Question- Model Modifications

[dapaq2]

Hi Group,

Wondering if anyone has any experience with making modifications to Kenwood models radios changing the band of the radio from its factory configuration to something else. Such as for example, a UHF NX320 radio that originally came from the factory as a "K2" 450-520 MHz and change it to a "K5" 400-470 MHz. I am interested in learning more about this as to what is involved in actually doing the modification both physically and financially.

Thanks,
Doug

 

[mmckenna]

There are too many component variations between the two band splits for this to work. You -could- swap out the RF board, but finding one of those is going to be difficult. It would be easier to just buy the radio you need.
It's not even remotely possible via programming. Like I said above, way too many component variations to handle just tricking the radio via software.
You might research to see how others have been able to take these -SLIGHTLY- out of band. I think it's possible, but I've never tried it since the VHF versions cover the full band and the 800MHz versions do to.

The other issue is that once you start making changes to the radio you've voided it's type certification, so by the letter of the law, it would no longer be able to be used on Part 90 frequencies.

 

[N4KVE]

You will never be able to make a 450-520 radio to be a 400-470 radio. But you will be able to make a 450-520 radio slide down to work on the 440 ham band. Might need a slight VCO adjustment.

 

[dapaq2]

Ah ok, thank you Mmckenna! That gives me a MUCH better understanding now. Forget modifying, I will just get the radio I need/want. Thanks again for your help!

Doug