Kenwood TH 78A Manual

The Kenwood TH-78A is a dual-band amateur radio transceiver covering 144MHz and 430MHz bands. This compact handheld unit features wide frequency coverage, multiple operating modes including FM, SSB, CW, and AM, 5W output power, 200 memory channels, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, auto repeater shift, battery saver function, and backlit LCD display. Below are key sections for operation, programming, features, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Basic Operation 3. Memory Programming 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Advanced Features 7. Battery and Power 8. Accessories 9. Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Dual-band transceiver, LCD display, Function keys, Volume/Squelch control, Channel selector, PTT switch, Antenna connector, DC power jack.

Feature	Description
Frequency Coverage	144-148MHz, 430-450MHz (amateur bands)
Operating Modes	FM, SSB, CW, AM receive
Output Power	5W/2.5W/0.5W (selectable)
Memory Channels	200 channels (100 per band)
CTCSS/DCS	Encode and decode functions
Auto Repeater Shift	Automatic offset selection
Battery Saver	Extended battery life
Backlit Display	LCD with adjustable backlight
Scan Functions	Programmable scan, memory scan
DC Power Jack	For external power supply

Basic Operation

Power on and basic transmitter/receiver operation.

Power On: Rotate VOLUME control clockwise to turn on unit.
Set Squelch: Adjust SQL control to eliminate background noise.
Select Frequency: Use channel selector or direct frequency entry.
Transmit: Press and hold PTT switch to transmit; release to receive.
Band Selection: Press BAND button to toggle between 144MHz and 430MHz.

WARNING! Ensure proper antenna is connected before transmitting. Do not transmit without antenna.

Memory Programming

Store and recall frequently used frequencies and settings.

Enter frequency: Dial desired frequency using keypad.
Press F then MR: Enter memory programming mode.
Select memory channel: Use channel selector or enter channel number.
Store settings: Press MR again to store frequency and current settings.
Recall memory: Press MR and select channel number to recall.

TIP: Memory channels can store frequency, offset, tone, and mode settings.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 144-148MHz, 430-450MHz
Mode: FM/SSB/CW/AM (receive)
Output Power: 5W/2.5W/0.5W (selectable)
Memory Channels: 200 (100 per band)
Power Supply: 13.8V DC or battery pack
Current Drain: 1.2A max (transmit), 150mA (receive)
Dimensions: 140mm x 58mm x 34mm
Weight: 450g (with battery)
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: VOLUME/SQL control, Channel selector, PTT switch, Function key, Power button.

Key Functions: F (Function), V/M (VFO/Memory), BAND, MR (Memory), CALL, LAMP, SQL OFF, TONE, REV, LOW.

Display Indicators: Frequency, Memory channel, Mode, Battery level, CTCSS/DCS, TX/RX, S/RF meter.

Menu Functions: Scan settings, Tone settings, Display contrast, Battery saver, Beep tone, Reset functions.

Advanced Features

CTCSS/DCS Operation: Access tone squelch functions via TONE button.

Press F then TONE: Enter tone encode mode.
Select tone frequency: Use channel selector to choose CTCSS tone.
For DCS: Press F then DCS to select digital code.
Auto Repeater Shift: Automatically sets standard offsets when enabled.
Dual Watch: Monitor two frequencies simultaneously.

Note: Tone settings are stored per memory channel.

Battery and Power

Standard battery: 7.2V 600mAh Ni-MH pack. External power: 13.8V DC.

Battery Installation: Slide battery pack onto rear of unit until it clicks.
Charging: Use supplied charger; charging time approx 3 hours.
External Power: Connect 13.8V DC to DC jack on side of unit.
Battery Saver: Enable in menu to extend battery life.

CAUTION! Use only Kenwood-approved batteries and chargers.

Accessories

Standard accessories: Antenna, Battery pack, Belt clip, Hand strap, AC charger, DC cable, User manual.

Optional accessories: Extended battery, Desktop charger, Headset, Carrying case, Programming cable.

Maintenance

Keep unit clean and dry. Use soft cloth for cleaning; avoid chemicals.

CAUTION! Do not immerse in water. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. For amateur radio use only. Proper amateur radio license required for operation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Battery/connections	Check battery charge; ensure proper connection; try external power.
No transmission	Settings/antenna	Check PTT function; verify antenna connection; check power setting.
Poor reception	Antenna/squelch	Adjust squelch; check antenna; move to better location.
Memory lost	Battery	Memory backup battery may need replacement.
No tone operation	Settings	Verify tone frequency settings; check encode/decode mode.

Reset: Hold F and power on to reset all settings.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center.