Kenwood PKT-300LF UHF FM Transceiver User Guide

Thank You

Thank you for choosing Kenwood for your General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) / Family Radio Service (FRS) applications.

ATTENTION: The RBRC Recycle Seal found on Kenwood Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs indicates Kenwood's voluntary participation in an industry program to collect and recycle Li-ion batteries after their operating life has expired. The RBRC program is an alternative to disposing of Li-ion batteries in your regular or municipal waste, which is illegal in some areas. For more information on Li-ion battery recycling in your area, call the toll-free number (1-800-822-8837) BATTERY1-800-8-. Kenwood's involvement in this program is part of our commitment to conserve our natural resources and preserve our environment.

Firmware Copyrights: The title and ownership of copyrights for firmware embedded in Kenwood products are reserved for JVCKENWOOD Corporation.

Notices to the User

• Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio transmitters within the territories under government control.
• Illegal operation is punishable by imprisonment and/or fine.
• Refer all servicing to qualified technicians only.
• It is important that the operator understands and is aware of the hazards common to the operation of any transceiver.

Note: The listed ranges are based on field testing and may vary with your operating conditions.

Precautions

Observe the following precautions to prevent fire, personal injury, and transceiver damage:

• Do not charge the transceiver or battery pack when they are wet.
• Ensure there are no metallic items located between the transceiver and the battery pack.
• Do not use options not specified by Kenwood.
• Do not touch any damaged parts of the transceiver, such as a cracked die-cast chassis.
• If a headphone or headset is connected to the transceiver, pay attention to the volume level when turning off the squelch.
• Do not place the microphone cable around your neck while operating near machinery that may catch the cable.
• Do not place the transceiver on unstable surfaces.
• Ensure the end of the antenna does not touch your eyes.
• When the transceiver is used for transmission for many hours, the chassis and radiator will become hot. Do not touch these locations when replacing the battery pack.
• Always switch off the transceiver power before installing optional accessories.
• When water gets into the speaker grill or microphone opening, the voice may become distorted or low. Lightly shake the transceiver to remove the water from the speaker or microphone, and then dry it before operating.
• The charger is the device that disconnects the unit from the AC line. The AC plug should be readily accessible.
• To dispose of batteries, be sure to comply with the laws and regulations in your region or country.

Basic Operation

Power the ON

Turn the Power/Volume control clockwise to switch the transceiver ON. All segments are displayed, and the Power On Tone sounds. The display shows "FrS" for 2 seconds, then the channels are displayed.

Turn the Power/Volume control counterclockwise until it clicks at the OFF position.

Adjust the Volume

Rotate the Power/Volume control to adjust the volume. Clockwise increases the volume, and counterclockwise decreases it.

Set your desired volume level by rotating the Power/Volume control.

Select a Channel

Select a channel by pressing the [ ] or [ ] button. A confirmation tone sounds each time you press the [ ] or [ ] button.

When you receive a call on your selected channel, you will hear audio from the speaker and the LED will light green.

Make a Call

1. Press the [MON] button to ensure the channel is not in use.
2. Press and hold the [CALL] button to alert the other party that you are beginning a Call. A call alert tone will sound on the other party's transceiver.
3. Press and hold the [PTT] switch and speak into the speaker area to transmit. The LED lights red while transmitting. For best sound quality, speak in your normal voice from approximately 1.5 to 4 cm (1.5 inches) from the speaker area.
4. Release the [PTT] switch when you have finished speaking.

(TOT) Time-Out Timer

The Time-Out Timer prevents callers from using a channel for an extended period. If you continuously transmit for a duration of 60 seconds, an alert tone will sound, and transmission will stop. Release the tone to stop the transmission.

Preparation

Installing/Removing the Battery Pack

CAUTION: Do not short-circuit the battery terminals or dispose of the battery in 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 (a → b). Insert it and then the battery cover. Pay attention to the position of the battery pack's notch.
2. Insert the battery cover into the groove on the back of the transceiver and then align it. Close it, and then insert the ribbon inside.
3. Slide the Lock lever (both sides) to lock it. There will be a click sound in the form of feedback.
4. To remove the battery pack, release the lock on the battery. Pull the ribbon upwards and then remove the battery cover.

Charging the Battery Pack

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

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

1. Connect the DC plug of the AC adapter to the DC IN jack on the bottom of the Charger.
2. Plug the AC adapter into an outlet.
3. Slide a transceiver equipped with a battery pack or a battery pack into the charging slot of the charger. Make sure the battery pack's metal contacts are securely mated with the charger's terminals. The indicator lights red and charging begins.
4. When charging is completed, remove the transceiver or battery pack from the charging slot of the charger. The indicator flashes green.

Note:

• When the indicator blinks red, either the battery pack is defective, or the battery pack's battery contacts are not properly mated with the charger's terminals.
• The ambient temperature should be between 5°C and 40°C (40°F and 104°F) while charging is in progress. Charging outside this range may not fully charge the battery.
• The battery pack's operating life is over when its operating time decreases even though it is correctly and fully charged. Replace the battery pack.

Installing the Belt Clip Holster

1. Installing the transceiver in the belt clip holster. Insert the transceiver until the sound "click" is heard.
2. Push the upper part of the holster to the rear side to remove the lock, then pull out the transceiver.

Installing the Optional Microphone/Speaker (or Headset)

1. Open the MIC/SP tabs on the side of the transceiver.
2. Insert the accessory's plugs into the MIC/SP jacks.
3. When you remove the accessory, be sure to cover the MIC/SP jacks with the attached tabs in order to keep dust and dirt away from the contacts.

(VOX) Voice Operated Transmission

Using the VOX feature, you can operate the transceiver hands-free. However, you must use an optional headset to use this feature. VOX will not function with the built-in microphone. For best operating conditions, we recommend you use an optional headset with both an earpiece and a microphone on a boom that rests in front of your mouth.

VOX SETTING

1. Enter the Setting Mode. Press and hold the [MENU] button, then power ON the transceiver (Keep the [MENU] button holding for 1 sec). The Power On Tone sounds, and the transceiver goes into Setting Mode.
2. Press the [ ] or [ ] button to select "GL".
3. Press the [MENU] button, then press the [ ] or [ ] button to select "1-GL" (VOX gain level 1) to "5-GL" (VOX gain level 5).
4. To exit VOX, set GL to "oF" in Setting Mode.

VOX OPERATION

1. To transmit, speak into the headset microphone. You do not need to press the [PTT] button; the transceiver automatically begins transmitting and the LED lights red when it detects your voice.
2. To stop transmitting, stop speaking. Transmission will continue momentarily as described in VOX Time Delay.

MODE SETTING

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

1. With the transceiver OFF, press and hold the [MENU] button while turning the transceiver ON (Keep the [MENU] button holding for 1 second).
2. Press the [ ] or [ ] button to select a setting item.
3. Press the [MENU] button to go into setting data.
4. Press the [ ] or [ ] button to select setting data.
5. Press the [MENU] button again to go back to the setting item selection.

Menu Setting

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

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

* When Frequency Setting is set from 0F to other than 0F, in Setting Mode, each channel setting is set to Default and DQT/QT is set to 94.8.(010).

RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY SAFETY INFORMATION

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) which comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Operating Instructions

Guidelines

This radio has been tested and is compliant with ISED RF exposure guidelines when used with accessories designated for or supplied with the product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with ISED RF exposure guidelines.

Operating Instructions

Hold the transmitter approximately 25 mm (1 inch) from your face and speak into the microphone in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away. Transmit no more than 50% of the time rated duty factor. Release the Push-To-Talk (PTT) button to receive calls. Transmitting generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting. It is important because this radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting (in terms of measuring for standards compliance).

DANGER

• Do not reconstruct or disassemble the battery! The battery pack has a safety function and a gas release vent to avoid danger. If they are damaged, the battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not short-circuit the battery! Do not join the + and – terminals with any form of metal (such as a paper clip or wire) or carry or store the battery pack in containers holding metallic objects (such as hairpins, chain necklaces, wires). If the battery pack is short-circuited, it will flow excessive current and may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame. It will also cause metal objects to heat up.
• Do not apply heat to the battery or incinerate it! If the insulator is melted, or the gas release vent or safety function is damaged, the battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame if ignited.
• Do not leave the battery near heat-generating sources (such as other heat generators, stoves, or fire)! The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture if the polymer separator in the individual cells is melted due to high temperature. It may also cause an internal short circuit in the individual cells and burst into flame.
• Do not immerse the battery in water or get it wet by other means! If the battery's protection circuit is damaged, the battery may charge abnormally (at voltage or current) at extreme. The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not charge the battery under direct sunlight or near a fire! If the battery's protection circuit is damaged, the battery may charge abnormally (at voltage or current) at extreme. The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Use only the specified charger and observe the charging requirements! If the battery is charged in unspecified conditions (under high temperature over the regulated temperature, excessive high voltage or current over the regulated value, or with a remodeled charger), it may overcharge, or an abnormal chemical reaction may occur, and the battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not pierce the battery with any object, or strike it with an instrument! This may deform or break the battery, causing a short circuit. The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not throw or jar the battery! An impact may cause the battery to leak, generate smoke, heat, or rupture, and burst into flame. If the battery's protection circuit is damaged, the battery may charge at abnormal current (or voltage) and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur, and the battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not use the battery pack if it is damaged in any way! The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not solder directly onto the battery! If the insulator is melted, or the gas release vent or safety function is damaged, the battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture.
• Do not reverse the battery polarity! When charging a reversed battery, an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. In some cases, a large amount of current may flow upon discharging. The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not reverse-connect or reverse-charge the battery! The battery pack has positive and negative poles. If the battery pack does not connect smoothly with the operating equipment or charger, do not force it; check the battery's polarity. If the battery pack is reverse-connected to the charger, it will be reverse-charged, and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur, and the battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not touch a leaking and ruptured battery! If the electrolyte liquid from the battery gets into your eyes, wash your eyes with fresh water as soon as possible without rubbing your eyes. Go to the hospital immediately. It may cause eye problems if left untreated.
• Do not charge the battery for longer than the specified time! If the battery pack has not finished charging even after the regulated time has passed, stop it. The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Do not place the battery pack into a high-pressure container or a microwave oven! The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.
• Keep leaking and ruptured battery packs away from fire! If the battery pack is leaking (or emits a bad odor), immediately remove it from flammable areas. Electrolyte leaking from the battery can easily catch fire and cause the battery to generate smoke and burst into flame.
• Do not use an abnormal battery! If the battery pack emits a bad odor, appears to have different coloring, is deformed for any other reason, remove it from the operating equipment or charger, and do not use it. The battery may generate heat, smoke, or rupture, and burst into flame.

Checking and Unpacking Equipment

Carefully unpack the transceiver. If any of the items listed below are missing or damaged, file a claim with the carrier immediately.

Supplied Accessories

• Lithium-ion Battery Pack (L-81KNB) ... 1
• Holster Charger (CR-50KSC) ... 1
• AC Adapter (SL-44KSC) ... 1
• Belt Clip Holster (-23KBH) ... 1
• User Guide ... 1

Note: The waterproof performance is guaranteed for the microphone/speaker jack only when securing the supplied cap. Waterproof performance will not be guaranteed by connecting an optional microphone/speaker, etc.

Refer to "PREPARATION" for accessory installation instructions.

CONTROLS AND BUTTONS

• Speaker
• Antenna
• Microphone
• Display
• Power/Volume Control Switch: Turn clockwise to switch the transceiver ON. Turn counterclockwise until it clicks to switch the transceiver OFF. Rotate to adjust the volume level.
• LED Indicator: Indicates the transceiver's status.
• [PTT] Switch: Press and hold the button, then speak into the microphone to transmit.
• [MENU] Button: Press to perform various functions. Press and hold the [MENU] button while turning the transceiver ON to enter Setting Mode.
• [CALL] Button: Press before making a call to alert the other party's members.
• [MON] Button: Press to monitor the current channel's activity.
• [ ] / [ ] Buttons: Press to change the operating channel, select a menu in Setting Mode, and perform other functions.
• MIC/SP Jacks: Insert the headset or microphone/speaker plug into this jack.

DISPLAY

Icon Description

• Appears when VOX is activated.
• Appears when using low transmission power.
• Appears when the channel is configured with a DQT code.
• Not Used.
• Displays the approximate remaining battery charge. Blinks when the battery charge is low during transmission.
• Appears when the Talk Privacy function is activated.
• Not Used.
• Displays the channel number along with its DQT/QT setting (if any). Also displays various menus and setting menus.
• Appears when the compander is activated.
• Appears while monitoring a channel.
• Appears when the transceiver's buttons have been locked.