Kenwood Full Keyboard

[TDM827]

Currently in the process of building out a stable of Kenwood TK-3170 / TK-3173s. I notice from time to time versions/ models with a full keypad come up for sale. After researching I don’t see how a full keypad would benefit me as GMRS user. But before making any more purchases is there anyone utilizing any full keypad features in the furthance of GMRS?

[OffRoaderX]

I have no Kenwoods, but I have several other brands, including Motorola LMR radios - many with, and many without full keypads..

I dont know nothin 'bout no "utilizing any full keypad features in the furthance of GMRS" - but a full keypad makes it easier to program/configure everything, GMRS or not.

[WRYZ926]

The keyboard would be handy for teletype/RTTY modes. But there is no use for them on GMRS other than programming as OffroaderX mentioned.

[WRUE951]

  On 4/11/2025 at 4:49 PM, WRYZ926 said:

The keyboard would be handy for teletype/RTTY modes. But there is no use for them on GMRS other than programming as OffroaderX mentioned.

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I like using keyboard for fast jumps to Ch's or frequency and for occasionally repeater control.  I do some HT's without keyboard and use them for hiking, kayaking, fishing etc.  

[Socalgmrs]

Anther solution looking for a problem.  

[tweiss3]

Other than shortcuts, the keyboard is only useful for DTMF tones, which could be used to control a repeater's features, such as changing the input tone, or disabling the repeater during a malfunction. It's not a huge selling point for many radios. 

[Lscott]

  On 4/11/2025 at 3:49 PM, TDM827 said:

Currently in the process of building out a stable of Kenwood TK-3170 / TK-3173s. I notice from time to time versions/ models with a full keypad come up for sale. After researching I don’t see how a full keypad would benefit me as GMRS user. But before making any more purchases is there anyone utilizing any full keypad features in the furthance of GMRS?

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I have a bunch of both models, very similar 3170/3173, the former won't do trunking while the later will. For Ham and GMRS the trunking feature is sort of useless. I carry my 3170 around frequently.

The radios can't be fully programmed from the front panel, so having a full keypad model isn't really much use. I carry around the limited keypad one, and frankly I haven't missed the full keypad.

The only model that is front panel programmable, reasonable affordable, without buying extra feature license keys or requiring internal circuits mods is the current production versions of the NX-1300's. Only negative is they don't have Part 95 certification, just Part 90. If that doesn't bother you then have a look at those.

https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/290-nx-1300duk5/?context=new

 

[TDM827]

Thanks all to responding,

As Lscott mentioned it looks like the full keypad doesn't allow for programming. So l will just stick with the limited keypad. 

[WRYZ926]

Maybe I misunderstood things. When I hear full keyboard like in the thread title, I think of a full QRTY keyboard. And some are talking about a keypad.

[WRUE951]

  On 4/11/2025 at 11:04 PM, WRYZ926 said:

Maybe I misunderstood things. When I hear full keyboard like in the thread title, I think of a full QRTY keyboard. And some are talking about a keypad.

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i 

 

  On 4/11/2025 at 11:04 PM, WRYZ926 said:

Maybe I misunderstood things. When I hear full keyboard like in the thread title, I think of a full QRTY keyboard. And some are talking about a keypad.

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i take it as the full keypad  

[Jaay]

  On 4/11/2025 at 5:13 PM, Socalgmrs said:

Anther solution looking for a problem.  

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According to YOU?