Kenwood PKT-23 User manual

B5A-0647-10 (E, T)
PKT-23
UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

THANK YOU
We are grateful you have chosen KENWOOD for your PMR446
applications.
This Instruction manual covers only the basic operations of your
PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio). Ask your dealer for information on
any customized features they may have added to your radio.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
Open locations (no obstructions) : Up to 9.0 km
Note: The above range is based on field testing and may vary with
your operating conditions and individual transceiver.

i
NOTICES TO THE USER
Refer service to qualified technicians only.
Safety: It is important that the operator is aware of, and
understands, hazards common to the operation of any
transceiver.
Information on Disposal of Old Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Batteries
(applicable for countries that have adopted separate waste collection systems)
Products and batteries with the symbol (crossed-out wheeled bin) cannot
be disposed as household waste.
Old electrical and electronic equipment and batteries should be recycled
at a facility capable of handling these items and their waste byproducts.
Contact your local authority for details in locating a recycle facility nearest
to you.
Proper recycling and waste disposal will help conserve resources whilst
preventing detrimental effects on our health and the environment.
Notice: The sign “Pb”below the symbol for batteries indicates that this
battery contains lead.
Firmware Copyrights
The title to and ownership of copyrights for firmware embedded in
KENWOOD product memories are reserved for JVC KENWOOD
Corporation.
This equipment complies with the essential requirements of Directive
1999/5/EC.

ii
PRECAUTIONS
• Do not charge the transceiver and battery pack when they are wet.
• Ensure that there are no metallic items located between the
transceiver and the battery pack.
• Do not use options not specified by KENWOOD.
• If any transceiver part is damaged, do not touch the damaged parts.
• If a headset or headphone is connected to the transceiver, reduce
the transceiver volume. Pay attention to the volume level when
turning the squelch off.
• Do not place the cable of the clip microphone with earphone/hanger
around your neck while near machinery that may catch the cable.
• Do not place the transceiver on unstable surfaces. If the transceiver
switches OFF/ON as a result of falling or hard impact, the volume
and channel configurations may reset.
• Ensure that the end of the antenna does not touch your eyes.
• Do not immerse the transceiver in water.
• Always switch the transceiver power off before installing optional
accessories.
• The charger is the device that disconnects the unit from the AC
mains line. The AC plug should be readily accessible.
• To dispose of batteries, be sure to comply with the laws and
regulations in your country or region.
• If a commercially available neck strap is used, take care not to let
the strap get caught on nearby machine.

iii
• Do not modify the transceiver for any reason.
• Do not place the transceiver on or near airbag equipment while the
vehicle is running. When the airbag inflates, the transceiver may be
ejected and strike the driver or passengers.
• Do not transmit while touching the antenna terminal or if any metallic
parts are exposed from the antenna covering. Transmitting at such a
time may result in a high-frequency burn.
• If an abnormal odor or smoke is detected coming from the transceiver,
switch the transceiver power off immediately, remove the battery pack
from the transceiver, and contact your KENWOOD dealer.
• Use of the transceiver while you are driving may be against traffic laws.
Please check and observe the vehicle regulations in your area.
• Do not expose the transceiver to extremely hot or cold conditions.
• Do not carry the battery pack (or battery case) with metal objects, as
they may short the battery terminals.
• Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced; replace
only with the same type.
• When operating the transceiver in areas where the air is dry, it is
easy to build up an electric charge (static electricity). When using
an earphone accessory in such conditions, it is possible for the
transceiver to send an electric shock through the earphone and to
your ear. Do not use an earphone/microphone accessory in areas
where static electricity can be easily generated.
• When attaching a commercial strap to the transceiver, ensure that
the strap is durable. In addition, do not swing the transceiver around
by the strap; you may inadvertently strike and injure another person
with the transceiver.
Turn the transceiver power off in the following locations:
• In explosive atmospheres (inflammable gas, dust particles, metallic
powders, grain powders, etc.).
• While taking on fuel or while parked at gasoline service stations.
• Near explosives or blasting sites.
• In aircraft. (Any use of the transceiver must follow the instructions
and regulations provided by the airline crew.)
• Where restrictions or warnings are posted regarding the use of radio
devices, including but not limited to medical facilities.
• Near persons using pacemakers.

iv
Information concerning the battery pack:
The battery pack includes flammable objects such as organic
solvent. Mishandling may cause the battery to rupture
producing flames or extreme heat, deteriorate, or cause other
forms of damage to the battery. Please observe the following
prohibitive matters.
• Do not disassemble or reconstruct the battery!
The battery pack has a safety function and protection circuit to
avoid danger. If they suffer serious damage, the battery may
generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not short-circuit the battery!
Do not join the + and – terminals using any form of metal (such
as a paper clip or wire). Do not carry or store the battery pack in
containers holding metal objects (such as wires, chain-necklaces or
hairpins). If the battery pack is short-circuited, excessive current will
flow and the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst
into flame. It will also cause metal objects to heat up.
• Do not incinerate or apply heat to the battery!
If the insulator is melted, the gas release vent or safety function is
damaged, or the electrolyte is ignited, the battery may generate
heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not leave the battery near fire, stoves, or other heat
generators (areas reaching over 60°C/ 140°F)!
If the polymer separator is melted due to high temperature, an
internal short-circuit may occur in the individual cells and the
battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not immerse the battery in water or get it wet by other
means!
If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may
charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal chemical
reaction may occur. The battery may generate heat or smoke,
rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not charge the battery near fire or under direct sunlight!
If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may
charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal chemical
reaction may occur. The battery may generate heat or smoke,
rupture, or burst into flame.

v
• Use only the specified charger and observe charging
requirements!
If the battery is charged in unspecified conditions (under high
temperature over the regulated value, excessive high voltage or
current over regulated value, or with a remodeled charger), it may
overcharge or an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. The
battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not pierce the battery with any object, strike it with an
instrument, or step on it!
This may break or deform the battery, causing a short-circuit. The
battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not jar or throw the battery!
An impact may cause the battery to leak, generate heat or smoke,
rupture, and/or burst into flame. If the battery’s protection circuit
is damaged, the battery may charge at an abnormal current (or
voltage), and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. The
battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not use the battery pack if it is damaged in any way!
The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Do not solder directly onto the battery!
If the insulator is melted or the gas release vent or safety function
is damaged, the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or
burst into flame.
• Do not reverse the battery polarity (and terminals)!
When charging a reversed battery, an abnormal chemical reaction
may occur. In some cases, an unexpected large amount of current
may flow upon discharging. The battery may generate heat or
smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not reverse-charge or reverse-connect the battery!
The battery pack has positive and negative poles. If the battery
pack does not smoothly connect with a charger or operating
equipment, do not force it; check the polarity of the battery. If the
battery pack is reverse-connected to the charger, it will be reverse-
charged and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. The
battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

vi
• Do not touch a ruptured and leaking battery!
If the electrolyte liquid from the battery gets into your eyes, wash
your eyes with fresh water as soon as possible, without rubbing
your eyes. Go to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, it may
cause eye problems.
• Do not charge the battery for longer than the specified time!
If the battery pack has not finished charging even after the
regulated time has passed, stop it. The battery may generate heat
or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not place the battery pack into a microwave or high
pressure container!
The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Keep ruptured and leaking battery packs away from fire!
If the battery pack is leaking (or the battery emits a bad odor),
immediately remove it from flammable areas. Electrolyte leaking
from the battery can easily catch on fire and may cause the
battery to generate smoke or burst into flame.
• Do not use an abnormal battery!
If the battery pack emits a bad odor, appears to have different
coloring, is deformed, or seems abnormal for any other reason,
remove it from the charger or operating equipment and do not use
it. The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.

1
CONTENTS
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT.......................... 1
PREPARATION .......................................................... 2
ORIENTATION ........................................................... 7
BASIC OPERATIONS ................................................... 9
VOICE OPERATED TRANSMISSION (VOX) ......................... 12
CHANNEL SETUP MODE.............................................. 14
KEY ASSIGNMENT MODE ............................................ 19
ALL RESET MODE ..................................................... 21
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT
Carefully unpack the transceiver. If any of the items listed
below are missing or damaged, file a claim with the carrier
immediately.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
• Battery charger (KSC-44CR)/ AC adapter (KSC-44SL) .........1
• Li-ion battery pack (KNB-71L) ................................................ 1
• Belt clip (KBH-20)...................................................................1
• Screw (M3 x 6 mm with washer).............................................2
• Instruction manual
E type .....................................................................................2
T type......................................................................................1
Note: Refer to “PREPARATION” for accessory installation
instructions.

2
PREPARATION
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before
use. Average battery pack life (calculated using 5% transmit
time, 5% receive time, and 90% standby time) is 15 hours.
Note:
◆The ambient temperature should be between 32°F and 104°F
(0°C and 40°C) while charging is in progress. Charging outside
this range may not fully charge the battery.
◆The battery pack life is over when its operating time decreases even
though it is fully and correctly charged (approximately 500 cycles).
Replace the battery pack.
◆While operating the transceiver using a Li-ion battery pack in
areas with an ambient temperature close to 32°F (0°C), the
operating time may be shortened.
ATTENTION: Switch OFF a transceiver equipped with a battery
pack before charging.
■Charging with a USB Cable
• Use a commercially available USB cable (Micro USB B Type).
• Charge the transceiver through a
commercially available PC or AC
adapter power source.
1Plug the USB cable (B Type) into
the Micro USB jack.
2Connect the USB cable to your
PC or AC adapter.
• The LED indicator lights blue.
• The transceiver power turns OFF
automatically.
Micro USB
Jack Cover

3
3When charging is complete, the
LED indicator turns off.
• It takes approximately 4 hours to
charge the battery pack.
Note:
◆Use a USB cable shorter than 3 meters.
◆We recommend using a short USB cable (low loss) for charging.
■Charging with the KSC-44CR Charger
1Plug the AC adapter cable into the jack
located on the bottom of the charger.
2Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet.
3Slide a transceiver equipped with a battery
pack into the charging slot of the charger.
• Make sure the metal contacts of
the transceiver mate securely with
the charger terminals.
• The LED indicator lights blue.
4When charging is complete, the
LED indicator turns off. Remove
the transceiver from the charging
slot of the charger.
• It takes approximately 4 hours to
charge the battery pack.
• Transmission is inhibited while
charging.
• When the charger will not be used
for a long time, unplug the AC
adapter from the AC outlet.
LED
Indicator
LED
Indicator

4
REPLACING THE BATTERY PACK
Replace an expired battery pack with a newly purchased
KNB-71L battery pack.
◆Do not disassemble the battery pack.
◆Be sure to follow local laws concerning the disposal of battery
packs.
1Pull back the battery pack latch, then
remove the battery cover from the
transceiver.
• When using the belt clip {page 6}, be
sure to remove it before removing the
battery cover.
2Lift the battery pack and its packing
away from the transceiver.
• Lift the battery pack cable and
remove the connector from the PCB
terminal.
3Remove the old battery pack from the
packing and insert the new battery
pack.
• Pass the battery pack cable through
the hole in the packing.

5
4Insert the connector of the new
battery pack into the PCB terminal by
pressing down on it.
• Match the direction of the connector
and insert it vertically.
5Pull back the battery pack latch, then
insert the battery pack into position.
• Failure to pull back the battery pack
latch will cause the battery pack to be
misaligned.
6Replace the battery cover over the
battery pack.
• Ensure that the battery pack latch
locks the cover in place.
Red cable
(right side)

6
INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP
If necessary, attach the belt clip using the two
supplied M3 x 6 mm screws (with washers).
Note: If the belt clip is not installed, its mounting
location may get hot during continuous transmission
or when left sitting in a hot environment.
Do not use glue which is designed to prevent screw loosening when
installing the belt clip, as it may cause damage to the transceiver.
Acrylic ester, which is contained in these glues, may crack the
transceiver’s back panel.
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/ MICROPHONE
Connect an earphone/ microphone to the
phone jack on the top of the transceiver.
Note: To keep the transceiver water resistant,
the phone jack cover must remain closed.
Phone
jack cover
3.5 mm
plug

7
ORIENTATION
3.5 mm phone jack
Connect the earphone/
microphone plug to this jack.
Micro USB jack (B Type)
Connect a USB cable to this jack
to charge the transceiver battery
pack.
PF-1 key
Press or hold this key for
1 second to activate its
programmable functions. The
default settings are [Calling
Alert](press) and [None](hold).
• For function descriptions and
details on how to change
the key functions, refer to
“PROGRAMMABLE AUXILIARY
FUNCTIONS” on page 20.
PTT (Push to Talk) switch
Press and hold, then speak into
the microphone to transmit.
Power switch
Hold for 1 second to turn the
transceiver power ON. Hold for 2
seconds to turn the transceiver
power OFF.
Momentarily press this key while
the transceiver power is ON to
activate the Battery Level Guide.
Refer to the “BATTERY LEVEL
GUIDE” table on page 11.
①②
③
④
⑤
Speaker
Microphone
Antenna

8
LED indicator
Refer to the “LED INDICATOR
STATUS” table on page 11.
PF-2 key
Press this key to toggle the
function of the Up/Down keys
between Volume Adjustment
mode and Channel Select
mode. Hold this key for 1 second
to activate its programmable
function. The default setting is
[Monitor].
• For function descriptions and
details on how to change
the key functions, refer to
“PROGRAMMABLE AUXILIARY
FUNCTIONS” on page 20.
Up/Down keys
Press these keys to adjust the
volume and change the channel.
• Press the PF-2 key to toggle the
function of the Up/Down keys
between Volume Adjustment
mode and Channel Select mode.
Strap hole
Connect a commercially available
strap here.
• When using the belt clip, the
strap hole will be covered and
cannot be used. Instead, use the
strap hole of the belt clip.
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨
Speaker
Antenna
Microphone

9
BASIC OPERATIONS
POWER AND VOLUME
1Hold the Power switch for approximately 1 second to switch
the transceiver power ON.
• A beep sounds and the LED indicator blinks blue a number of
times as described in the “BATTERY LEVEL GUIDE” table on
page 11.
• To turn the power OFF, hold the Power switch for 2 seconds.
2In Volume Adjustment mode, press the Up/Down keys to
adjust the volume.
• Press the key programmed as [Squelch Off] to hear
background noise.
• Press the PF-2 key to switch between Volume Adjustment
mode and Channel Select mode.
TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING
1In Channel Select mode, press the Up/Down keys to select
your desired channel.
• There are two cases to indicate the channel number. They are
Voice Announcement enable case and Voice Announcement
disable case. Channel number indications are described in the
table below.
Ch. No. : Channel Number
Vo. Ann. : Voice Announcement
LED Bl. : Number of times LED blinks
T. So. : Number of times Tone sounds
Voice Announcement
Enable Disable
Ch. No. LED Vo. Ann. LED Bl. LED Bl. and T. So.
1
Yellow
"One" 1 1
2"Two"22
3 "Three" 3 3
4 "Four" 4 4

10
Voice Announcement
Enable Disable
Ch. No. LED Vo. Ann. LED Bl. LED Bl. and T. So.
5
Blue
"Five" 1 1
6 "Six" 2 2
7 "Seven" 3 3
8 "Eight" 4 4
• After selecting a channel, the channel number is announced
when Voice Announcement is enable or the Channel Select
Tone sounds when Voice announcement is disable. Regardless
of the Voice Announcement configuration, the LED indicator
blinks to indicate the current channel number.
For example, to indicate the channel number 5, the LED
blinks blue once and a voice announces “Five” when Voice
Announcement is enable, and the LED blinks blue once and a
Channel Select Tone sounds once when Voice Announcement
is disable.
• Press the PF-2 key to switch between Volume Adjustment
mode and Channel Select mode.
2To make a call, press and hold the PTT switch, then speak
into the microphone using your normal speaking voice.
• Hold the microphone approximately 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm) from
your mouth.
3Release the PTT switch to receive.
Note:
◆When the battery pack voltage becomes too low, transmission
will stop and an alert tone will sound. (Low Battery Warning:
While operating the transceiver, the Low Battery Warning
sounds an alert tone every 30 seconds and the LED indicator
blinks red when the battery needs recharged or replaced.)
◆Even when setting the volume to 0, the transceiver will continue
to emit beep sounds and channel announcements.
◆Continuously transmitting when the transceiver becomes too
hot will cause the output power to decrease and may eventually
stop transmission. Stop transmitting for a while to allow the
transceiver to cool down.

11
◆You may sometimes hear noise during communications,
depending on the caller’s transceiver.
LED INDICATOR STATUS
Indicator Color Meaning
Red Transmitting
Green Receiving a call
Blinking green Scanning
Blinks light blue 1 time Standby state *
Blinking red Battery power is low
* The transceiver has not been used for at least 10 seconds.
BATTERY LEVEL GUIDE
You can determine the remaining battery power level by
pressing the Power switch while the transceiver power is
ON. The LED indicator will blink blue a number of times
corresponding to the battery power remaining.
Indicator Status Battery Level
Blinks 3 times High
Blinks 2 times Medium
Blinks 1 time Low
TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT)
The Time-out Timer prevents callers from using a channel for
an extended duration (default 60 seconds). If you continuously
transmit for the duration, transmission will stop and an alert
tone will sound. To stop the tone, release the PTT switch.

12
VOICE OPERATED TRANSMISSION (VOX)
VOX operation allows you to transmit hands-free. This feature
must first be activated by your dealer, and can only be used if
you are using a supported headset. This function can be turned
off for specific channels by your dealer. To activate VOX and set
the VOX Gain level, perform the following steps:
1
Connect the microphone with earphone/hanger to the transceiver.
• The VOX function does not activate when a microphone with
earphone/hanger is not connected to the accessory terminal of
the transceiver.
2With the transceiver power OFF, press and hold the Up key
while turning the transceiver power ON.
• The LED indicator lights yellow and “VOX” and the channel
number are announced.
3Press the PF-1 key to select the VOX Gain level of the radio
(from 1 ~ 5 or Off).
• The transceiver will announce the VOX Gain level. If the VOX
Gain level is Off, a double beep sounds.
• Press the PF-2 key to enable or disable the VOX function for
the current channel (you can change this setting for each
channel by selecting a channel with the Up/Down keys). When
VOX is turned ON, a beep sounds. When it is turned OFF, a
double beep sounds.
4 While adjusting the level, speak into the microphone to test the
sensitivity level. When sound is recognized, the LED lights red.
5 Press and hold the PTT switch for 3 seconds to save the setting.
• A beep will sound.
6Turn the transceiver power OFF and then ON again to
activate VOX.