Tk-860HG "unlock" message

[Ankertal]

Hello.
I have purchased a TK-860HG which was programmed in a lab oversee (Canada). I got the radio and installed it.
When i attempt to use it - pressing the ptt button - i get a message on the radio display showing "UNLOCK"...

Anyone knows what it means/what can be done?

Thanks.
- Tal

 

[ramal121]

Key lock is active. Radio is prompting you to unlock to use. A button has been programmed as Key Lock and requires a long press to toggle. Could be any one, try 'em all.

Or maybe the PLL is unlocking when trying to transmit. Does it make a beep also?

 

[Ankertal]

Yes it does make a beep.

 

[buddrousa]

As ramal121 stated this sounds like the radio has been programmed outside it's band split.
What is the full model number on the sticker and what frequencies did you have programmed in it.

 

[Ankertal]

Tk-860HG
The frequencies are the FRS frequencies (446, 462, 467 mhz).

 

[buddrousa]

The 446 is the most likely cause as the Radio is 450-490 as in this post.

TK-860HG UHF (70cm) 1 = 450-490 MHz, 2 = 485-512 MHz, 3 = 400-430 MHz

 

[mmckenna]

Tk-860HG
The frequencies are the FRS frequencies (446, 462, 467 mhz).

Yeah, 446MHz is your issue.

446MHz is not in the FRS frequency allocation in the USA, it's in the amateur radio band.

Those radios can be tricked into going a little bit outside their specified coverage, but not very far. Each radio is a bit different in how far it'll go before the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) will unlock and throw that error.

The way to fix that is to remove that channel from the radio and stick to frequencies within its designed capability.

 

[Ankertal]

I understand.
I am not in the USA, so here we use both the american frs and the european.

I have another tk-860 with all the frequencies programmed and working (including the 446) so i assumed it should work on my other tk-860...

 

[mmckenna]

I understand.
I am not in the USA, so here we use both the american frs and the european.

Ah, OK, got it.

I have another tk-860 with all the frequencies programmed and working (including the 446) so i assumed it should work on my other tk-860...

The ability for the VCO to lock on frequencies outside the specified range will vary from radio to radio. It would depend on component tolerances, so one radio might work, another may not.

You can get other Kenwood model radios that will cover 400-470, like the TK-8180.