The Kenwood ProTalk TK-3230DX is a popular, iconic radio among businesses everywhere. From its introduction in the late 2000s as the TK-3230 to its update in 2017 as the TK-3230DX, this little workhorse has been a top choice as the go-to wireless communicator for companies large and small. But as with all things tech, it has finally reached its End of Life. Alas, this tiny two-way is being retired. Kenwood just announced that, effective immediately, the ProTalk TK-3230DX is now discontinued.
No doubt the TK-3230DX will be missed in the marketplace. Its small 6 inch frame, light weight and long battery life made the DX one of the smallest and most powerful onsite portables available, and a perfect radio for the restaurant, retail, education, dental and service industries. it was showcased in articles, videos and podcasts on our site. It received consistently high ratings and great customer reviews. Overall, it was a great little radio.
In addition to its versatility as a business radio, the first TK-3230 was one of the few transceivers approved by the FCC for multi-service use. That's right, the original TK-3230 was both Part 90 and Part 95 type accepted (FCC ID: ALH383200), making it legal for use on the GMRS!
No doubt the TK-3230DX will surely be missed. However, there are options. In fact, Kenwood has several recommendations for upgrades or replacements at comparable price points.
PKT-23
The Kenwood ProTalk PKT-23 is a logical alternative for the 3230DX, for a number of reasons, but most notably for its very small size. While both models have the same 1.5 watts of power, the PKT-23 is much more compact, as it is small enough to fit in a shirt or vest pocket.
The PKT-23 is a four channel radio with 99 pre-set business frequencies, QT tones and DQT codes, 2 programmable buttons, and a 3 color LED. It also features channel scan, VOX, a Bell Tone Alert, and voice prompts. It has a micro-USB port and is capable of wireless cloning. We went in-depth with it in episode 78 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast.
This is also a tough little radio. It is IP54 dust and water resistant and Mil-STD 810 tested C,D,E,F & G. It may have a small footprint, but don't underestimate the PKT-23. This radio is definitely not a toy.
As outlined in this chart of default frequencies for Kenwood ProTalk radios, the PKT-23 will communicate with the TK-3230DX without issue, so there is no need to replace your existing radios with this model. The only things you will need to consider are the audio accessories. The TK-3230DX uses a 2-pin Kenwood or K1 style audio connector, which has become somewhat of a universal standard in recent years. In contrast, the PKT-23 uses a single pin connector known as a K3, which is somewhat proprietary to this model. The difference in connector types is largely due to the smaller size of the PKT-23 itself, which cannot accommodate the larger 2-pin port of the K1. While not a deal breaker in most cases, it is something to keep in mind when choosing this radio.
In addition to its other attributes, one big reason to go with the PKT-23 is the price. It's $20 less than the TK-3230DX. In all, we'd say it's a sensible alternative. Price: $145.00.
NX-P500
The retirement of the TK-3230DX may be an opportunity to move up to digital radios. If so, the Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 is the next logical choice. Like the DX and the PKT-23, the P500 is a small and lightweight UHF business radio, and with a just little more transmit power at two watts. Our Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 radio video gives you a closer look at this model and a quick overview of its features.
The NX-P500 is capable of both NXDN digital and FM analog dual mode operation, which means it can communicate with existing PKT-23 and TK-3230DX radios in analog mode while allowing you to upgrade to an NXDN digital fleet. This is a great way to migrate to digital without ditching all of your old analog radios.
This NX P500 features 6 channel operation with 99 user programmable frequencies, 45 QT tones, 174 DQT codes, NXDN digital scrambler, an LCD display, 7 color LED, and a 750mW speaker built in. It supports wireless cloning and is repeater capable. Free programming software is also available.
As for durability, this radio is even tougher than the others. it is rated IP67, which means it is more than just resistant to dust and water, it's dust and water proof!
As with the PKT-23, this model also has a 1-pin audio jack. The difference is that this is designed for a single pin screw-on connector, so a completely separate line of audio accessories using a K4 is required. Unlike the K1 style, for which there are an abundance of compatible products from both the manufacturer and third party brands, There is a very limited assortment available for the NX-P500. However, you can find them here at Buy Two Way Radios.
If you currently own TK-3230DX and/or PKT-23 radios and want to eventually move up to digital, this is the way to do it hassle-free, and without busting your budget. Originally listed at $239, the NX-P500 currently sells for much less. Price: $199.00.
NX-P1302AU
The ProTalk NX-P1302AU is a new model and a recent replacement for one of Kenwood's old, reliable UHF business radios, the TK-3400. Touted by Kenwood for its audio clarity and ease of use, The P1302AU is a larger radio than the TK-3230DX and its successors listed above. Although it can be used for light business tasks, it is primarily aimed at industries such as construction, facility management, manufacturing and warehousing.
At its core, the NX-P1302AU is an analog radio and is fully compatible with other analog and analog/digital mixed mode models in the ProTalk line. But there is more to this model than meets the eye. The P1302AU can be upgraded to a digital model. With the purchase of an optional license key, the NX-P1302AU can be enabled for either NXDN or DMR digital and analog operation. As with the NX-P500, you can use it as an analog radio now and upgrade to digital as required.
The NX-P1302AU features 64 channels in 4 zones with 16 channels per zone. It includes QT tones and DQT codes, a second PTT that can be assigned to a different channel, a 7-color LED, call alert, scan, a 16-code voice inversion scrambler, hands-free VOX capability, and compander. It's also cloning capable and PC programmable.
The P1302AU is a rugged radio. It meets Mil-STD C, D, E, F and G standards and is IP54/55 water and dust resistant. Price: $209.00
