Kenwood TK760

[Heidi750]

Quick question for the group ...
I have a Kenwood TK760 and would like to install it in my UTV for riding in the desert.
So I was wondering if this radio is built to Mil Spec and is rated Dust Proof.
I used a handheld radio before, however after a season in the desert the radio packed it in.

What are you using?

 

[mmckenna]

It has Mil-Spec rating for dust, vibration and shock.
The Mil-Spec 810 ratings are kind of a mess when used in the commercial world, but they give you a pretty good idea.

http://www.lauttamus.com/_pdf/TwoWayRadio/Kenwood/tk-760h.pdf

For ATV use, you should be just fine. Durable radio that should stand up to that sort of use. These were popular radios in their day and saw a lot of usage in heavy equipment, trucks, etc.
I'm running a Motorola CDM-1250 in my Polaris Ranger, and I'd have no problems running a Kenwood 760 in there if I had one. The Motorola has been in there for about 7 years and about 5,000 miles. Important part is to mount it well so it doesn't vibrate loose, and it's preferable to have it mounted under the dash to give it a bit of protection of rain/mud/snow, etc.

 

[westcoaster]

You would want to ensure the rubber plug (or a reasonable facsimile) is over the external speaker jack at the back of the radio if the jack is not in use.
I don't think the 760 is as well gasketed as the later radios.
Being it is a mobile radio and is mounted in the vehicle, that would permit you the ability, if you desire, to augment the 760's lack of dust proofing with your own improvised gaskets....
As far as the radio controls (buttons) if/when they do stop working because of the dust it isn't much to pull the head apart and clean things up with alcohol pads and compressed air. (the same for any radio)

 

[MTS2000des]

it has no O-ring seals on the control head or chassis, unlike say, a CDM750/1250/1550 or a newer Kenwood like a TK-7180. Dust should not be a problem unless it gets poured into the control surfaces, but moisture sure will be (which in a desert shouldn't be a problem).

 

[ramal121]

I have dealt with that style radio in agricultural settings, mostly vineyard trucks. Other than the speaker and the front of the buttons getting packed with dirt and mung to the point they don't work well there is very little dust intrusion into the radio's innards, A quick cleaning usually perks it up again.

Now if an errant coffee cup crosses its path all bets are off.

 

[Heidi750]

Thanks to all for your responses ...