Kenwood TK 780 Manual

The Kenwood TK 780 is a professional VHF/UHF mobile radio designed for commercial and public safety applications. This rugged radio features 45W output power, 256-channel capacity, MIL-STD 810 compliance for durability, programmable scan functions, built-in CTCSS/DCS, wide frequency coverage, and multiple signaling options. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, programming, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Accessories 7. Programming and Operation 8. Advanced Features 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main radio unit, Control head, Microphone, Mounting bracket, Power cable, Antenna connector.

Feature	Description
Frequency Range	VHF: 136-174 MHz / UHF: 400-470 MHz
Output Power	45W (VHF) / 40W (UHF) programmable
Channel Capacity	256 channels
CTCSS/DCS	Built-in encode/decode
Scan Functions	Programmable priority scan
Durability	MIL-STD 810 C/D/E compliant
Display	LCD with backlight
Power Input	13.8V DC nominal
Antenna Connector	SO-239 type
Data Capability	RS-232 programming interface

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Mount in vehicle using provided bracket.

Mount radio: Secure mounting bracket to vehicle using appropriate hardware.
Connect power: Red wire to positive terminal, black wire to negative/ground.
Install antenna: Connect antenna to SO-239 connector on radio unit.
Connect control head: Attach control head cable to main unit.
Connect microphone: Plug microphone into front panel connector.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse protection. Disconnect vehicle battery before installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; initialize programming.

Power connection: Verify 13.8V DC connection with proper polarity.
Antenna check: Ensure antenna is properly connected before transmitting.
Basic programming: Use front panel or programming software to set frequencies.
Channel setup: Program at least one channel with frequency and CTCSS if needed.
Power level: Set appropriate output power for application.

CAUTION! Do not transmit without antenna connected. Ensure proper ventilation.

Specifications

Frequency Range: VHF 136-174 MHz / UHF 400-470 MHz
Output Power: 45W VHF / 40W UHF (programmable)
Channel Capacity: 256 channels
Modulation: 16K0F3E (FM)
Power Supply: 13.8V DC ±15%
Current Drain: Receive: 0.8A / Transmit: 11A max
Operating Temp: -30°C to +60°C
Dimensions: Main unit: 140W × 40H × 180D mm
Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg
Compliance: MIL-STD 810 C/D/E

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, Channel selector, Function keys, Microphone connector.

Control Head: LCD display, Channel up/down, Monitor button, Function buttons, LED indicators.

Programming: Channel frequency, CTCSS/DCS codes, Power level, Scan lists, Time-out timer, Busy channel lockout. Display: Channel number, Receive indicator, Transmit indicator, Busy indicator. Audio: Volume control, Squelch control, Monitor function.

Connecting Accessories

External speaker, Data interface, Remote control head, Mobile data terminal.

External speaker: Connect to rear panel speaker jack.
Data interface: Use RS-232 port for programming.
Remote kit: For remote mounting of control head.
Mobile data: Connect compatible data terminal.

Tip: Use Kenwood-approved accessories for optimal performance.

Programming and Operation

Supports front panel and software programming.

Channel programming: Set frequency, CTCSS/DCS, power level per channel.
Scan programming: Create scan lists with priority channels.
Function assignment: Assign features to programmable keys.
Transmit operation: Press PTT to transmit, release to receive.
Channel selection: Use channel knob or up/down buttons.
Monitor function: Press MONITOR to open squelch.
Power adjustment: Set appropriate power level for conditions.
Scan operation: Enable scan to monitor multiple channels.

WARNING! Only operate on authorized frequencies with proper license.

Advanced Features

Priority Scan: Monitor priority channel while scanning. Time-out Timer: Automatic transmit time limit. Busy Channel Lockout: Prevent transmit on occupied channels. DTMF Signaling: Optional DTMF encode/decode. Two-tone Sequential: Optional paging capability.

Maintenance & Care

Keep radio clean and dry. Check connections periodically. Ensure proper mounting security.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals for cleaning. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 90: Certified for land mobile radio service. This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation subject to condition that device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For technical support, contact authorized Kenwood dealer or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection/fuse	Check power cable connections; verify fuse integrity.
No transmission	PTT/microphone	Check microphone connection; verify PTT function.
Poor reception	Antenna/squelch	Verify antenna connection; adjust squelch setting.
No audio	Volume/speaker	Check volume setting; verify speaker connection.
Programming lost	Memory backup	Re-program channels; check backup battery if equipped.

Reset: Use programming software for master reset if needed.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.