TK-280 Can Receive, Not Transmit, Screen shows all LED Dots

[SuperChicken80127]

Hi All,

Glad I found this forum. I volunteer with a S&R team and I purchased a Kenwood TK-280 specifically to use with this group. The radio was originally programmed by the person whom I bought it from. Since that person moved to another state and is now fully retired, I programmed the radio my self as it was not programmed with all the channels required. Now after programming the radio, when I PTT, it does not connect to the tower/repeater to transmit, the radio beeps at me and the display comes up with all the LED dots displayed (see attachment). This happens to call transmit channels. I can receive without any issue on any channel. Here are some specifics:

Radio -- Kenwood TK-280 - VHF FM Transceiver
Version -- 2.0
Programming Software -- KPG-49D v4.21
Programming Cable - USB - MaxtonData - Kymate KPG-36U
Computer - Windows 10

With the software, I can read and write to the radio without any issues.

If you have any information on what I am doing wrong or why the radio will not connect to the tower/repeater and gives the blacked out display, I would be very thankful.

Cheers,
John

 

[ramal121]

First thing that comes to my mind is a bad battery. Won't hold up to the higher transmit current.

 

[SuperChicken80127]

First thing that comes to my mind is a bad battery. Won't hold up to the higher transmit current.

Thank you for the quick response. The battery tests good. 7.2v battery, I get 7.6v output on multi-meter. I believe it is getting enough power. Unfortunately, I do not have a second battery and for the price of a new battery, I can get a new radio, which I am trying to avoid.

 

[n7maq-1]

As Ramal121 said, I would bet that is a low battery issue, the battery needs to be tested under load and even if the battery is good someone may have adjusted the battery low "BATT" setting higher than 6.0 Volts.

Jim

 

[SuperChicken80127]

As Ramal121 said, I would bet that is a low battery issue, the battery needs to be tested under load and even if the battery is good someone may have adjusted the battery low "BATT" setting higher than 6.0 Volts.

Jim

Jim, Thank you. Is that setting something I can change with the software? Thank you.

 

[n7maq-1]

Jim, Thank you. Is that setting something I can change with the software? Thank you.

Yes, but you need to use a bench power supply to do it. I'll post the procedure later on after work.

 

[woodtrol]

battery. one thing to note if you do get a battery, they had different chemistry and chargers.