Kenwood PKT-300 / PKT-300LF UHF FM Transceiver User Manual

Features

• Lightweight and compact design with a lithium-ion battery pack, robust polycarbonate casing, and a spring-loaded belt clip.
• Extensive tone/code settings per channel to ignore unwanted calls.
• Privacy Talk scrambles voice messages for complete conversation privacy.
• Authorization for various call types.
• Automatic battery saver for extended battery life.
• Battery level indicator with low battery warning.
• Key lock and Super Lock functions prevent accidental setting changes.
• Ten different alert tones for caller identification.
• Hands-free operation with an optional headset.
• Selectable power-on tone.

Preparation

Battery Pack Installation/Removal

ATTENTION: Do not short-circuit the battery terminals or dispose of the battery in fire. Never attempt to remove the battery pack casing.

1. Align the battery pack with the grooves on the back of the transceiver and insert it. Ensure the notch on the battery pack is correctly positioned.
2. Align and insert the battery cover into the groove on the back of the transceiver, then close it. Insert the ribbon inside when closing the battery cover.
3. Slide the locking levers (on both sides) to secure the battery pack. A click will be heard.
4. To remove the battery pack, unlock the battery cover, then remove the cover and pull the ribbon upwards.

Belt Clip Holster Installation/Removal

• Installation: Attach the transceiver to the belt clip holster. Press the locking lever on top of the holster in the direction of the arrow to lock it.
• Removal: Press the locking lever on top of the holster in the direction of the arrow to unlock and remove the transceiver.

Optional Speaker/Microphone (or Headset) Installation

1. Open the SP/MIC covers on the side of the transceiver.
2. Insert the accessory connectors into the SP/MIC jacks.
3. When removing the accessory, cover the SP/MIC jacks with the attached covers to protect the contacts from dust and dirt.

Orientation

Buttons and Controls

1 Power Switch/Volume Control: Turn clockwise to power on the transceiver. Turn counter-clockwise until it clicks to power off. Turn to adjust the volume level.

2 LED Indicator: Indicates the transceiver's status.

3 [PTT] (Push to Talk) Switch: Press and hold, then speak into the microphone to transmit.

4 [MENU] Button: Press to access various functions. Hold down during power-on to enter setting mode.

5 [CALL] Button: Press before making a call to alert other group members.

6 [MON] Button: Press to monitor current channel activity.

7 [▲]/[▼] Buttons: Press to change channels, select menu items in setting mode, and perform other functions.

8 SP/MIC Jacks: Insert the speaker/microphone or earpiece plug into this jack.

Display

Basic Operation

Powering On/Off

Turn the power switch/volume control clockwise to power on the transceiver. The power-on tone sounds, and the transceiver displays all segments. For GMRS/FRS models, it then displays "FrS" for 2 seconds, followed by the channel. For LMR models, the channel displays directly.

To power off, turn the power switch/volume control counter-clockwise until it clicks.

Adjusting the Volume

Turn the power switch/volume control to adjust the volume. Clockwise increases volume, counter-clockwise decreases it.

Selecting a Channel

Select a channel by pressing the [▲] or [▼] buttons. A confirmation tone sounds with each press. When you receive a call on the selected channel, you will hear sound from the speaker, and the LED indicator will light up green.

Making a Call

1. Press the [MON] button to ensure the channel is not in use.
2. Press and release the [CALL] button to alert other parties that you are about to make a call. A call alert tone will sound on the other party's transceiver. If the [CALL] button function is not set to "Call Alert", it will not activate.
3. Press and hold the [PTT] switch, then speak into the speaker area to transmit. The LED will light red during transmission. For best sound quality, speak into the speaker area in a normal voice, holding the transceiver about 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm) from your mouth.
4. Release the [PTT] switch when you finish speaking.

Menu Mode

Each menu mode setting is defined for each channel.

Quiet Talk (QT) / Digital Quiet Talk (DQT) Conversation

QT and DQT functions reject signals from unwanted parties using the same channel. You will only hear sound from the speaker when you receive a signal with a matching tone or code. When transmitting with QT or DQT, the receiving station must have a matching tone or code to hear your signal. You can select a tone or code for each channel. There are 45 QT tones and 174 DQT codes. After changing the QT/DQT setting, confirm that other group members have selected the same tone or code.

Setting QT/DQT (PKT-300LF ONLY)

1. Press [MENU] to enter Menu mode. Use [MENU] to select the QT/DQT setting item. The QT/DQT number will flash.
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select the signaling number.
3. Press the [CALL], [MON] button, or [PTT] switch to save the settings and return to normal operation.

Signaling Table QT: PKT-300LF (GMRS/FRS Model)

Signaling Table DQT: PKT-300LF (GMRS/FRS Model)

Confidentiality

While QT and DQT functions help ignore unwanted calls, Privacy Talk allows for confidential conversations. When activated, others listening on your channel cannot understand your conversation.

1. Press the [MENU] button to enter Menu mode. Use the [MENU] button to select the confidentiality settings. The (PRIVACY) icon will appear and flash.
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "on" (confidentiality activated) or "oF" (confidentiality deactivated).
3. Press the [CALL], [MON] button, or [PTT] switch to save settings and return to normal operation.

Transmission Power

You can adjust the transmission power for each channel. Selecting low power allows for extended battery use, while high power allows for longer transmission range when the other party is far away.

To change transmission power:

1. Press the [MENU] button to enter Menu mode. Use the [MENU] button to select the transmission power setting. The current setting will flash.
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] buttons to select "Lo" (low power) or "HI" (high power). The LOW icon appears on the screen when low power is selected.
3. Press the [CALL], [MON] button, or [PTT] switch to save settings and return to normal operation.

Note: Fixed low power channels cannot be modified.

Compander-Expander

The compander-expander provides clearer signals by reducing excess noise and interference. When activated, transmitted signals are compressed before sending, and received signals are expanded upon arrival.

1. Press the [MENU] button to enter Menu mode. Use the [MENU] button to select the compander-expander setting. The current setting will flash.
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CP-oF" (compander-expander deactivated) or "CP-o.n" (compander-expander activated).
3. Press the [CALL], [MON] button, or [PTT] switch to save settings and return to normal operation.

Monitor

When no signal is present, the transceiver's squelch automatically blocks the speaker to prevent background noise. The [MON] button can be used to open the squelch and unmute the speaker. This allows you to:

• Confirm channel activity to avoid transmitting when the channel is in use.
• Adjust volume level without waiting for a call.
• Listen to intermittent calls (due to weak signals) without repeated interruptions.

To manually open the squelch, press and hold the [MON] button. The icon will appear on the screen, and the LED will light green. To return to normal operation, release the [MON] button.

Lock Function

Key Lock

You can lock the [MENU], [▲], and [▼] buttons to prevent accidental changes to operating modes and channel settings. The Power Switch/Volume Control, [PTT], [CALL], and [MON] buttons always function normally. The [CALL] button functions normally only if it is configured as Call Alert. Press and hold the [MENU] button for 3 seconds to lock or unlock the transceiver buttons. The icon appears on the screen when the buttons are locked. No icon appears when they are unlocked.

Super Lock

You can unlock the [MENU], [CALL], [▲], and [▼] buttons and disable the setting mode. The Power Switch/Volume Control, [PTT], and [MON] buttons always function normally.

To select the super lock setting:

1. With the transceiver off, press and hold the [PTT] switch and the [CALL] button, then power on the transceiver (for 1 second).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SL - P" (buttons [MENU], [CALL], [▲], and [▼] are locked), "SL-C" (buttons [MENU] and [CALL] are locked), or "SL - oF" (super lock deactivated).
3. Press the [MENU], [PTT], [MON], or [CALL] buttons to exit Super Lock setting mode. The icon appears on the screen when the transceiver buttons are locked. No icon appears when they are unlocked.

Setting Mode

Many functions of this transceiver are selected or configured via menus instead of physical controls.

1. With the transceiver off, press and hold the [MENU] button while powering on the transceiver (for 1 second).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select the setting item.
3. Press the [MENU] button to proceed to the data setting.
4. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select the data for the setting.
5. Press the [MENU] button again to return to the setting item selection.

Setting Menu for PKT-300 (LMR Model)

*1: If the call key is set to Off, this menu is ignored. *2: If the VOX gain level is set to Off, this menu is ignored.

Setting Menu for PKT-300LF (GMRS/FRS Model)

*1: If the call key is set to Off, this menu is ignored. *2: If the VOX gain level is set to Off, this menu is ignored. *3: When the channel frequency setting is changed from F0 to something other than F0 in setting mode, each channel's setting is reset to default, and QT/DQT is set to (010)94.8.

Channel Frequency Configuration

You can change the default frequency for each channel.

Note: For LMR models, if your dealer has configured the channel table, the defined channels can be used.

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select a channel. The current frequency table number will appear next to the channel number.
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select the frequency table number for the channel.
4. Press the [MENU] button to exit the selection, then repeat steps 2 and 3 to set other channels.

Channel Number Table: PKT-300LF (GMRS/FRS Model)

Default Channel

The table below summarizes the default channel settings. This transceiver allows programming each channel with different frequencies and QT/DQT settings.

Default Channel Table: PKT-300LF (GMRS/FRS Model)

Incoming Call Notification (PKT-300LF ONLY)

Note: To use incoming call notification, you must configure a QT tone or DQT code (page 12).

Incoming call notification informs you of an incoming call. When activated, a tone sounds when an "occupied" signal is received and the QT/DQT signaling matches. The tone sounds for 15 seconds before stopping. While the tone is sounding, you will not hear any sound from the speaker. Press any button to disable the tone and listen to the received call. Once the call ends, the transceiver waits 10 seconds before resetting. If a new call is received within 10 seconds, the tone will not sound. If no call is received within 10 seconds, the incoming call notification resets, and the tone will sound again on the next incoming call.

To activate or deactivate incoming call notification:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Ct".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Ct-oF" (incoming call notification deactivated) or "Ct - on" (incoming call notification activated).

Key Assignment Mode (PKT-300LF ONLY)

This transceiver allows you to reprogram the [CALL] button with one of the functions listed in the table below. Explanations for using each function are provided in "Programmable Functions".

To set the function to use when pressing the [CALL] button:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select "CL".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CL-oF" (key assignment deactivated), "CL-CA" (call alert activated), or "CL-LP" (low transmission power activated).

Programmable Functions

• Off: Deactivates the [CALL] button. An error tone sounds if the [CALL] button is pressed.
• Call Alert: Press the [CALL] button to call another transceiver with an individual call alert tone.
• Low Transmission Power: Press the [CALL] button to set the transmission power of all channels to low.

Call Alert Tone

Call alert tones are used to identify yourself to group members. You can configure a call alert tone from 10 types. If each group member uses a different alert tone, it is easier to know who is calling. Pressing the [CALL] button before making a call sends the call alert tone to your group members.

To configure your own call alert tone:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CA".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CA - 1" (call alert tone 1) to "CA - 10" (call alert tone 10). Each time you press the [▲] or [▼] button to select a call alert tone, the new tone will sound.

Call Alert Side Tone (PKT-300LF ONLY)

When the [CALL] button is pressed, the call alert tone also sounds through your own speaker. To activate or deactivate the call alert return tone on your own transceiver:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CS".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CS - on" (call alert side tone activated) or "CS - oF" (call alert side tone deactivated).

Individual Calls:

For example, transceiver A calling transceiver E. Press the [CALL] button. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select an individual ID number (e.g., "Id-05"). "Id" (individual call) represents a single station. Press the [PTT] switch to transmit the selected ID. When receiving a call, "Id" will appear on the screen along with the caller's ID number.

Mode Reset Timer (PKT-300LF ONLY)

This function returns the transceiver to the channel display after a preset time expires in Menu mode. To set the mode reset timer:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "rt".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "rt - oF" (timer deactivated), "rt - 10" (10 seconds), or "rt - 30" (30 seconds).

Stop Timer (PKT-300LF ONLY)

The stop timer prevents you from using a channel for an extended period. This function is useful, for example, if you accidentally hold down the [PTT] switch. By limiting continuous transmission time, this function also saves battery power. If you transmit continuously for 60 seconds, the transceiver will stop transmitting, and a tone will sound. To stop the tone, release the [PTT] switch. You can press the [PTT] switch again to resume transmission.

To change the default 1-minute setting:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "to".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "to-1" (1 minute), "to-2" (2 minutes), or "to-3" (3 minutes).

This transceiver is also equipped with a pre-alert tone that sounds 10 seconds before the stop timer expires, allowing you to finish your message before the transceiver automatically stops transmitting.

Busy Channel Lockout (BCL) (PKT-300LF ONLY)

This function prevents transmission on a channel currently in use by someone else. When activated, a beep sounds if you press the [PTT] switch while the channel is in use, and you cannot transmit. To activate or deactivate BCL:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bL".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bL-oF" (BCL deactivated), "bL-Co" (carrier only BCL), "bL-Cq" (correct QT/DQT BCL), or "bL-Iq" (incorrect QT/DQT BCL).

• BCL deactivated: Deactivates the BCL function.
• BCL Carrier only: The user cannot start transmitting until a carrier is received.
• BCL Correct QT/DQT: The user cannot start transmitting until a carrier with the correct QT or DQT code is detected on the channel. However, the transceiver can transmit if the QT or DQT code is incorrect.
• BCL Incorrect QT/DQT: The user cannot start transmitting until a carrier with an incorrect QT or DQT code is detected on the channel. However, the transceiver can transmit if the QT or DQT code is correct.

Backlight

You can set the screen backlight to be off, on, or activate when you press any button other than the [PTT] switch (auto). When set to auto, the backlight stays on for 5 seconds after a button press before turning off again.

To select the backlight setting:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Lt".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Lt -oF" (backlight deactivated), "Lt - on" (backlight activated), or "Lt - A" (automatic backlight).

Battery Level Indicator

When activated, the battery level indicator on the display shows the approximate remaining battery life. When deactivated, the battery level indicator is not displayed. If the battery voltage becomes too low during transmission, the transceiver stops transmitting, a tone sounds, and the LED indicator flashes red until you release the [PTT] switch. Recharge or replace the battery pack at this time.

• High battery power
• Medium battery power
• Low battery
• Recharge battery pack

To activate or deactivate this function:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bt".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bt - on" (battery level indicator activated) or "bt - oF" (battery level indicator deactivated).

Battery Saver

This transceiver is designed to provide optimal battery performance. The battery saver function reduces electricity consumption when no signal is received and no operation is in progress. When using the transceiver, the battery saver will automatically activate after 5 seconds of no operation or received calls. Using the transceiver or receiving a call will deactivate this function until 5 seconds of inactivity occur again.

To activate or deactivate this function:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bS".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bS - on" (battery saver activated) or "bS - oF" (battery saver deactivated).

Note: When the battery saver mode is activated, the LED may flash green when you receive a QT/DQT signal that does not match the configured tone/code on your transceiver.

Tone

When you press a button, the transceiver emits a beep. To activate or deactivate the beep:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bP".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bP- on" (tone activated) or "bP - oF" (tone deactivated).

Scanning (PKT-300LF ONLY)

Scanning is useful for monitoring signals on the transceiver's channels. During scanning, the transceiver searches each channel for a signal and stops only if a signal is present. If the QT/DQT matches, the transceiver stops on the channel and opens the squelch so you can listen to the conversation. If the QT/DTQ does not match, the call is ignored, and scanning continues. Before using the Scan function, ensure it is activated. The scan function can be activated (allowing scanning) in Setting Mode.

To activate the scan function:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SC".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SC-oF" (scan function deactivated) or "SC-on" (scan function activated). If you select "SC -oF", you will no longer be able to scan by pressing and holding the [▲] button.

To start scanning:

1. Press and hold the [▲] button for 1 second. "SC An" appears on the screen.
2. When a signal is detected and the QT/DQT matches, the channel number appears on the screen and flashes.
3. When the signal is no longer available, the transceiver waits 5 seconds before continuing to scan. If a new signal appears before 5 seconds have elapsed, the transceiver remains on the channel until the new signal is no longer available, at which point it will wait another 5 seconds before resuming.
4. To stop scanning at any time, press and hold the [▲] button for 1 second. The transceiver returns to the channel you were using before starting the scan.

Return Channel

The return channel is the channel from which you initiate scanning. For example, if you are on channel 1 when you start scanning, your return channel is channel 1. During scanning, pressing the [PTT] switch will automatically select the transceiver's return channel (Channel 1 in the example above), and you will begin transmitting. However, if you are on another channel currently in pause mode after receiving a signal (e.g., channel 2), pressing the [PTT] switch will allow you to transmit on that channel instead of returning to the return channel. Scanning resumes after 5 seconds unless a signal is present on the channel.

Squelch Level

You can set the default squelch level for the transceiver.

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Sq".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Sq - 0" (open) to "Sq - 5" (tight).

Microphone Sensitivity (PKT-300LF ONLY)

You can adjust the microphone sensitivity level of the transceiver.

To select microphone sensitivity:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SE".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SE - no" (Normal) to "SE - HI" (High).

Voice Activated Transmission (VOX)

With the VOX function, you can use the transceiver in hands-free mode. To use this function, you must use an optional headset; VOX does not work with the integrated microphone. For best performance, Kenwood recommends using an optional headset with an earpiece and a boom microphone positioned in front of your mouth.

VOX Operation

1. To activate the VOX function, set the VOX GAIN LEVEL.
2. To transmit, speak into the headset microphone. You do not need to press the [PTT] switch; the transceiver automatically detects your voice and begins transmitting. The LED indicator lights red.
3. To stop transmission, stop speaking. Transmission will continue momentarily after you stop speaking. You can select the delay time as described in VOX Delay Time.

VOX Gain Level

With the VOX function activated, your voice level determines when you transmit. Due to automatic switching between transmission and reception, Kenwood recommends setting the VOX gain level so that it does not activate in areas with high ambient noise.

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "GL".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "GL-oF" (VOX function deactivated) or "GL- 1" (VOX gain level 1) to "GL- 5" (VOX gain level 5). VOX gain level 1 is the least sensitive, and VOX gain level 5 is the most sensitive. While adjusting the VOX gain level, speak into the microphone. When an appropriate level is reached, the LED lights orange. Setting the VOX gain level to OFF deactivates VOX. To transmit with VOX deactivated, you must use the [PTT] switch.

VOX Delay Time

If the transceiver returns to reception mode too quickly after you finish speaking, your message may not be fully transmitted. To prevent this, select an appropriate delay time that allows your entire message to be transmitted. However, do not select too long a delay time.

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "dy".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "dy 0.3" (0.3 sec.), "dy 0.5" (0.5 sec.), "dy 1.0" (1 sec.), "dy 1.5" (1.5 sec.), "dy 2.0" (2 sec.), or "dy 3.0" (3 sec.). While adjusting the VOX delay, speak into the microphone to simulate transmission. The LED lights orange while you speak, but no signal is transmitted at this time.

VOX Cancel Operation

You can set the transceiver to activate when the [PTT] switch is pressed; you can choose whether the VOX function is automatically deactivated. When this function is activated, the radio transmits when the [PTT] switch is pressed; after releasing the [PTT] switch, VOX is deactivated. The VOX function can also be activated by turning the transceiver off and on again. When this function is deactivated, pressing the [PTT] switch allows transmission; VOX remains activated.

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Co".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Co-oF" (VOX cancel operation deactivated) or "Co-on" (VOX cancel operation activated).

Transmit Inhibit while Receiving

Using VOX, you can set the transceiver to detect when the channel is in use (instead of using the Monitor function). When this function is activated, VOX does not allow you to transmit while the channel is in use. You can transmit only when the channel is free. The authorization tone function setting will alert you when the channel is free.

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "t1".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "t I-oF" (transmit inhibit while receiving deactivated) or "t l-on" (transmit inhibit while receiving activated).

VOX Tone

You can set the transceiver to emit an alert tone when you are able to transmit (transmission is no longer prohibited).

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Pd".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Pd-oF" (VOX authorization tone deactivated) or "Pd-on" (VOX authorization tone activated). You can speak into the microphone at this time to simulate transmission. The LED lights orange while you speak if your voice is at an appropriate level, but no signal is transmitted at this time.

Selectable Power Tone Activated

You can configure a tone that sounds during power-on from 3 types. To set the power-on tone type:

1. Access Setting Mode (page 17).
2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Po".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Po - 1" (type 1), "Po - 2" (type 2), or "Po - 3" (type 3).

Transceiver Reset (PKT-300LF ONLY)

At some point, you may wish to reset the transceiver's settings to their default values. This function resets all channels to their default frequencies and QT/DQT, the VOX function to its default state, and all buttons to their default functions.

To reset the transceiver:

1. With the transceiver off, press and hold the [MON] button, the [▲] button, and the [▼] button while powering on the transceiver. The transceiver displays "rESt".
2. Release the buttons. The transceiver displays "SUrE".
3. Press the [PTT] switch. The transceiver begins a complete reset. Normal operation resumes once the reset is complete. If a button other than the [PTT] switch is pressed, the complete reset will not be performed, and operation will return to normal.

Options

The following options are available for use with this transceiver.

Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice due to technological advancements.