TK-2180 TRANSMIT BUTTON LOCK

[KD9DVH]

Hello,

Is there a way to lockout the transmit key on a TK-2180? KPG-89D allows a button to be configured as "key lock" however the transmit key is still functional. I'd like the default state of the transmit key to be locked for certain channels.

Thanks!

 

[mmckenna]

No, not on those radios.

The radio has a lot of channel capacity, just program them in as RX only and add them to your scan list.

And, be careful with the "transmit only in an emergency" thing, that doesn't translate well.

 

[KD9DVH]

Thanks! I will be programming them as RX only. I wouldn't be behaving as a responsible ham with no way to make the normal TX state of those channels locked. Mods, please delete this thread if you feel it's inappropriate or crosses a line.

 

[AK9R]

It's an appropriate question and you got an appropriate answer. No lines were crossed.

 

[KD9DVH]

Thank you for reviewing. After spending time reading threads regarding rules and regs my opinion on the matter is the only TX frequencies that belong in your part 90 radio are the ones where you are a licensed legal user.

 

[mmckenna]

Thank you for reviewing. After spending time reading threads regarding rules and regs my opinion on the matter is the only TX frequencies that belong in your part 90 radio are the ones where you are a licensed legal user.

Exactly. I run several public safety radio systems, and I only keep transmit capability in my radios for systems I manage, or are covered by my own licenses. One of the things that keeps me running that way is the knowledge that a radio can be lost or stolen very easily, and you never know who's going to pick it up. At least on my own systems I can stun/kill the radio remotely if it becomes an issue. That prevents some tough discussions and it keeps my professional integrity intact.

The TK-x180 are nice radios. I still have a TK-3180 that was my shop/test radio for many years. Even though I have newer radios to replace it, it's still a good solid performer for an analog only radio. Plus, the 450-520MHz portables have Part 95 certification that makes them perfectly legal for me to use on GMRS. I ran a TK-7180 (VHF mobile) in my wife's truck for many years, with 512 channel slots, it had plenty of room to run all the 2 meter simplex frequencies, all the 2 meter repeaters I'd ever use, plus my work stuff with room to spare. Good audio and a nice big display in a compact package. If you are looking for a solid mobile radio, consider one of those. You can take the file from your TK-2180 and push it into the mobile, only needing to change your button assignments.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Thank you for reviewing. After spending time reading threads regarding rules and regs my opinion on the matter is the only TX frequencies that belong in your part 90 radio are the ones where you are a licensed legal user.

Leave the transmit frequency blank(delete the transmit frequency) and the channel will be receive only.

Key lock only applies to the keypad and the channel knob(if set up)

 

[KD9DVH]

That was one of my chief concerns...I can control what I do but if I lose the radio all bets are off. I'd feel terrible if someone used it to cause harm.

I've been very happy with it on the amateur bands. So happy in fact that I'm considering getting rid of my amateur HTs/base station and using the TK-x180 series exclusively. I purchased the TK-3180 400-470 version at the same time I got the TK-2180. I also have the TK-7180, TK-8180 400-470mhz and TK-8180 450-512MHz for GMRS (yes, I know, I have a radio purchasing problem). Picked them up a few years ago but they got stuffed in a closet shorty after I purchased them. Life got busy and I stepped away from radio for a while, but I plan to dig them out and use them as base stations. All that really needs to be done is build the UHF files. Thanks for the tip on using the same file. I was able to get the one for the 7180 built.

 

[mmckenna]

Welcome to the club.
There's quite a few of us here that ditched the ham radio products and switched to the commercial gear. I've never regretted it.
Yeah, you lose VFO, but these things have enough memory slots that you can preload everything you'll need.
And then there's the features that you don't get on the ham gear. Personally, I really like the ignition switched power feature with the timer. Makes it easy to set the radios up so they turn on with the key, then remain on for 30 minutes after shutting down. Keeps my wife from leaving the radio on (or off).

My personal favorite feature is the microphones. Not sure where the ham radio manufacturers got off track and started building non-ergonomic mics with so many damn buttons. I like the simple microphone with -just- a push to talk button and no chance of sending the radio off into some mode I don't want.

Plus, having the correct Part 90 radios makes it so I only need one radio in my truck to satisfy both ham use as well as work use, all while staying legal.

 

[kayn1n32008]

That was one of my chief concerns...I can control what I do but if I lose the radio all bets are off. I'd feel terrible if someone used it to cause harm.

I've been very happy with it on the amateur bands. So happy in fact that I'm considering getting rid of my amateur HTs/base station and using the TK-x180 series exclusively. I purchased the TK-3180 400-470 version at the same time I got the TK-2180. I also have the TK-7180, TK-8180 400-470mhz and TK-8180 450-512MHz for GMRS (yes, I know, I have a radio purchasing problem). Picked them up a few years ago but they got stuffed in a closet shorty after I purchased them. Life got busy and I stepped away from radio for a while, but I plan to dig them out and use them as base stations. All that really needs to be done is build the UHF files. Thanks for the tip on using the same file. I was able to get the one for the 7180 built.

I had some Kenwood gear for many years. Only VHF though. It was pretty decent kit, and I wouldn't be opposed to their modern stuff if I had the budget for it.

The TK-x180 series is decent for analogue only radios. Great displays, and really simple to program. The only draw back I found was that you couldn't dual deck them like the TK-x90 series, and sadly the TK-x90 series was just way too limited for memory for my needs.

Sadly the NX-5x00 mobiles amd the VM series mobiles from EFJ are just way out of reach.

 

[hill]

Yew this series is great.

I have a TK-3180 used for GMRS and Ham. Plus some UHF receive, mainly just shopping area security when I am close. It's the first one I go to for GMRS.

Do use it for one local County Fire Department near me that still uses two tone on UHF for dispatch.

My VHF radios used on two meters are mainly TK-5210, since I can use them to do some receive on some P25 conventional frequencies. We do have a few P25 ham repeaters near, but never talked with anyone on them.