TK-5210 front panel display plastic

[pro106import]

Both of my TK-5210's have cracked front display plastic. I've been wanting to disassemble the radios and replace the plastic with something that I can get locally. I doubt the original replacement is available, and I assume you had to purchase the whole front panel assy. anyway. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can use to replace it? It looks like the internal screws must be too tight putting stress on the front casing, as it is cracked also right in line with the split on the display plastic.
Thanks all and Merry Christmas!
Bob

 

[kd4efm]

Hard to tell but the main cabinet seems to hold the plastic lense it self...



So which do you have? K2 or k3?

 

[pro106import]

Hard to tell but the main cabinet seems to hold the plastic lense it self...

View attachment 133246View attachment 133247

So which do you have? K2 or k3?

I have one VHF full keyboard K3, one VHF partial keyboard K2, and a UHF partial keyboard K5. Sorry, I miss-typed saying I only have 2.

 

[pro106import]

After dis-assembling the unit (K2 version) to get inside the front cabinet, it looks like the plastic display protector is glued in to the front case pretty darn good. I'm not even sure if it is removable with heat or anything. Obviously I would have to remove the speaker / mic assy. and keypad button assy. to prevent any damage to them.
I wonder if anyone has attempted this replacement due to the probability that the case assy. is no longer available.
Bob

 

[kd4efm]

According to my latest download of the parts list, the cases are available,
Std key 43.00 a02-3877-11
Dtmf 59.00 a02-3879-11

And yes, the lense is part of the case.

 

[pro106import]

According to my latest download of the parts list, the cases are available,
Std key 43.00 a02-3877-11
Dtmf 59.00 a02-3879-11

And yes, the lense is part of the case.

Thank You very much. Worse case I have that to go to if I botch up the removal.
Thank You for all your help
BTW, I noticed the radio with the std key (4 buttons) has a PC board that has all of the buttons available. It looks like it is possible to exchange the case to a DTMF version and get the 16 key keyboard insert. I imagine a firmware adjustment would be needed also. Interesting.
Bob

 

[kd4efm]

IF..... i remember correctly, you go to key assignment and say it has full keypad?
I dont have 95 loaded on this PC, so I have to let someone else chime in.

 

[KK6ZTE]

IF..... i remember correctly, you go to key assignment and say it has full keypad?
I dont have 95 loaded on this PC, so I have to let someone else chime in.

That is correct. Have done some case swaps and that's all that's needed, same as the 180s.

Just FYI, the backlight LEDs are not present so the bottom half will be dark. The button logic is still there.

 

[pro106import]

That is correct. Have done some case swaps and that's all that's needed, same as the 180s.

Just FYI, the backlight LEDs are not present so the bottom half will be dark. The button logic is still there.

Thanks for the great info John and Evans. So if I am going to re-case my 3 radios, I may as well go with the full keyboard cases and get the 16 button rubber keyboards too. I'll have to make my own custom Kenwood stickers though.
I don't want to hijack my own thread, per se, but I always wondered if there is a way to force the back lights to stay on permanent. I am operating one radio on a home power supply so there would be no battery drain concerns. Judging by the schematic, when a button is pressed it enables an output from IC701 ect...but I don't want to make any crazy mods to the circuit. But as far as I can see, there are no commands to send to the micro to have permanent illumination of the LED's.

 

[tweiss3]

Kenwood badge looks like it is still available at PacParts:

 

[kd4efm]

Did you get a chance and order the case yet?

 

[pro106import]

Did you get a chance and order the case yet?

Not yet Evans. I am going to hack one with a dremmel tool to see if I can remove the plastic. Nothing to lose at this point

 

[AM909]

I don't know how often PacParts updates pricing, but be aware there have been some substantial price increases on case parts recently.

 

[pro106import]

I don't know how often PacParts updates pricing, but be aware there have been some substantial price increases on case parts recently.

Yes I saw that, thank You. These are just hobby radios so it isn't imperative that I make them look pretty. I am going to try to replace the "glass" on one if them first. If all fails, I can still get a replacement.