Kenwood ProTalk LT PKT-23LF User manual

B5A-2895-00 (P)
PKT-23LF
UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2
THANK YOU
We are grateful you have chosen KENWOOD for your General
Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)/ Family Radio Service (FRS)
applications.
CONTENTS
BEFORE USING ......................................................... 3
NOTICES TO THE USER................................................ 5
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT......................... 10
PREPARATION ......................................................... 10
ORIENTATION ..........................................................16
BASIC OPERATIONS .................................................. 18
VOICE OPERATED TRANSMISSION (VOX) .........................21
CHANNEL SETUP MODE.............................................. 22
KEY ASSIGNMENT MODE ............................................28
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .........................................31
ALL RESET MODE.....................................................32
ATTENTION:
The RBRC Recycle seal found on KENWOOD lithium-
ion (Li-ion) battery packs indicates KENWOOD’s
voluntary participation in an industry program to collect
and recycle Li-ion batteries after their operating life
has expired. The RBRC program is an alternative to
disposing Li-ion batteries with your regular refuse or in
municipal waste streams, which is illegal in some areas.
For information on Li-ion battery recycling in your area, call (toll free)
1-800-8-BATTERY (1-800-822-8837).
KENWOOD’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to
preserve our environment and conserve our natural resources.

3
© 2018
BEFORE USING
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply
with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-
exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
FEATURES
• 16channelswith22UHFoperatingfrequencies.Eachchannel
can be set up with a QT tone or DQT code allowing you to ignore
unwanted calls.
• Handsfreeoperationwhenusinganoptionalheadset.
• Voiceannouncementletsyouknowwhichchannelyouhave
selected and which settings you have made when reassigning
key functions and channel settings.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
Condition Transmission Range
Open locations
(no obstructions) Up to 5 miles (8 km)
In steel/ concrete
reinforced buildings Upto225,000squarefeet(20,900m2)
In high rises Up to 17 floors
Note: The listed ranges are based on field testing and may vary with
your operating conditions.
Firmware Copyrights
The title to and ownership of copyrights for firmware embedded in KENWOOD
product memories are reserved for JVC KENWOOD Corporation.

4
TERMINAL DESCRIPTIONS
3.5 mm phone jack
No. Name Description Impedance I/O
1 GND Ground Ground −
2 EXTPTT External PTT Detection 47 kΩI
3 MIC External MIC Input 1.8 kΩI
4 EXTSP Internal Audio Output 32 ΩO
5 Not used − − −
6Not used − − −
7 Not used − − −
Micro USB jack (B type)
No. Name Description Impedance I/O
1 VBUS USB Detect 13 kΩI
2 D- DATA High Impedance/ 44 ΩI/O
3 D+ DATA High Impedance/ 44 ΩI/O
4 ID NC − NC
5 GND Ground Ground −
RF EXPOSURE STATEMENT
This KENWOOD transceiver has been tested and complies with
general population/uncontrolled exposure limits in RSS-102 and
SafetyCode6.
Thefollowinglistprovidesyouwiththeinformationrequiredto
ensure that you are aware of RF exposure and of how to operate
this transceiver so that RF exposure limitations are not exceeded.
• While transmitting, always keep the antenna and the radio at least
3cm(13/16inches)fromyourbodyorface,aswellasfromany
bystanders.
• Do not transmit for more than 50% of the total transceiver use time.
• Use only the specified antenna for this transceiver.
Use only KENWOOD authorized accessories (antennas, battery
packs, belt clips, speaker/ microphones or headsets etc.): When
worn on the body, always place the radio in a KENWOOD
recommended clip or carrying case meant for this product. The use
of other than recommended or approved body- worn accessories
may result in RF exposure levels which exceed RF exposure limits.

5
NOTICES TO THE USER
Referservicetoqualiedtechniciansonly.
Safety: It is important that the operator is aware of, and
understands, hazards common to the operation of any transceiver.
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.

6
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
◆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.

7
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.
DANGER
• Do not disassemble or reconstruct 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re,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re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.

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DANGER
• Useonlythespecied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.

9
DANGER
• 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.
WARNING
• Donotchargethebatteryforlongerthanthespecied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re!
If the battery pack is leaking (or the battery emits a bad odor),
immediately remove it from flammable areas. Electrolyte leaking from
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.

10
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 .....................................................................1
Note: Refer to “PREPARATION” for accessory installation instructions.
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.

11
nCharging 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
3When charging is complete, the LED
indicator turns off.
• It takes approximately 4 hours to
charge the battery pack. LED
indicator
Note:
◆Use a USB cable shorter than 3 meters.
◆We recommend using a short USB cable (low loss) for charging.

12
nCharging 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.
3 Slide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.
LED
indicator
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.

13
REPLACING THE BATTERY PACK
Replace an expired battery pack with a newly purchased
KNB-71L battery pack.
CAUTION
◆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 15}, be
sure to remove it before removing the
battery cover.
a
b
2Lift the battery pack and its packing away
from the transceiver.
b
a
• 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.

14
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.
Red cable
(right side)
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.
b
a
6Replace the battery cover over the
battery pack.
• Ensure that the battery pack latch locks
the cover in place.

15
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.
CAUTION
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:
◆Be sure to connect an earphone/ microphone
to the phone jack fully and tightly. If the pin
jack of an earphone/ microphone is not
inserted fully, a pin contacting error will
happen and a noise may occur.
◆Depending on the sleeve shape of an
earphone/ microphone jack foot, it may be
difficult to judge the inserted condition. Before
using the radio, confirm the Transmit/ Receive
operation with an earphone/ microphone.
◆To keep the transceiver water resistant, the
phone jack cover must remain closed. Phone
jack cover
3.5 mm
plug

16
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 setting is [None] (no
function).
• For function descriptions and details
on how to change the key functions,
refer to “KEY ASSIGNMENT
MODE” on page 28.
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 20.
① ②
③
④
⑤
Speaker
Microphone
Antenna

17
LED indicator
Refer to the “LED INDICATOR
STATUS”table on page 20.
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 [None] (no function).
• For function descriptions and details
on how to change the key functions,
refer to “KEY ASSIGNMENT
MODE” on page 28.
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.
• Tochangetheoperatingfrequency
or QT/DQT settings of a channel,
refer to “CHANNEL SETUP MODE”
on page 22.
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

18
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 20.
• 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.
• After selecting a channel, the channel number is announced and
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”.
Channel
Number LED Voice Announcement Number of times LED blinks
1
Yellow
"One" 1
2 "Two" 2
3 "Three" 3
4 "Four" 4
5
Blue
"Five" 1
6"Six" 2
7 "Seven" 3
8 "Eight" 4
9
Green
"Nine" 1
10 "Ten" 2
11 "Eleven" 3
12 "Twelve" 4

19
Channel
Number LED Voice Announcement Number of times LED blinks
13
Purple
"Thirteen" 1
14 "Fourteen" 2
15 "Fifteen" 3
16 "Sixteen" 4
• 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.
◆You may sometimes hear noise during communications, depending on
the caller’s transceiver.

20
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(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.