TK-862G And TK-3160 Questions

[kenwoodgeek]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum, and also new to the radio industry, so I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place. I've been into radios for a couple months, and I'm just starting to get a grasp on everything.

So long story short, my dad (who's a building engineer) removed three Kenwood radios from one of his buildings that hadn't been used in about 3 years and brought them home for me to check out. Supposedly they were used for the building's security guards. He brought home a Kenwood TK-862G-1 base unit with a 12-volt power supply, desktop microphone, and Maxrad antenna. He also picked up two handheld TK-3160-1 units with the chargers. After replacing the completely dead batteries on the handhelds and setting everything up, I started doing some research and testing. As I guessed, the base and handhelds were on the same frequencies.

I wanted to find the frequency they were all on, so I used my new Uniden BCD436HP scanner set to scan all frequencies, and after a few seconds of holding the transmit button on the base unit, I found that channel 1 is on 409.6500 MHz. Channel 2 is 409.7000 MHz. That surprises me, because after reading up on the 862 and 3160, it says they are only made for between 440 MHz and 470 MHz, but when I tested them, the transmissions between the radios were crystal clear on the 409 frequencies.

So I have some questions about operating them. First of all, what is the 409 frequency range? Is it FRS, GMRS? Surprisingly, I did did a scanner test on my little Motorola T5950 FRS/GMRS hybrid walkie-talkies, and actually figured out that channel 2 on them was 409.6000 MHz, very close to the Kenwood radios. Second of all, is it legal for me to transmit on them right now without a license? I know the answer to that is probably no. If I do, what license would I need to get? Could I operate on them with an amateur license, or would we need a GMRS license? I'd like to eventually get an amateur license, re-program the 862 and use it to talk to other people.

Any help, advice, and tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[ramal121]

If this was used for business purposes it would licensed for part 90 frequencies and would be between 450 and 512 MHz. No way it would be on 409MHz.

So what's happening? Probably you are transmitting right next to the scanner and force-feeding a healthy signal down its throat causing the scanners' front end to light up with all kinds of grunge. It is locking on the first spur or image it comes across.

You'll need to reduce the signal from the transmitters into the scanner to find the actual carrier frequency. So what to do? Move the scanner across the house and away from the transmitters (50 or 100 feet would be good). Turn the squelch up and if you have an attenuator setting, turn that on. Even pull the antenna off and stick a paper clip in the jack would reduce the signal. Now you can put a rubber band around the microphone to put it into transmit and quickly run to the scanner to see if it locks on a more appropriate frequency.

As far as uses for the radios, amateur radio would be great. Get your tech license, it's not all that hard. The only other other service would be GMRS (barring the fact you can't get a part 90 license) but really it's only legal if they are type accepted for GMRS. Do not use them on FRS frequencies. Yea they will work but then you're the big bully on the band and diminishing the experience for users with the proper equipment.

 

[kenwoodgeek]

Thank you! That would explain why when I tested the scanner across the house it wouldn't pick it up. I have found the correct frequencies now, and I can pick them up when the scanner is across the house. They are 457.4675 MHz and 462.6375 MHz which makes a lot more sense.

How do I go about getting my technician's license? Also, are these good radios to use? Are there any good ham frequencies in the 440-470 MHz range?

 

[MTS2000des]

How do I go about getting my technician's license?

Start here taking the practice exam for the tech license:
Practice Amateur Radio Exams by QRZ.COM

Then find a local club in your area that gives exams.
Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area

Also, are these good radios to use?

They are fine radios for 440 use, however, they will require appropriate software and programming cable.

Are there any good ham frequencies in the 440-470 MHz range?

Frequencies are area dependent. You can start by using your scanner to scan the 440-450MHz repeater sub band, repeater outputs vary by region, in some areas the outputs are 440-444, some are opposite with 446-449. You can also ask around your local ham clubs what 440 repeaters are active in your area.

There also sites like these that have repeater listings, but not all are accurate.

:: RepeaterBook.com :: Amateur Radio Repeater Directory
Amateur Radio Repeater database - Updated daily

Something to ask about when you go take your tech test.

 

[kenwoodgeek]

I see, that helps a lot, thanks. I will defiantly look into getting my tech license pretty soon. I found software for the radios, so I'll be sure to buy that for at least the base unit. I used that site and found some 440 repeaters in my area, which I am getting on the scanner, so that's good.