So, I'm thinking of buying a new radio. The two I'm looking at are the TK-380, and the 390. They look like some very nice radios. They would be an upgrade from my Tk-3200L, which has no screen. Is it worth looking into?
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Thinking of buying a Kenwood TK-380/90
- Thread starter QHaba
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If you want a 15 y/o radio, and you can find one in good shape, and it's not an unreasonable price...sure. The software is simple, replacement batteries are relatively cheap. I carried one for almost a decade on a trunked system, and it wasn't so hot on conventional TBH. RX audio was ok, volume was underwhelming, and the scan was VERY slow compared to other portable radios at the time. (The TK-3180 was the replacement unit which seemed to be moderately better across the board). If you drop it, the case will break at the bottom where the case meets the battery and will then be awkward to lock the battery back on unless replaced.
If you have a 3200L, this is the previous generation. The 3180 will look very much like this one. The 380 was a brick.
If you have a 3200L, this is the previous generation. The 3180 will look very much like this one. The 380 was a brick.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
I agree, the TK-3180 would be a better choice if your budget allows.
I have an old TK-290 VHF portable. They were common in the fire service and worked well enough at the time. 160 channels, and can be set up for front panel programming. The limitation was the display only allowed 8 characters, if I recall correctly.
The TK-x90's are cheap and plentiful and lots of accessories available.
But, the 3180 will give you a better display and is a newer model.
I have an old TK-290 VHF portable. They were common in the fire service and worked well enough at the time. 160 channels, and can be set up for front panel programming. The limitation was the display only allowed 8 characters, if I recall correctly.
The TK-x90's are cheap and plentiful and lots of accessories available.
But, the 3180 will give you a better display and is a newer model.
DeoVindice
P25 Underground
They're big, heavy, scan slowly, and aren't the most up-to-date radios. Other than that, I'm quite happy with mine - my requirement is for a durable, affordable handheld with good simplex performance.
I like the top-mounted display on the x90s, if the radio is on a belt or in a pouch, I can operate it without having to remove it. I use my radios on some very active trips, so this decreases the chances of dropping a radio while manipulating it.
I like the top-mounted display on the x90s, if the radio is on a belt or in a pouch, I can operate it without having to remove it. I use my radios on some very active trips, so this decreases the chances of dropping a radio while manipulating it.
Shards
Member
I have a 380. For what I use it for, it works just fine. I wanted a Part 90 compliant radio for GMRS. At some point, I’d like to upgrade to a 3180, but the 380 isn’t a bad radio at all. I just need to find a good programming cable for mine which works with USB, rather than VGA, or some feedback about whether those USB to VGA adapters will work for this.
I think you mean serial. The DE-9 is what is commonly found on consumer serial ports, the DE-15 is the VGA port. Similar footprint but keyed & pinned because they are completely different - and incompatible protocols.
But yes, I have programmed my 380s with serial on my old pentium laptops and via USB to Serial connector (cheap one) on a more modern computer. Same cable.
But yes, I have programmed my 380s with serial on my old pentium laptops and via USB to Serial connector (cheap one) on a more modern computer. Same cable.
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