Kenwood TM-271 Instruction Manual

[Page 1] Kenwood TM-271

© B62-1804-00 (K,E,M2,M3,M4) 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 144 MHz FM TRANSCEIVER VHF FM TRANSCEIVER TM-271A 144 MHz FM TRANSCEIVER TM-271E TM-271 MENU ...

[Page 2] Kenwood TM-271

THANK YOU! Thank you for choosing this KENWOOD transceiver. KENWOOD always provides Amateur Radio products which surprise and excite serious hobbyists. This transceiver is no exception. As you learn how to use this transceiver, you will find that K...

[Page 3] Kenwood TM-271

i PRECAUTIONS Please observe the following precautions to prevent fire, personal injury, and/or transceiver damage: • Do not attempt to configure your transceiver while driving; it is simply too dangerous. • Be aware of local laws pertaining to t...

[Page 4] Kenwood TM-271

ii CONTENTS SELECTING A FREQUENCY .................................. 15 VFO MODE .......................................................... 15 MHz MODE .......................................................... 16 DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRY ................

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iii 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 SCAN RESUME METHOD ...................................... 45 CHAPTER 9 SELECTIVE CALL CTCSS AND DCS ................................................... 46 CTCSS .......................................................

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iv FREQUENCY STEP SIZE ....................................... 56 DISPLAY BACKLIGHT ............................................. 57 PERMANENT BACKLIGHT ........................................... 57 AUTOMATIC BACKLIGHT .................................

[Page 7] Kenwood TM-271

1 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES After carefully unpacking the transceiver, identify the items listed in the table below. We recommend you keep the box and packaging for shipping. A market area code (K, E, M2, M3, or M4) can be found on the label attached to ...

[Page 8] Kenwood TM-271

2 1 PREPARATION 2 Position the transceiver, then insert and tighten the supplied hexagon SEMS screws (4) and flat washers (4). • Double check that all hardware is tightened to prevent vehicle vibration from loosening the bracket or transceiver. •...

[Page 9] Kenwood TM-271

3 1 4 Confirm the correct polarity of the connections, then attach the power cable to the battery terminals; red connects to the positive (+) terminal and black connects to the negative (–) terminal. • Use the full length of the cable without cut...

[Page 10] Kenwood TM-271

4 1 2 Connect the transceiver’s DC power connector to the connector on the DC power cable. • Press the connectors firmly together until the locking tab clicks. Note: ◆ For your transceiver to fully exhibit its performance capabilities, we recom...

[Page 11] Kenwood TM-271

5 1 REPLACING FUSES If the fuse blows, determine the cause, then correct the problem. After the problem is resolved, replace the fuse. If newly installed fuses continue to blow, disconnect the power cable and contact your authorized KENWOOD dealer o...

[Page 12] Kenwood TM-271

6 1 ACCESSORY CONNECTIONS EXTERNAL SPEAKER If you plan to use an external speaker, choose a speaker with an impedance of 8 Ω. The external speaker jack accepts a 3.5 mm (1/8") mono (2-conductor) plug. We recommend using the SP-50B speaker. M...

[Page 13] Kenwood TM-271

7 1 CONNECTING TO A TNC (E MARKET MODELS ONLY) To connect an external TNC to the transceiver, use an optional PG-5A cable. The DATA connector on the rear of the transceiver mates with the 6-pin mini-DIN plug on this cable. .oNniP emaNniP noitcnuF 1DK...

[Page 14] Kenwood TM-271

8 2 YOUR FIRST QSO Are you ready to give your transceiver a quick try? Reading this section should get your voice on the air right away. The instructions below are intended only as a quick guide. If you encounter problems or there is something you ...

[Page 15] Kenwood TM-271

9 3 GETTING ACQUAINTED FRONT PANEL Note: This section describes only the main functions of the front panel controls. Explanations for functions not described here are provided in the appropriate sections of this instruction manual. q w e r t y u TM...

[Page 16] Kenwood TM-271

10 3 In MR Mode, press [F] then press [VFO] to transfer the contents of the selected Memory Channel to the VFO {page 33}. tt tt t MR key Press to enter Memory Recall Mode {page 30}. In this mode, you can change memory channels using the Tuning contr...

[Page 17] Kenwood TM-271

11 3 y Appears when the Automatic Simplex Check (ASC) function is activated {page 26}. u Appears when the Priority Scan function is activated {page 43}. i Appears when the Weather Alert function is activated {page 36}. (K market models only.) o Appe...

[Page 18] Kenwood TM-271

12 3 REAR PANEL q w e r qq qq q Antenna connector Connect an external antenna {page 5} here. When making test transmissions, connect a dummy load in place of the antenna. The antenna system or load should have an impedance of 50 Ω. Note: E marke...

[Page 19] Kenwood TM-271

13 3 rr rr r CALL/A key Identical to the front panel CALL key. This key can be reprogrammed if desired {page 59}. Press and hold Mic [PTT], then press [CALL/A] to transmit A. tt tt t VFO/B key Identical to the front panel VFO key. This key can be ...

[Page 20] Kenwood TM-271

14 4 OPERATING BASICS SWITCHING THE POWER ON/OFF 1 Press [ ] (Power) to switch the transceiver power ON. •A high pitched double beep sounds and a Power-on message {page 60} appears briefly, followed by the frequency and other indicators. 2 To sw...

[Page 21] Kenwood TM-271

15 4 TRANSMITTING 1 To transmit, hold the microphone approximately 5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth, then press and hold Mic [PTT] and speak into the microphone in your normal tone of voice. •“ ” and the RF Power meter appears. The RF Power me...

[Page 22] Kenwood TM-271

16 4 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: 1 While in VFO or Call Mode, press [MENU]. • The MHz digit blinks. 2 Turn the Tuning control...

[Page 23] Kenwood TM-271

17 4 Example 1 To enter 145.750 MHz: Key in Display [Enter] – – – – – – [1], [4], [5] 1 4 5. – – – [7], [5], [0] 1 4 5. 7 5 0 Example 2 To enter 145.000 MHz: Key in Display [Enter] – – – – – – [1], [4], [5] 1 4 5. – ...

[Page 24] Kenwood TM-271

18 5 MENU SETUP WHAT IS A MENU? Many functions on this transceiver are selected or configured via a software-controlled Menu rather than through the physical controls of the transceiver. Once you become familiar with the Menu system, you will apprec...

[Page 25] Kenwood TM-271

19 5 MENU FUNCTION LIST ehtnO yalpsid uneM .oN noitcnuF snoitceleS tluafeD .feR egaP PTS1 ezispetsycneuqerF /05/03/52/02/51/5.21/01/52.6/5/5.2 zHk001 ees(seiraV )egapecnerefer 65 T2 ycneuqerfenoTzH1.452~0.765.8842 TC3 ycneuqerfSSCTCzH1.452~0.765.8874...

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20 5 ehtnO yalpsid uneM .oN noitcnuF snoitceleS tluafeD .feR egaP KC91yekLLAC0571/LLAC ees(seiraV )egapecnerefer 53,52 DLH02dlohXTenotzH0571FFO/NOFFO52 TOT12remiTtuo-emiT.nim01/5/30126 LCB22tuokcoLlennahCysuBFFO/NOFFO65 GSM.NO.P32egassemno-rewoPsretc...

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21 5 ehtnO yalpsid uneM .oN noitcnuF snoitceleS tluafeD .feR egaP 2FP63 elbammargorpenohporciM yeknoitcnuf /LLAC/RM/OFV/0571/RETNE/INOM /NI.C/NI.M/V--M/LQS/VER/ZHM /KCOL/THGIRB/WOL/TFIHS/UNEM PETS/ENOT RM95 3FP73 elbammargorpenohporciM yeknoitcnuf /L...

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22 6 OPERATING THROUGH REPEATERS Repeaters, which are often installed and maintained by radio clubs, are usually located on mountain tops or other elevated locations. They generally operate at higher ERP (Effective Radiated Power) than a typical sta...

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23 6 PROGRAMMING AN OFFSET You must first select an amateur radio repeater downlink frequency as described in “SELECTING AN OFFSET FREQUENCY”. SELECTING AN OFFSET DIRECTION Select whether the transmit frequency will be higher (+) or lower (–) t...

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24 6 ACTIVATING THE TONE FUNCTION To activate Tone, press [F], [CALL]. • As you press [F], [CALL], the selection cycles as follows: “OFF” ➞ “TONE” ➞ “CTCSS” ➞ “DCS” ➞ “OFF”. • “T” appears on the upper part of disp...

[Page 31] Kenwood TM-271

25 6 AUTOMATIC REPEATER OFFSET This function automatically selects an offset direction, according to the frequency on the VHF band. The transceiver is programmed for an offset direction as shown below. To obtain an up-to-date band plan for repeater...

[Page 32] Kenwood TM-271

26 6 REVERSE FUNCTION The reverse function exchanges a separate reception and transmission frequency. So, while using a repeater, you can manually check the strength of a signal that you receive directly from the other station. If the station’s s...

[Page 33] Kenwood TM-271

27 6 Note: ◆ Pressing [PTT] causes the “ ” icon to quit blinking. ◆ ASC can be activated while operating in Simplex Mode. However, it does not change the Transmission/Reception frequencies. ◆ ASC does not function while scanning. ◆ Activ...

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28 7 MEMORY CHANNELS In Memory Channels, you can store frequencies and related data that you frequently use so that you do not need to reprogram that data every time. You can quickly recall a programmed channel through simple operation. A total of 2...

[Page 35] Kenwood TM-271

29 7 The data listed below can be stored in each Memory Channel: retemaraP &xelpmiS retaepeR tilpS-ddO ycneuqerfevieceR seY seY ycneuqerftimsnarTseY ycneuqerfenoTseYseY NOenoTseYseY ycneuqerfSSCTCseYseY NOSSCTCseYseY edocSCDseYseY NOSCDseYseY noi...

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30 7 • Memory Channel numbers L0/U0 ~ L2/U2 {page 40}, Pr {page 43}, and AL (Weather Alert) {page 36} (K market models only) are reserved for other functions. 5 Turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN] to select the Memory Channel in which y...

[Page 37] Kenwood TM-271

31 7 USING THE MICROPHONE KEYPAD You can also recall a Memory Channel by entering a desired Memory Channel number with the microphone keypad. 1 Press [MR] to enter Memory Recall mode. 2 Press the microphone key assigned the ENTER function. 3 Enter th...

[Page 38] Kenwood TM-271

32 7 NAMING A MEMORY CHANNEL You can name Memory Channels using up to 6 alphanumeric characters. When you recall a named Memory Channel, its name appears on the display in place of the stored frequency. Names can be call signs, repeater names, citi...

[Page 39] Kenwood TM-271

33 7 MEMORY CHANNEL TRANSFER MEMORY \ VFO TRANSFER After retrieving frequencies and associated data from Memory Recall Mode, you can copy the data to the VFO. This function is useful, for example, when the frequency you want to monitor is near the fr...

[Page 40] Kenwood TM-271

34 7 The tables below illustrate how data is transferred between Memory Channels. 991~0lennahC a 991~0lennahC ycneuqerfevieceR a ycneuqerfevieceR ycneuqerftimsnarT a ycneuqerftimsnarT ycneuqerfenoT a ycneuqerfenoT noitceridtesffO a noitceridtesffO yc...

[Page 41] Kenwood TM-271

35 7 CALL CHANNEL Call Channel default settings: • On K and M market models, pressing [CALL] changes the transceiver to the Call Channel. • On E market models, pressing [CALL] causes the transceiver to transmit a 1750 Hz tone {page 25}. The Call ...

[Page 42] Kenwood TM-271

36 7 Note: ◆ When you recall an odd-split Call Channel, “+” and “–” appear on the display. ◆ Transmit offset status and Reverse status are not stored in an odd-split Call Channel. WEATHER ALERT (K MARKET MODELS ONLY) Any of the NOAA Wea...

[Page 43] Kenwood TM-271

37 7 4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode. • The transceiver automatically changes to the AL channel. • The Tone, CTCSS, and DCS functions cannot be configured to the AL channel. • Priority Scan is set to OFF automatically when t...

[Page 44] Kenwood TM-271

38 7 While in Channel Display mode, you cannot activate the following functions: • VFO Mode • VFO Scan • Call/VFO Scan • MHz Scan • Scan Direction • Memory Store • Memory to VFO Transfer • Memory to Memory Transfer • Clear Memory Ch...

[Page 45] Kenwood TM-271

39 8 SCAN Scan is a useful function for hands-off monitoring of your favorite frequencies. By becoming comfortable with all types of scan, you will increase your operating efficiency. This transceiver provides the following types of scans. epyTnacS ...

[Page 46] Kenwood TM-271

40 8 NORMAL SCAN When you are operating the transceiver in VFO Mode, 3 types of scanning are available: Band Scan, Program Scan, and MHz Scan. BAND SCAN The transceiver scans the entire band of the frequency you selected. For example, if you are op...

[Page 47] Kenwood TM-271

41 8 7 Turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN] to select a matching Memory Channel from U0 ~ U2. • For example, if you have selected “L0” in step 3, select Memory Channel “U0”. 8 Press [MR] to store the end frequency in the Memory C...

[Page 48] Kenwood TM-271

42 8 MEMORY SCAN Memory Scan monitors Memory Channels in which you have stored frequencies. ALL-CHANNEL SCAN The transceiver scans all of the Memory Channels in which you have stored frequencies. 1 Press [MR] (1s). • Scan starts from the last Memor...

[Page 49] Kenwood TM-271

43 8 CALL SCAN You can alternate between monitoring the Call Channel and the current operating frequency. 1 Select the frequency (in VFO or Memory Recall Mode) you want to monitor. • In VFO Mode, turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/ [DWN] to ...

[Page 50] Kenwood TM-271

44 8 USING PRIORITY SCAN 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 12 (PRI). 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select “ON” or “OFF” (default). 3 Press [MENU] to store the setting or any other key to cancel...

[Page 51] Kenwood TM-271

45 8 SCAN RESUME METHOD The transceiver stops scanning at the frequency (or Memory Channel) where a signal is detected. It then continues or stops scanning according to which Resume Mode you have selected. •Time-Operated Mode (default) The transce...

[Page 52] Kenwood TM-271

46 9 SELECTIVE CALL CTCSS AND DCS You may sometimes want to hear calls from only specific persons or groups. In this case, use Selective Call. This transceiver is equipped with CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) and DCS (Digital Coded Squ...

[Page 53] Kenwood TM-271

47 9 SELECTING A CTCSS FREQUENCY 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN] to select Menu No. 3 (CT). • The current CTCSS frequency appears. 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select your desired CTCSS frequ...

[Page 54] Kenwood TM-271

48 9 • While scanning, the decimal point of the CTCSS frequency blinks. •To reverse the scan direction, turn the Tuning control or press Mic [UP]/[DWN]. •To quit the function, press any key. • When a CTCSS frequency is identified, the identif...

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49 9 • The available DCS codes are shown in the following table. sedoCSCD401 320560231502552133314564216137 520170431212162233324664426237 620270341322362343134305726437 130370541522562643234605136347 230470251622662153544615236457 6304115513421726...

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50 10 DUAL TONE MULTI-FREQUENCY (DTMF) FUNCTIONS This transceiver provides you with 10 dedicated DTMF Memory Channels. You can store a DTMF number (16 digits max.) in each of these channels to recall later for speed dialing. Many repeaters in the U....

[Page 57] Kenwood TM-271

51 10 DTMF TX HOLD This function causes the transceiver to remain in transmission mode for 2 seconds after you release each key. So, you can release Mic [PTT] while sending DTMF tones. 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu N...

[Page 58] Kenwood TM-271

52 10 6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to enter up to 16 digits. 7 Press [MENU] to complete the entry. • Press any key other than [MR], [VFO], [F], and [MENU] to cancel the entry. •To complete an entry of less than 16 digits, press [MENU] two times. 8 Pres...

[Page 59] Kenwood TM-271

53 10 ADJUSTING THE PAUSE DURATION You can change the pause duration (a space digit) stored in Memory Channels. The default setting is 500 milliseconds. 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 31 (PA). 2 Press [MENU] and t...

[Page 60] Kenwood TM-271

54 11 AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS APO (AUTO POWER OFF) The transceiver switches OFF automatically if no keys or controls are pressed or adjusted for the selected duration. One minute before the transceiver switches OFF, warning beeps sound for a few seconds...

[Page 61] Kenwood TM-271

55 11 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 8 (SSQ). 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select “ON” or “OFF” (default). 3 Press [MENU] to store the setting. • The S-meter setting segments appear. 4 Pr...

[Page 62] Kenwood TM-271

56 11 3 Press [MENU] to store the setting or any other key to cancel. 4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode. The transceiver generates the following warning beeps even if the Beep function is turned OFF. • APO warning beeps {page 54} ...

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57 11 The default step size for each model is as follows: edoCtekraM eziSpetSycneuqerFtluafeD KzHk5 EzHk5.21 2MzHk5.21 3MzHk5.21 Note: The market code is printed on the barcode label of the carton box. DISPLAY BACKLIGHT You can manually change the d...

[Page 64] Kenwood TM-271

58 11 LOCK FUNCTION The lock function disables most of the keys to prevent you from accidentally activating a function. Transceiver Lock is suitable for a typical mobile installation where you select most operations using the microphone. 1 Press [F]...

[Page 65] Kenwood TM-271

59 11 3 Press [MENU] to store the setting or any other key to cancel. 4 Press any key other than [MENU] to exit Menu Mode. MICROPHONE PF KEYS (KEYPAD MODELS ONLY) You can access many transceiver settings without using transceiver keys or controls. M...

[Page 66] Kenwood TM-271

60 11 • SHIFT: Shift function ON/OFF • LOW: Select transmission power • BRIGHT: Adjust display backlight • LOCK: Transceiver Lock function ON/OFF (must be held down for 1 second to activate) •TONE: Selection for Tone/ Selective Call • STE...

[Page 67] Kenwood TM-271

61 11 3 Turn the Tuning control to select a character. •You can enter the following alphanumeric characters: 0 ~ 9, A ~ Z, – (hyphen), / (slash), and a space. • Rather than using the Tuning control, you can use the Mic keypad (keypad models onl...

[Page 68] Kenwood TM-271

62 11 TIME-OUT TIMER The Time-out Timer limits the time of each transmission to a maximum of 3, 5, or 10 (default) minutes. Just before the transceiver stops the transmission, a warning beep sounds. This function is necessary to protect the transce...

[Page 69] Kenwood TM-271

63 12 MICROPHONE CONTROL You can change numerous transceiver settings by operating the Mic DTMF keys. The following table shows what function is switched ON and OFF or which setting is changed by pressing the DTMF keys in the appropriate mode of oper...

[Page 70] Kenwood TM-271

64 12 1 DTMF tones are not transmitted in TX Mode if the DTMF Lock function is ON. 2 When transmitting a stored DTMF number, press Mic [PTT]+Mic [PF/D], release Mic [PF/D], then press a Memory Channel number from 0 to 9. To transmit the “D” tone...

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65 13 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES MC-60A Stand Microphone (MJ-88 required) PG-2N DC Power Cable Programming Cable SP-50B Communications Speaker MCP-1A Memory Control Program (Free Software) The MCP-1A can be downloaded at: http://www.kenwood.com/i/ products...

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66 14 TROUBLESHOOTING MAINTENANCE GENERAL INFORMATION This product has been factory aligned and tested to specification before shipment. Under normal circumstances, the transceiver will operate in accordance with these instructions. All adjustable ...

[Page 73] Kenwood TM-271

67 14 Note: ◆ Record the date of purchase, serial number and dealer from whom this product was purchased. ◆ For your own information, retain a written record of any maintenance performed on this product. ◆ When claiming warranty service, please...

[Page 74] Kenwood TM-271

68 14 Full Reset Method 2: 1 Press [F], [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select Menu No. 99 (RESET). 2 Press [MENU] and turn the Tuning control to select “FULL”. 3 Press [MENU]. • “SURE ?” appears. • Press any key other than [MENU] t...

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69 14 TROUBLESHOOTING The problems described in the following tables are commonly encountered operational malfunctions. These types of difficulties are usually caused by improper hook-up, accidental incorrect control settings, or operator error due ...

[Page 76] Kenwood TM-271

70 14 melborP esuaCelbaborP noitcAevitcerroC .feRegaP tonnacslennahCyromeM ehtgninrutybdetceleseb gninuT ybrolortnoc ciMgnisserp ]PU[ / ]NWD[ . ynaniderotsneebsahatadoN .slennahCyromeM .slennahCyromeMemosniataderotS92 nevetimsnarttonnacuoY ciMsserpuo...

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71 SPECIFICATIONS Specifications are subject to change without notice due to advancements in technology. lareneG egnarycneuqerfXT sledomtekramKzHM841~441 sledomtekramEzHM641~441 sledomtekram3M,2MzHM471~631 sledomtekram4MzHM841~441 egnarycneuqerfXR sl...

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72 rettimsnarT tuptuorewoP hgiH W52:sledomtekram4M W06:sledomtekramrehtollA woLW52.xorppA noitaludoM ecnatcaeR snoissimesuoirupS sselroBd06– noitaivedycneuqerfmumixaM :ediW zHk5 :worraN zHk5.2 )noitaludom%06ta(noitrotsidoiduA sselro%3 ecnadepmienoh...

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73 INDEX 1750 Hz .................................. 25 Accessories Optional .............................. 65 Supplied ................................ 1 All-Channel Scan .................... 42 Automatic Power Off ............... 54 Automatic Repeat...

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