Kenwood radios????

[Smoky]

So a search in this section shows that Kenwood TK3101 radios are the way to go. I want a couple for Christmas.

 

I have found a TK3102, are these improvements on the 3101's?

 

Is there a recomended supplier, can't find one in Canada.

 

Are these still the recomended radio set-up?

[Rocket_Cowboy]

It was pointed out on another forum that I'm on that Aerostich has the Kenwood TK3101s on sale for something like $150 right now.

[allikanbe]

With my extremely limited experience with a Kenwood 3101 (2 watt) and a Kenwood XLS (1 watt) I can say that it sure is nice to have a digital display on the radio (XLS)so you can easily see the channel and also any pricvacy codes that are set on the radio. I have a PTT switch on my bike with the 3101 and my friend could hear me clearly. He was using vox on an autocom and he was breaking up a bit so it was more difficult to hear him clearly. This may have also been related to where his mic was positioned, but i'm not sure. Other than that, no complaints at all. The autocom preferred radio is the Kenwood.

I'm sure EffBee will chime in with a much better perspective and more experience.

[daveinatlanta]

Are these still the recomended radio set-up?

I don't know if it is THE recommended 2-way but I have the TK3131, the XLS model, and it works just great for me. I like the small size and the LED display. I use the Autocom PTT cable with it rather than Vox and have had no problems. A single charge will usually last several days of long riding but I do have it set to 1/2 power and this is strong enough talk to a riding partner who may be 1/2 mile or more ahead. The radio is usually zipped up in my tank bag with no apparently degradation in the signal.

[flars]

Dave - Are you using an external antenna, or just the itty bitty attached antenna?

[Troper3]

Kenwood is the best radio out there. I really like the quality and durability. Now XLS to TK its up too you how much power you need, but either works fantastic with an Autocom. My suggestion would be to always use the push to talk button though. Reason: If you talk to yourself or curse in traffic you do not need to broadcast that beta.

 

I have extensive experience with these products, thumbs up from Me.

 

 

So a search in this section shows that Kenwood TK3101 radios are the way to go. I want a couple for Christmas.

 

I have found a TK3102, are these improvements on the 3101's?

 

Is there a recomended supplier, can't find one in Canada.

 

Are these still the recomended radio set-up?

[EffBee]

As good a radio as the 3101 is (I've no info on the 3102), it is a complete PITA to set up. It is a mil-spec radio and has no LCD screen, so that if an enemy combatant found the radio, he could listen but HQ could not figure out which frequency you are on just by looking at it. Having said that, once you learn how to program it, you can change frequencies and privacy tones rather easily. The problem is that you don't do it that often and forget. When I had my 3101, I used to have to carry the manual with me, just in case. Plus, the thing is just darned big.

 

For most of us, the 3131 is the ideal combination of power, quality, clarity and size. No, it can't be powered from the Autocom the way the 3101 can. However, I get about two days of use out of a set of 3 AA batteries, which I carry spare and which can otherwise be purchased at any mini-mart in America.

[tallman]

3 days, alkaline, or lithium?

[Sidmariner]

Over the last year I accumulated 5 TK-3101s and Autocom units to ensure any group I ride with can communicate. With patience, you can find a stock 3101 on eBay for $50-$60, but to turn it into a fully functional bike outfit you will need to spend close to $200 per unit, not including Autocom. This is because you'll need to swap the battery for a backpack to hard wire to 12V and integrate with Autocom (or similar unit) and install a Push to Talk (PTT) button too.

 

I have found a complete outfit on the IBMWR classified page for that price, but for the rest I cobbled together the necessary bits by visiting BMW shops and trolling on eBay. When you visit a shop, you'll have to ask junior staff to dig out the box of dusty radio stuff from the back shelf, because that is where a lot of this stuff has ended up.

 

The other expense will be for the programming cable. This usually costs between $25-$50. The software needed is DOS-based and is generally available for free. The programming is easy. For example, I can put matching frequencies on 5 radios in less than 5 minutes.

 

You won't regret the effort. The radios are fantastic.

[EffBee]

3 days, alkaline, or lithium?

 

TWO days of use on 3 AA alkalines. I ride to Torrey and ride one day in Torrey on one set of batteries. I ride my second day in Torrey and then ride home on the second set. Been doing it this way for years. Two days, +- about an hour of use, and 3 AA's.

[twilmotte]

FWIW, battery life is going to depend upon how much transmitting you do also?? YMMV!

[robg4199a]

As for as the difference between a TK-3100,TK-3101 and TK-3102.

The only real difference is the number of channels that

the radio has (3100=1 or 2,3101=15,3102=4) they all use the same parts, they program with same software.

[KDeline]

Just a FYI, as far as I know Autocomm has NOT come up with a way for the higher powered 3101 to work with their newer units without getting a lot of chatter. Something about the newer VOX(?) I could not get the BTB part to work at all, but the 3101 worked fine with my older Pro-7. Autocomm USA could not get it to work either at the MOA rally this summer. Finally had to find a used Pro-7 on Ebay.

[daveinatlanta]

Dave - Are you using an external antenna, or just the itty bitty attached antenna?

I use the itty bitty (about 3 inches) attached. It works fine and I've talked to my riding partner 1/2 to 1 mile away, with the radio set on low power and in my tank bag with nothing protruding.

[Smoky]

So I'm ready to buy a couple of Kenwood TK3131's, but apparently they are discontinued and replaced by the Kenwood TK3230.

 

Looks like it's only 2 channels, and I can't tell if I can use AA batteries.

 

Any features missing off the new model that will interfer with my radio/riding needs?

[Smoky]

Over on the Zumo link there was a reference to B&H in NY, I looked on their site and fund some Kenwood TK3131's and a good price.

 

I got 'em ordered up and on their way.

 

Christmas shopping is almost done.

[Sidmariner]

Discontinued but by no means obsolete. TK-3101s come up on eBay frequently, often in lots of two to four units.

 

You'll find the 15 channel capability useful, especially in town where some taxi or delivery services use the FRS freqs, or in RV-dense areas where land-yachters take up the channel.