Kenwood TK-730 Questions

[Scannerhead1983]

Hello all, I recently inquired a couple Kenwood TK-730 VHF remote mount rigs. However I can't seem to find any specs on the radios. I have read that some will do up to 128 channels, some will do ham band, which is essentially what I would like to use this radio for. So here are my questions..

1. Can I use the KRK-3DH control head for this rig? The control head I have on it now is the basic model... However I have not been able to apply power to the rig yet, so how many alphanumeric characters/Channels can I get out my control head I have now? There is no identification as to what model control head it is, But it has the 4 buttons on it, and of course the channel/volume knobs on it.

2. I have read that the G series will do ham band, But am a little unsure of my model, It just says on the side of the rig, that it's a TK-730, The radio is rated for 5-45 watts. I have also tried finding out where to wire power to the rig, But have had no luck. There are a bunch of pins on the radio but no wires attached to the plugs. I tried looking on kenwoods site for information but it did not display anything I tried to search.

All help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[ramal121]

I'm getting a little fuzzy on 730's but here goes...

1) The KRK-3DH is the chassis adapter for dual head remote operation, but you can run a single head if it is connected to the "HEAD 1" port. I don't think you need the upgrade firmware chip to do this (ie above the FAA chip). If you have the basic control head, you are limited to a max of 99 channels (two digit display). If you have the alphanumeric display, it'l do 160 channels.
This is only true if you have the eeprom that supports 99 channels. If you have the limited eeprom you will only be able to program 32 channels.

2) The "G" version 730 will give you narrow band operation and will show on the model number plate. This is a moot point on the ham bands and if it is not a "G" model, no sweat as it will not be used. To program in the 2 meter range you will have to select "special tune" in the program software. This will allow you to enter frequencies outside of the normal spec'd range. Now this doesn't mean it will work in all the 2 meter channels you put in. If there is a frequency on a channel that causes the display to blink on and off, this means the VCO has unlocked and you cannot use it. Typical below 146 MHz. In that case the VCO will need to be tweeked a little to allow a lower operation Easy to do, just holler.

3) All those wires! If this is a 45 watt rig, there is a white two pin molex jack for power, I just can't remember which is positive and negative. An ohmmeter would help. Also there is a 9 (?) pin white molex plug from which you would pull speaker audio from. If you wish to have speaker from the control head, there is a jumper that needs to go onto this connector.

Hope this gets you started, chime back for more help...

 

[Scannerhead1983]

Thank you for your assistance. I would like to get the control head that will allow me the 160 channels, If this radio will support it. I need to start off by applying power to the rig, and get it fired up. It's all a work in progress. Never messed with kenwoods much as I have always been a Motorola guy... But for a free radio I'm not complaining. I'll post more info once I get power to the rig. I do have the program cable and software for it.