| |
|
|
|
1. |
|
Newest Radio and Firmware |
|
1.1 |
|
The Newest radio |
| |
1.2 |
|
Can the firmware be updated? |
2. |
|
Transmitter and Receiver |
| |
2.1 |
|
Radio Shuts OFF on PTT |
| |
2.2 |
|
I can't hear my local repeater (CTCSS) |
| |
2.3 |
|
I can't hear my signal, but I hear the
repeater squelch tail |
| |
2.4 |
|
Aircraft frequencies |
| |
2.5 |
|
Weather frequencies - NOAA / NWS |
3. |
|
Programming and General Use |
| |
3.1 |
|
Software Compatibility |
| |
3.2 |
|
No Audio when returning to an Active Channel |
| |
3.3 |
|
Loud Tone when Scan finds active channel
(workaround) |
| |
3.4 |
|
Entering Offsets when Programming
Manually |
| |
3.5 |
|
Scrambler Function |
| |
3.6 |
|
External Speaker / Data Jack |
| |
3.7 |
|
Manual shows 245-246 / 220-260 MHz |
| |
3.8 |
|
Storing different frequencies in A and B |
| |
3.9 |
|
PowerOn / Display Message |
| |
3.10 |
|
The purpose of 2 displays |
|
3.11 |
|
Synchronizing display A and B |
| |
3.12 |
|
Disabling the transmitter for receive only
frequencies (NOAA) |
| |
3.13 |
|
Storing FM radio 70.0 -108.9 MHz channels in memory |
| |
3.14 |
|
Factory Reset |
| |
3.15 |
|
Saving the Factory File image (.dat) |
4. |
|
Scanning
|
| |
4.1 |
|
Scanning (channel mode) |
| |
4.2 |
|
Scanning (frequency mode) |
5. |
|
Tone Access
(CTCSS, DCS)
|
| |
5.1 |
|
CTCSS / DCS tones - What are they |
| |
5.2 |
|
Can't hear local repeater, fire dept, etc |
| |
5.3 |
|
How do I send a 1750 Hz tone |
6. |
|
Accessories
|
| |
6.1 |
|
Current Accessories |
7. |
|
Software, Cables &
Drivers
|
| |
7.1 |
|
Software selection |
| |
7.2 |
|
Error Messages |
| |
7.3 |
|
Programming Cable & Drivers |
| |
7.4 |
|
Building Your Own Programming Cable |
8. |
|
Microphone and Audio issues
|
| |
8.1 |
|
Low Transmit Audio |
| |
8.2 |
|
Microphone Compatibility - Caution |
9. |
|
Display Questions
|
| |
9.1 |
|
LCD turns dark |
| |
9.2 |
|
Display Disappears |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
Newest Radio and Firmware
|
| |
1.1 |
|
The Newest Version of my radio?
This KT8900 was released May of 2015.
|
| |
1.2 |
|
Can the firmware be updated?
No. The firmware in these radios cannot be
updated. The microcontroller is an OTP type.
(One Time Programmable) Once 'flash' programmed
at the factory, it cannot be changed.
|
| |
|
|
Transmitter and Receiver
|
| |
2.1 |
|
Radio Shuts OFF on PTT
This is caused by a high SWR. An internal
protection circuit will shut the radio OFF to
prevent damage.
- An OFF/ON power cycle will reset the
radio.
- I’ve had this happen to both my KT8900
and KT-UV980 (50W).
|
| |
2.2 |
|
I can't hear my local repeater (CTCSS)
Some Repeaters and Services require a CTCSS of
DCS tone for access but DO NOT transmit one back. If your display indicates there is an incoming signal but you hear no audio, you may have an incorrect or unnecessary RX tone set. When in doubt, leave the
CTCSS or DCS tones set to OFF.
|
| |
2.3 |
|
I can't hear my signal, but I hear the
repeater squelch tail
The key here is that you can hear the repeater squelch tail.
You are too close to your receiver and over powering (de-sensing) it.
When this happens, you are blocking everything from your monitor.
1) Listen to your signal on simplex to verify you have audio.
2) Call someone on the repeater to verify your signal quality.
If they can hear you, then all is fine.
3) For testing using repeater frequencies, always set your monitor receiver to your transmitter's frequency, not the repeater's output signal.
|
| |
2.4 |
|
Can I receive Aircraft frequencies
No. They are out of the radio's frequency range.
Also, the Aircraft Band is AM while these radios
are FM only
|
| |
2.5 |
|
Can I receive Weather channels - NOAA / NWS
Yes. Radios with VHF capability can receive the
NOAA / NWS channels. However, they cannot be put in a standby mode
and triggered by the 1050Hz alert tone.
|
| |
|
|
Programming and General Use
|
| |
3.1 |
|
Software Compatibility
The factory software is compatible with all 32 and 64 bit Windows operation systems.
Note 1: It has been said that some systems
require the procedure found at this link.
MSCOMCTL.OCX. This
is listed as a reference only, and not a
recommendation.
Note 2:
Backdated Drivers may be required when using generic programming cables.
The recommended cable is a
PC04 FTDI.
|
| |
3.2 |
|
No Audio when returning to an Active Channel
When changing or returning to an Active Channel,
no audio is present.
You must press [EXIT] to open
the squelch.
- This occurs if you tune to a channel that is
active.
- If the channel is inactive when you select it,
a new incoming signal is fine.
Note: Some say that turning TDR ON will resolve
the problem.
It does not.
|
| |
3.3 |
|
Loud Tone when Scan finds active channel
(workaround)
To eliminate the loud tone, Set Menu 9 (Beep
Tone) to OFF.
Now when a station is detected, the receiver
will stop and receive normally.
Yes, this radio has the "Beep Bug"
|
| |
3.4 |
|
Entering Offsets when Programming Manually
This requires entering the RX and TX frequencies separately.
This procedure can be found
HERE.
This is not in the Manual.
|
| |
3.5 |
|
Scrambler Function [Menu 4]
The scrambler Function is not available in the
original KT8900.
|
| |
3.6 |
|
External Speaker / Data Jack
The manual that comes with some radios
is actually for the KT-UV980. The KT8900 does
not have a External Speaker/Data Jack on the
front as shown in the picture.
The rear jack is for programming cable
only.
|
| |
3.7 |
|
Manual shows 245-246 / 220-260 MHz
There is no 220 MHz ham band on these radios as
shown in some manuals and brochures.
|
| |
3.8 |
|
Can I store different frequencies in A and B
No. There is only a single bank of 199 channels (1-199)
The same frequencies show in both displays A and B.
Each channel has option to display as either Frequency
or Channel Name.
|
| |
3.9 |
|
PowerOn / Display Message
This message appears on the
LCD during PowerOn. The type of message is
selectable using software or Menu 32.
The actual message can be
altered using software.
Options are:
- FULL - displays the entire LCD image
- BATT - displays the battery voltage
- MSG - displays the message of your
choice.
MSG: Select the Option Tab.
In the upper right corner is a box labeled PowerOn Messages.
Enter any two 6 character display desired, such
as KT8900 MOBILE or JT6188 and your callsign.
|
| |
3.10 |
|
The purpose of 2 displays
(A and B)
Dual Receive. You can set each to a different preprogrammed channel.
With Dual Watch (TDR Menu 0) turned on, your radio will sample between the two frequencies and stop on whichever one has activity.
|
| |
3.11 |
|
Synchronizing display A and B
Display A and B operate independently. You cannot synchronize them to track together.
|
| |
3.12 |
|
Disabling the transmitter for receive only
frequencies (NOAA)
This can be done using the transmit inhibit function of your software.
|
| |
3.13 |
|
Storing FM radio 76.0 - 108.9MHz channels in memory
Up to 16 channels can be saved using software.
|
| |
3.14 |
|
Factory Reset
-
Press [M] 4 4 to select Factory Reset.
- Press [M] again and select
either VFO or ALL
*
VFO resets all menu settings
back to factory defaults
ALL resets all menu
settings AND channel data
*
If you have a change of heart, don't press any
keys or buttons for 15 seconds. The radio will
cancel this operation automatically.
Now take a deep breath...
|
| |
3.15 |
|
Saving the Factory File image (.dat)
When saving the factory file image, you must
enter .dat at the end of the new filename or an
error message will appear.
Click to
enlarge |
|
| |
|
|
Scanning
|
| |
4.1 |
|
Scanning (Channel Mode)
Channel Mode (MR) - Radio will scan all
programmed channels
- Regardless of VHF or UHF
- That have Scan Add set to ON
|
| |
4.2 |
|
Scanning (Frequency Mode)
Radio will only scan the band selected.
(VHF or UHF)
The amount of frequency step is determined by
Menu 1
The scan rate of the radio is approximately 8 channels per second.
|
| |
|
|
Tone Access (CTCSS, DCS)
|
| |
5.1 |
|
What are CTCSS (PL) tones
A CTCSS is an 'Tone' sent along with your voice when transmitting.
They are used to access a specific repeater and block interference.
Visit
CTCSS for details.
|
| |
5.2 |
|
Can't hear local repeater, fire dept, etc
Some Repeaters and Services require a CTCSS tone
for access, but do NOT transmit one back.
If your display indicates there is an incoming signal but you hear no audio, you may have an incorrect or unnecessary RX tone set.
It is recommended that a CTCSS or DCS tone for the receive channel
is not entered unless necessary.
|
| |
5.3 |
|
How do I send a 1750 Hz tone
The radio has several options. Menu 42 allows you to select
1000Hz, 1450Hz, 1750Hz, and 2100Hz.
To send the tone, press the CALL button.
|
| |
|
|
Accessories
|
| |
6.1 |
|
Current available accessories include:
- Programming Cables
- Power Cords
|
| |
|
|
Software, Cables & Drivers
|
| |
7.1 |
|
Software selection
There are several software options.
- Factory Software - Can be found at
FactorySW
|
| |
7.2 |
|
Error Messages
There are several common error messages
that could appear
when programming via software.
A list of these error messages, their definition
and recovery can be found at
Error Messages.
|
| |
7.3 |
|
Programming Cable / Drivers
This is one of the major frustrations with
generic, low cost programming cables.
Many generic cables use Prolific chip clones/copies.
When plugged into a USB slot, Windows will load the latest driver.
These drivers have been updated to reject cables using cloned chips.
These cables will work fine, but only if the proper
backdated driver is installed.
This is covered in detail in the
USB Cable Drivers page.
|
| |
7.4 |
|
Building Your Own Programming Cable
Another option is to build your own programming
cable.
The Diagrams and Procedures can be found at:
USB to 2 Pin
- Baofeng / Kenwood
USB to RJ-45
- Leixen
RS232 to 2 Pin
- Baofeng / Kenwood
General Technical Information
|
| |
|
|
Microphone and Audio Issues
|
| |
8.1 |
|
Low Transmit Audio
Here are some suggestions:
1) Speak
directly into the microphone.
2) US Ham Bands - Set to Wide Band.
(Menu 7 to Wide)
|
| |
8.2 |
|
Microphone Compatibility - Caution
All microphones are not created equal.
Although terminated with an RJ-45 connector, the
6 or 8 pins may not be connected the same way.
Connecting an incompatible microphone may damage
the microphone or possibly the radio.
Always verify the compatibility first.
|
| |
|
|
Display Questions
|
| |
9.1 |
|
LCD turns dark
The can occur if radio is left in the car
on a hot day. Extreme heat in a small unvented
area can cause the display to darken. Give it time to cool down and the LCD will
return to normal.
|
| |
9.2 |
|
Display disappears
LCDs function by polarizing the liquid crystal elements in the display.
Polarized sunglasses will react to the polarized lens.
LCD Wiki
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
