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

Features

• Lightweight and compact design with a lithium-ion battery pack, sturdy polycarbonate body, and spring-loaded belt clip.
• Multiple tone/code settings per channel to ignore unwanted calls.
• Privacy Talk scrambles voice messages for private conversations.
• Variety of call types supported.
• Automatic battery power saver for extended usage.
• Battery power level indicator with low battery warning.
• Key lock and Super Lock prevent accidental setting changes.
• Ten different calling alert tones for group identification.
• Hands-free operation with optional headset.
• Selectable Power ON Tone.

Preparation

Installing/Removing the Battery Pack

CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals or dispose of the battery by fire. Never attempt to remove the casing from the battery pack.

1. Align the battery pack with the grooves on the back of the transceiver and insert it (a → b). Pay attention to the notch position. Insert the battery pack.

2. Align and insert the battery cover to the groove on the back of the transceiver, then close it (a → b). Ensure the ribbon is inside when closing.

3. Slide the Lock lever (both sides) to lock it. A click indicates it is locked. To remove, release the lock on the battery cover, remove the cover, and pull the ribbon upwards.

Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before use.

ATTENTION: Always switch OFF a transceiver with a battery pack before inserting it into the charger.

1. Plug the AC adapter cable into the jack on the rear of the charger.

2. Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet.

3. Slide a battery pack or transceiver with a battery pack into the charging slot. Ensure metal contacts mate securely with charger terminals. The indicator lights red, indicating charging has begun.

4. When charging is complete, the indicator flashes green. Remove the battery pack or transceiver from the charger.

Note:

• A blinking red indicator means the battery pack is defective or contacts are not properly mated.
• Charge between 5°C and 40°C for optimal charging.
• Replace the battery pack when its operating time decreases significantly, even if fully charged.

Installing/Removing the Belt Clip Holster

Installation: Installing the transceiver onto the belt clip holster. Push the lock lever on the top of the holster toward the arrow to lock it.

Remove: Push the lock lever on the top of the holster toward the arrow to unlock and pull out the transceiver.

Installing the Optional Speaker/ Microphone (or Headset)

1. Open the SP/MIC tabs on the side of the transceiver.

2. Insert the accessory's plugs into the SP/MIC jacks.

3. When removing the accessory, cover the SP/MIC jacks with the attached tabs to keep dust and dirt away from the contacts.

Orientation

Buttons and Controls

• 1 Power switch/ Volume control: Turn clockwise to switch ON. Turn counterclockwise to switch OFF. Rotate to adjust volume.
• 2 LED indicator: Indicates transceiver status.
• 3 [PTT] (Push to Talk) switch: Press and hold to transmit.
• 4 [MENU] button: Press for functions. Press and hold while switching power ON to enter Setting Mode.
• 5 [CALL] button: Press to alert other parties before making a call.
• 6 [MON] button: Press to monitor the current channel for activity.
• 7 [▲]/[▼] buttons: Change operating channel, select menu items in Setting Mode, and perform other functions.
• 8 SP/MIC jacks: Insert speaker/microphone or headset plug here.

Display

Basic Operation

Switch the Power ON

Turn the Power switch/ Volume control clockwise to switch the transceiver ON. A power-on tone sounds, and the display shows segments. For GMRS/FRS models, "FrS" appears for 2 seconds, then the channel. For LMR models, the channel displays directly.

To turn off the power, turn the Power switch/ Volume control counterclockwise until it clicks at the OFF Position.

Adjust the Volume

Rotate the Power switch/ Volume control to adjust volume. Clockwise increases volume, counterclockwise decreases it. Set your desired volume level.

Select a Channel

Select a channel by pressing the [▲] or [▼] button. A confirmation tone sounds with each press. When a call is received on the selected channel, audio plays from the speaker, and the LED lights green.

Make 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. A call alert tone sounds on their transceiver. (Note: This function may not activate if set to something other than "Calling Alert".)

3. Press and hold the [PTT] switch, then speak into the speaker area to transmit. The LED lights red during transmission. Speak approximately 1.5 inches (3-4 cm) from your mouth for best sound quality.

4. Release the [PTT] switch when finished speaking.

Menu Mode

Each setting in menu mode is set for each channel.

Quiet Talk/ Digital Quiet Talk (QT/DQT)

QT and DQT functions reject signals from undesired parties on the same channel. You hear audio only when a received signal's tone or code matches the one set on your channel. When transmitting, the receiving station needs a matching tone or code to hear you.

You can select a tone or code for each channel. There are 45 QT tones and 174 DQT codes. Confirm that other group members have the same settings.

Operating QT/DQT Setting (PKT-300LF Only)

1. Press [MENU] to enter Menu Mode. Use [MENU] to select the QT/DQT setting mode.

2. The QT/DQT number blinks. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select the signaling number.

3. Press [CALL], [MON], or [PTT] to store settings and return to normal operation.

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

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

Privacy Talk

Privacy Talk allows private conversations by scrambling voice messages. When activated, others on the channel cannot understand your conversation.

1. Press the [MENU] button to enter Menu Mode. Use [MENU] to select Privacy setting mode. The (PRIVACY) icon appears and blinks.

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "on" (privacy on) or "oF" (privacy off).

3. Press [CALL], [MON], or [PTT] to store settings and return to normal operation.

Transmit Power

Adjust transmit power per channel. Low power conserves battery; high power increases range.

To change transmit power:

1. Press [MENU] to enter Menu Mode. Use [MENU] to select Transmit Power setting mode. The current setting blinks.

2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select "Lo" (low power) or "HI" (high power). The LOW icon appears when low power is selected.

3. Press [CALL], [MON], or [PTT] to store settings and return to normal operation.

Note: Channels with fixed Low Power cannot be changed.

Compander

The compander (compressor/expander) enhances signal clarity and reduces noise. Activated signals are compressed for transmission and expanded upon reception.

1. Press [MENU] to enter Menu Mode. Use [MENU] to select Compander setting mode. The current setting blinks.

2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select "CP-oF" (compander off) or "CP-o.n" (compander on).

3. Press [CALL], [MON], or [PTT] to store settings and return to normal operation.

Monitor

When no signals are present, the squelch mutes the speaker to eliminate background noise. Use the [MON] button to open the squelch and unmute the speaker.

• Confirm channel activity to avoid transmitting on a busy channel.
• Adjust volume without waiting for a call.
• Listen to intermittent calls without interruption.

To manually open squelch, press and hold [MON]. The squelch open icon appears, and the LED lights green. Release [MON] to return to normal operation.

Lock Function

Key Lock

Lock [MENU], [▲], and [▼] buttons to prevent accidental changes to operating mode and channel settings. Power switch/Volume control, [PTT], [CALL], and [MON] buttons remain functional. (Note: [CALL] functions normally if set as Call Alert.)

Press and hold the [MENU] button for 3 seconds to lock or unlock buttons. The lock icon appears on the display when locked; no icon appears when unlocked.

Super Lock

Lock [MENU], [CALL], [▲], and/or [▼] buttons, and disable Setting Mode. Power switch/Volume control, [PTT], and [MON] buttons remain functional.

To select super lock setting:

1. With transceiver power OFF, press and hold [PTT] and [CALL] while turning power ON (for 1 second).

2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select "SL-P" (all buttons locked), "SL-C" ([MENU] and [CALL] locked), or "SL-oF" (super lock off).

3. Press [MENU], [PTT], [MON], or [CALL] to exit Super Lock Setting Mode. The lock icon appears when locked; no icon appears when unlocked.

Setting Mode

Many functions are set via menus instead of physical controls.

1. With transceiver power OFF, press and hold [MENU] while turning power ON (for 1 second).

2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select a setting item.

3. Press [MENU] to enter data setting.

4. Press [▲] or [▼] to select setting data.

5. Press [MENU] again to return to setting item selection.

Setting Menu for PKT-300 (LMR model)

*1: If Call Key is set to Off, this menu is skipped.

*2: If VOX Gain Level is set to Off, this menu is skipped.

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

*1: If Call Key is set to Off, this menu is skipped.

*2: If VOX Gain Level is set to Off, this menu is skipped.

*3: When Channel Frequency Setting is set from F0 to other than F0 in Setting Mode, each channel setting is set to Default and QT/DQT is set to (010)94.8.

Channel Frequency Setup

You can change the default frequency of each channel.

Note: In the LMR model, when your dealer has set up the channel table, the set channels can be used.

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select a channel. The current frequency table number appears beside 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 additional channels.

Channel Number table: PKT-300LF (GMRS/FRS model)

Default Channel

The table below lists 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 set up a QT tone or a DQT code (page 12).

Incoming Call Notification informs you of incoming calls. When activated, a tone sounds when a busy signal is received and the QT/DQT signaling matches.

• The tone sounds for 15 seconds before turning off.
• No audio is heard from the speaker while the tone sounds. Press any button to turn off the tone and listen to the call.
• After a call, the transceiver waits 10 seconds before resetting. If a new call is received within this time, the tone will not sound. If no call is received, Incoming Call Notification resets for the next call.

To turn Incoming Call Notification on or off:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Ct".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Ct-oF" (off) or "Ct - on" (on).

Key Assignment Mode (PKT-300LF Only)

Reprogram the [CALL] button with functions like Off, Calling Alert, or LOW Transmit Power.

Set the function to be used by pressing the [CALL] button:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CL".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CL-oF" (off), "CL-CA" (Calling Alert), or "CL-LP" (LOW Transmit Power).

Programmable Functions

Call Alert Tone

Call alert tones identify you to your party members. Set one of 10 types. Different tones help identify callers.

To set your call alert tone:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CA".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CA - 1" (tone 1) to "CA - 10" (tone 10). Each press of [▲] or [▼] selects a new tone.

Call Alert Side Tone (PKT-300LF Only)

When [CALL] is pressed, the call alert tone also sounds through your own speaker.

To turn Call Alert Side Tone on or off:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CS".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "CS - on" (on) or "CS - oF" (off).

Individual Calls:

Example: Transceiver A calls Transceiver E.

1. Press the [CALL] button.

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select an individual ID number (e.g., Id-05). "id" represents a single station.

3. Press the [PTT] switch to transmit the selected ID. When a call is received, "id" appears with the caller's ID number.

Mode Reset Timer (PKT-300LF Only)

This function returns the transceiver to the channel display after a preset timer expires in Menu mode.

To set the mode reset timer:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "rt".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "rt - oF" (timer off), "rt - 10" (10 seconds), or "rt - 30" (30 seconds).

Time-Out Timer (PKT-300LF Only)

The Time-out Timer prevents extended channel use, useful for accidental [PTT] presses. It limits continuous transmission, saving battery power.

If you transmit continuously for 60 seconds, the transceiver stops transmitting and a tone sounds. Release [PTT] to stop the tone. Press [PTT] again to resume.

To change the default value of 1 minute:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "to".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "to-1" (1 minute) or "to-10" (10 minutes) in 1-minute steps.

A pre-alert tone sounds 10 seconds before the Time-out Timer expires, allowing message completion before transmission stops.

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

BCL prevents transmitting on a channel already in use. When ON, a beep sounds if you press [PTT] on a busy channel, and you cannot transmit.

To turn BCL on or off:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bL".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bL-oF" (BCL Off), "bL-Co" (BCL Carrier Only), "bL-Cq" (BCL Correct QT/DQT), or "bL-Iq" (BCL InCorrect QT/DQT).

• BCL Off: Disables the BCL function.
• BCL Carrier Only: Prevents transmitting while a carrier is received.
• BCL Correct QT/DQT: Prevents transmitting with a carrier and correct QT/DQT. Allows transmission if QT/DQT is incorrect.
• BCL InCorrect QT/DQT: Prevents transmitting with a carrier and incorrect QT/DQT. Allows transmission if QT/DQT is correct.

Backlight

Set display backlight to off, on, or auto (on for 5 seconds after button press, then off).

To select backlight setting:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Lt".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Lt -oF" (off), "Lt - on" (on), or "Lt - A" (auto).

Battery Level Indicator

The battery level indicator shows remaining battery life when ON. When OFF, it is not displayed.

When battery voltage is low during transmission, the transceiver stops transmitting, a tone sounds, and the LED blinks red until [PTT] is released. Recharge or replace the battery pack.

Battery Power Levels:

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

To turn this function on or off:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bt".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bt - on" (indicator on) or "bt - oF" (indicator off).

Battery Saver

The battery saver function reduces power usage when no signal is received and no operations are performed. It automatically switches ON after 5 seconds of inactivity. Operating the transceiver or receiving a call switches it OFF until 5 seconds of non-operation occurs again.

To turn this function on or off:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bS".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bS - on" (on) or "bS - oF" (off).

Note: While Battery Saver is operating, the LED may flash green for QT/DQT signals that do not match your transceiver's settings.

Beep Tone

A beep sounds from the transceiver when a button is pressed.

To turn the beep tone on or off:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bP".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "bP - on" (on) or "bP - oF" (off).

Scan (PKT-300LF Only)

Scan monitors transceiver channels. It checks each channel for a signal and stops only if a signal is present. If QT/DQT matches, scanning stops at the channel, opens squelch for listening. If QT/DQT does not match, scanning continues.

Ensure scan is activated before use. Turn scan ON or OFF in Setting Mode.

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SC".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SC-oF" (disabled) or "SC-on" (enabled).

If "SC -oF" is selected, scan cannot be performed by pressing and holding [▲].

To begin scanning:

1. Press and hold the [▲] button for 1 second. "SC An" appears on the display.

2. When a signal is detected and QT/DQT matches, the channel number appears and blinks.

3. When the signal disappears, the transceiver waits 5 seconds before continuing scan. If a new signal appears before 5 seconds elapse, the transceiver stays on the channel until the signal disappears, then waits another 5 seconds.

4. To end scan, press and hold the [▲] button for 1 second. The transceiver returns to the previous channel.

Revert Channel

The revert channel is where scanning begins. If you start scanning on channel 1, channel 1 is your revert channel.

During scan, pressing [PTT] selects the revert channel and begins transmission. If paused on another channel after receiving a signal (e.g., channel 2), pressing [PTT] transmits on that channel instead of reverting. Scanning resumes after 5 seconds, unless a signal is present.

Squelch Level

Adjust the default squelch level of the transceiver.

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Sq".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Sq - 0" (open), "Sq - 1", "Sq - 2" (default), "Sq - 3", "Sq - 4", or "Sq - 5" (tight).

Mic Sense (PKT-300LF Only)

Adjust the sensitivity level of the transceiver microphone.

To select mic sense:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SE".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "SE - no" (normal) or "SE - HI" (high).

Voice Operated Transmission (VOX)

The VOX function allows hands-free transceiver operation. Use an optional headset; VOX does not function with the built-in microphone. For best results, use a headset with an earpiece and a boom microphone positioned in front of your mouth.

VOX Operation

1. To activate VOX, set the VOX GAIN LEVEL.

2. To transmit, speak into the headset microphone. The transceiver detects your voice and transmits automatically. The LED lights red.

3. To stop transmitting, stop speaking. Transmission continues momentarily after speaking stops. Adjust delay time via VOX Delay Time.

VOX Gain Level

With VOX activated, your voice level determines transmission. Set VOX gain level to avoid activation in noisy areas.

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "GL".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "GL-oF" (VOX function off) or "GL-1" (gain level 1) to "GL-5" (gain level 5).

• VOX Gain level 1 is least sensitive; level 5 is most sensitive.
• Speak into the microphone while adjusting. The LED lights orange when an appropriate level is reached.
• Setting VOX gain level to OFF deactivates VOX. Use the [PTT] switch to transmit when VOX is off.

VOX Delay Time

Select an appropriate delay time to ensure your entire message is transmitted if the transceiver returns to receive mode too quickly after you stop speaking. Avoid overly long delays.

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

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 VOX Delay Time, speak into the microphone to simulate transmission. The LED lights orange while speaking, but no signal is transmitted.

VOX Cancel Operation

Set whether VOX function is automatically disabled when [PTT] is pressed. When ON, radio transmits on [PTT] press, disabling VOX. When OFF, [PTT] transmits, and VOX remains enabled.

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

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 off) or "Co-on" (VOX cancel operation on).

Transmit Inhibit While Receiving

While using VOX, detect if the channel is in use. When ON, VOX prevents transmission on a busy channel. Transmit only when the channel is free. The proceed tone function notifies when the channel is free.

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "tI".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "t I-oF" (transmit inhibit while receiving off) or "t l-on" (transmit inhibit while receiving on).

VOX Proceed Tone

Set an alert tone when transmission is possible (no longer inhibited).

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

2. Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Pd".

3. Press the [MENU] button then press the [▲] or [▼] button to select "Pd-oF" (VOX proceed tone off) or "Pd-on" (VOX proceed tone on).

Speak into the microphone to simulate transmitting. The LED lights orange if your voice level is appropriate, but no signal is transmitted.

Selectable Power On Tone

Set a power-on tone from 3 types.

To set the power on tone type:

1. Enter the Setting Mode (page 16).

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), "Po - 3" (type 3).

Resetting the Transceiver (PKT-300LF Only)

Reset transceiver settings to default values. This resets all channels to default frequencies and QT/DQT, VOX function to default status, and all buttons to default functions.

To reset the transceiver:

1. With transceiver power OFF, press and hold [MON], [▲], and [▼] buttons while turning power ON.

2. The transceiver displays "rESt". Release the buttons. The transceiver displays "SUrE".

3. Press the [PTT] switch. The transceiver starts All Reset. After completion, it returns to normal operation.

If a button other than [PTT] is pressed, All Reset is not performed, and data returns to normal operation.

Option

The following options are available for this transceiver:

Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice, due to advancements in technology.