Kenwood TK 2312 Manual

The Kenwood TK 2312 is a professional VHF two-way portable radio designed for commercial and industrial use. This compact and durable radio features 16 channels, 5W output power, IP55/54 dust and water protection, MIL-STD 810 C/D compliance for shock and vibration resistance, programmable functions, built-in CTCSS/DCS, battery save function, and high-visibility LCD display. 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. Programming and Operation 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD display with backlight, 16 programmable channels, programmable buttons, antenna connector, speaker/microphone, battery pack, belt clip.

FeatureDescription
Frequency RangeVHF 136-174 MHz
Output Power5W (High), 1W (Low) selectable
Channels16 programmable channels
CTCSS/DCSBuilt-in 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes
Battery7.4V 1500mAh Li-ion battery pack
DisplayLCD with backlight and channel indication
ProtectionIP55/54 dust and water resistant
DurabilityMIL-STD 810 C/D compliant
Dimensions58(W) x 130(H) x 37(D) mm
WeightApprox. 450g with battery and antenna

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install battery and antenna.

  1. Install battery: Align battery contacts, slide battery onto radio until it clicks.
  2. Install antenna: Screw antenna clockwise onto antenna connector.
  3. Attach belt clip: Secure belt clip to back of radio if required.
  4. Charge battery: Connect charger to radio and AC power outlet.

WARNING! Do not transmit without antenna attached. Ensure battery is fully charged before first use.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; configure basic settings.

  1. Power on: Rotate VOLUME knob clockwise to turn on.
  2. Select channel: Use CHANNEL selector knob to choose desired channel.
  3. Adjust volume: Rotate VOLUME knob to desired listening level.
  4. Set squelch: Use programmable button to adjust squelch level if needed.
  5. Program channels: Use programming software to set frequencies and tones.

CAUTION! Only qualified personnel should program the radio. Use authorized programming software.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: VOLUME knob, CHANNEL selector, PTT button, programmable buttons, LCD display.

Top Panel: On/Off/VOLUME knob, CHANNEL selector, antenna connector.

LCD Display: Channel number, battery level, transmit indicator, busy channel indicator. Programmable Functions: Monitor, Scan, Power Level, Time-out Timer, Battery Save, CTCSS/DCS, Lock, Backlight.

Connecting Devices

External Speaker/Mic: Use accessory connector. Programming Cable: Connect to PC for programming.

  1. Turn off radio before connecting accessories.
  2. Align accessory connector properly with radio jack.
  3. Secure connection by tightening locking mechanism.
  4. For programming, use genuine Kenwood programming cable and software.

Tip: Ensure radio is turned off when connecting/disconnecting accessories to prevent damage.

Programming and Operation

Supports channel programming via PC software.

  1. Install programming software on PC.
  2. Connect radio to PC using programming cable.
  3. Read current configuration from radio.
  4. Program frequencies, CTCSS/DCS tones, power levels.
  5. Write configuration back to radio.
  6. Verify programming by testing each channel.
  7. For operation: Select channel, press PTT to transmit, release to receive.

WARNING! Only transmit on authorized frequencies. Ensure proper licensing for your area.

Safety Features

Time-out Timer: Automatically stops transmission after set time. Busy Channel Lockout: Prevents transmission on busy channels. Battery Save: Extends battery life during standby. Low Battery Alert: Warns when battery needs charging.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with dry cloth only. Avoid chemicals and solvents. Store in dry place. Regularly inspect antenna and battery contacts.

CAUTION! Do not immerse in water. Avoid extreme temperatures. Use only genuine Kenwood accessories.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 90 certified for land mobile radio service. Complies with relevant national and international standards. This device may not cause harmful interference and must accept any interference received. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For technical support and service, contact authorized Kenwood dealers or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBattery discharged or faultyCharge battery; check battery contacts; replace if necessary.
No transmissionPTT button or programmingCheck PTT button; verify channel programming; check antenna.
Poor receptionAntenna or locationCheck antenna connection; move to better location; check squelch setting.
Battery drains quicklyBattery age or settingsReplace old battery; enable battery save function; check transmit power.
No audioVolume setting or speakerAdjust volume; check speaker; try external speaker.

Reset: Use programming software to reset to factory defaults if needed.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center; www.kenwood.com

Kenwood TK 2312 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025