Kenwood TK 3173 Manual

The Kenwood TK 3173 is a professional VHF two-way portable radio designed for commercial and industrial use. It features 16 channels, 5W output power, MIL-STD 810 C/D/E compliance for durability, IP55/54 dust and water resistance, built-in voice scrambler, programmable scan functions, emergency alert, and wide operating temperature range. 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. Programming and Configuration 7. Operation 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Durable housing, LCD display, programmable buttons, antenna, battery pack, charging contacts.

FeatureDescription
Frequency RangeVHF 136-174 MHz
Channels16 programmable channels
Output Power5W (High), 1W (Low)
Battery7.4V 1500mAh Li-ion
DurabilityMIL-STD 810 C/D/E, IP55/54
Voice ScramblerBuilt-in inversion type
Scan FunctionsProgrammable scan with priority
Emergency AlertProgrammable emergency function
DisplayLCD with channel and status info
ProgrammingKPG-89D software required

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install battery and antenna.

  1. Install battery: Align battery with radio contacts, slide until it clicks.
  2. Install antenna: Screw antenna clockwise onto antenna connector.
  3. Charge battery: Place radio in charger until LED indicates full charge.
  4. Attach accessories: Install belt clip or shoulder microphone if required.

WARNING! Use only Kenwood-approved batteries and chargers. Do not short-circuit battery terminals.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; verify basic operation.

  1. Power on: Turn volume knob clockwise to power on.
  2. Select channel: Use channel selector knob to choose desired channel.
  3. Adjust volume: Rotate volume knob for comfortable listening level.
  4. Test transmission: Press PTT button and speak into microphone.
  5. Program channels: Use KPG-89D software for initial channel programming.

CAUTION! Ensure proper antenna is installed before transmitting.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Volume knob, Channel selector, PTT button, On/Off switch. Side buttons: Programmable function keys.

Display Indicators: Channel number, Battery level, Transmit indicator, Scan status, Emergency mode.

Basic Settings: Volume control, Channel selection, Squelch level, Power level (High/Low). Advanced Settings: Scan lists, Time-out timer, Busy channel lockout, Voice scrambler, Emergency alert.

Programming and Configuration

Requires KPG-89D programming software and programming cable.

  1. Install KPG-89D software on Windows PC.
  2. Connect radio to PC using programming cable.
  3. Read current configuration from radio.
  4. Program frequencies, CTCSS/DCS, scan lists, and functions.
  5. Write configuration back to radio.

Tip: Always backup current configuration before making changes.

Operation

Daily operation procedures and functions.

  1. Power on: Turn volume knob clockwise.
  2. Select channel: Use channel selector knob.
  3. Transmit: Press and hold PTT button, speak clearly.
  4. Receive: Release PTT button to listen.
  5. Scan: Press programmed scan button to start/stop scanning.
  6. Emergency: Press emergency button (if programmed) for emergency alert.
  7. Monitor: Press monitor button to temporarily open squelch.

WARNING! Transmit only when necessary and authorized.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean exterior with soft, dry cloth.
  2. Check antenna for damage or looseness.
  3. Inspect battery contacts for corrosion.
  4. Test radio functions regularly.
  5. Charge battery before storage.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep away from water when cleaning.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 90: Certified for land mobile radio service. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to license requirements. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, contact authorized Kenwood dealer or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBattery discharged or faultyCharge battery; replace if necessary.
No transmissionPTT button or settingsCheck PTT function; verify channel programming.
Poor receptionAntenna or locationCheck antenna connection; move to better location.
Battery drains quicklyBattery age or settingsReplace battery; check power saving settings.
No audioVolume or speakerAdjust volume; check speaker connection.

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

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.

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