owners manual for kenwood th f6 owner's

The Kenwood TH-F6 is a versatile dual-band amateur radio transceiver covering 144/430MHz bands with wideband receiver capabilities. This compact handheld radio features multiple operating modes including FM, SSB, CW, and AM reception, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, 200 memory channels, alphanumeric display, and various scanning functions. Below are key sections for operation, programming, maintenance, and technical specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation and Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Memory Programming 7. Scanning Operations 8. CTCSS/DCS Functions 9. Maintenance and Care 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Dual-band transceiver, LCD display, Function keys, Volume/Squelch control, Channel selector, PTT switch, Antenna connector, DC power jack, Earphone/Mic jack.

Feature	Description
Frequency Coverage	144-148MHz (TX/RX), 430-450MHz (TX/RX), 0.5-1300MHz (RX)
Operating Modes	FM, SSB, CW, AM (receive only)
Memory Channels	200 memory channels with alphanumeric tags
Output Power	High: 5W, Mid: 2.5W, Low: 0.5W (selectable)
Battery	7.2V 1200mAh Ni-MH battery pack (standard)
Display	LCD with backlight, frequency and status indicators
Scanning	Programmable scan, memory scan, band scan
CTCSS/DCS	50 CTCSS tones, 104 DCS codes
Antenna Connector	SMA female connector
DC Input	13.8V DC external power capability

Installation and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Install battery and antenna.

Battery installation: Align battery contacts, slide battery into place until it clicks.
Antenna connection: Screw antenna firmly onto SMA connector.
Power on: Turn VOLUME control clockwise; adjust squelch as needed.
Initial setup: Set date/time, power save functions, and display options.

WARNING! Ensure proper antenna is installed before transmitting. Do not operate without antenna connected.

Basic Operation

Power on radio; adjust volume and squelch controls.

Frequency selection: Use keypad or channel selector to enter desired frequency.
Transmit: Press and hold PTT switch; speak clearly into microphone.
Receive: Release PTT; adjust volume for comfortable listening level.
Mode selection: Press MODE button to cycle through available operating modes.
Power level: Use FUNC + PWR to select High/Mid/Low power settings.

CAUTION! Verify frequency and mode are appropriate for intended use. Observe FCC regulations.

Specifications

Frequency Range: 144-148MHz (TX/RX), 430-450MHz (TX/RX), 0.5-1300MHz (RX)
Output Power: 5W/2.5W/0.5W (selectable)
Modulation: 16KΦF3E (FM)
Power Supply: 7.2V DC (battery) or 13.8V DC (external)
Current Drain: TX: 1.3A max, RX: 180mA max (squelched)
Dimensions: 58(W) × 140(H) × 37(D) mm (without projections)
Weight: Approx. 350g (with battery and antenna)
Temperature Range: -10°C to +60°C

Controls and Functions

Access functions via front panel keys and FUNCTION button combinations.

Front Panel: PWR/VOL, SQL, CHANNEL selector, PTT, KEYPAD (0-9, *, #), FUNC, V/M, MHz, A/B, BAND, MODE, LAMP.

Display: Frequency, mode indicator, battery level, S/RF meter, memory channel, CTCSS/DCS status. Function menu: Power save, beep tone, scan resume, backlight timer, key lock, battery type selection. Special functions: Dual watch, cross-band repeat (where permitted), wideband receive.

Memory Programming

Store frequencies, modes, and tones in 200 memory channels.

Select frequency and desired settings.
Press V/M to enter memory mode.
Use channel selector to choose memory location.
Press FUNC + MR to store current settings.
Add alphanumeric tag: Press FUNC + NAME, enter tag using keypad.

Tip: Group related frequencies in consecutive memory channels for easy scanning.

Scanning Operations

Multiple scanning modes for frequency and memory monitoring.

Band scan: Press and hold BAND button to scan current band.
Memory scan: Press SCAN in memory mode to scan programmed channels.
Programmable scan: Set scan limits with FUNC + BAND.LMT.
Priority watch: Monitor priority channel while scanning other frequencies.
Scan resume: Set time or carrier-operated resume modes.

WARNING! Be aware of scanning delay; may miss brief transmissions.

CTCSS/DCS Functions

Encode and decode sub-audible tones for selective calling and repeater access.

CTCSS: 50 standard tones from 67.0Hz to 254.1Hz. DCS: 104 digital codes. Enable tone encode: Press TONE, select desired tone/code. Enable tone decode: Press TSQL, select desired tone/code. Tone scan: Automatically detect unknown CTCSS/DCS tones.

Maintenance and Care

Keep radio clean and dry. Charge battery regularly. Use approved accessories only.

CAUTION! Do not expose to extreme temperatures or moisture. Use only Kenwood-approved chargers and accessories.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15 and 97 compliant. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. For amateur radio use only - operator must possess valid FCC amateur radio license. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized Kenwood service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Battery/connections	Check battery charge; ensure proper installation; try external power.
No transmission	Settings/antenna	Verify frequency and mode; check antenna connection; ensure PTT operation.
Poor reception	Antenna/location	Check antenna; move to better location; adjust squelch setting.
Memory lost	Battery removal	Recharge battery immediately after removal; reprogram memories.
Display issues	Settings/contrast	Adjust display contrast; check backlight settings; reset if necessary.

Reset: FUNC + PWR to initialize (clears all memories and settings).

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.