Kenwood TH-255A User manual

Brand: Kenwood

Model: TH-255A

Category: Two-way radios

Type: User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00

144 MHz FM TRANSCEIVER

TH-255A

Thank You

We are grateful you decided to purchase this

Kenwood

transceiver.

Kenwood

always provides Amateur Radio products

which surprise and excite serious hobbyists. This transceiver is no

exception.

Kenwood

believes that this product will satisfy your

requirements for both voice and data communications.

FeaTures

• Compact design

• Aluminum die-cast chassis

• High output power (up to 5 W operation)

• 100 memory channels or 50 channels with names

• Long operation period with a Ni-MH battery pack (optional)

WriTing ConvenTions FolloWed in This Manual

The writing conventions described below have been followed to

simplify instructions and avoid unnecessary repetition.

Instruction Action

Press

[KEY]

. Momentarily press

[KEY]

Press

[KEY] (1s)

. Press and hold

[KEY]

for 1 second or longer.

Press

[F]

[KEY]

Press the

[F]

key to enter Function mode,

then press

[KEY]

to access its secondary

function.

Press

[KEY]

Power

With the transceiver power OFF, press and

hold

[KEY]

while turning the transceiver

power ON.

Notices to the User

◆

Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio

transmitters within the territories under government control.

◆

Illegal operation is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

◆

Refer service to qualified technicians only.

Safety:

It is important that the operator is aware of, and

understands, hazards common to the operation of any

transceiver.

PrecaUtioNs

• Do not charge the transceiver and battery pack when they are wet.

• Ensure that there are no metallic items located between the

transceiver and the battery pack.

• Do not use options not specified by

Kenwood

• If the die-cast chassis or other transceiver part is damaged, do not

touch the damaged parts.

• If a headset or headphone is connected to the transceiver, reduce

the transceiver volume. Pay attention to the volume level when

turning the squelch off.

• Do not place the microphone cable around your neck while near

machinery that may catch the cable.

• Do not place the transceiver on unstable surfaces.

• Ensure that the end of the antenna does not touch your eyes.

• When the transceiver is used for transmission for many hours, the

radiator and chassis will become hot. Do not touch these locations

when replacing the battery pack.

• Do not immerse the transceiver in water.

• Always switch the transceiver power off before installing optional

accessories.

Turn the transceiver power off in the following locations:

• In explosive atmospheres (inflammable gas, dust particles,

metallic powders, grain powders, etc.).

• While taking on fuel or while parked at gasoline service stations.

• Near explosives or blasting sites.

• In aircrafts. (Any use of the transceiver must follow the

instructions and regulations provided by the airline crew.)

• Where restrictions or warnings are posted regarding the use of

radio devices, including but not limited to medical facilities.

• Near persons using pacemakers.

• Do not disassemble or modify the transceiver for any reason.

• Do not place the transceiver on or near airbag equipment while

the vehicle is running. When the airbag inflates, the transceiver

may be ejected and strike the driver or passengers.

• Do not transmit while touching the antenna terminal or if

any metallic parts are exposed from the antenna covering.

Transmitting at such a time may result in a high-frequency burn.

• If an abnormal odor or smoke is detected coming from the

transceiver, switch the transceiver power off immediately,

remove the battery pack from the transceiver, and contact your

Kenwood

dealer.

• Use of the transceiver while you are driving may be against

traffic laws. Please check and observe the vehicle regulations

in your area.

• Do not expose the transceiver to extremely hot or cold

conditions.

• Do not carry the battery pack (or battery case) with metal

objects, as they may short the battery terminals.

• When operating the transceiver in areas where the air is dry, it

is easy to build up an electric charge (static electricity). When

using a earphone accessory in such conditions, it is possible for

the transceiver to send an electric shock through the earphone

and to your ear. We recommend you use only a speaker/

microphone in these conditions, to avoid electric shocks.

iii

One or more of the following statements may be

applicable:

FCC WARNING

This equipment generates or uses radio frequency energy. Changes

or modifications to this equipment may cause harmful interference

unless the modifications are expressly approved in the instruction

manual. The user could lose the authority to operate this equipment

if an unauthorized change or modification is made.

INFORMATION TO THE DIGITAL DEVICE USER REQUIRED BY

THE FCC

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits

for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against

harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can generate radio frequency

energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur

in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined

by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to

correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that

to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer for technical assistance.

FCC REGULATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF THE

EMERGENCY CHANNEL

The communications must be for the purpose of soliciting or

rendering assistance to a traveler, or for communicating in an

emergency pertaining to the immediate safety of life or the immediate

protection of property.

CONTENTS

PREPARATION ..............................................................1

upplied AcceSSorieS ....................................................1

nStAlling the optionAl pB-43n ni-Mh BAttery pAck ...............2

nStAlling AlkAline BAtterieS ...........................................3

nStAlling the AntennA ..................................................4

nStAlling the Belt clip .................................................4

GETTING ACQUAINTED

...................................................5

eyS And controlS ......................................................5

iSplAy ...................................................................8

BASIC OPERATION

....................................................... 10

witching the power on/oFF ........................................ 10

djuSting the VoluMe ................................................. 10

oluMe AdjuStMent operAtion Selection ............................ 10

djuSting the Squelch leVel ......................................... 11

electing A Frequency ................................................. 12

irect Frequency entry ............................................... 13

rAnSMitting ........................................................... 14

electing An output power ........................................... 14

MENU SETUP

.............................................................. 15

hAt iS A Menu?....................................................... 15

enu AcceSS ........................................................... 15

OPERATING THROUGH REPEATERS

.................................. 18

epeAter AcceSS ....................................................... 19

ctiVAting the tone Function ......................................... 20

electing A tone Frequency ........................................... 21

one Frequency id ScAn .............................................. 22

utoMAtic repeAter oFFSet (k type only) ........................... 23

eVerSe Function ...................................................... 24

utoMAtic SiMplex checker (ASc) ................................... 24

MEMORY CHANNELS

.................................................... 26

uMBer oF MeMory chAnnelS ......................................... 26

iMplex & repeAter or odd-Split MeMory chAnnel? .............. 27

Storing SiMplex FrequencieS or StAndArd repeAter FrequencieS .. 28

toring odd-Split repeAter FrequencieS ............................ 28

ontinuouSly Storing in SiMplex or Split chAnnelS ................ 29

ecAlling A MeMory chAnnel ......................................... 30

leAring A MeMory chAnnel .......................................... 31

AMing A MeMory chAnnel ............................................ 32

eMory -to- VFo trAnSFer ........................................... 33

All chAnnel .......................................................... 34

ecAlling the cAll chAnnel .......................................... 34

eprogrAMMing the cAll chAnnel .................................... 34

hAnnel diSplAy Mode ................................................ 35

SCAN ....................................................................... 36

electing A ScAn reSuMe Method .................................... 37

And ScAn .............................................................. 37

rogrAM ScAn ......................................................... 38

eMory ScAn .......................................................... 39

All ScAn .............................................................. 40

riority ScAn .......................................................... 40

eMory chAnnel lockout ............................................. 42

SELECTIVE CALL

......................................................... 43

ontinuouS tone coded Squelch SySteM (ctcSS) ................. 43

igitAl coded Squelch (dcS) ........................................ 46

DTMF FUNCTIONS

....................................................... 49

AnuAl diAling ........................................................ 49

dtMF tx h

old ........................................................ 50

utoMAtic diAler ...................................................... 50

djuSting the dtMF tone trAnSMiSSion Speed...................... 52

djuSting the pAuSe durAtion ........................................ 52

dtMF l

ock ............................................................ 53

AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS

................................................ 54

Apo (A

uto power oFF) ............................................... 54

eMAining BAttery cApAcity .......................................... 54

Attery SAVer ......................................................... 55

eAt ShiFt .............................................................. 56

Beep Function .......................................................... 57

uSy chAnnel lockout ................................................ 57

requency Step Size ................................................... 58

Ack light ............................................................. 58

ock Function .......................................................... 59

elector unlock ....................................................... 59

icrophone key lock ................................................. 60

icrophone pF keyS (optionAl) ...................................... 60

onitor ................................................................ 62

ower on MeSSAge .................................................... 62

rogrAMMABle VFo ................................................... 63

iMe-out tiMer ........................................................ 64

tx i

nhiBit .............................................................. 64

Mergency Siren ....................................................... 65

iniMuM/ MAxiMuM VoluMe ........................................... 66

peAker AttenuAtion .................................................. 67

ower on pASSword..................................................... 67

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

.............................................. 69

MAINTENANCE ........................................................... 70

enerAl inForMAtion .................................................. 70

erVice ................................................................. 70

leAning ................................................................ 71

icroproceSSor reSet ................................................ 71

perAtion noticeS ..................................................... 73

eceiVing SignAlS in citieS ............................................ 73

rAnSMiSSion ........................................................... 73

nternAl BeAtS ......................................................... 73

TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................... 74

SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................... 77

PREPARATION

Supplied AcceSSorieS

After carefully unpacking the transceiver, identify the items listed in

the table below. We recommend you keep the box and packings

for the shipping.

Item Part Number Quantity

Antenna T90-1018-XX 1

Belt clip J29-0623-XX 1

Screw set N99-2066-XX 1

Instruction manual B62-1981-XX 1

Antenna Belt clip Screw set

inStAlling the optionAl pB-43n ni-Mh BAttery pAck

Note:

The battery pack is not charged at the factory, you must charge

the battery pack before using it with the transceiver.

Unlock (open) the safety catch located at the bottom of the

battery pack.

Match the guides of the battery pack with the corresponding

grooves on the upper rear of the transceiver, then firmly press

the battery case to lock it in place.

Flip the safety catch into place to prevent accidentally pressing

the release latch and removing the battery pack.

To remove the battery pack, lift the safety catch, then press the

release latch to unlock the battery pack. Lift the battery pack

away from the transceiver.

inStAlling AlkAline BAtterieS

To open the optional BT-14 battery case lid, insert your thumb or

finger into the hole on the top of the battery case, then pull the

cover up.

Insert (or remove) six AA (LR6) Alkaline batteries.

• Be sure to match the battery polarities with those marked in

the bottom of the battery case.

Align the two tabs at the bottom of battery case, then close the

cover until the locking tabs on top click.

To install the battery case onto (or remove it from) the

transceiver, follow steps 1 to 3 of “I

nstallIng the OptIOnal pB-

43n n

I-Mh Battery pack”.

Note:

◆

Do not use Manganese batteries or Ni-Cd batteries in place of

Alkaline batteries.

◆

Always replace all batteries at the same time. Mixing old and new

batteries or mixing types (such as Alkaline with zinc carbon) will

reduce overall performance and could cause leakage or rupture.

◆

Remove all batteries from the case when it is not expected to be in

use for several months.

◆

The voltage of new Alkaline batteries varies slightly, depending on

the manufacturer. Thus, the high battery power indicator may not

appear even though new Alkaline batteries are installed {page 54}.

◆

To lift the battery pack safety catch, use a piece of hardened

plastic or metal, such as a screwdriver, that is no more than 6 mm

wide and 1 mm thick. It is imperative that you place the implement

under only the lip of the safety catch so that you do not damage the

release latch.

inStAlling the AntennA

Screw the antenna into the connector on the top of the transceiver

by holding the antenna at its base and turning it clockwise until

secure.

Note:

The antenna is neither a handle, a key ring retainer, nor a

speaker/ microphone attachment point. Using the antenna in these

ways may damage the antenna and degrade your transceiver’s

performance.

inStAlling the Belt clip

If necessary, attach the belt clip using the two supplied 3 x 4 mm

screws.

Note:

If the belt clip is not installed, its mounting location may get hot

during continuous transmission or when left sitting in a hot environment.

keyS And controlS

GETTING ACQUAINTED

SP/MIC jack cover

Antenna

Speaker

Microphone

Display

[PTT]

Press and hold

[PTT]

to transmit.

Press

[F]

[PTT]

to toggle the transmit output power between High

and Low {page 14}.

[MENU]

Press

[MEMU]

to enter Menu mode {page 15}.

Press

[F]

[MEMU]

to turn the transceiver key lock function ON or

OFF {page 59}

[UP]( )/ [DOWN]( )

Press

[UP]

[DOWN]

to adjust the Volume Level {page 10}.

Selector

Rotate the Selector to select an operating frequency or Memory

channel, change the scan direction, select a Menu, etc.

[CALL]

Press

[CALL]

to select the Call channel {page 34}.

Press

[CALL] (1s)

to start Call scan {page 40}.

Press

[F]

[CALL]

to store the current operating frequency to the

Call channel {page 34}.

[ ]

Press

[ ]

(POWER) to turn the transceiver power ON and OFF.

[F]

Press

[F]

to enter MHz mode {page 12}.

[VFO]

Press

[VFO]

to enter VFO mode {page 12}.

Press

[VFO] (1s)

to start Band scan {page 37}.

Press

[F],

[VFO]

to copy the current Memory channel or Call

channel to the VFO (memory shift) {page 33}.

[MR]

Press

[MR]

to enter Memory Channel mode {page 30}.

Press

[MR] (1s)

to start Memory scan {page 39}.

Press

[F]

[MR]

to store the current operating frequency in the

Memory channel {page 28}.

[MON]

Press

[MON

] to turn the Monitor function ON and OFF {page 62}.

Press

[F]

[MON]

to enter Squelch Level Adjustment mode {page

11}.

Numeric Keypad

[1]

Press

[F]

[1]

to select the Signaling (Tone, CTCSS and DCS)

function {pages 20, 43, 46}.

[2]

Press

[F]

[2]

to enter the Tone frequency setup mode {page

21}.

Press

[F]

[2] (1s)

to start Tone frequency ID scan {page 22}.

[3]

Press

[F]

[3]

to change the Frequency step size {page 58}.

[4]

Press

[F]

[4]

to enter the DCS code setup mode {page 46}.

Press

[F]

[4] (1s)

to start DCS code ID scan {page 47}.

[5]

Press

[F]

[5]

to enter the CTCSS frequency setup mode {page

44}.

Press

[F]

[5](1s)

to start CTCSS frequency ID scan {page 44}.

Press

[5](1s)

to turn the Speaker Attenuation function ON and

OFF {page 67}.

[6]

Press

[F]

[6]

to turn the Priority Scan ON or OFF {page 41}.

[7]

Press

[F]

[7]

to turn the Reverse function ON or OFF {page 24}.

Press

[7] (1s)

to turn the ASC function ON or OFF {page 24}.

[8]

Press

[F]

[8]

to select an Offset direction {page 19}.

[9]

Press

[F]

[9]

to turn Memory Channel Lockout ON or OFF {page

42}.

[0]

Press

[0] (1.5s)

to turn the Emergency siren ON or OFF {page

65}.

[ ]

Press

[ ]

to illuminate the display {page 58}.

Press

[ ] (1s)

to keep the light ON continuously. {page 58}.

[#]

Press

[#]

to enter the Direct frequency entry mode {page 13}.

Press

[F]

[#]

to enter the Volume Adjustment Operation

Selection mode {page 10}.

diSplAy

Indicator Description

Appears while transmitting {page 14}.

Remaining battery capacity indicator (when

you transmit in low power) {page 54}.

Appears when the Tone function is ON {page

20}.

Appears when the CTCSS function is ON

{page 43}.

Appears when the DCS function is ON {page

46}.

Appears when the Speaker Attenuation

function is ON {page 67}.

Appears when a Priority Scan function is ON

{page40}.

Displays the strength of received signals. An

antenna and all 3 strength bars represents

strong signals while the antenna by itself (no

strength bars) represents weak signals.

Displays the Memory channel and Menu

number.

Displays the operating frequency, Memory

channel name, and Menu.

Appears when the selected channel is

registered while in Memory Input mode.

Appears when the Memory Channel Lockout

function is ON {page 42}.

Indicator Description

Appears when the Key Lock function is ON

{page 59}

Appears when the Offset direction is set to

plus {page 19}.

Appears when the Offset direction is set to

minus {page 19}.

Appears while using Low output power {page

14}.

Appears when the Reverse function is ON

{page 24}.

Appears when the ASC function is ON. Blinks

when the ASC function is performing an OK

check {page 24}.

Appears when the [F] key is pressed.

Note:

While the Battery Saver is operating {page 55}, the “ ”

indicator may flash when receiving a CTCSS/DCS signal which does

not match the CTCSS/DCS tone/code set up in your transceiver.

Switching the power on/oFF

Press

[ ]

(POWER) to switch the transceiver ON.

• The power on message momentarily appears on the display.

• If the transceiver power on password has been activated

{page 67}, you must first enter your password before you can

operate the transceiver.

To switch the transceiver OFF, press

[ ]

(POWER) again.

AdjuSting the VoluMe

Press

[UP]

to increase the audio output level and press

[DOWN]

decrease the output level.

• If you are not receiving a signal, press and hold

[MON]

unmute the speaker, then adjust the volume control to a

comfortable audio output level.

VoluMe AdjuStMent operAtion Selection

With the setting described below, you can adjust the volume using

either the

[UP]

[DOWN]

keys or by operating the

Selector

Press

[F]

[#]

• The selected display appears.

BASIC OPERATION

Press

[F]

[#]

to toggle the setting between “SEL” and “UP/DN”.

SEL:

Adjust the volume using the

Selector

. To change the

channel number or frequency, use

[UP]

[DOWN]

keys.

UP/DN:

Adjust the volume using

[UP]

[DOWN]

keys. To

change the channel number or frequency, use the

Selector

AdjuSting the Squelch leVel

The purpose of Squelch is to mute the speaker when no signals

are present. With the squelch level correctly set, you will hear

sound only while actually receiving signals. The higher the

selected squelch level, the stronger the signals must be to receive.

The appropriate squelch level depends on the ambient RF noise

conditions.

Press

[F]

[MON]

• The current squelch level appears.

Rotate the

Selector

(or press

[UP]

[DOWN]

) to adjust the level.

• Select the level at which the background noise is just

eliminated when no signal is present.

• The higher the level, the stronger the signals must be to

receive.

• 6 different levels can be set. 0: Minimum ~ 5: Maximum; 2 is

the default value.

Press any key other than

[MON], [UP]

[DOWN]

[ ]

to store

the new setting and exit the squelch adjustment.

Selecting A Frequency

■

VFO Mode

This is the basic mode for changing the operating frequency.

Rotate the

Selector

clockwise (or press

[UP]

) to increase the

frequency and counterclockwise (or press

[DOWN]

) to decrease

the frequency.

■

MHz Mode

If the desired operating frequency is far away from the current

frequency, it is quicker to use the MHz Tuning Mode.

To adjust the MHz digit:

Press

[F]

• The MHz digit blinks.

Rotate the

Selector

(or press

[UP]

[DOWN]

) to select the

desired MHz value.

After selecting the desired MHz value, press

[F]

[0]

to exit

the MHz Tuning Mode and return to normal VFO Mode.

Continue adjusting the frequency as necessary, using the

Selector

(or press

[UP]

[DOWN]

) keys).

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Kenwood TH-255A User manual

Brand: Kenwood

Model: TH-255A

Category: Two-way radios

Type: User manual

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Kenwood TH-255A User manual

Kenwood TH-255A User manual

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