Kenwood

We've been selling business radios for quite a while now. One thing that we hear pretty often from customers is that they like the idea of the 6-unit multi-charger. After all, most businesses have a central location for charging radios and adding dozens of individual chargers quickly turns into a disorganized heap of plastic and wires. The problem is, some radio manufacturers have multi-chargers that tend to break the bank (I'm looking at you, Icom and Vertex Standard).

Fairly regularly, we'll have a customer with Icom or Vertex Standard radios ask about a multi-charger, only to change their mind when they hear the $300-$400 price. Motorola and Kenwood, on the other hand, have much better options with their on-site business radio series, providing chargers that generally retail in the $150-$200 range.

Well, there are now some lower priced options available! XLT Communications has released five new chargers as their RC6 Series. These chargers work with popular low cost Icom and Vertex Standard radios. They are rapid chargers, fully charging a dead battery in around two hours. They also are capable of charging a battery separate from a radio, and can be wall mounted.

Kenwood has taken a different route with their multi-chargers, so they are a different situation. Their multi-chargers are reasonably priced, but they are more of an organizer for the individual chargers than an all encompassing multi-charger. The KMB-28, for example, is a tray with a power cord. You snap in your individual KSC-35S chargers (that were included with the radios) and create a multi-charger. Power cords are built into the KMB-28, so it does provide the organization most businesses need. If you're looking for an all-in-one solution, however, the XLT RC6-K45L does provide it and even at a slightly lower price.

The following are the models available, their prices, and compatible radios.

RC6-I232 ($169.00) - Works with Icom radios using the BP-232H battery, including the Icom F4011, F3011, F24, and F14.

RC6-I265 ($169.00) - Works with Icom radios using the BP-265 battery, including the Icom F4001, F3001, F4210D, F3210D, T70A, and V80.

RC6-I279 ($169.00) - Works with Icom radios using the BP-279 or BP-280 batteries, including the Icom F1000, F2000, F1000D, and F2000D.

RC6-K45L ($149.00) - Works with Kenwood radios that use the KNB-45L battery, including the Kenwood NX-240, NX-340, TK-2400, TK-2402, TK-3400, TK-3402, TK-2300, TK-2302, TK-3300, and TK-3302.

RC6-VSUNI ($169.00) - Works with the Vertex Standard UNI battery system, including radios that use any of the following battery models: FNB-V127LI-UNI, FNB-V128LI-UNI, FNB-V129LI-UNI, FNB-V129LIIS-UNI, FNB-V130LI-UNI, FNB-V133LI-UNI, FNB-V134LI-UNI, FNB-V134LIIS-UNI. Works with the following Vertex Standard radios series: EVX-260, EVX-530, VX-260, VX-450, VX-820, VX-920.

We just received word that Kenwood is planning to launch a 2 watt version of their NX-340U16P and NX-240V16P digital two way radios. The current radios are 5 watts, 16 channels, and operate using Nexedge FDMA digital technology, or conventional analog.

The new models will be the NX-340U16P2 (UHF) and NX-240V16P (VHF), and are expected to be identical to the current models other than the difference in wattage. The new radios are expected to sell for $299, which will make it a definite consideration for current TK-3400 and TK-2400 users who are looking to go digital.

Is it worth the extra cost to get a digital radio? Over the past few years there has been a significant price drop in digital radios. At this point, the benefits clearly outweigh the extra cost. While there are many benefits, the improvement in audio quality alone is worth the price of admission. With analog radios, the audio quality gets worse as the radios get further apart. With digital, the audio is always crystal clear. No more static, no more choppy audio.

So who is the right customer for these two new models? Based on the performance of Kenwood's current 2-watt radios, the range is sufficient for most short to mid range applications. We have customers using the TK-3400 for applications such as warehouses, manufacturing, schools, retail stores and more.

When can you purchase the new models? We expect to have them in stock in mid July.

This post was updated on 6/28/2017.

The new Kenwood TK-3230DX is almost the same as the old TK-3230 and uses the same KNB-46L 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery pack. So naturally one would assume both radios use the same charger as well. However, the two chargers are slightly different. The original TK-3230 uses the KSC-37, and the DX uses the KSC-37S. The question is, are they interchangeable with the radios?

There were only two differences we could find between the two chargers. The old KSC37 charger draws 1.0A and the new KSC37S draws 0.8A. This slight difference does not seem to affect charging of either radio. Both output the same 1.05 amps to the radio/battery.

We also noticed the two plastic tabs between the contacts in the pocket of the KSC37 were eliminated in the KSC37S, and this change allows both radios to sit more firmly in the new charger. Other than those two minor changes, there seemed to be no indication the changes prevent the use of old and new chargers with old and new radios in a mixed fleet.

Can both chargers be used to charge the DX? If not, is there another reason, other than the slight differences mentioned above, that would prevent this, even though both radios fit in both chargers and use the same battery?

We asked officials at Kenwood these very questions. The official answer? The changes are purely cosmetic. Both the KSC-37 and KSC-37S chargers are indeed cross-compatible with the TK-3230 and TK-3230DX radios and may be used with either one.

Kenwood has a well established reputation with their line of business two way radios, and the TK-3230 XLS has long been a favourite choice among small businesses. First introduced in 2007, it's considered one of the smallest portable handheld UHF business radios on the market. The TK-3230 is well known for its lightweight ergonomic design, tiny footprint and ease of use. Now, after nearly a decade of popularity, this tiny two way is being retired. Its replacement? The Kenwood ProTalk® TK-3230DX!

For fans of the original 3230, don't worry. Kenwood didn't really take their iconic ProTalk away. The new TK-3230 DX is almost exactly the same as the original TK-3230, only different. It's better.

These two radios essentially share the same model number, so the striking similarities between them are not surprising at all. Of course, the radios are essentially the same in both form and function.

Like it's predecessor, the TK-3230DX maxes out at 1.5 watts with a 0.5W minimum of user selectable power. Kenwood claims it has a maximum range of up to 5 miles or 250,000 square feet in open areas with no obstructions. Depending on your specific setting and situation, your mileage may vary.

Like the original, the DX weights only 5.5 ounces, surpassed only by the ProTalk LT PKT-23 as one of smallest and lightest Kenwood handheld business radios currently available. It's compact footprint puts the DX head-to-head with other tiny UHF business radios such as the Motorola CLS1410, CLP1040 and the Hytera HYT TC-310.

All the popular features of the old 3230 are in the DX too, such as 6 modifiable pre-set channels, FleetSync® PTT ID and caller ID display, channel scan, built-in VOX functionality, Privacy Talk voice scrambling, the compander, 10-call alert tone, busy channel lockout, and, yes, even the famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) Super Lock. The DX also has individual call, direct call and group call selective calling features. Add in the 7 segmeng backlit LCD display, and you've got a next gen Kenwood made just like the original.

But with all these similarities, there are some important differences. The original TK-3230 had 56 built-in frequencies. The TK-3230DX gives you an additional 35 for a total of 99 pre-stored selectable frequencies. The original TK-3230 had 39 QT and 83 DQT privacy codes for a total of 122 codes. The TK-3230 DX added 85 more digital codes, for a grand total of 207 privacy codes.

But that's not all. In addition to the extra codes, the TK-3230DX also has the capability to choose a different QT or DQT code for each individual channel. This feature alone adds important flexibility and control over business communications.

Kenwood also updated the face of the radio. The DX still sports the 4 digit, 7-segment backlit LCD display, but the buttons are slightly different and the front speaker grille is a new design. It's all for the better, though. The DX looks and feels a little more comfortable to grip.

It still has the power. The DX uses the same KNB-46L battery pack, with 2000mAh for up to 18 hours of uptime when the battery saver is on.

As for accessories, it's share and share alike. The TK-3230 DX has the same standard Kenwood (K1) two pin audio connector as the old 3230, so all of the earpieces, headsets and speaker mics with a K1 connector will work just fine. It even uses the same KBH-14 belt clip.

There is one exception, the drop-in desktop charger. The TK-3230 used a KSC-37 fast charger. The TK-3230DX uses a different charger, the KSC-37S. It's also a rapid charger, capable of charging the battery pack in only 2.5 hours, so when it comes to charging time, the DX is still on par.

The Kenwood ProTalk® TK-3230DX is here and available now at Buy Two Way Radios.

TK-3230/TK-3230DX Comparison Chart

The Kenwood Rebate and Free Multi-Charger promotion is back for 2016! Purchase six select Kenwood business two way radios of the same model from Buy Two Way Radios and get a $20-$35 rebate per radio plus a FREE multi-unit charger! No, It's not a limited either/or option. When you purchase six Kenwood PKT-23, TK-2400-V4P, TK3400-U4P, NX-240V16P or NX-340U16P radios you get both a rebate per radio and a FREE multi-charger, shipped direct from Kenwood!

If you're planning to buy radios for your company or expand an existing fleet, take advantage of this special offer and save! Purchase the radios, get cash back for each radio purchased, and get a free multi-charger for each set of 6 radios (with a maximum purchase of 60), to save your company or organization even more!

The following Kenwood models qualify for the rebate promotion:

This offer is fulfilled by Kenwood directly, so the rebate and/or multi-unit charger(s) will be mailed to you after Kenwood receives your rebate form. Offer valid on up to 60 radios through April 29, 2016. Limit of one multi-unit charger per six radios for a maximum of ten multi-chargers on a purchase of 60 radios. Charging cups are included.Click here for full details. To redeem your rebate, visit Kenwood's rebate website and access the rebate registration by entering Program offer code PRO-26110.

NOTE: Rebates must be postmarked on or before May 13, 2016. The Kenwood rebate is NOT valid on radios delivered before February 1, 2016 or after April 29, 2016, regardless of invoice date. Offer good only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and is void where prohibited, taxed and restricted by law. Read the Kenwood promotional flyer for full details.

The Kenwood business radios available at Buy Two Way Radios are already pre-programmed with itinerant business frequencies by default. While they can be also be re-programmed to your custom frequencies, many customers opt to use the common itinerant frequencies already programmed into them. An FCC license is still required to use these frequencies, however it is faster and less expensive to purchase a Business Itinerant Frequency License than to obtain an exclusive Single Business Frequency License for your company or operation.

Here is a list of Kenwood business radios with their channel numbers and the default itinerant frequencies assigned to them out of the box.

ProTalk UHF (1 and 2 Watt)

ProTalk VHF (2 Watt)

ProTalk UHF (5 Watt)

ProTalk VHF (5 Watt)

Kenwood introduced a business radio to the market that is a lot different from the other business two way radios in its product line. It's very small, very light and it is very simple to operate. However, don't let the small size fool you. This isn't just another tiny transceiver. This radio is definitely not a toy. It's the Kenwood PKT-23.

There are a number of benefits to choosing the PKT-23 over other Kenwood radios for business communications. Obviously, the biggest benefit is its size. It's about the size of a credit card and can fit in your pocket. This makes it an ideal choice for hospitality centers, retailers, and restaurants and is a logical alternative to other compact, light duty radios such as the Motorola CLS1110, CLS1410 and CLP Series radios, such as the CLP1010e and CLP1080e.

Like the CLS and CLP radios, the PKT-23 is designed for simplicity of operation and is indeed easy to carry and use. It has 4 channels, hands-free VOX, a stubby antenna to minimize its overall footprint and a PTT button on the front instead of the side for quick and ergonomically convenient access, although it is not as large and in-your-face as the PTT on the Motorola models.

In comparison to its competitors, the PKT-23 is pretty powerful for its size. Most of the other radios of its size and class are generally limited to 1 watt. Kenwood has 1.5 watts in this radio, so it transmits with a little more power than you might expect. According to Kenwood, the PKT-23 should cover up to 250,000 square feet, and assuming it is true, that's considerably larger than some of the 1 watt competitors.

The Kenwood PKT-23 is also a durable radio. At first look it really doesn't seem that durable at all, in fact it really does look kind of toyish as far as how small and light it is. When one looks at a radio this size, one may not expect it to be able to withstand a lot of weathering or take a beating. But it definitely can. We do not get this radio back. We've carried the PKT-23 since it first launched in January 2014 and the return rate has been extremely low.

The PKT-23 meets military specifications 810c,d,e,f, and g, which are the same specifications met by higher end radios such as the Kenwood TK-3402 or the Icom IC-F4011. Those radios meet the same specs as this radio. For instance, the ports on this little radio are very well protected. You can notice that right away. There's a charge port and an accessory port on the very top of the radio with a sort of a rubberized cover over them, so it's clear they did that for waterproofing reasons.

This is an IP54 rated radio, which means its very dust and water resistant. It's not completely waterproof, which means it is not submersible, but that IP5 number indicates that it can take a reasonable amount of atmospheric moisture and can even withstand being out in the rain. Just don't drop it in the pool.

Another benefit to the PKT-23 is the micro USB type charger. In addition to being able to charge by sitting in a charging cradle, you can also plug in a standard micro USB cable and charge it that way. A lot of cell phones use the same type of charger, so that's a nice benefit. For example, you can a buy little "pocket charger" for your cell phone, and if you need a quick jump start on your phone while in a vehicle or somewhere away from an AC outlet, the little USB pocket charger can charge the battery on your cell phone or another USB device, such as your Kenwood PKT-23 Pocket Radio.

The PKT-23 does not take what you would consider a standard radio battery pack. This is more like a little cell phone size battery. It's a very thin battery that connects inside the radio with a little wire attached to the radio board. To access or replace the battery you must first remove the back of the radio. The battery is protected in a clear, plastic sleeve, presumably to make the battery somewhat waterproof. It is another indication that Kenwood is serious about ensuring the PKT-23 has considerable water resistance inside and out.

Now, the chassis quality of the PKT-23 is pretty good, but the display, well, there really is no display on this radio. That may be simply be a trade off for its tiny size. You don't really need a display for what it is designed for anyway. The general idea behind the PKT-23 was to keep it simple to operate, and it seems as though Kenwood did so. They certainly made it easy to change channels. There are up and down buttons on the front of the radio, and there's a voice announce, so when you change channels you'll hear the channel number announced. The menu is voice driven as well, so that sort of removes the need for a display altogether.

It may not have a display, but there is still a visual indicator, however simple. The PKT-23 has a multi-color LED, which is good for indicating what state the radio is in and what's going on with it. If you have a low battery, if you're receiving a transmission or transmitting, you'll see the light indicate that. Other than that there's really not a whole lot to it on the chassis itself.

As for audio quality, The PKT-23 does rather well, considering its small size. The reception is very clear, and within range, you don't get a lot of noise. Of course, the audio is not what you'd get on a larger radio like a ProTalk. This radio has a 300mw speaker, compared to a 500mw or 800mw speaker on a larger radio. But, like the lack of display, that was likely a size consideration as well. Also, considering the target vertical markets for this radio and the working environments in which radios of this type are utilized, most users of the PKT-23 will probably use it with a light headset or an earpiece. The speaker is just kind of a nice, added benefit.

The one big drawback to this radio is the accessory connector. Kenwood radios typically use a two pin connector, which is actually a huge advantage for Kenwood users, since this Kenwood two-pin connector, also known as a K1 connector, was adopted as a standard of sorts by a number radio manufacturers based in China. As such, accessories with a K1 connector are plentiful and sold at very reasonable prices.

Unfortunately, the PKT-23 doesn't use the standard K1 connector. it's a single pin 3.5mm connector and it's threaded, which means a standard 3.5mm audio accessory will not work, either. So if you have a fleet of Kenwood radios already and you have headsets, you're not going to be able to to use them with the PKT-23. It requires its own set of audio accessories, and the choices are very limited.

It is a drawback, but not unusual. We saw that with the CLP Series from Motorola as well. Motorola traditionally uses their own style of two pin connector on their business radios. When they came out with the CLP 1010 and 1040, they changed the connector type, most likely to accommodate the small form factor of the radios. Once again, with the Kenwood PKT-23, the decision to use a single pin connector is most likely due to a limitation in the amount of space available on the radio to accommodate such a connector.

However, this may only be a temporary drawback. The PKT-23 is still fairly new to the market. As these radios become more prevalent, third party manufacturers such as XLT, Impact and RocketScience may begin to take notice of this pocket sized portable and begin to offer some of their accessories with the PKT-23 audio connector as an option. It may just be a matter of time.

As for the price? The Kenwood PKT-23 is $144. Compared to other radios in its class, the PKT-23 is priced to be a contender. The Motorola CLP Series start at $199 for the one channel model and $219 for the four channel model. When you're looking at that you also have to take into consideration the total package. the Motorola radios include a headset priced at $25- $30. Although the PKT-23 doesn't include a headset, adding one to the 4 channel Kenwood package is still about $15-$20 cheaper than the one channel CLP radio. Kenwood isn't looking bad at all.

The Kenwood ProTalk LT PKT-23 Pocket-Sized Business Two Way Radio comes with the radio, lithium-ion battery, a belt clip, the fast charger, power supply, and a two year manufacturer warranty, so if anyone does have any concerns about this little radio getting busted up or not being able to take it, a two year warranty should put aside those fears somewhat. that's the same warranty that Kenwood has on their higher end, larger ProTalk line, such as the TK-3402. If Kenwood isn't worried about the durability of such a tiny radio for light business use, why should we be? The warranty indicates Kenwood has a lot of faith in this radio.

If you have any questions about the Kenwood PKT-23, don't hesitate to give us a call.

Hear our discussion of the Kenwood PKT-23 on The Two Way Radio Show Podcast in episode 78!

One of the most popular Kenwood radio rebates around is back for 2015! Simply purchase six select Kenwood ProTalk® business two way radios from Buy Two Way Radios and get a $40-$60 rebate per radio! Buy at least six PKT-23K pocket sized two way radios and get a $40 rebate per radio. Buy six TK-2400V4P or TK3400U4P and get $50 back per radio. Buy six TK2402V16P or TK-3402U16P and get $60 back per radio. When you buy six of the same model you get a cash rebate direct from Kenwood!

The following Kenwood business radios qualify for the rebate promotion (up to a maximum purchase of 60 radios):

This offer is fulfilled by the manufacturer, so the rebate will be mailed to you after Kenwood receives your rebate form.
Offer valid on up to 60 radios through April 30, 2015. Click here for full details. To redeem your rebate, visit Kenwood's rebate website and access the rebate registration by entering Program offer code PRO-25110D.

NOTE: Rebates must be postmarked on or before May 6, 2015. The Kenwood rebate is NOT valid on radios delivered before March 2, 2015 or after April 30, 2015, regardless of invoice date. Offer good only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and is void where prohibited, taxed and restricted by law. Read the Kenwood promotional flyer for full details.

Kenwood is known for its quality business two way radios, but it's also known for something else- its generous rebates! Now Kenwood has brought back a special rebate promotion for 2014 that was very popular last year. Purchase six Kenwood business two way radios from Buy Two Way Radios and get a $25-$30 rebate per radio plus a FREE multi-unit charger on select models! This is not a typo. It's not a choice between one deal or another. When you purchase six Kenwood 400 Series radios of the same model (TK-2400, TK-2402, TK3400 or TK-3402) you get both a rebate per radio and a FREE multi-charger direct from Kenwood!

Whether your company needs to set up a communications system for the first time or add to an existing fleet of radios to expand or upgrade your operations, this is the best offer around to buy and save big on your fiscal budget. Purchase the radios, get a free multi-charger for them and get cash back for each radio purchased (in each set of 6 radios with a maximum purchase of 60), saving your company or organization even more!

Kenwood also has a rebate offer on the ProTalk XLS TK-3230 and the new PKT-23 Pocket-Sized Two Way Radio (without the multi-charger). Purchase at least six TK-3230 radios and you qualify for a $25 rebate per radio. Purchase at least six PKT-23 radios and get a $20 rebate per radio. Even without the multi-charger, the rebates on these models is still a big savings, which makes this offer a really great deal.

The following Kenwood business radios qualify for the rebate promotion (up to a maximum purchase of 60 radios):

This offer is fulfilled by Kenwood directly, so the rebate and/or multi-unit charger will be mailed to you after Kenwood receives your rebate form. Offer valid on up to 60 radios through December 31, 2014. Limit of one multi-unit charger per six radios for a maximum of ten multi-chargers on a purchase of 60 radios. Charging cups are included.Click here for full details. To redeem your rebate, visit Kenwood's rebate website and access the rebate registration by entering Program offer code PRO-24131.

NOTE: Rebates must be postmarked on or before January 8, 2015. The Kenwood rebate is NOT valid on radios delivered before September 1, 2014 or after December 31, 2014, regardless of invoice date. Offer good only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and is void where prohibited, taxed and restricted by law. Read the Kenwood promotional flyer for full details.

The Kenwood rebate is now in its final hours! Act now to save real money on select Kenwood business two way radios before this offer expires!

Get a $30 rebate per radio when you purchase a minimum of 6 Kenwood TK-2400V4P or TK-3400U4P two way radios, up to a maximum of 60 radios purchased from now until April 30, 2014. Take advantage of this rebate to save up to $1800!

Kenwood is also offering a $25 rebate per radio (minimum 6, maximum 60) on the TK-3230 for a total savings of up to $1500 when you purchase from Buy Two Way Radios!

visit the Kenwood ProTalk Rebate Center and use program offer number: PRO-24110 to redeem your rebate from Kenwood. This is a manufacturer rebate, so Kenwood will mail the rebate directly to you after they receive your rebate form. The Kenwood Rebate offer expires April 30, 2014, so if you want to save some real cash, act fast before this offer expires.

NOTE: Rebates must be postmarked on or before May 6, 2014. The Kenwood rebate is NOT valid on radios delivered before February 3, 2014 or after April 30, 2014, regardless of invoice date.

For full details, read the Kenwood promotional flyer.