Kenwood TK 3501 Manual

The Kenwood TK 3501 is a professional VHF two-way portable radio designed for commercial and industrial use. Featuring robust construction, multiple channel capacity, programmable functions, and reliable communication capabilities. 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 Accessories 7. Operating Modes 8. Programming Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Durable chassis, LCD display, programmable buttons, antenna connector, accessory port, speaker/microphone, battery pack.

FeatureDescription
Frequency RangeVHF 136-174 MHz
ChannelsUp to 128 programmable channels
Power Output5W (high), 1W (low)
BatteryLi-ion rechargeable battery pack
DisplayBacklit LCD with channel information
Programmable ButtonsMultiple function keys for quick access
Accessory PortFor external speaker mic and programming
Antenna ConnectorStandard BNC connector
POWER/VOLUMEPower on/off and volume control
Channel SelectorRotary knob for channel selection

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install battery and antenna.

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

WARNING! Use only Kenwood-approved accessories. Do not operate while charging.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; configure basic settings.

  1. Power on: Rotate POWER/VOLUME knob clockwise.
  2. Set volume: Adjust to comfortable listening level.
  3. Select channel: Use channel selector knob to choose operating channel.
  4. Program channels: Use programming software to set frequencies and functions.
  5. Squelch adjustment: Set squelch level to eliminate background noise.

CAUTION! Ensure proper programming before use in critical applications.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, Channel Selector, Programmable Buttons, PTT button, LCD Display.

LCD Display: Shows channel number, battery status, transmit indicator, and function status.

Basic Settings: Volume control, channel selection, squelch level, backlight timeout. Programming: Channel frequencies, CTCSS/DCS codes, scan lists, power levels, time-out timer, busy channel lockout.

Connecting Accessories

Accessory Port: For external speaker microphones, programming cables, headsets.

  1. Turn off radio before connecting accessories.
  2. Align accessory connector with port and push firmly until secure.
  3. Ensure proper connection before operation.
  4. Use only Kenwood-approved accessories for optimal performance.

Tip: Regularly inspect accessory connections for wear or damage.

Operating Modes

Supports simplex and repeater operation modes.

  1. Transmit: Press and hold PTT button, speak clearly into microphone.
  2. Receive: Release PTT button to listen to incoming transmissions.
  3. Channel Scan: Enable scan mode to monitor multiple channels.
  4. Priority Scan: Monitor priority channel while scanning others.
  5. Dual Watch: Monitor two channels simultaneously.
  6. Time-out Timer: Automatically limits transmission time.
  7. Busy Channel Lockout: Prevents transmission on occupied channels.

WARNING! Observe proper radio etiquette and transmission protocols.

Programming Features

Programmable via KPG-89D software. Features include: channel grouping, scan lists, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, power level selection, signaling options, emergency modes.

Care & Maintenance

Regular cleaning with dry cloth. Check battery contacts. Inspect antenna and casing for damage.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals or solvents. Keep away from extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBattery discharged/defectiveCharge battery; replace if necessary.
Poor receptionAntenna loose/damagedCheck antenna connection; replace if damaged.
No transmissionPTT button/software settingCheck PTT function; verify programming.
Battery drains quicklyOld battery/high power settingReplace battery; use lower power when possible.
No audioVolume setting/speaker issueAdjust volume; check speaker connection.

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

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.

Kenwood TK 3501 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025