Kenwood TK 260 Manual

The Kenwood TK 260 is a professional VHF two-way portable radio designed for commercial and industrial use. This compact, rugged radio features 16 channels, 5W output power, MIL-STD 810 C/D compliance for durability, programmable functions, built-in CTCSS/DCS, emergency alert, and long battery life. Below are key sections for operation, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Programming 7. Battery & Charging 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD display, 16 programmable channels, rugged housing, antenna, battery pack, belt clip, and charging contacts.

FeatureDescription
Frequency RangeVHF 136-174 MHz
Output Power5W (High), 1W (Low)
Channels16 programmable channels
CTCSS/DCSBuilt-in encode/decode
Battery7.4V 1500mAh Li-ion
DisplayLCD with channel and status indicators
Emergency AlertProgrammable emergency function
ScanProgrammable scan functions
Dimensions58(W) x 130(H) x 37(D) mm
WeightApprox. 390g with battery

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Install battery and antenna before first use.

  1. Install battery: Align battery contacts and slide onto radio until it clicks.
  2. Attach antenna: Screw antenna clockwise into antenna connector.
  3. Charge battery: Place radio in charger until LED indicates full charge.
  4. Program channels: Use programming software to set frequencies and functions.

WARNING! Do not transmit without antenna attached. Ensure proper programming before use.

Basic Operation

Power on radio; select channel and operate.

  1. Power on/off: Rotate volume knob clockwise to power on.
  2. Adjust volume: Rotate volume knob to desired level.
  3. Select channel: Use channel selector knob to choose programmed channel.
  4. Transmit: Press and hold PTT button; speak into microphone.
  5. Receive: Release PTT to listen; audio comes from speaker.

CAUTION! Keep radio away from water and extreme temperatures.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: Volume knob, channel selector, PTT button, monitor button. Top: Antenna connector, power/volume knob.

Buttons: PTT (Push-to-Talk), Monitor, programmable side buttons.

Display: Channel number, battery indicator, transmit indicator, busy indicator. Functions: Scan, CTCSS/DCS, power level selection, timeout timer, busy channel lockout.

Programming

Requires KPG-56D programming software and programming cable.

  1. Install programming software on Windows PC.
  2. Connect radio to PC using programming cable.
  3. Read current data from radio.
  4. Program frequencies, CTCSS/DCS, power levels, and functions.
  5. Write data to radio and verify programming.

Tip: Backup radio programming before making changes.

Battery & Charging

Use approved Kenwood battery packs and chargers only.

  1. Charging: Place radio in charger; LED indicates charging status.
  2. Battery Life: Approx. 10 hours typical use.
  3. Battery Saving: Built-in battery saver function.
  4. Replacement: Replace battery when performance decreases.

WARNING! Use only Kenwood-approved batteries and chargers.

Maintenance

Clean exterior with dry cloth; inspect antenna and battery regularly.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals or solvents. Keep contacts clean.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 90 certified for land mobile radio service. Complies with relevant industry standards. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, contact authorized Kenwood dealer or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBattery discharged/defectiveCharge battery; replace if necessary.
No transmissionPTT not working/programmingCheck PTT button; verify channel programming.
Poor receptionAntenna/positionCheck antenna connection; move to better location.
Battery drains quicklyOld battery/heavy useReplace battery; reduce transmit time.
No audioVolume/speakerAdjust volume; check speaker operation.

Reset: Requires reprogramming via software.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center.

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