kenwood tk 840 manual

The Kenwood TK-840 is a VHF mobile radio designed for commercial and professional use, featuring 45W output power, 128 channels, programmable functions, wide frequency range (136-174MHz), CTCSS/DCS capabilities, rugged construction, and versatile mounting 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 microphone, Mounting bracket, Power cable, Antenna connector, External speaker jack, Data programming port.

Feature	Description
Frequency Range	136-174MHz VHF
Output Power	45W (adjustable)
Channels	128 programmable channels
CTCSS/DCS	Tone squelch and digital coded squelch
Power Input	13.8V DC negative ground
Antenna Connector	SO-239 type
Microphone Connector	8-pin modular
Data Port	For programming and cloning
Size	160(W) x 50(H) x 170(D) mm
Weight	Approx. 1.2 kg

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose suitable mounting location in vehicle.

Mount radio: Use provided bracket to secure in vehicle, ensuring proper ventilation.
Connect power: Red wire to positive (+), black wire to negative (-) of 13.8V DC source.
Install antenna: Connect antenna to SO-239 connector using proper coaxial cable.
Connect microphone: Plug 8-pin connector into microphone jack.
Ground radio: Ensure proper grounding for optimal performance.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating (15A recommended). Disconnect vehicle battery before installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; initialize basic settings.

Power connection: Verify 13.8V DC connection is secure and polarized correctly.
Antenna check: Ensure antenna is properly connected before transmitting.
Basic programming: Program first channel with frequency and basic settings.
Squelch adjustment: Set squelch level to eliminate background noise.
Volume control: Adjust to comfortable listening level.

CAUTION! Do not transmit without proper antenna connection to avoid damage.

Specifications

Frequency Range: 136-174MHz VHF
Output Power: 45W (High), 25W (Mid), 5W (Low)
Channels: 128 programmable
Modulation: 16K0F3E (FM)
Power Supply: 13.8V DC ±15%
Current Drain: 15A max (TX), 1.5A (RX max audio)
Operating Temp: -30°C to +60°C
Dimensions: 160(W) x 50(H) x 170(D) mm
Weight: 1.2 kg

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Power switch, Volume control, Squelch control, Channel selector.

Microphone: PTT button, Channel up/down, Monitor button, Programmable buttons.

Programming: Frequency selection, CTCSS/DCS tones, Power levels, Scan settings, Time-out timer, Busy channel lockout. Audio: Volume, Squelch, Tone control. Display: Channel number, TX/RX indicators, Busy indicator.

Connecting Accessories

External Speaker: Use external speaker jack for additional audio output. Data Programming: Connect to PC via programming cable. Emergency Buttons: Programmable for emergency functions.

Turn off radio before connecting accessories.
Use Kenwood-approved accessories for optimal performance.
Follow programming software instructions for data connection.

Tip: Use proper programming cable and software for channel programming.

Programming and Operation

Supports manual and software programming methods.

Manual programming: Use microphone buttons to access programming mode.
Software programming: Connect to PC using KPG-46D programming cable.
Channel setup: Program frequency, CTCSS/DCS, power level for each channel.
Scan programming: Set up priority channels and scan lists.
Transmit: Press PTT to transmit, release to receive.
Channel selection: Use channel selector or microphone buttons.
Monitor function: Press monitor button to open squelch.

WARNING! Only operate on authorized frequencies with proper license.

Advanced Features

Scan Function: Programmable scan with priority channel. Time-out Timer: Automatic transmission time limit. Busy Channel Lockout: Prevents transmission on busy channels. DTMF Encoding: For selective calling systems.

Maintenance & Care

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use dry cloth only; avoid liquids. Check connections periodically for corrosion.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners; keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 90: Certified for land mobile radio service. Compliance with relevant telecommunications standards. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For technical support and service, contact authorized Kenwood service centers or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection/fuse	Check power connections; verify fuse is intact; test voltage.
No transmission	PTT/microphone	Check microphone connection; verify PTT function; check antenna.
Poor reception	Antenna/squelch	Verify antenna connection; adjust squelch setting; check location.
No audio	Volume/speaker	Adjust volume control; check speaker connection; test external speaker.
Programming issues	Software/cable	Verify programming cable connection; reinstall software; check COM port.

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

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.