menu. The Function icon appears, but when I push the knob for menu, it goes back to the memory channel display. I've checked the manual and tried both reset methods and neither work. They just revert back to the main display too. I need to change the lockout settings for the memory channel. I tried it using the software, and although it seemed to be writing to the radio, the settings never actually change.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Todd

 

[blastco2]

Did you lock the radio? Can you change channels or operate the vfo?

Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk

 

[K2BLS]

Did you lock the radio? Can you change channels or operate the vfo?

Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk

If you mean locked as when the little key icon is visible, no. It's not visible. I can scan memory channels, but can't switch to VFO or even access the menu. I've never had this problem before. It won't even let me reset it.

 

[K2BLS]

Did you lock the radio? Can you change channels or operate the vfo?

Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk

No, it's not locked. That's the first thing I checked. I can turn the lock on and off, but it doesn't fix the problem.

 

[Kennrth]

add menu mode enabled

Without being there and seeing this behavior it is hard to understand what is happening. I think your radio may be ok though.
Make sure you haven't locked your front panel controls. Key symbol will be displayed.

To lock and unlock front panel controls Toggle (hold F key for 1 second )
The TM-281 is a tough radio with good reliability reports. 65W out SWR protected.


Could the following be your problem?
Mode 1 200 channel freq mode only Menu Mode Enabled
Mode 2 100 Channel memory name storage enabled, memory channel displayed while scanning Menus disabled.
Mode 3 100 Channel memory name storage enabled, memory freq displayed, Menus Enabled.
The radio has three modes of operation besides vfo. Default from factory is 200 channels no display name storage allowed. Display Name mode limits you to 100 memories but you can assign names to your memories ex: RPT01. And Displays names assigned to you memory channels when scanning. When you buy the radio The default mode is Frequency Display mode only where you have full 200 channels but cannot assign display names. If you chose to store memory names you have to change that setting and reboot then you are limited to 100 channels but now have two more operating modes that look the same but they are not. Display name or Display Frequency options while scanning your 100 ch memory name storage mode. When you are in Display name mode you cannot access your menus. Sounds like the behavior your having. You must be in display frequency mode to access menu mode. If you chose to save memory names early on you cannot access the menu while in Display memory name mode. Manual very poor in explaining this.

If you chose to save memory names option you must toggle to freq display to access menu mode
(If you reset the radio memory the names would have been cleared and mem1 mem2 etc will be displayed while in memory mode)

Toggle between modes you must boot the radio into that mode. Turn the radio Off. Hold the reverse key down while pressing power on. Waite while the radio boots into freq display mode. Now your display shows frequencies stored for that number memory, then you can access the menus where you can change any of your settings and store or edit memories.
To go back to Display memory names. Turn radio off. Press and hold Reverse Key while powering radio on and you will go back to display name mode.
Keep in mind to store your ( vfo freq offset pll etc) follow the manual instructions rotating to memory you wish to store to (into memory number) you must press MR Twice. This is not clear in the manual.
To delete a memory. Dial to memory you wish to delete. Turn radio off. Hold down MR key while turning radio on you will be asked if you want to delete that memory ? Press MR key again and that memory will be deleted. Any other key mem will not be deleted.
Keep in mind you cannot access menu mode when you are in Display Name mode
Hope that helps

 

[K2BLS]

Thank you for that information, Kenneth. Unfortunately, when I hold REV and turn on the radio, it stays in Memory Name mode. Is there anything else I can look at?

 

[ke5mma]

TM-281A Menu access problems

When programming the radio look for a box the says Send Data To Memory Channels .... Menu. Un-check the box for send Data to Menus because it will keep you from being able to access the Menu in the Rdaio at. You won't be able to make any changes a do a full Re-set. I use RT sytems but I think this true of the Free software too. 73!