Kenwood TH K20A Manual

The Kenwood TH K20A is a 2-meter amateur radio transceiver offering 5W output power, 200 memory channels, wide frequency coverage from 136-174MHz, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, priority channel monitoring, auto repeater offset, battery saver function, and compact lightweight design. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Operating Modes 8. Memory Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with LCD display, microphone connector, antenna port, DC power input, speaker, and control buttons.

Feature	Description
Frequency Range	136-174MHz (amateur band)
Output Power	5W (High), 1W (Low)
Memory Channels	200 channels
CTCSS/DCS	Encode and decode functions
Battery Saver	Extended battery life
Priority Watch	Dual watch function
Auto Repeater Offset	Automatic ±600kHz offset
Backlit Display	LCD with adjustable backlight
DC Input	13.8V DC operation
Dimensions	Compact portable design

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install antenna and connect power.

Connect antenna: Screw antenna firmly onto antenna connector.
Connect power: Use supplied DC cable to 13.8V DC source.
Connect microphone: Plug microphone into MIC connector.
Install battery: For portable use, install battery pack.

WARNING! Ensure proper antenna connection before transmitting. Use correct power polarity.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; configure basic settings.

Set frequency: Use VFO mode to enter desired frequency.
Configure offset: Set repeater offset if needed.
Program CTCSS/DCS: Access tone menu for encode/decode.
Store memories: Save frequently used frequencies to memory channels.

CAUTION! Verify amateur radio license requirements before operation.

Specifications

Frequency Range: 136-174MHz
Output Power: 5W (High), 1W (Low)
Memory Channels: 200 channels
Modulation: 16KΦF3E
Power Supply: 13.8V DC ±15%
Current Drain: 1.5A max (TX), 0.3A (RX)
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms
Dimensions: 140(W) × 40(H) × 108(D) mm
Weight: Approximately 550g
Operating Temp: -10°C to +60°C

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, CHANNEL selector, FUNCTION button, MIC connector, SPEAKER.

Key Functions: VFO/MR (mode switch), SQL (squelch), LAMP (backlight), LOW (power select), TONE (CTCSS/DCS), DUAL (dual watch), LOCK (key lock).

Menu Settings: Step size, offset direction, tone frequency, busy lockout, time-out timer, battery saver, beep tone, reset functions.

Connecting Devices

Antenna: Standard SO-239 connector. Power: 13.8V DC input. Audio: External speaker jack.

Turn off radio before connecting accessories.
Use only Kenwood-approved antennas and accessories.
Ensure secure connections for reliable operation.

Tip: Use high-quality coaxial cable for antenna connection to minimize signal loss.

Operating Modes

Supports simplex and repeater operation.

VFO Mode: Direct frequency entry and tuning.
Memory Mode: Recall stored frequencies and settings.
Dual Watch: Monitor two frequencies simultaneously.
Repeater Operation: Auto offset with tone access.
Scan Modes: Memory scan, band scan, programmed scan.
Tone Operations: CTCSS encode/decode, DCS functions.

WARNING! Transmit only on authorized frequencies with proper license.

Memory Functions

200 memory channels with alphanumeric tagging.

Store Memory: Hold [F] + [MR] to store current frequency.
Recall Memory: Press [MR] and select channel.
Memory Clear: Menu function to erase channels.
Memory Lock: Protect important channels from accidental changes.

Care & Maintenance

Keep radio clean and dry. Use soft cloth for cleaning.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals or solvents. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15 and Part 97 compliant. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to amateur radio service regulations. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection/battery	Check DC cable; verify battery charge; check fuse.
No transmission	Settings/antenna	Verify PTT function; check antenna connection; confirm frequency.
Poor reception	Antenna/squelch	Adjust squelch; check antenna; verify frequency.
Memory lost	Battery/power	Check backup battery; avoid complete power loss.
No audio	Volume/speaker	Adjust volume; check speaker connection; verify mute settings.

Reset: Menu > Reset to factory defaults if needed.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.