Kenwood TK3100 multi units help!!! please!!!

[dany-boy]

Hi,
This is my first post on RadioReference..And I have done hrs of searching online to try and answer my own question that way first prior to showing my ignorance on this site for all gurus to see!! but to no avail. So here is my question.
I just bought 3 used kenwood tk3100 two way radios, but after charging them up, I noticed that none of the 3 units talk to each other? which is why I bought them to begin with. The only reason I got these was I thought they would of better quality and more durable than the toy walkies you get from the local Walmart/radio shack. And I only paid $40.00 for the 3 units with kenwood mics.
But I might have bit of more than I can chew on!!! After hrs of searching the net I only ended up more confused (information overload!!!) after reading up on two-way radios!!
I was able to find out that the programming software for these is KPG-48D and the cable is the KPG-22.
But I don't know if I need to be licensed to operate these or not? or to program them if needed?
If this is the case, I might just re-sale them on e-bay and go get some toy ones like midlands, etc.
My wife and kids ride dirt bikes and I wanted a way to keep in touch to avoid getting lost or extremely separated from each other. Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated... Sorry so long!!!

 

[WayneH]

Since the TK series is not an Amateur radio and we have a Commercial Kenwood forum I'm moving this thread there.

 

[dany-boy]

Update!!!! I was able to program the 3 units. But now I have another issue! one of the radios receives fine from the other 2 units, but it does not transmit. Im Only hearing a click noise on the other 2 units but no voices. any ideas?? Thanks in advance for any help...

 

[dany-boy]

Also, I was disappointed in the range on these kenwood tk3100 units. less than a street block it seems. bummer..

 

[dany-boy]

Also, any suggestions/advise on longer range hand held??? looking to transmit at the least 1-2 miles threw wooded and small hill areas.
Thanks all....

 

[ramal121]

3100s are only two watt units, but they should go for more than a block. Being an older portable, I'll guess they have been kicked around a bit. I can't really say what your exact problem is but here are some common problems I've seen in the past.

The female SMA connector for the antenna has two screws to hold it to the radio frame. If the screws loosen, the antenna will wiggle and eventually break the center conductor of the SMA. This will severely limit your range. Do the antennas wiggle at all?

The mic element will go bad. Although you will not completely loose TX volume, it will go way down and you'll have to scream to be heard.

If the radio is dropped or squashed, it can damage a small adjustment pot. The symptom for this is NO transmit voice and excessively high QT tones.

If a speaker mic is inserted into the acc jack, the plug could get whacked and damage the jack inside. You would loose transmit voice, speaker audio or both.

Sounds like the one needs to be looked at by a qualified repair tech.

 

[dany-boy]

Tk-3100

Thanks for the reply Ramal121.

1.) No wiggle at the SMA connector. all nice and tight. I even pulled the round threaded brass piece off to verify no wiggle.

2.) They all have kenwood external speaker mics on them, So I pulled the external mic off the unit to test without it.(thinking bad external.mic possibly ) But same result.. So its very possible that the mic jack element is bad I guess. The other two units sound load and crystal clear with no interference or back noise.

4.) Sounds like from what you said, My money is going on the acc jack even though they have the little metal cover protector screwed in the unit covering the plug and jack. And there are no visible signs of the unit ever being dropped, etc. case looks new.... I guess it could be the button you push to talk that's gone bad also?