Kenwood TK-890H-K

[Skunkworks]

I am hoping someone might share the programing code plug for the TK-890.  I have been "successful" programming mine and can transmit fine, but I'm having some issues that I suspect are from something not being programmed correctly. I using the full function remote head and an external speaker, but I'm getting no sound at all.  Also, the busy light stays on all the time unless the squelch is cranked to 13 of 15.  If anyone is using this radio successfully and is willing to share, I'd like to try to replicate your settings and see what is different with mine. I should say that I'm still fairly new to Kenwood commercial radios, but I have had no trouble programming and using my TK-880's or my NX-800.

Any help is appreciated. 

[amaff]

7 minutes ago, Skunkworks said:

Wow, I thought someone here would have experience with the TK-890H.....Nothing but crickets.

It's not a GMRS radio. This is a GMRS forum. QED...

I know, there's plenty of advice on here for unlocked amateur and LMR / business radios, but it's no where near a guarantee.

[Skunkworks]

Wow, I thought someone here would have experience with the TK-890H.....Nothing but crickets.

Even if you don't have first-hand experience, if you know of a good resource, please share.

[SteveShannon]

6 minutes ago, Skunkworks said:

Wow, I thought someone here would have experience with the TK-890H.....Nothing but crickets.

Even if you don't have first-hand experience, if you know of a good resource, please share.

Did you do a search first? There are several threads which mention the TK-890H.  One mentioned that they burn out quickly.  Another mentioned that because it’s a 100 watt radio it would be a poor choice for GMRS.

The people here with the most Kenwood experience and who post prolifically are @Lscott and @tweiss3.  Maybe they have some insight.

And here’s the results of a search:

https://forums.mygmrs.com/search/?&q=TK-890&quick=1&search_and_or=or&sortby=relevancy
 

[tweiss3]

KCRK-5 or KCRK-6DH? Where is the speaker connected to? The DB25 or the 9 pin square connector?

For GMRS, this should work just fine, but they are super inefficient for amateur radio, and do burn out the PA about every 8 months unless you build and install a massive heatsink. 

These are a bit difficult due to their age and software changing from DOS to windows. I haven't personally messed with one in a long time. I would think that there is something inside that RF deck that isn't right, especially with the busy light.

[Lscott]

1 hour ago, SteveShannon said:

Did you do a search first? There are several threads which mention the TK-890H.  One mentioned that they burn out quickly.  Another mentioned that because it’s a 100 watt radio it would be a poor choice for GMRS.

The people here with the most Kenwood experience and who post prolifically are @Lscott and @tweiss3.  Maybe they have some insight.

And here’s the results of a search:

https://forums.mygmrs.com/search/?&q=TK-890&quick=1&search_and_or=or&sortby=relevancy
 

I just sat back to let somebody who has one to answer. Most of my experience is with the Kenwood hand held radios. I have a lot of the Kenwood radio programming software. I'm not sure if I have that one on file.

[Skunkworks]

Yes, of course I did a search first.

I'm learning as I go as there seems to be way more info on other Kenwood LMR radios, but this one checks a lot of boxes with an almost constant duty cycle on low power (45W).  I have the KES-4 plugged into the 9-pin on the back of the radio.

I'm just surprised there isn't more out there on these.  I'll keep plugging away and maybe I'll be able to help someone else one day.

It's all part of the hobby I suppose.

[gortex2]

There is a ton of info online for the kenwood stuff. The 690/790/890 series is a good unit. On UHF changing to low power its a great GMRS deck. I ran one of each in my truck for years. There is a on board jumper that gets touched depending on heads and other options. You may peak at that. 

https://www.repeater-builder.com/kenwood/pdfs/tk-890hb-svc-man.pdf

I'd start with the manaul and double check stuff. 

[tweiss3]

That's what I was missing. I forgot the setup/install manual was part of the service manual for this radio.

@Skunkworks Go through that manual starting at page 16, go through every item for your setup and install. Then go through the programming and make sure all the options match your hardware setup (speakers, remote head, etc.)

[Skunkworks]

Thanks for the help everyone.

Turns out the ignition sense wire was in the wrong spot in the 9-pin on the back of the radio.  I was told wrong by the seller on ebay (big surprise, right).  He even circled for me, but wrong.  The radio powered up, but I suspect the speaker was getting no power.  Once correct, it all works as it should.  I'm very happy with the radio.