Kenwood TM-281E User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

L
Laura StewartJul 31, 2025
What to do if Kenwood Transceiver won't transmit?
- S
  santosginaJul 31, 2025
  If your Kenwood Transceiver won't transmit when you press the Mic [PTT], first ensure the microphone plug is fully inserted into the front panel connector until the locking tab clicks. If that's not the issue, you may have selected a transmit offset that puts the transmit frequency outside the allowed range. To fix this, press [F], then [MENU], and use the Tuning control to choose Menu No. 5 (SFT). Press [MENU] again and use the Tuning control to select 'OFF'. Store the setting by pressing [MENU], and then press any key (except [MENU]) to exit Menu Mode.
M
Matthew HerreraAug 9, 2025
Why Kenwood Transceiver won't turn on?
- V
  velazquezlisaAug 9, 2025
  If your Kenwood Transceiver won't power up after connecting a 13.8V DC power supply and pressing the power switch, and nothing appears on the display, it could be due to the power cable being connected backwards. Ensure you connect the supplied DC power cable correctly, with Red to (+) and Black to (–). Also, check if any of the power cable fuses are open. Find the cause of the blown fuse(s), and after fixing any issues, install new fuses with the same ratings.
H
Heather WalkerAug 19, 2025
How to fix Kenwood Transceiver memory channels not selectable?
- M
  Michael HerreraAug 19, 2025
  If memory channels cannot be selected on your Kenwood Transceiver, it might be because no data has been stored in any memory channels. To resolve this, store data in some memory channels.

Kenwood TM-281E Specifications

General

Frequency Range	144-146 MHz
Output Power	65W
Modulation	FM
Channel Capacity	200
Supply Voltage	13.8V DC ± 15%
Antenna Impedance	50 Ω
Antenna Connector	SO-239

Summary

Instruction Manual

Notification

Information on equipment compliance with directives and usage restrictions.

Disposal Information

Guidelines for disposing of old electrical and electronic equipment and batteries.

Models Covered

Lists the specific transceiver models included in this manual.

Market Codes

Explains the meaning of market codes (K, E, M2) for the transceiver.

Features Overview

Highlights the key functionalities and capabilities of the transceiver.

Notices to the User

FCC Warning

Alerts users about potential interference and unauthorized modifications.

FCC Digital Device Information

Details FCC compliance for digital device limits and interference correction.

Precautions

Supplied Accessories

Writing Conventions

Explains the notation and symbols used throughout the manual.

Preparation

Mobile Installation

Guidance on safely and conveniently installing the transceiver in a vehicle.

DC Power Cable Connection

Instructions for connecting the transceiver to a power source.

Mobile Operation

Specific considerations for operating the transceiver in a mobile environment.

Fixed Station Operation

Instructions for setting up and operating the transceiver as a fixed station.

Replacing Fuses

Procedure for replacing blown fuses in the transceiver and power cable.

Antenna Connection

Guidance on connecting an appropriate antenna for optimal performance.

Accessory Connections

Instructions for connecting external speakers and microphones.

PC Connection

Information on connecting the transceiver to a PC for software control.

Your First QSO

Getting Acquainted

Front Panel Controls

Description of the controls and buttons on the front of the transceiver.

Display Indicators

Explanation of the symbols and information shown on the transceiver's LCD.

Rear Panel Connections

Details on the ports and connectors located on the rear of the unit.

Microphone Overview

Description of the microphone and its functions.

Mic Keypad Direct Entry

Using the microphone keypad for direct data input.

Operating Basics

Switching Power On/Off

Procedure for turning the transceiver's power ON and OFF.

Adjusting Volume

How to control the audio output level of the transceiver.

Adjusting Squelch

Setting the squelch level to filter out background noise.

Transmitting

Steps for initiating a transmission using the microphone.

Selecting Output Power

Configuring the transmitter's output power level (High/Low).

Selecting Frequency

Methods for changing the operating frequency of the transceiver.

MHz Mode

Using MHz mode for quick frequency adjustments.

Direct Frequency Entry

Entering frequencies directly using the keypad.

Menu Setup

What is a Menu?

Introduction to the transceiver's menu system for configuration.

Menu Access

How to navigate and access the different menu options.

Menu Function List

A comprehensive list of all available menu functions and their parameters.

Operating Through Repeaters

Offset Programming Flow

Step-by-step guide for programming repeater offsets.

Programming an Offset

Setting up the frequency offset for repeater communication.

Selecting Offset Direction

Choosing whether the transmit frequency is higher or lower than receive.

Selecting Offset Frequency

Setting the specific frequency offset value for repeaters.

Activating Tone Function

Enabling the sub-audible tone for repeater access.

Selecting Tone Frequency

Choosing the correct CTCSS tone frequency.

Automatic Repeater Offset

Function that automatically selects offset direction based on VHF band.

Transmitting a 1750 Hz Tone

How to transmit the 1750 Hz tone for repeater access.

Reverse Function

Exchanges transmit and receive frequencies for checking signals.

Automatic Simplex Check (ASC)

Periodically checks signal strength for direct contact possibility.

Tone Frequency ID Scan

Scans to identify incoming tone frequencies on received signals.

Memory Channels

Number of Memory Channels

Setting the capacity for memory channels (100 or 200).

Simplex & Repeater or Odd-Split Channels

Using memory channels for simplex, standard repeater, or odd-split frequencies.

Storing Simplex/Standard Repeater Frequencies

Procedure for storing simplex and standard repeater frequency data.

Storing Odd-Split Repeater Frequencies

Procedure for storing odd-split repeater frequency pairs.

Recalling a Memory Channel

Accessing stored frequencies from memory channels.

Using Microphone Keypad for Recall

Recalling memory channels using the microphone keypad.

Clearing a Memory Channel

Erasing data from an individual memory channel.

Naming a Memory Channel

Assigning alphanumeric names to memory channels.

Memory Channel Transfer

Memory to VFO Transfer

Copying memory channel data to the VFO frequency.

Channel to Channel Transfer

Copying data from one memory channel to another.

Call Channel

Recalling the Call Channel

Instantly accessing the dedicated Call Channel.

Reprogramming the Call Channel

Changing the frequency and associated data of the Call Channel.

Weather Alert (K Market Models Only)

Programming Weather Radio Frequency

Setting the AL channel to a specific NOAA weather frequency.

Enabling Weather Alert

Activating the function to monitor weather alerts.

Channel Display Mode

Displays memory channel numbers instead of frequencies.

Scan

Normal Scan Types

Overview of Band Scan, Program Scan, and MHz Scan.

Memory Scan Types

Overview of All-Channel Scan and Group Scan.

Call Scan

Monitoring the Call Channel and current VFO frequency.

Priority Scan

Checking activities on a Priority Channel every 3 seconds.

Band Scan

Scanning the entire selected frequency band.

Program Scan

Scanning within specified frequency ranges stored in memory.

MHz Scan

Scanning an entire 1 MHz frequency range within VFO.

All-Channel Scan

Scanning all stored memory channels sequentially.

Group Scan

Scanning memory channels in predefined groups of 20.

Programming a Priority Channel

Setting up a channel to be monitored for priority scanning.

Using Priority Scan

Activating and managing the priority scan function.

Memory Channel Lockout

Preventing specific memory channels from being scanned.

Scan Resume Method

Configuring how scanning resumes after detecting a signal.

Selective Call

CTCSS and DCS

Introduction to Continuous Tone Coded Squelch and Digital Coded Squelch.

CTCSS

Details on CTCSS tones and their selection.

Selecting CTCSS Frequency

Choosing the specific CTCSS tone frequency.

CTCSS Frequency ID Scan

Scanning to identify incoming CTCSS frequencies.

DCS

Details on Digital Coded Squelch codes and their selection.

Selecting DCS Code

Choosing a specific DCS code for selective calling.

DCS Code ID Scan

Scanning to identify incoming DCS codes.

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Functions

Manual Dialing

Sending DTMF tones manually via the keypad.

DTMF Monitor

Enabling monitoring of DTMF tones without transmitting.

DTMF TX Hold

Maintaining transmission mode for 2 seconds after key release.

Automatic Dialer

Storing and recalling DTMF numbers for speed dialing.

Storing DTMF Number in Memory

Procedure for saving DTMF numbers into memory channels.

Confirming Stored DTMF Numbers

Reviewing stored DTMF numbers and their associated tones.

Transmitting Stored DTMF Number

Sending stored DTMF numbers from memory.

Adjusting DTMF Tone Transmission Speed

Configuring the transmission speed for DTMF tones (Fast/Slow).

Adjusting Pause Duration

Setting the pause duration between DTMF digits.

DTMF Lock

Disabling the DTMF keypad to prevent accidental transmission.

Auxiliary Functions

APO (Auto Power Off)

Automatic shutdown feature after a period of inactivity.

Beat Shift

Function to reduce interference from CPU clock oscillator harmonics.

S-Meter Squelch

Squelch opens only for signals meeting a set S-meter level.

Squelch Hang Time

Adjusting the delay before squelch closes after signal loss.

Beep Function

Enabling/disabling audible confirmations for operations.

Busy Channel Lockout

Prevents transmission on an occupied channel.

Frequency Step Size

Setting the increment for frequency tuning (e.g., 5 kHz, 12.5 kHz).

Display Backlight

Permanent Backlight

Setting the backlight to remain constantly ON.

Automatic Backlight

Backlight illuminates only when keys are pressed.

Lock Function

Disables most keys to prevent accidental operation.

Tune Enable

Allows tuning control when the Lock function is ON.

Microphone PF Keys

Programming function keys on the microphone keypad.

Narrow Band FM Operation

Switching to narrow FM mode (±2.5 kHz) for transmission/reception.

Power-On Message

Customizing the message displayed when the transceiver is turned ON.

Programmable VFO

Setting upper and lower frequency limits for VFO operation.

Time-Out Timer

Limits continuous transmission time to prevent overheating.

Mic Lock

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

General information on product service and factory settings.

Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the transceiver's exterior and controls.

Resetting the Transceiver

Procedures for resetting the transceiver's microprocessor.

Full Reset

Restoring all transceiver parameters to factory default values.

VFO Reset

Resetting VFO parameters while retaining other settings.

Specifications

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