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This transceiver is no exception. As you learn how to use this transceiver, you will find that KENWOOD is pursuing “user friendliness”. For example, each time you change the Menu No. in Menu mode, you will see a text message on the display that lets you know what you are configuring.
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• Do not transmit with high output power for extended periods; the transceiver may overheat. • Do not modify the transceiver unless instructed by this manual or other KENWOOD documentation. • Do not expose the transceiver to long periods of direct sunlight nor place it close to heating appliances.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ... 1 WRITING CONVENTIONS FOLLOWED IN THIS MANUAL ... 1 CHAPTER PREPARATION MOBILE INSTALLATION ... 2 DC POWER CABLE CONNECTION ... 3 Mobile Operation ... 3 Fixed Station Operation ... 4 Replacing Fuses ... 5 ANTENNA CONNECTION ... 5 ACCESSORY CONNECTIONS ...
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RECALLING A MEMORY CHANNEL ... 30 ... 30 SING THE UNING ONTROL ... 31 SING THE ICROPHONE EYPAD CLEARING A MEMORY CHANNEL ... 31 NAMING A MEMORY CHANNEL ... 32 MEMORY CHANNEL TRANSFER ... 33 \ VFO T ... 33 EMORY RANSFER ...
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FREQUENCY STEP SIZE ... 56 DISPLAY BACKLIGHT ... 57 ... 57 ERMANENT ACKLIGHT ... 57 UTOMATIC ACKLIGHT LOCK FUNCTION ... 58 DATA COMMUNICATION SPEED ... 58 TUNE ENABLE ... 58 MICROPHONE PF KEYS (K EYPAD NARROW BAND FM OPERATION ... 60 POWER-ON MESSAGE ...
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES After carefully unpacking the transceiver, identify the items listed in the table below. We recommend you keep the box and packaging for shipping. A market area code (K, E, M2, M3, or M4) can be found on the label attached to the package box. WRITING CONVENTIONS FOLLOWED IN THIS MANUAL The writing conventions described below have been followed to simplify instructions and avoid unnecessary...
MOBILE INSTALLATION To install the transceiver, select a safe, convenient location inside your vehicle that minimizes danger to your passengers and yourself while the vehicle is in motion. Consider installing the unit at an appropriate position so that knees or legs will not strike it during sudden braking of your vehicle.
DC POWER CABLE CONNECTION Locate the power input connector as close to the transceiver as possible. OBILE PERATION The vehicle battery must have a nominal rating of 12 V. Never connect the transceiver to a 24 V battery. Be sure to use a 12 V vehicle battery that has sufficient current capacity.
IXED TATION PERATION In order to use this transceiver for fixed station operation, you will need a separate 13.8 V DC power supply (not included). The recommended current capacity of your power supply is 12 A. 1 Connect the DC power cable to the regulated DC power supply and ensure that the polarities are correct (Red: positive, Black: negative).
After the problem is resolved, replace the fuse. If newly installed fuses continue to blow, disconnect the power cable and contact your authorized KENWOOD dealer or an authorized KENWOOD service center for assistance. e i l Only use fuses of the specified type and rating; otherwise the transceiver could be damaged.
To utilize the optional MCP-1A software, you must first connect the transceiver to your PC using an optional. Programming Cable (via the microphone jack). The MCP-1A is free downloadable software available from KENWOOD at the following URL: http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur.html Note: Ask your dealer about purchasing a Programming Cable.
CONNECTING TO A TNC (E M ARKET To connect an external TNC to the transceiver, use an optional PG-5A cable. The DATA connector on the rear of the transceiver mates with the 6-pin mini-DIN plug on this cable. • • e l i •...
If you encounter problems or there is something you would like to know more, read the detailed explanations given later in this manual. TM-271 MENU YOUR FIRST QSO YOUR FIRST QSO q Press [ ] (Power) briefly to switch the transceiver power ON.
Note: This section describes only the main functions of the front panel controls. Explanations for functions not described here are provided in the appropriate sections of this instruction manual. TM-271 MENU q q q q q (Power) switch/ Volume control Press to switch the transceiver power ON or OFF {page 14}.
In MR Mode, press [F] then press [VFO] to transfer the contents of the selected Memory Channel to the VFO {page 33}. t t t t t MR key Press to enter Memory Recall Mode {page 30}. In this mode, you can change memory channels using the Tuning control or Mic [UP]/[DWN].
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Appears when the Automatic Simplex Check (ASC) function is activated {page 26}. Appears when the Priority Scan function is activated {page 43}. Appears when the Weather Alert function is activated {page 36}. (K market models only.) Appears when narrow FM Mode is selected {page 60}. Displays the frequencies, Menu settings, Memory name and other information.
REAR PANEL q q q q q Antenna connector Connect an external antenna {page 5} here. When making test transmissions, connect a dummy load in place of the antenna. The antenna system or load should have an impedance of 50 Ω. Note: E market models use an N-type antenna connector while other models use an M-type (SO-239) connector.
r r r r r CALL/A key Identical to the front panel CALL key. This key can be reprogrammed if desired {page 59}. Press and hold Mic [PTT], then press [CALL/A] to transmit A. t t t t t VFO/B key Identical to the front panel VFO key.
SWITCHING THE POWER ON/OFF 1 Press [ ] (Power) to switch the transceiver power ON. • A high pitched double beep sounds and a Power-on message {page 60} appears briefly, followed by the frequency and other indicators. 2 To switch the transceiver OFF, press [ •...
TRANSMITTING 1 To transmit, hold the microphone approximately 5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth, then press and hold Mic [PTT] and speak into the microphone in your normal tone of voice. • “ ” and the RF Power meter appears. The RF Power meter shows the relative transmit output power •...
If the desired operating frequency is far away from the current frequency, it is quicker to use the MHz Tuning Mode. To adjust the MHz digit: 1 While in VFO or Call Mode, press [MENU]. • The MHz digit blinks. 2 Turn the Tuning control to select the desired MHz value.
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Example 1 To enter 145.750 MHz: Key in Display [Enter] – – – – – – [1], [4], [5] 1 4 5. – – – [7], [5], [0] 1 4 5. 7 5 0 Example 2 To enter 145.000 MHz: Key in Display [Enter]...
WHAT IS A MENU? Many functions on this transceiver are selected or configured via a software-controlled Menu rather than through the physical controls of the transceiver. Once you become familiar with the Menu system, you will appreciate its versatility. You can customize the various timings, settings, and programming functions on this transceiver to meet your needs without using many controls and switches.
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c i t TXP (Transmission power) cannot be adjusted on M4 market models. It is fixed at “H” (High: 25 W). WXA (Weather Alert) is available only for K market models. i t c —...
Repeaters, which are often installed and maintained by radio clubs, are usually located on mountain tops or other elevated locations. They generally operate at higher ERP (Effective Radiated Power) than a typical station. This combination of elevation and high ERP allows communications over much greater distances than communicating without using repeaters.
PROGRAMMING AN OFFSET You must first select an amateur radio repeater downlink frequency as described in “S ELECTING AN ”. REQUENCY ELECTING AN FFSET IRECTION Select whether the transmit frequency will be higher (+) or lower (–) than the receive frequency. 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No.
CTIVATING THE UNCTION To activate Tone, press [F], [CALL]. • As you press [F], [CALL], the selection cycles as follows: “OFF” ➞ “TONE” ➞ “CTCSS” ➞ “DCS” ➞ “OFF”. • “T” appears on the upper part of display, indicating that the Tone function is activated.
AUTOMATIC REPEATER OFFSET This function automatically selects an offset direction, according to the frequency on the VHF band. The transceiver is programmed for an offset direction as shown below. To obtain an up-to-date band plan for repeater offset direction, contact your national Amateur Radio association.
REVERSE FUNCTION The reverse function exchanges a separate reception and transmission frequency. So, while using a repeater, you can manually check the strength of a signal that you receive directly from the other station. If the station’s signal is strong, both stations should move to a simplex frequency and free up the repeater.
Note: ◆ Pressing [PTT] causes the “ ” icon to quit blinking. ◆ ASC can be activated while operating in Simplex Mode. However, it does not change the Transmission/Reception frequencies. ◆ ASC does not function while scanning. ◆ Activating ASC while using Reverse switches Reverse OFF. ◆...
In Memory Channels, you can store frequencies and related data that you frequently use so that you do not need to reprogram that data every time. You can quickly recall a programmed channel through simple operation. A total of 200 Memory Channels (100 when using the Memory Name function) are available for storing frequencies, modes, and other operating conditions.
The data listed below can be stored in each Memory Channel: t f i Yes: Can be stored in memory. N/A: Cannot be stored in memory. Note: ◆ Memory Channel Lockout cannot be set to the Program Scan Memory (L0/U0 ~ L2/U2), the Priority Channel (Pr), or the Weather Alert Channel (AL).
• Memory Channel numbers L0/U0 ~ L2/U2 {page 40}, Pr {page 43}, and AL (Weather Alert) {page 36} (K market models only) are reserved for other functions. 5 Turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN] to select the Memory Channel in which you want to store the data.
SING THE ICROPHONE EYPAD You can also recall a Memory Channel by entering a desired Memory Channel number with the microphone keypad. 1 Press [MR] to enter Memory Recall mode. 2 Press the microphone key assigned the ENTER function. 3 Enter the channel number using the microphone keypad.
NAMING A MEMORY CHANNEL You can name Memory Channels using up to 6 alphanumeric characters. When you recall a named Memory Channel, its name appears on the display in place of the stored frequency. Names can be call signs, repeater names, cities, names of people, etc. In order to use the Memory Name function, the Memory Channel capacity must be set to 100 channels.
MEMORY CHANNEL TRANSFER \ VFO T EMORY RANSFER After retrieving frequencies and associated data from Memory Recall Mode, you can copy the data to the VFO. This function is useful, for example, when the frequency you want to monitor is near the frequency stored in a Memory Channel.
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The tables below illustrate how data is transferred between Memory Channels. When “100” is selected in Menu No.15 (M.CH). The AL Channel is available for K market models only. Note: ◆ When transferring an odd-split channel, the Reverse status, Offset direction, and Offset frequency are not transferred {pages 23, 26}.
CALL CHANNEL Call Channel default settings: • On K and M market models, pressing [CALL] changes the transceiver to the Call Channel. • On E market models, pressing [CALL] causes the transceiver to transmit a 1750 Hz tone {page 25}. The Call Channel can be recalled instantly no matter what frequency the transceiver is operating on.
Note: ◆ When you recall an odd-split Call Channel, “+” and “–” appear on the display. ◆ Transmit offset status and Reverse status are not stored in an odd-split Call Channel. WEATHER ALERT (K M ARKET Any of the NOAA Weather Radio channels can be programmed to the AL memory channel of the transceiver.
4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode. • The transceiver automatically changes to the AL channel. • The Tone, CTCSS, and DCS functions cannot be configured to the AL channel. • Priority Scan is set to OFF automatically when the Weather Alert function is turned ON.
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While in Channel Display mode, you cannot activate the following functions: • VFO Mode • VFO Scan • Call/VFO Scan • MHz Scan • Scan Direction • Memory Store • Memory to VFO Transfer • Memory to Memory Transfer • Clear Memory Channel •...
Scan is a useful function for hands-off monitoring of your favorite frequencies. By becoming comfortable with all types of scan, you will increase your operating efficiency. This transceiver provides the following types of scans. - l l l l a l l a y t i y t i...
NORMAL SCAN When you are operating the transceiver in VFO Mode, 3 types of scanning are available: Band Scan, Program Scan, and MHz Scan. The transceiver scans the entire band of the frequency you selected. For example, if you are operating and receiving at 144.525 MHz, it scans all the frequencies available for the VHF band.
7 Turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN] to select a matching Memory Channel from U0 ~ U2. • For example, if you have selected “L0” in step 3, select Memory Channel “U0”. 8 Press [MR] to store the end frequency in the Memory Channel.
MEMORY SCAN Memory Scan monitors Memory Channels in which you have stored frequencies. HANNEL The transceiver scans all of the Memory Channels in which you have stored frequencies. 1 Press [MR] (1s). • Scan starts from the last Memory Channel number and ascends up through the channel numbers (default).
CALL SCAN You can alternate between monitoring the Call Channel and the current operating frequency. 1 Select the frequency (in VFO or Memory Recall Mode) you want to monitor. • In VFO Mode, turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/ [DWN] to select the desired frequency.
SING RIORITY 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 12 (PRI). 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select “ON” or “OFF” (default). 3 Press [MENU] to store the setting or any other key to cancel.
SCAN RESUME METHOD The transceiver stops scanning at the frequency (or Memory Channel) where a signal is detected. It then continues or stops scanning according to which Resume Mode you have selected. • Time-Operated Mode (default) The transceiver remains on a busy frequency (or Memory Channel) for approximately 5 seconds, then continues to scan even if the signal is still present.
These Selective Calls allow you to ignore (not hear) unwanted calls from other persons who are using the same frequency. The transceiver unmutes only when it receives a signal having the same CTCSS tone or DCS code. TM-271 CTCSS freq.: 82.5 Hz SELECTIVE CALL Note: CTCSS and DCS do not cause your conversation to be private or scrambled.
CTCSS F ELECTING A REQUENCY 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN] to select Menu No. 3 (CT). • The current CTCSS frequency appears. 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select your desired CTCSS frequency.
• While scanning, the decimal point of the CTCSS frequency blinks. • To reverse the scan direction, turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN]. • To quit the function, press any key. • When a CTCSS frequency is identified, the identified frequency appears and blinks.
• The available DCS codes are shown in the following table. 3 Press [MENU] to store the new code or any other key to cancel. 4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode. DCS C ID S This function scans through all DCS codes to identify the incoming DCS code on the received signal.
DUAL TONE MULTI-FREQUENCY (DTMF) FUNCTIONS This transceiver provides you with 10 dedicated DTMF Memory Channels. You can store a DTMF number (16 digits max.) in each of these channels to recall later for speed dialing. Many repeaters in the U.S.A. and Canada offer a service called Autopatch.
DTMF TX H This function causes the transceiver to remain in transmission mode for 2 seconds after you release each key. So, you can release Mic [PTT] while sending DTMF tones. 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No.
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to enter up to 16 digits. 7 Press [MENU] to complete the entry. • Press any key other than [MR], [VFO], [F], and [MENU] to cancel the entry. • To complete an entry of less than 16 digits, press [MENU] two times.
DJUSTING THE AUSE URATION You can change the pause duration (a space digit) stored in Memory Channels. The default setting is 500 milliseconds. 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 31 (PA). 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select 100, 250, 500 (default), 750, 1000, 1500, or 2000 ms.
APO (AUTO POWER OFF) The transceiver switches OFF automatically if no keys or controls are pressed or adjusted for the selected duration. One minute before the transceiver switches OFF, warning beeps sound for a few seconds and “APO” blinks. You can select the APO time from OFF (disable), 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes.
1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 8 (SSQ). 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select “ON” or “OFF” (default). 3 Press [MENU] to store the setting. • The S-meter setting segments appear. 4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode.
3 Press [MENU] to store the setting or any other key to cancel. 4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode. The transceiver generates the following warning beeps even if the Beep function is turned OFF. • APO warning beeps {page 54} •...
The default step size for each model is as follows: Note: The market code is printed on the barcode label of the carton box. DISPLAY BACKLIGHT You can manually change the display brightness to match the lighting conditions where you are operating the transceiver.
LOCK FUNCTION The lock function disables most of the keys to prevent you from accidentally activating a function. Transceiver Lock is suitable for a typical mobile installation where you select most operations using the microphone. 1 Press [F] (1s). • “ ”...
3 Press [MENU] to store the setting or any other key to cancel. 4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode. MICROPHONE PF KEYS (K EYPAD You can access many transceiver settings without using transceiver keys or controls. Microphone keys PF/D, MR/C, VFO/B, and CALL/A are programmable with transceiver functions.
• SHIFT: Shift function ON/OFF • LOW: Select transmission power • BRIGHT: Adjust display backlight • LOCK: Transceiver Lock function ON/OFF (must be held down for 1 second to activate) • TONE: Selection for Tone/ Selective Call • STEP: Select the frequency step size Note: Rather than entering Menu Mode and selecting PF1 ~ PF4, you can simply press and hold the PF key you want to program, then turn the transceiver power ON.
3 Turn the Tuning control to select a character. • You can enter the following alphanumeric characters: 0 ~ 9, A ~ Z, – (hyphen), / (slash), and a space. • Rather than using the Tuning control, you can use the Mic keypad (keypad models only) to enter alphanumeric characters {page 64}.
TIME-OUT TIMER The Time-out Timer limits the time of each transmission to a maximum of 3, 5, or 10 (default) minutes. Just before the transceiver stops the transmission, a warning beep sounds. This function is necessary to protect the transceiver from thermal damage and can therefore not be turned OFF.
You can change numerous transceiver settings by operating the Mic DTMF keys. The following table shows what function is switched ON and OFF or which setting is changed by pressing the DTMF keys in the appropriate mode of operation. MICROPHONE CONTROL r i f t i g r i f...
DTMF tones are not transmitted in TX Mode if the DTMF Lock function is ON. When transmitting a stored DTMF number, press Mic [PTT]+Mic [PF/D], release Mic [PF/D], then press a Memory Channel number from 0 to 9. To transmit the “D”...
Data Cable (E market only) MC-60A Stand Microphone (MJ-88 required) MCP-1A Memory Control Program (Free Software) The MCP-1A can be downloaded at: http://www.kenwood.com/i/ products/info/amateur.html Programming Cable Ask your dealer about purchasing a Programming Cable. MJ-88 Modular to 8-pin Microphone Plug...
TROUBLESHOOTING You may return this product for service to the authorized KENWOOD dealer from whom you purchased it, or any authorized KENWOOD service center. A copy of the service report will be returned with the transceiver. Please do not send subassemblies or printed circuit boards;...
Note: ◆ Record the date of purchase, serial number and dealer from whom this product was purchased. ◆ For your own information, retain a written record of any maintenance performed on this product. ◆ When claiming warranty service, please include a photocopy of the bill of sale, or other proof-of-purchase showing the date of sale.
Full Reset Method 2: 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 99 (RESET). 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select “FULL”. 3 Press [MENU]. • “SURE ?” appears. • Press any key other than [MENU] to cancel. 4 Press [MENU] to reset the transceiver.
TROUBLESHOOTING The problems described in the following tables are commonly encountered operational malfunctions. These types of difficulties are usually caused by improper hook-up, accidental incorrect control settings, or operator error due to incomplete programming. These problems are usually not caused by circuit failure. Please review these tables and the appropriate section(s) of this instruction manual before assuming your transceiver is defective.
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