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TK-3140 or TK-3180

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Guard0910

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Looking for some input on radio models, +/-, and what would you buy? These radios wil be used in the fire service so we are looking for a decent radio that will hold up. Thanks ahead of time to all that reply.


Jeff
 

Alarmguy

Former Alarm Guy, turned Radio guy
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Most Definitely the TK3180 over the 3140. Reasons being: 450-512 mhz split on TK3180, MDC-1200 on TK3180 and Intrinsically safe version on TK3180 if you are using it for Firefighting like you state that's important, and Tactical feature set on TK3180 allows you to make an interop group on the fly. TK2140/3140 are more like business type radios, I have seen them used for firefighting. I would not recommend the TK3140 series for Firefighting. Another drawback with the TK3140 is size, too small for firefighters with gloves on to effectively use. TK3180 is similar in size to the latest Firefighters favorite by Motorola, The HT1250. However it blows the HT1250 away audio and durability wise, and will also receive MDC-1200 Emergency alerts meaning if someone hits the orange emergency button on the fireground it will show up on your other TK3180s. Motorolas HT1250 cannot even do that.
 

ramal121

Lots and lots of watts
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Continuing...
Not listed in sales splash for TK2180/3180 is the tactical feature set (TFS) option.

Provides user to make a personal zone that contains channels from any other zone. For instance, copy a command channel, throw in a tac channel or two, maybe the drive thru at Mickey D's. When you enter the tactical zone, that's all that will be in there. You can set scan for just that zone also. Can't find the channel you need to put into your tactical zone? Find the comm geek, get the info, and program yourself (if you have the full keypad version). Fully field programmable (without a dongle or swiss army knife like those Burger King Radios).

Calif Dept of Forestry and USFS have multiple repeaters (same freq) with different tones for access (don't know what's out there in NY). You can stay on a single channel and cycle through the PL tones for access with a single button, and the tone numbers show on the display as you select.

Another thing I like, does two tone decode AND encode. Program the stations' two tone code into the radio. Transmit the code and set off the stations' ringdown. Hilarious! (Especially at night).

Works just like a Kenwood TK-790 CDF or roughly a BK GPH-CMD radio, if you know those...
 
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bhamfd19

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Feb 11, 2009
Messages
31
Location
Richmond, Maine
thats how i have my 2180 set up with differnt zones when we go to mutual aid towns, i can scan there tactical channels. saves space so i dont have to carry two radios.
 

N2AL

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Location
Tennessee
Is the TK-3180 field programmable?

If so, how do you access the field program setting?
 

Nasby

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Ohio
Can anyone recommend a good source for a TK-2180 with the full keypad and tactical feature set? Also, what's an approximate cost for one of these radios?
Thx in advance.
 

Nasby

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That's a real joke. Shows the nearest dealer is nearly 60 miles away from Cleveland, Ohio. And no online sales or dealers. Ha!
 

ramal121

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I am not privy to all the ins and outs, but the way Kenwood marketing is structured you will find very few if any dealers selling online. That's just the way it is. The landline is your best friend, good luck!
 
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